Newswise Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) have identified a gene that contributes to the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This pivotal finding follows 40 years of University of Chicago research that has slowly unraveled the genetic basis of leukemia.

In 1973, Janet Rowley, PhD, Blum-Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, and Human Genetics, was examining the DNA of leukemia cells and observed that one copy of chromosome 7 was missing. She deduced that one out of the more than 1,000 genes found on chromosome 7 could possibly be responsible for keeping the growth of leukemia cells in check.

The search for a tumor suppressor gene continued among Dr. Rowleys colleagues at the University of Chicago. In the 1990s, Michelle M. Le Beau, PhD, UCCCC director and the Arthur and Marian Edelstein Professor of Medicine, used a high-resolution technique called fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to define the segment of chromosome 7 that was commonly deleted. She narrowed the region of interest to about 50 genes.

Most recently, in 2009, Kevin White, PhD, professor of human genetics and director of the Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology (IGSB), and his research team harnessed advanced technology to further map the genes. Specifically, they used single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays to detect variations in the genes, as well as next-generation sequencing to analyze gene expression at high sensitivity.

Because these techniques generate an overwhelming amount of information, Dr. White teamed with IGSB Director of Informatics Robert Grossman, PhD, to develop a large computing infrastructure that could meet the processing and storage demands of the biological data being generated.

The analyses indicated that the CUX1 gene was the most significantly differentially expressed gene in cells that had lost chromosome 7. Interestingly, the researchers also identified a CUX1 fusion transcript, in other words, part of CUX1 fused to another gene. They hypothesized that this disruption in CUX1 may contribute to the growth of abnormal blood cells, a hallmark of AML.

Next, the researchers tested the genes activity in the fruit fly. When they knocked out the CUX1 gene, some of the fruit flies developed leukemia. Collaborating with John Cunningham, MD, professor of pediatrics, the investigators carried out similar studies in mice and again observed that deficient levels of CUX1 contributed to abnormal growth of blood cells. They described their findings in an article published in the February 7 issue of Blood, the American Society of Hematologys journal.

The first author of the paper, Megan McNerney, MD, PhD, instructor of pathology and fellow in Dr. Whites laboratory, said, This is a uniquely University of Chicago story, starting with findings from Janet Rowley and continuing over the years with an excellent group of clinicians and scientists using different technologies who worked collaboratively on myeloid leukemias. She added that further studies that reveal how CUX1 regulates other genes will help find a potential pathway that can be targeted with drugs.

This study was supported by the Cancer Research Foundation, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Chicago 1000 Cancer Genomes Project, and grants CA150631 and CA40046 from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

-------------------------------------------------------------- The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. These centers are characterized by scientific excellence and the capability to integrate a diversity of research approaches to focus on the problem of cancer. They play a vital role in advancing towards NCI's goal of reducing morbidity and mortality from cancer.

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UCCCC Researchers Pinpoint Tumor Suppressor Gene Involved in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

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Asher Chanan Khan, an oncologist with the Mayo Clinic Florida, calls individualized medicine the future of medicine.

Amelia Island residents Cecilia and Dan Carmichael are making a down payment on that future with a $5 million donation to help establish a Center of Individualized Medicine at the Mayo Clinics Jacksonville campus.

The Carmichaels gift will help Mayo move from talking about the promise of genomic medicine to making it a reality for patients, said Alexander Parker, who is now the Cecilia and Dan Carmichael Family Associate Director of the Mayo Clinics Center for Individualized Medicine in Florida.

Individualized medicine uses genetic testing to establish a patients genome sequencing.

Such individualized approaches are not uncommon, said Chanan Khan, assistant director of the Center of Individualized Medicine.

But in most cases, the genetic testing doesnt answer the most important question, he said.

The report tells you whether your gene is bad or good, he said. It doesnt tell you what to do.

What will be different at Mayo is that a team of 14 to 16 people from a variety of fields will sit together and give a patients genetic results the most sophisticated and most detailed analysis.

Chanan Khan said that team will put together a report that tells the patient and the patients treating physician: This is what you have and we think this will work for you.

The Carmichaels interest in individualized medicine dates to 2008 when they retired to Amelia Island (Dan Carmichael, a retired insurance executive, had grown up in Jacksonville).

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$5 million gift helps Mayo Clinic establish a Center of Individualized Medicine in Jacksonville

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August 20, 2013

Brett Smith for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

Predicting future behavior is never easy, but new research from scientists at Indiana University has found that certain genetic biomarkers can help predict when someone will attempt suicide.

According to a report of their study in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, Indiana researchers found elevated levels of certain RNA biomarkers in the blood of both bipolar disorder patients having suicidal thought as well individuals who had committed suicide.

Suicide is a big problem in psychiatry. Its a big problem in the civilian realm, its a big problem in the military realm and there are no objective markers, said study author Dr. Alexander B. Niculescu, a lab director at the Institute of Psychiatric Research in the IU School of Medicine. There are people who will not reveal they are having suicidal thoughts when you ask them, who then commit it and theres nothing you can do about it.

We need better ways to identify, intervene and prevent these tragic cases, he added.

Over the course of three years, the researchers tracked male volunteers diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Volunteers were interviewed and provided blood samples every three to six months. The researchers performed specific analyses on samples from a subset of participants who suddenly began reporting strong suicidal thoughts.

The tests revealed differences in genetic activity between the low and high states of suicidal thoughts. Using a system of genetic analysis called Convergent Functional Genomics, the scientists were able to locate and prioritize the best markers for their mental state. One particular marker SAT1 as well as several others provided the strongest biological predictor for suicidal thoughts.

To test their initial findings, the IU researchers coordinated with a local coroners office to obtain and test blood samples from suicide victims. The researchers found that some of same genetic markers were significantly elevated in these samples.

In a final set of tests, the research team looked at blood test results from two more groups of patients and found that biomarkers were also correlated with both future suicide-related hospitalizations and hospitalizations that had occurred before the blood tests.

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Predicting Suicide With Genetic Biomarkers

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NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Within weeks of the Supreme Court's historic decision declaring that human genes cannot be patented, two scientists have started a company that will democratize the human genome and give people direct access to their own genetic information which can have an immediate impact on their health and well being. The court's decision spurred the two scientists, Christopher Mason, PhD, of Weill Cornell Medical College, and Jeffrey Rosenfeld, PhD, of Rutgers Medical School, to form Genome Liberty and begin offering immediate, personalized genetic testing directly to the public although the results should used in concert with a doctor.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130820/MN65902)

"The Supreme Court's decision opened an era of genomic liberty, allowing people to look at the DNA for all of their genes which had been hidden behind patent walls for companies that had a monopoly on such testing," Mason said. "Our next-generation sequencing technology allows individuals to be proactive in understanding how their genome can affect their health decisions."

Previously, individuals had to rely on their doctors to understand their health and to make proper medical decisions for them. As scientists and doctors have found the molecular basis for disease and drug response, it has become increasingly clear that a "one-size-fits-all" framework for medicine is not in patients' best interest.

"Genome Liberty fills an important void in our current medical system," Rosenfeld said. "For example, there are clear genetic markers for many medications that will determine whether a person will respond properly or may have extreme side-effects, including estrogen, codeine, Plavix, Nexium, Prilosec, Zocor, Dilantin, Coumadin, Haloperidol, Abilify, and Celexa. Such tests are very rarely performed before a drug is prescribed, but they offer distinct advantages. They overcome most doctors' insufficient understanding of, and even fear of, genetics and genetic testing."

Genome Liberty will work directly with consumers as well as doctors to offer a Gene-Drug Interaction Test. Here is how the test works:

The test costs $99, provides information for a lifetime, and covers dozens of frequently prescribed drugs. It also looks for a condition known as Factor V Leiden that can cause dangerous blood clots when women who have this condition take estrogen, either for birth-control or hormone replacement. Many of these tests are encouraged by the FDA on the drug label, but they are not widely requested.

"The test provides only immediately useful information," Mason said. "Many people are wary of having a genetic test performed because they do not want results that will scare them. Some people do not want to be told that they are at high risk for diseases that are currently untreatable. Genome Liberty's primary focus is on actionable genetic information to help people make smart medical choices."

Genome Liberty's co-founders are established leaders in genetics and the understanding the human genome. Dr. Christopher Mason is a faculty member of the Weill Cornell Medical School and was a witness for the successful plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case. Dr. Jeffrey Rosenfeld is a faculty member at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School where his research focuses on human genome variation. He is also a research associate at the American Museum of Natural History.

To learn more about Genome Liberty's mission, go to http://www.genomeliberty.com or to support their crowdfunding campaign, go tohttp://www.rockethub.com/29313.

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Genetic Testing Explodes after Supreme Court Patent Decision

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Newswise Part of the risk for alcohol dependence is genetic, and the same is true for eating disorders. Now, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found its likely some of the same genes are involved in both.

In the September issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, the researchers report that people with alcohol dependence may be more genetically susceptible to certain types of eating disorders and vice versa.

In clinical practice, its been observed that individuals with eating disorders also have high rates of alcohol abuse and dependence, said Melissa A. Munn-Chernoff, PhD, the studys first author. Other studies have focused on the genetic connections between alcohol dependence and eating disorders, but all of those studies looked only at women. Ours was the first to include men as well.

According to Munn-Chernoff, a postdoctoral research scholar in psychiatry, thats important because although eating disorders tend to be thought of as a female problem, they affect men, too.

Studying data gathered from nearly 6,000 adult twins in Australia, Munn-Chernoff and her colleagues found that common genetic factors underlie alcoholism and certain eating-disorder symptoms, such as binge eating and purging habits that include self-induced vomiting and the abuse of laxatives.

By studying twins, the researchers used statistical methods to determine the odds that certain traits result from the same genes. Those statistical insights are based on the fact that identical twins share 100 percent of their genetic makeup while fraternal twins share about half.

By comparing the findings in identical and fraternal twins, we can develop estimates of how much of the difference in particular traits is due to genes or environment, Munn-Chernoff explained. We found that some of the genes that influence alcohol dependence also influence binge eating in men and women.

Even with the growing awareness and more frequent diagnoses of problems such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, rates of the full-blown forms of these disorders are relatively low, and theyre rare in populations of twins. So the researchers surveyed study subjects about whether they suffered from eating-disorder symptoms.

The symptoms can cut across multiple eating disorder diagnoses, said Munn-Chernoff. And several past studies have suggested that the particular behavior of binge eating, as well as purging and other practices that we call compensatory behaviors, may be closely associated with alcohol dependence, which is why we focused on those symptoms.

All of the men and women in the study were surveyed about their alcohol use and binge eating, but because the researchers were analyzing data that had been gathered previously for a different study, not everyone was asked about compensatory behaviors, such as purging or using laxatives and diuretics. Only the female twins were asked about those symptoms.

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Alcohol Abuse, Eating Disorders Share Genetic Link

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Chad A. Hamilton, MD: Biology and Genetics of Uterine Cancer

By: Globe-athon

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Chad A. Hamilton, MD: Biology and Genetics of Uterine Cancer - Video

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Let #39;s Play The Sims 3 Male Sim Perfect Genetics Challenge Episode 5

By: Lewis O #39;Brien

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Let's Play The Sims 3 Male Sim Perfect Genetics Challenge Episode 5 - Video

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Let #39;s Play The Sims 3 Male Sim Perfect Genetics Challenge Episode 6

By: Lewis O #39;Brien

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Let's Play The Sims 3 Male Sim Perfect Genetics Challenge Episode 6 - Video

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Blackdog LED 750W / California Lightworks 800W Showdown - Germination - TGA Genetics / Rare Dankness
Germination has started for the next grow. Got some awesome strains to pick from.

By: oneshotgrow

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Blackdog LED 750W / California Lightworks 800W Showdown - Germination - TGA Genetics / Rare Dankness - Video

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SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - Aug 20, 2013) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), the Breast Health Company, today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed paper titled "A phase I safety and efficacy study of the mammary aspirate specimen cytology test device for collection of specimens for exfoliative cytopathology of the breast ducts." The article was published in Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2013, 4, 846-852 ABB doi:10.4236/abb.2013.48112 Published Online August 2013 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/abb/).

The single-center study, conducted by Dr. Stephen Vitkun, MD, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, included 34 healthy, non-pregnant, female subjects, involved an evaluation of Atossa's patented Class II medical biopsy device, the Mammary Aspirate Specimen Cytology Test (MASCT) System, in a clinical setting for use in the collection of mammary aspirate specimens for laboratory exfoliative cytological testing. The objective of this study was to determine if the MASCT System is safe and effective.

The results demonstrate good patient and physician acceptance of the mammary aspiration technique and showed that based on this clinical study, the Mammary Aspirate Specimen Cytology Test is safe and effective for use in the collection of mammary aspirate specimens for laboratory cytopathological testing. The amount of time a physician or nurse would spend on the procedure was confirmed as approximately 15 minutes. There were no adverse events reported by the subjects and no safety observations of any kind. The collection process was not reported to be painful by any subject.

The cytopathology results showed that specimens were collected from 100 percent of subjects who participated in the study and that the specimens made available for cytopathologic examination were adequate for examination by the pathologist for classification.

Dr. Steven C. Quay, Chairman, CEO and President of Atossa Genetics, stated, "This clinical study demonstrates that the Mammary Aspirate Specimen Cytology Test is safe and effective for use in the collection of mammary aspirate specimens for laboratory cytological testing. We believe that all women, particularly women ages 18 to 50, including those with a family history of breast cancer, those with BRCA mutations and those with dense breasts, should use the MASCT System and should be tested as to their risk of breast cancer using the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, which is provided by The National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health, Atossa's wholly-owned subsidiary."

About the MASCT SystemThe MASCT System is a patented, FDA designated Class II medical device for the collection of nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) for cytological evaluation. The collected fluid can be used in the determination and/or differentiation of normal versus pre-malignant versus malignant cells.

The MASCT System is a simple, safe and effective method for NAF collection. The MASCT System uses a hydrophilic ("water seeking") membrane in contact with the nipple to "wick" fluid from the orifice of the ducts by capillary action during the cycles of negative pressure, thereby increasing the frequency of obtaining NAF in women. The MASCT has been awarded 14 U.S. and international patents for aspects of this design.

NAF analysis performed at the National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health assesses a patient's breast health and can detect early cellular changes in the ducts. Regular assessment and tracking of cellular changes in the milk ducts, where most breast cancers begin, enables clinicians and patients to take control of breast health.

The MASCT System provides important benefits to both clinicians and patients.

About the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test

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Atossa Genetics Announces Publication of Mammary Aspirate Specimen Cytology Test (MASCT) System Clinical Trial Results

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Even without gene patents, companies are monopolizing genetic data.

In June the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that patents on genes were invalid. Yet corporate intellectual-property claims can still harm patients.

The court struck down patents held by Myriad Genetics on two human genes linked to breast and ovarian cancers, BRCA1 and BRCA2. The decision ended the companys U.S. monopoly on testing those two genes for cancer-related mutations. But Myriad is now using a different tactic that restricts patient choice around genetic testing. The company has constructed a database of the genetic variants found in people who took its BRCA test. That unparalleled record of the natural variation in these important genescollected from patientsis claimed to be Myriads own intellectual property.

Doctors cant assess the significance of gene variants they find in their patients without free exchange of the kind of information held in Myriads database. It is as if patients radiological images were all examined by a single company that didnt give the medical community a chance to learn from them.

Myriads database prevents patients from easily getting second opinions when they receive diagnoses based on BRCA tests. Patients need to be able to seek confirmation that the gene variant they have really does mean what the testing laboratory says it means. That cant happen if Myriad is the only one with the data.

Late last year, I launched a grass-roots effort bringing doctors and patients together to free valuable data from BRCA1 and BRCA2 test reports. Colleagues of mine who see patients at cancer clinics now place copies of these reportswith identifying details removedin an existing public database called ClinVar, which is run by the National Institutes of Health. This project, called Sharing Clinical Reports, has now made more than 6,000 reports accessible. Efforts to enlist coperation from clinics around the country should free up tens of thousands more reports soon.

The medical community has condemned private databases that limit the dissemination of medical knowledge. The American Medical Association adopted a resolution in 2009 stating: "The use of patents, trade secrets, confidentiality agreements, or other means to limit the availability of medical procedures places significant limitation on the dissemination of medical knowledge, and is therefore unethical." A newer resolution, in June, calls for the release of all information generated by testing for genetic variants, with appropriate privacy protections. Were still far from seeing that come to pass. The medical community must prevent intellectual-property claims from being used to monopolize such vital data.

Robert Nussbaum is chief of the Division of Genomic Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and worked on the legal challenge to Myriads gene patents.

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Corporate Genetics

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Gene therapy PRASAD NAIDU
SUPER.

By: Prasad Naidu

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Gene therapy PRASAD NAIDU - Video

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Aug. 20, 2013 The concept behind gene therapy is simple: deliver a healthy gene to compensate for one that is mutated. New research published today in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests this approach may eventually be a feasible option to treat Rett Syndrome, the most disabling of the autism spectrum disorders. Gail Mandel, Ph.D., a Howard Hughes Investigator at Oregon Health and Sciences University, led the study. The Rett Syndrome Research Trust, with generous support from the Rett Syndrome Research Trust UK and Rett Syndrome Research & Treatment Foundation, funded this work through the MECP2 Consortium.

In 2007, co-author Adrian Bird, Ph.D., at the University of Edinburgh astonished the scientific community with proof-of-concept that Rett is curable, by reversing symptoms in adult mice. His unexpected results catalyzed labs around the world to pursue a multitude of strategies to extend the pre-clinical findings to people.

Today's study is the first to show reversal of symptoms in fully symptomatic mice using techniques of gene therapy that have potential for clinical application.

Rett Syndrome is an X-linked neurological disorder primarily affecting girls; in the US, about 1 in 10,000 children a year are born with Rett. In most cases symptoms begin to manifest between 6 and 18 months of age, as developmental milestones are missed or lost. The regression that follows is characterized by loss of speech, mobility, and functional hand use, which is often replaced by Rett's signature gesture: hand-wringing, sometimes so intense that it is a constant during every waking hour. Other symptoms include seizures, tremors, orthopedic and digestive problems, disordered breathing and other autonomic impairments, sensory issues and anxiety. Most children live into adulthood and require round-the-clock care.

The cause of Rett Syndrome's terrible constellation of symptoms lies in mutations of an X-linked gene called MECP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein). MECP2 is a master gene that regulates the activity of many other genes, switching them on or off.

"Gene therapy is well suited for this disorder," Dr. Mandel explains. "Because MECP2 binds to DNA throughout the genome, there is no single gene currently that we can point to and target with a drug. Therefore the best chance of having a major impact on the disorder is to correct the underlying defect in as many cells throughout the body as possible. Gene therapy allows us to do that."

Healthy genes can be delivered into cells aboard a virus, which acts as a Trojan horse. Many different types of these Trojan horses exist. Dr. Mandel used adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9), which has the unusual and attractive ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This allows the virus and its cargo to be administered intravenously, instead of employing more invasive direct brain delivery systems that require drilling burr holes into the skull.

Because the virus has limited cargo space, it cannot carry the entire MECP2 gene. Co-author Brian Kaspar of Nationwide Children's Hospital collaborated with the Mandel lab to package only the gene's most critical segments. After being injected into the Rett mice, the virus made its way to cells throughout the body and brain, distributing the modified gene, which then started to produce the MeCP2 protein.

As in human females with Rett Syndrome, only approximately 50% of the mouse cells have a healthy copy of MECP2. After the gene therapy treatment 65% of cells now had a functioning MECP2 gene.

The treated mice showed profound improvements in motor function, tremors, seizures and hind limb clasping. At the cellular level the smaller body size of neurons seen in mutant cells was restored to normal. Biochemical experiments proved that the gene had found its way into the nuclei of cells and was functioning as expected, binding to DNA.

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First pre-clinical gene therapy study to reverse Rett symptoms

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Washington, August 21 (ANI): Researchers have suggested that gene therapy may be one of the options to treat Rett Syndrome, the most disabling of the autism spectrum disorders.

Gail Mandel, Ph.D., a Howard Hughes Investigator at Oregon Health and Sciences University, led study is the first to show reversal of symptoms in fully symptomatic mice using techniques of gene therapy that have potential for clinical application.

Rett Syndrome is an X-linked neurological disorder primarily affecting girls; in the US, about 1 in 10,000 children a year are born with Rett.

In most cases symptoms begin to manifest between 6 and 18 months of age, as developmental milestones are missed or lost. The regression that follows is characterized by loss of speech, mobility, and functional hand use, which is often replaced by Rett's signature gesture: hand-wringing, sometimes so intense that it is a constant during every waking hour.

Other symptoms include seizures, tremors, orthopedic and digestive problems, disordered breathing and other autonomic impairments, sensory issues and anxiety. Most children live into adulthood and require round-the-clock care.

The cause of Rett Syndrome's terrible constellation of symptoms lies in mutations of an X-linked gene called MECP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein). MECP2 is a master gene that regulates the activity of many other genes, switching them on or off.

Mandel said that gene therapy is well suited for this disorder, as MECP2 binds to DNA throughout the genome, there is no single gene currently that we can point to and target with a drug.

She said that therefore the best chance of having a major impact on the disorder is to correct the underlying defect in as many cells throughout the body as possible and gene therapy allows them to do that.

Healthy genes can be delivered into cells aboard a virus, which acts as a Trojan horse. Many different types of these Trojan horses exist.

Mandel used adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9), which has the unusual and attractive ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This allows the virus and its cargo to be administered intravenously, instead of employing more invasive direct brain delivery systems that require drilling burr holes into the skull.

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Gene therapy may help make most debilitating form of autism history

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

By: Jet Villa, InterAksyon.com August 20, 2013 3:45 PM

InterAksyon.com The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines Reminder for those who wish to have their stem cell therapy practice and products accredited: You have until August 31 to register, the Department of Health said Tuesday.

Citing Administrative Order 2013-0012 issued March 18 this year, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said that while the Department of Health (DOH) supports scientific advancement in the field of cellular medicine, its priority is to protect the public from harm rather than give a blanket endorsement of its use or potential benefits.

Those who need to seek accreditation include: health care facilities doing stem cell therapy (with the DOH) as well as companies that import, market, and produce stem cell products (with the Food and Drug Administration, which is under DOH).

Ona said the DOH seeks to regulate stem cell therapy both as a recognized treatment modality and for research purposes.

"This is to allay fears that unscrupulous individuals or groups will engage in unethical practices and subject naive patients to undue harm and unproven medical claims," he added.

Among the DOH guidelines are:

Ona conceded that there are only a limited number of medical conditions in which stem cell therapy may be indicated.

Others are claims that should be taken with a grain of salt, he said.

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REMINDER | Stem-cell therapy accreditation deadline is Aug. 31 - DOH

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ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BioTime, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTX), a biotechnology company that develops and markets products in the field of regenerative medicine, announced that Chief Executive Officer Michael D. West, PhD will give the keynote address at the MSC 2013 Adult Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine conference on Monday, August 19, 2013, at 12:15 p.m. EDT in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. West will discuss the potential use of embryonic mesenchymal progenitor cells, generated using BioTimes PureStemtechnology, in regenerative medicine and will contrast the properties of those cells with adult-derived mesenchymal stem cells. He will also discuss how those cells can be utilized in the search for genes potentially useful in induced tissue regeneration (iTR). The presentation will be available on BioTimes website at http://www.biotimeinc.com/scientific-presentations.

MSC 2013 Adult Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, August 19-21, 2013, is being held at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center and is presented by Case Western Reserve University and the National Center for Regenerative Medicine.

About BioTime, Inc

BioTime is a biotechnology company engaged in research and product development in the field of regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine refers to therapies based on stem cell technology that are designed to rebuild cell and tissue function lost due to degenerative disease or injury. BioTimes focus is on pluripotent stem cell technology based on human embryonic stem (hES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. hES and iPS cells provide a means of manufacturing every cell type in the human body and therefore show considerable promise for the development of a number of new therapeutic products. BioTimes therapeutic and research products include a wide array of proprietary PureStem progenitors, HyStem hydrogels, culture media, and differentiation kits. BioTime is developing Renevia (a HyStem product) as a biocompatible, implantable hyaluronan and collagen-based matrix for cell delivery in human clinical applications. In addition, BioTime has developed Hextend, a blood plasma volume expander for use in surgery, emergency trauma treatment and other applications. Hextend is manufactured and distributed in the U.S. by Hospira, Inc. and in South Korea by CJ CheilJedang Corporation under exclusive licensing agreements.

BioTime is also developing stem cell and other products for research, therapeutic, and diagnostic use through its subsidiaries:

Additional information about BioTime can be found on the web at http://www.biotimeinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development, and potential opportunities for BioTime and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as will, believes, plans, anticipates, expects, estimates) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of BioTime and its subsidiaries, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in BioTime's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. BioTime disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

To receive ongoing BioTime corporate communications, please click on the following link to join our email alert list: http://news.biotimeinc.com.

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BioTime CEO Dr. Michael West to Give Keynote Address at the MSC 2013 Adult Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine ...

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Featured Article Academic Journal Main Category: Genetics Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;Blood / Hematology Article Date: 19 Aug 2013 - 8:00 PDT

Current ratings for: Multiple myeloma: link to gene involved in aging

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Researchers say that a gene responsible for helping to control the aging process by regulating a "cell's internal clock" may be linked to a type of blood cancer.

Scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research in the UK found a genetic variant called TERC among four new variants that they linked to multiple myeloma - a form of cancer that affects immune cells produced in the bone marrow for circulation in the blood. Their findings are published in the journal Nature Genetics.

The researchers say that this latest discovery takes the number of total genetic variants linked to myeloma to seven, and may help lead to the discovery of genetic causes of the disease.

Myeloma is a relatively uncommon cancer according to the American Cancer Society statistics, with a 1 in 149 risk of developing the disease in the US.

For the study, the research team analyzed the genetic make-up of 4,692 patients who had myeloma, and compared this with DNA of 10,990 people who did not have the blood cancer.

The scientists say that in a previous study they conducted, three genetic variants were discovered in DNA, which was found to increase the risk of myeloma.

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Multiple myeloma: link to gene involved in aging

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Rochester, NY (PRWEB) August 19, 2013

Genital Herpes (HSV-2, HSV-1) can reduce a mans sperm count. The virus infects the genital tract in men, resulting in a lower sperm count in the seminal fluid.

In fact, there is increasing evidence that the herpes virus plays a role in male infertility through its ability to damage a mans sperm. Many previous studies revealed that HSV infections were related with abnormal sperm parameters (1).

The bottom line according to the researchers is that HSV, by affecting the most important semen parameter sperm count, plays an important role in male infertility. (1)

Men should be aware that even if they dont have any physical symptoms, herpes may still be harming their ability to reproduce. These men should also be aware that even without physical symptoms, their sperm can infect their partners. The researchers reported that they detected a considerable prevalence of HSV DNA in semen from asymptomatic infertile males (1).

Can you imagine herpes attacking your sperm? I think men should be motivated to protect their sperm. They can do so by using Gene-Eden-VIR against the latent herpes virus. Mike Evans, polyDNA

Gene-Eden-VIR is designed to fight against the latent herpes virus. A recent post marketing clinical study showed that Gene-Eden-VIR is safe and effective. Up to 70% of those studied reported a decrease in viral symptoms. (2)

Each ingredient of Gene-Eden-VIR was chosen through a scientific approach. Scientists scanned thousands of scientific and medical papers published in various medical and scientific journals around the world to identify the safest, most effective natural ingredients that target the latent form of HSV. (3)

To learn more about Gene-Eden-VIR, visit http://www.gene-eden-kill-virus.com. All orders of Gene-Eden-VIR are completely confidential, and no information is shared or sold to any third party. Privacy is assured.

References:

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Study: Genital Herpes May Reduce Sperm Count; polyDNA Recommends Gene-Eden-VIR Against the Latent Herpes Virus

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NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Molecular Diagnostics in Genetic Testing http://www.reportlinker.com/p01597716/Molecular-Diagnostics-in-Genetic-Testing.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=In_Vitro_Diagnostic

Molecular diagnostics in genetic testing brings advanced analytical techniques to the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders. The confluence of breakthroughs in genomics and proteomics and the development of microarray devices to measure analytes in the blood and various body tissues are driving significant growth in the segment. Major developments include the integration of specialty labs and gene expression profiling into clinical practice, the introduction and rapid growth of cell-free fetal DNA prenatal testing, the advancement of companion diagnostics for drug development, the widespread installed base of automated instruments for molecular testing and the development of personalized medicine. The genetic testing space is one of the most profitable sectors of molecular diagnostics and is expected to be an area of high growth and corporate change throughout the forecast period. This TriMark Publications report describes the emerging field of molecular diagnostics in genetic testing.

This review analyzes the size and growth of the molecular diagnostics in genetic testing market, including the factors that influence the various market segments within it and the dollar volume of sales, both in the United States and worldwide. Moreover, this analysis profiles the leading companies focused on the molecular diagnostics for genetic testing sector.

1. Overview 8

1.1 Statement of Report 8 1.2 About This Report 8 1.3 Scope of the Report 9 1.4 Objectives 11 1.5 Methodology 11 1.6 Executive Summary 12

2. Role of Molecular Diagnostics and Opportunities in the Genetic Testing Sector 15

2.1 Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics for Genetic Testing 15 2.1.1 Definition and Scope of Molecular Genetic Testing within this Report 15 2.1.2 Key Functions of Molecular Genetic Testing 15 2.1.3 Overview of Molecular Genetic Testing Laboratories 16 2.2 Diagnostic Testing of Genetic Disorders 16 2.2.1 Review of Genetic Disorders: Characterizations of Abnormalities and Patterns of Inheritance 17 2.2.2 Common Genetic Disorders 19 2.3 Carrier Testing for Genetic Disorders 20 2.4 Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Preimplantation Genetic Screening 20 2.5 Prenatal/In utero Genetic Testing 21 2.6 Newborn Genetic Screening Tests 23 2.6.1 Molecular Diagnostics for Newborn Genetic Testing 25 2.7 Pre-symptomatic and Predictive Testing for Adult Onset Disorders 26 2.8 Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics 26 2.8.1 Current Applications for Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics 28 2.8.1.1 Warfarin and VKORC1 and CYP2C9 Testing 29 2.8.1.2 Trastuzumab and Lapatinib and HER2 Overexpression Testing 31 2.8.1.3 Clopidogrel and CYP2C19 Testing 32 2.8.1.4 Thiopurines and TPMT Testing 32 2.8.1.5 Cetuximab and EGFR Expression and KRAS Mutation Testing 33 2.8.1.6 Irinotecan and UGT1A1*28 Testing 33 2.8.1.7 Abacavir and HLA-B*5701 Testing 34 2.8.1.8 Carbamazepine and HLA-B*1502 Testing 34 2.9 Tissue and Blood Typing 34 2.9.1 HLA Determination 34 2.9.2 Rhesus D Factor Determination 37 2.10 Parentage/Relationship Testing (Paternity Testing) 38 2.11 Genealogical DNA Testing 38 2.12 Criminal and Forensics Testing 39

3. Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics Technology for Genetic Testing 40

3.1 Introduction to Genomics and Its Opportunity 40 3.1.1 Science Background: Structures and Functions of Nucleic Acids and Proteins 40 3.1.2 The Human Genome 40 3.1.3 Genomics: Opening up of Opportunities in Molecular Diagnostics 41 3.2 Genetic Variability and Disease 42 3.3 Impact of the Human Genome Project on Molecular Diagnostics 43 3.4 Key Considerations for Molecular Diagnostics 44 3.5 Molecular Diagnostics in the Post-Genomic Era 45 3.6 Advances in Molecular Diagnostics Technologies 48 3.7 Molecular Diagnostics Testing Technologies and Platforms 50 3.7.1 Amplification Technologies 50 3.7.1.1 PCR and PCR Derivative Platforms 50 3.7.1.2 Multiple Displacement Amplification (MDA) 55 3.7.1.3 Multiple Annealing and Looping-based Amplification Cycles (MALBAC) 56 3.7.1.4 Whole Genome Amplification 57 3.7.1.5 Nucleic Acid Sequence-based Amplification (NASBA) 57 3.7.2 Detection of Amplified Gene Products 57 3.7.2.1 High Resolution Melting Analysis 58 3.7.2.2 Microparticle-based Flow Cytometry 59 3.7.3 DNA and Oligonucleotide Microarrays and Chips 59 3.7.3.1 Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) 62 3.7.4 Gene Sequencing 62 3.7.4.1 Sanger Sequencing 62 3.7.4.2 Next Generation Sequencing 63 3.7.5 Fluorescence In situ Hybridization (FISH) 68

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Molecular Diagnostics in Genetic Testing

Recommendation and review posted by Bethany Smith

Cigna Corp. will require its customers to get "genetic counseling" before the health insurer pays for extensive testing to determine if a customer has genes associated with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer or a heart condition called Long QT syndrome.

The Bloomfield company is the first major health insurer to adopt such a policy. The change takes effect Sept. 16.

The new policy reflects a shift in thinking among medical societies and cancer groups who now believe that far more people are getting tested than those who are at risk of having genes associated various cancers or Long QT syndrome.

In medicine, there's a wide variety of genetics testing, and Cigna will continue to pay for many tests, said David Finley, national medical officer for enterprise affordability and policy at Cigna Corp. Some tests are applicable for some patients and not others.

Cigna decided to manage genetic tests for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer and Long QT syndrome because the tests are commonly requested and frequently misunderstood, Finley said.

In the current system, a patient tells her doctor that she is interested in getting genetic testing to see if she has a gene associated with breast cancer. The doctor then sends in some of the patient's personal medical history to Cigna, and the insurer makes a determination "yes" or "no" about the genetic testing. The insurer would inform the patient of her appeal rights, if the testing is declined.

"That standard way of doing it, we did not feel met the needs of our customers because it didn't help to educate them, and this is a very complicated test, which a lot of people meaning doctors and patients don't fully understand," Finley said.

Finley said there's an increasing consensus among doctors that genetic counseling should be a part of genetic testing. For one thing, board-certified genetic counselors, on average, are better informed about genetics tests than doctors especially as the field of study grows rapidly, Finley said.

The tests, Finley said, "are coming at a fast and furious rate."

"They have a lot of implications for patients and their families and they are hard to understand. It's a new field," he said.

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Cigna To Require Counseling Before Extensive Genetic Tests For Cancer

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BlueRaven Plays Space Station 13: Do You Even Genetics, Bro?
Here I explain what little knowledge I have as a geneticist. Get more information at the wiki: http://wiki.nanotrasen.com/index.php/Guide_to_genetics.

By: blueraven84

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BlueRaven Plays Space Station 13: Do You Even Genetics, Bro? - Video

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dEAD mAN gENETICS CLEARING OUT COMPUTER 2
dEAD mAN gENETICS CLEARING OUT COMPUTER 2 *** SUBSCRIBE TO GET UPDATES ON LOCAL EVENTS COVERED BY UGS PRODUCTIONS*** DJ FARROUT UGS PRODUCTIONS FILMED BY D...

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RUTHERFORD, N.J., Aug. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGIX), a diagnostics company focused on developing genomic-based, oncology tests and services, today announced the closing of its previously announced public offering of 1,500,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $10.00 per share. The gross proceeds to Cancer Genetics from the offering were $15,000,000, before underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Cancer Genetics. Cancer Genetics has also granted the representative of the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 225,000 additional shares of common stock from Cancer Genetics to cover over-allotments, if any.

Aegis Capital Corp. acted as sole book-running manager for the offering.

Feltl and Company, Inc. acted as co-lead manager for the offering.

This offering was made only by means of a prospectus.

A copy of the prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained by contacting: Aegis Capital Corp., Prospectus Department, 810 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10019, telephone: 212-813-1010, e-mail: prospectus@aegiscap.com.

A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2013. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Cancer Genetics:

Cancer Genetics, Inc. is an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics and services some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. Our tests target cancers that are difficult to diagnose and predict treatment outcomes. These cancers include hematological, urogenital and HPV-associated cancers. We also offer a comprehensive range of non-proprietary oncology-focused tests and laboratory services that provide critical genomic information to healthcare professionals as well as biopharma and biotech. Our state-of-the-art reference lab is focused entirely on maintaining clinical excellence and is both CLIA certified and CAP accredited and has licensure from several states including New York State. We have established strong research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute. For further information, please see http://www.cancergenetics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential opportunities for Cancer Genetics, Inc. products and services, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. In addition, the offering is subject to market and other conditions and there can be no assurance as to the estimated proceeds from the offering and the anticipated use of proceeds from the offering. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights and other risks discussed in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Cancer Genetics disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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Cancer Genetics Announces Closing of Public Offering of 1,500,000 Shares of Common Stock

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