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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).

Trovagene, University of Southern California enter into clinical collaboration agreement

Trovagene, Inc., a developer of molecular diagnostics for cancer monitoring, today announced that the Company has entered into a clinical collaboration agreement with the University of Southern California to study genomic characterizations of metastatic colorectal cancers using Trovagene's proprietary cell-free DNA assays.

6 Sep 2013

Bioinformatics researchers investigate functional diversity of proteins

No two human beings are the same. Although we all possess the same genes, our genetic code varies in many places. And since genes provide the blueprint for all proteins, these variants usually result in numerous differences in protein function. But what impact does this diversity have? Bioinformatics researchers at Rutgers University and the Technische Universitaet Muenchen have investigated how protein function is affected by changes at the DNA level.

6 Sep 2013

Research uncovers defective process in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

New research has uncovered a process that is defective in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, a common cause of kidney failure. The findings, which appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN), point to a new potential strategy for preventing and treating the disease.

6 Sep 2013

UCSF to receive grant to study gene sequencing aimed at detecting disorders in newborns

UC San Francisco will receive $4.5 million over the next five years for a pilot project to assess whether large-scale gene sequencing aimed at detecting disorders and conditions can and should become a routine part of newborn testing.

6 Sep 2013

International team of scientists discover new disease related to inability to process Vitamin B12

An international team of scientists, including University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado researchers, has discovered a new disease related to an inability to process Vitamin B12.

6 Sep 2013

Natural products: The source of nearly half of modern drugs

New technology for discovering antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs and other medicines inside soil microbes and other natural sources is reviving a treasure hunt that already has given humanity more than 50 percent of today's prescription drugs. This new era in "bioprospecting" is the topic of the cover story in Chemical & Engineering News, the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society.

5 Sep 2013

Study identifies new tool to accurately analyze mtDNA deletions associated with diseases, aging

A study published today in Aging Cell identifies a new tool to accurately analyze extremely rare mitochondrial DNA deletions associated with a range of diseases and disorders as well as aging. This approach, which relies on Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR-) technology, will help researchers explore mtDNA deletions as potential disease biomarkers.

4 Sep 2013

New method to detect genetic variations that initiate colon cancer

A new, highly sensitive method to detect genetic variations that initiate colon cancer could be readily used for noninvasive colon cancer screening, according to a study published in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

4 Sep 2013

Blind mole-rats live underground in low-oxygen environments, are long-lived and resistant to cancer

Like naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus gaber), blind mole-rats (of the genus Spalax) live underground in low-oxygen environments, are long-lived and resistant to cancer. A new study demonstrates just how cancer-resistant Spalax are, and suggests that the adaptations that help these rodents survive in low-oxygen environments also play a role in their longevity and cancer resistance.

4 Sep 2013

Study: Changes in expression of various isoforms might play role in cancer development

Spool-like proteins called histones play a crucial role in packaging the nearly seven feet of DNA found in most human cells. A new study shows that a group of histones that are thought to behave the same way actually are functionally distinct proteins.

4 Sep 2013

Researchers develop first animal model simulating eye complications linked with Graves' disease

Researchers have developed the first animal model simulating the eye complications associated with the thyroid condition Graves' disease, a breakthrough that could pave the way for better treatments, according to a recent study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's journal Endocrinology.

3 Sep 2013

New quick test promises to reduce economic, health burden of syphilis cases in Latin America

Demystifying the chemical processes that create a wine's aroma, and the invaluable potential application of that understanding in winemaking, is the new objective of scientists in Uruguay who, with European partners, also recently sequenced the genome of the high-value Tannat grape, from which "the most healthy of red wines" are fermented.

2 Sep 2013

Nanostructures made of DNA strands can encapsulate, release small-molecule drugs

Nanoscale "cages" made from strands of DNA can encapsulate small-molecule drugs and release them in response to a specific stimulus, McGill University researchers report in a new study.

2 Sep 2013

Researchers discover role played by epigenetic factors in senescence and age-related diseases

One way cells promote tumor suppression is through a process called senescence, an irreversible arrest of proliferation. Senescence is thought to be associated with normal aging, but is also a protective measure by the body against run-away cell replication.

31 Aug 2013

Statins offer great potential as anti-aging therapy

Not only do statins extend lives by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risks of cardiovascular disease, but new research in the September 2013 issue of The FASEB Journal suggests that they may extend lifespans as well. Specifically, statins may reduce the rate at which telomeres shorten, a key factor in the natural aging process. This opens the door for using statins, or derivatives of statins, as an anti-aging therapy.

30 Aug 2013

Study provides first genomic characterization of remission in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients

More children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are experiencing remission of their symptoms, thanks to new biological therapies, but the remission is not well-understood. A new study published today in Arthritis Research & Therapy provides the first genomic characterization of remission in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients.

30 Aug 2013

Scientists identify enzyme mutation that occurs in castration-resistant prostate cancer

The mutation occurs in the androgen-synthesizing enzyme 3βHSD1 in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), according to research published online today in Cell. This mutation enables the tumor to make its own supply of androgens, a hormone that fuels the growth of the prostate cancer.

30 Aug 2013

BTNL2 gene mutation that impacts immune function increases risk of prostate cancer

A team of researchers led by Janet Stanford, Ph.D., of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has discovered that mutations in the gene BTNL2, which encodes a protein involved in regulating T-cell proliferation and cytokine production - both of which impact immune function - increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

30 Aug 2013

Scientists unravel how DNA damage may trigger lupus erythematosus

Summer, sun and the sea - a dream vacation for most - can turn sour for those affected by lupus erythematosus. For them, absorption of the UV-light component in sunlight may cause florid inflammation and redness of the skin. Scientists of the University Hospital Bonn, Germany have now discovered which signaling pathway of the innate immune system promotes autoimmune symptoms following sun-induced DNA damage.

30 Aug 2013

Researchers discover new gene mutations which cause devastating mitochondrial disorders

Researchers have identified a novel disease gene in which mutations cause rare but devastating genetic diseases known as mitochondrial disorders.

30 Aug 2013

DNA News and Research

Further Reading

Trovagene, University of Southern California enter into clinical collaboration agreement

Bioinformatics researchers investigate functional diversity of proteins

Research uncovers defective process in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

UCSF to receive grant to study gene sequencing aimed at detecting disorders in newborns

International team of scientists discover new disease related to inability to process Vitamin B12

Natural products: The source of nearly half of modern drugs

Study identifies new tool to accurately analyze mtDNA deletions associated with diseases, aging

New method to detect genetic variations that initiate colon cancer

Blind mole-rats live underground in low-oxygen environments, are long-lived and resistant to cancer

Study: Changes in expression of various isoforms might play role in cancer development

Researchers develop first animal model simulating eye complications linked with Graves' disease

New quick test promises to reduce economic, health burden of syphilis cases in Latin America

Nanostructures made of DNA strands can encapsulate, release small-molecule drugs

Researchers discover role played by epigenetic factors in senescence and age-related diseases

Statins offer great potential as anti-aging therapy

Study provides first genomic characterization of remission in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients

Scientists identify enzyme mutation that occurs in castration-resistant prostate cancer

BTNL2 gene mutation that impacts immune function increases risk of prostate cancer

Scientists unravel how DNA damage may trigger lupus erythematosus

Researchers discover new gene mutations which cause devastating mitochondrial disorders

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