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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).

Imaging proteasome complex helps show target site for potential cancer drugs

Scientists have pioneered the use of a high-powered imaging technique to picture in exquisite detail one of the central proteins of life - a cellular recycling unit with a role in many diseases.

3 Jul 2015

Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis shows significant benefit in lung function

For the first time gene therapy for cystic fibrosis has shown a significant benefit in lung function compared with placebo, in a phase 2 randomised trial published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine journal. The technique replaces the defective gene response for cystic fibrosis by using inhaled molecules of DNA to deliver a normal working copy of the gene to lung cells.

3 Jul 2015

Penn study suggests future precision medicine approach to treating diabetes, other metabolic disorders

In the first study of its kind, Penn researchers have shown how an anti-diabetic drug can have variable effects depending on small natural differences in DNA sequence between individuals. Mitchell Lazar, MD, PhD, Raymond Soccio, MD, PhD, and colleagues at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, aim to apply this knowledge to develop personalized approaches to treating diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

3 Jul 2015

DTC genetic testing has negative consequences in children

A woman coping with the burden of familial breast cancer can't help but wonder if her young daughter will suffer the same fate. Has she inherited the same disease-causing mutation? Is it best to be prepared for the future, or to wait? During the last decade, genetic tests have been through a sea change, both in their availability and the technologies behind them. Today there are at least 34 companies that offer direct to consumer (DTC) DNA testing, some of which return health results. And now it is possible to sequence someone's entire genetic code for the price of a laptop.

3 Jul 2015

Researchers explore how Sox9 protein regulates production of cartilage

Cartilage does a lot more than determine the shapes of people's ears and noses. It also enables people to breathe and to form healthy bones -- two processes essential to life. In a study published in Cell Reports, USC Stem Cell researcher Xinjun He and University of Tokyo researcher Shinsuke Ohba explore how a protein called Sox9 regulates the production of cartilage.

3 Jul 2015

HKUST scientists find way to stimulate growth of corticospinal tract axons

Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have found a way to stimulate the growth of axons, which may spell the dawn of a new beginning on chronic SCI treatments.

3 Jul 2015

Researchers discover link between acute liver failure and specific gene mutations in young children

Acute liver failure is a rare yet life-threatening disease for young children. It often occurs extremely rapidly, for example, when a child has a fever. Yet in around 50 percent of cases it is unclear as to why this happens. Now, a team of researchers working on an international research project headed by Technische Universität München, the Helmholtz Zentrum Munich and Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered a link between the disease and mutations in a specific gene.

3 Jul 2015

Researchers establish link between NBAS gene and acute liver failure

Acute liver failure is a rare yet life-threatening disease for young children. It often occurs extremely rapidly, for example, when a child has a fever. Yet in around 50 percent of cases it is unclear as to why this happens. Now, a team of researchers working on an international research project headed by Technische Universität München (TUM), the Helmholtz Zentrum Munich and Heidelberg University Hospital have discovered a link between the disease and mutations in a specific gene.

2 Jul 2015

Latent CMV infection induces telomere shortening

The telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences at each end of our chromosomes. Studies show that in every cell division, the telomere is shortened. As a result, the telomere limits the cell to a fixed number of divisions and a limited life span. An essential part of human cells they affect how our cells age - as people with longer telomeres live longer lives. Surprisingly, people who are infected with a latent virus, that is, an asymptomatic virus, have shorter telomeres.

2 Jul 2015

BGI's DNA sequencing laboratory in Hong Kong accredited by CAP

BGI announced today that its high-throughput DNA sequencing laboratory in Hong Kong has been accredited by the American College of Pathologists. The BGI Hong Kong facility is the first clinical next-generation-sequencing laboratory to receive the CAP certification in China, meeting the highest standard in clinical laboratory practices.

2 Jul 2015

Histones steadily replaced in brain cells throughout life, find Mount Sinai researchers

For decades, researchers in the genetics field have theorized that the protein spools around which DNA is wound, histones, remain constant in the brain, never changing after development in the womb.

2 Jul 2015

Study of genetic mutations could lead to optimized treatment plans for aplastic anemia patients

Scientists have identified a group of genetic mutations in patients with aplastic anemia, which likely will help doctors optimize treatment for this rare and deadly blood condition. The study, appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine, could lead to tailor-made treatment plans for aplastic anemia patients as part of the emerging precision medicine movement.

2 Jul 2015

Law enforcement now has Snapshot DNA Phenotyping Service that helps nab suspects, close cases

Law enforcement now has a new DNA tool that helps nab suspects and close cases. The service, developed by Parabon NanoLabs of Reston, Virginia, is called Snapshot DNA Phenotyping Service. 'Snapshot' predicts the physical appearance of individuals from the smallest of DNA evidence samples, creating a composite image from any DNA source.

1 Jul 2015

Scientists identify new protein that affects growth of secondary breast tumours in the brain

Scientists from the University of Leeds and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, have discovered a new protein which triggers the growth of blood vessels in breast cancer tumours which have spread to the brain, a common location which breast cancer can spread to.

1 Jul 2015

University of Georgia's Lynn Bailey leads international paper on folate biomarkers

A University of Georgia researcher is lead author on an international paper on folate biomarkers as part of an initiative to provide evidence-based guidance for the global nutrition and public health community.

1 Jul 2015

UVA Health System opens high-tech clinical genomics lab

The University of Virginia Health System has opened a high-tech clinical genomics lab that will personalize care for patients, help doctors determine the best treatments for cancers and other diseases, and allow UVA to offer the most cutting-edge clinical trials.

1 Jul 2015

Nuclea and Aelan partner to develop, commercialize novel biomarker tests using STEM cells as models

Nuclea Biotechnologies Inc. announced today that it is partnering with Aelan Cell Technologies Inc. (San Francisco, California) for the development, validation and commercialization of novel biomarker tests and companion diagnostics using human STEM cells as models.

1 Jul 2015

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Imaging proteasome complex helps show target site for potential cancer drugs

Gene therapy for cystic fibrosis shows significant benefit in lung function

Penn study suggests future precision medicine approach to treating diabetes, other metabolic disorders

DTC genetic testing has negative consequences in children

Researchers explore how Sox9 protein regulates production of cartilage

HKUST scientists find way to stimulate growth of corticospinal tract axons

Researchers discover link between acute liver failure and specific gene mutations in young children

Researchers establish link between NBAS gene and acute liver failure

Latent CMV infection induces telomere shortening

BGI's DNA sequencing laboratory in Hong Kong accredited by CAP

Histones steadily replaced in brain cells throughout life, find Mount Sinai researchers

Study of genetic mutations could lead to optimized treatment plans for aplastic anemia patients

Law enforcement now has Snapshot DNA Phenotyping Service that helps nab suspects, close cases

Scientists identify new protein that affects growth of secondary breast tumours in the brain

University of Georgia's Lynn Bailey leads international paper on folate biomarkers

UVA Health System opens high-tech clinical genomics lab

Nuclea and Aelan partner to develop, commercialize novel biomarker tests using STEM cells as models

Multiple courses of antibiotics may have significant impact on child development

dlDNA marks progression of HBV-related liver disease

Researchers explore why some mutations can cause severe disease in humans, but benign in animals

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