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DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA. Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus (where it is called nuclear DNA), but a small amount of DNA can also be found in the mitochondria (where it is called mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA).

Scientists discover new diagnostic marker for liver cancer

Scientists may have discovered a significant new diagnostic marker for liver cancer, according to a paper published in the April 18 online issue of Nature Cell Biology.

19 Apr 2016

UNC scientists develop new optogenetic tool to study function of different proteins

Scientists at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine have developed a way to embed light-responsive switches into proteins so that researchers can use lasers to manipulate protein movement and activity within living cells and animals.

19 Apr 2016

Researchers develop new method for identifying DNA mutations in single cancer cell

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have announced a new method for detecting DNA mutations in a single cancer cell versus current technology that analyzes millions of cells which they believe could have important applications for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The results are published in the April 18 online issue of Nature Methods.

19 Apr 2016

Oxidized mitochondrial nucleoids released from neutrophils may contribute to SLE pathogenesis

Researchers at the Baylor Institute for Immunology Research have discovered that the neutrophils of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients release oxidized DNA from their mitochondria that can stimulate an unwanted immune response.

19 Apr 2016

NanoString launches new nCounter Vantage assays that power 3D Biology experiments in cancer research

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, today announced the introduction of nCounter Vantage, a portfolio of assays that power 3D Biology™ experiments in cancer research, including immuno-oncology.

From NanoString Technologies 19 Apr 2016

Cancer causing genetic condition risk in children lower than previously thought

The odds of children having a genetic condition which causes learning difficulties and tumours have been dramatically cut, thanks to genetic analysis led by The University of Manchester and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

18 Apr 2016

Studies confirm benefit of plasma genotyping to predict treatment outcomes for NSCLC patients

The benefit of plasma genotyping to predict treatment benefit in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is confirmed in three studies presented today at the European Lung Cancer Conference (ELCC) 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland. Researchers however warned that plasma tests are unlikely to fully replace tissue biopsies.

18 Apr 2016

Existing cancer drugs may be able to help people with enlarged heart cells

UT Southwestern Medical Center cardiology researchers have identified molecular ties between the growth of cancer cells and heart cells that suggest existing cancer drugs may be able to help those with enlarged heart cells -- a condition that can lead to heart attacks and stroke.

18 Apr 2016

African sleeping sickness parasite has defence mechanism against potential pharmaceuticals

Researchers from Umea University in Sweden have discovered that the single-celled parasite causing African sleeping sickness has a defence mechanism against potential pharmaceuticals under development against the disease. The deadly parasite has an enzyme that can cleave and hence disarm adenosine analogue pharmaceuticals. This according to a study recently published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

18 Apr 2016

Intestinal bacteria can be used to reduce cancer risk, reveals UCLA study

Researchers have shown that various types of intestinal bacteria might be factors in both causing and preventing obesity, and in other conditions and diseases. Now, a UCLA study suggests that it could also potentially be used to reduce the risk for some types of cancer.

16 Apr 2016

Scientists identify human protein that weakens immune response to HIV, other viruses

Scientists at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a human (host) protein that weakens the immune response to HIV and other viruses. The findings, published today in Cell Host & Microbe, have important implications for improving HIV antiviral therapies, creating effective viral vaccines, and advance a new approach to treat cancer.

16 Apr 2016

MicroRNAs circulating in blood could lead to first diagnostic test for asthma

People with asthma have telltale molecules circulating in their blood, say researchers at Penn State College of Medicine. The discovery could lead to the first diagnostic blood test for asthma, as well as more targeted treatments for the condition.

16 Apr 2016

Genetic modification of common virus gives extra weapon to kill cancer cells

A common flu virus could be used to overcome patients' resistance to certain cancer drugs -- and improve how those drugs kill cancer cells, according to new research from Queen Mary University of London.

16 Apr 2016

Removal of Dnmt1 enzyme during OPC differentiation could lead to neurological symptoms

The removal of the enzyme Dnmt1 during oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) differentiation in the central nervous system resulted in inefficient myelin formation and neurological deterioration, including loss of control of bodily movements, in mice, according to a study conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published today in the medical journal Cell Reports. The results could lead to a new understanding of multiple sclerosis and other myelin disorders in humans.

16 Apr 2016

FOXO proteins affect dozens of genes common to worms, flies, mice and humans

Whether a creature is a worm, a fly, a mouse, or a human, death inevitably awaits. And not only do these organisms share a common fate, but also, according to a new study, they may share some of the specific mechanisms of mortality. The researchers found that in all four species, there are 46 genes regulated by the same family of "FOXO" proteins known to be central in aging and longevity.

16 Apr 2016

Epigenomics receives FDA approval for Epi proColon®

Epigenomics AG, the German-American cancer molecular diagnostics company, has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Company’s lead product, Epi proColon®, the first and only FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening test.

14 Apr 2016

Oxford Gene Technology develops new FISH probes in ‘outstanding’ Innovate UK project

Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), The Molecular Genetics Company, has developed a new range of non-human fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) probes, for pig, chicken and mouse. The probes were developed as part of an Innovate UK knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) funded project in collaboration with the University of Kent, and was given an ‘outstanding’ award reserved for the top 10% of KTP projects.

13 Apr 2016

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Scientists discover new diagnostic marker for liver cancer

UNC scientists develop new optogenetic tool to study function of different proteins

Researchers develop new method for identifying DNA mutations in single cancer cell

Oxidized mitochondrial nucleoids released from neutrophils may contribute to SLE pathogenesis

NanoString launches new nCounter Vantage assays that power 3D Biology experiments in cancer research

Cancer causing genetic condition risk in children lower than previously thought

Studies confirm benefit of plasma genotyping to predict treatment outcomes for NSCLC patients

Existing cancer drugs may be able to help people with enlarged heart cells

African sleeping sickness parasite has defence mechanism against potential pharmaceuticals

Intestinal bacteria can be used to reduce cancer risk, reveals UCLA study

Scientists identify human protein that weakens immune response to HIV, other viruses

MicroRNAs circulating in blood could lead to first diagnostic test for asthma

Genetic modification of common virus gives extra weapon to kill cancer cells

Removal of Dnmt1 enzyme during OPC differentiation could lead to neurological symptoms

FOXO proteins affect dozens of genes common to worms, flies, mice and humans

Epigenomics receives FDA approval for Epi proColon®

Oxford Gene Technology develops new FISH probes in ‘outstanding’ Innovate UK project

TDF, entecavir duo 'highly effective' for difficult-to-treat chronic HBV

Dynamic HBsAg measurements predict HBV inactivity

HLA-C/KIR genotype linked to HBeAg-positive HBV interferon response

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