Gene Expression News and Research

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Gene Expression is the process by which a gene gets turned on in a cell to make RNA and proteins. Gene expression may be measured by looking at the RNA, or the protein made from the RNA, or what the protein does in a cell.

Brown University neuroscience professor awarded EUREKA grant

Brown University neuroscience professor Gilad Barnea will receive a nearly $1.3 million, four-year federal grant toward development of a method to selectively monitor the activation of each of the five receptors for the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.

4 Sep 2009

FOXO3a protein stimulates cancer development

In a biological rendition of fiction's Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, researchers from the Mayo Clinic campus in Florida and Harvard Medical School have found that a protein thought to protect against cancer development can actually spur the spread of tumors.

4 Sep 2009

Second-quarter 2009 operating highlights announced by Helicos Biosciences

Helicos BioSciences Corporation (NASDAQ: HLCS) announced today its operating highlights for the quarter ended June 30, 2009 and other recent developments following the filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2009.

3 Sep 2009

Celgene to collaborate with PTC on advancing drug discovery efforts

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (PTC) today announced that Celgene Corporation has exercised its option to collaborate on advancing drug discovery efforts on an oncology target addressed through the application of PTC's GEMS(TM) (Gene Expression Modulation by Small-molecules) technology.

3 Sep 2009

Study assesses protective capabilities of DNA vaccines against SIV

Inovio Biomedical Corporation, a leader in DNA vaccine design, development and delivery, announced today that data generated from a pre-clinical collaborative study by National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Inovio scientists were published in the scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in a paper entitled: “DNA vaccination in rhesus macaques induces potent immune responses and decreases acute and chronic viremia after SIVmac251 challenge.”

3 Sep 2009

PTC Therapeutics collaborates with Roche for developing bioavailable small molecules

PTC Therapeutics, Inc. (PTC) today announced an exclusive research collaboration and licensing agreement with Roche for the development of orally bioavailable small molecules utilizing PTC's technology called Gene Expression Modulation by Small-molecules (GEMS(TM)).

3 Sep 2009

Innovative way for culturing liver cells improves drug toxicity screening

A team led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers has developed an innovative way to culture liver cells for drug toxicity screening. In a report to be published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that has been released online, the investigators describe how liver cells grown in a high-oxygen environment and in a culture medium free of animal-derived serum quickly begin to function as they do within the liver.

2 Sep 2009

Pathogenic microbes can suppress immune system in newborns

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacterial pathogen that causes sepsis and meningitis in newborn infants, is able to shut down immune cell function in order to promote its own survival, according to researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

2 Sep 2009

Heidelberg neuropathologists detect astrocytomas that can deactivate the "death receptor"

Malignant brain tumors often fail to respond to promising new medication. Researchers in Heidelberg have discovered a mechanism and a tumor marker for the development of this resistance. A "death receptor" can possibly provide information as to how great the chances of success are for chemotherapy. At the same time, it offers a new approach for promising brain tumor therapy.

2 Sep 2009

Altered gene network interaction plays an important role in brain tumors

The interaction between a network of altered genes appears to play an important role in the development and progression of brain tumors, according to a study in the July 15 issue of JAMA.

1 Sep 2009

Research reveals that large non-coding RNA in mammals play an important role in telomere maintenance

A team of researchers from The Wistar Institute have shown that a large non-coding RNA in mammals and yeast plays a central role in helping maintain telomeres, the tips of chromosomes that contain important genetic information and help regulate cell division. Since this RNA also facilitates the formation of DNA at telomeres-a process that can protect aging cells and destabilize tumor cells-manipulating its expression may be useful in treating cancer and other diseases.

1 Sep 2009

Illumina delivers its first individual genome sequence to Dr. Hermann Hauser

Illumina, Inc. today announced that it has delivered Hermann Hauser’s genome sequence. Dr. Hauser, Partner, Amadeus Capital Partners Ltd, is the first consumer to purchase Illumina’s individual genome sequencing service working with his physician, Michael Nova, MD, of Pathway Genomics.

From Illumina, Inc. 31 Aug 2009

Two human biomarker assays that play a key role in the early detection of kidney damage provide assistance in drug development

Geneuity Clinical Research Services announces the recent validation and use in clinical trials of two human biomarker assays that play a key role in the early detection of kidney damage.

29 Aug 2009

Study reveals the mechanisms of sodium tungstate in treating diabetes

The molecular mechanisms of tungstate activity in diabetes have been uncovered. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Genomics have identified the pathways through which sodium tungstate improves pancreatic function and beta cell proliferation.

28 Aug 2009

AVI BioPharma's peptide-conjugated PMO chemistry to be discussed at two upcoming scientific meetings

AVI BioPharma, Inc., a developer of RNA-based drugs, today announced that Hong Moulton, Ph.D., Director of Discovery Research, will give oral presentations highlighting improved analogues of AVI's phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PMO) chemistry at two upcoming scientific meetings.

28 Aug 2009

Fatostatin lowers the activity of genes associated with cholesterol synthesis

A small molecule earlier found to have both anti-fat and anti-cancer abilities works as a literal turnoff for fat-making genes, according to a new report in the August 28th issue of the journal Chemistry and Biology, a Cell Press journal.

27 Aug 2009

Affymetrix and Beckman Coulter forge alliance to provide optimized genomic research solutions

Affymetrix, Inc. (Nasdaq: AFFX) and Beckman Coulter, Inc. today announced that they have entered into an agreement to offer researchers co-developed products from the market leaders in microarrays and automated liquid handlers.

From Beckman Coulter Life Sciences - Automation and Genomics 27 Aug 2009

Researchers reveal that genes contributing to drug resistance in NSCLC disease could be predicted

The genes that may contribute to drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be predicted. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Cancer found good correlation between genes believed to be involved in drug sensitivity and resistance and actual in vitro chemosensitivity.

26 Aug 2009

CardioDx completes multicenter validation study for Corus CAD

CardioDx, a cardiovascular genomic diagnostics company, announced today that the company has successfully completed its multicenter validation study for Corus CAD, the first and only gene expression test to quantify the likelihood of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain.

26 Aug 2009

Genome BC's research projects to determine efficient methods of liberating fermentable sugars from dead pine

In order to reduce the Province's greenhouse gas emissions, the BC Bioenergy Strategy is calling for greatly increased production of renewable biofuels such as ethanol, from biomass grown in BC. Two new research projects, largely funded by Genome BC, will help to answer these questions and unlock the valuable green energy found within BC's forests.

25 Aug 2009