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Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a biologically important type of molecule that consists of a long chain of nucleotide units. Each nucleotide consists of a nitrogenous base, a ribose sugar, and a phosphate.

Research opens door for developing biomarker tests to detect cancers early

Biomarkers, which allow diseases to be diagnosed and staged based on relatively non-invasive blood tests, have been identified for several types of cancers, but for most cancers remain elusive. Now, research conducted at the RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies in Japan and the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Australia has identified a large number of genes that are upregulated in many different types of cancer, opening the door for developing biomarker tests that could be used to detect cancers early, allowing for prompt treatment.

10 Nov 2015

Idera begins enrollment in IMO-8400 Phase 2 clinical trial for treatment of dermatomyositis

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing Toll-like receptor (TLR) and RNA therapeutics for patients with cancer and rare diseases, today announced that the company has commenced enrollment in a Phase 2 clinical trial of IMO-8400, an investigational TLR 7, 8 and 9 antagonist, in patients with dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is a rare and debilitating inflammatory muscle and skin disease associated with significant morbidity, decreased quality of life and an increased risk of premature death.

10 Nov 2015

Researchers identify factors that spark formation of pluripotent cells

Researchers at EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute and the Wellcome Trust- Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute at the University of Cambridge have identified factors that spark the formation of pluripotent cells.

10 Nov 2015

Drug compounds target multiple pathways associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1

Efforts to treat myotonic dystrophy type 1, the most common form of muscular dystrophy, are in their infancy. In a new study, researchers report they have added new capabilities to an experimental drug agent that previously defeated only one of DM1's many modes of action. Their retooled compounds interrupt the disease's pathology in three ways.

10 Nov 2015

Two studies explore potential new blood tests for Alzheimer's disease

There is increasing evidence that the brain changes of Alzheimer's disease begin decades before memory and thinking problems occur, prompting the need for better methods of early detection for this progressive, fatal brain disease. Consequently, there is a growing school of thought that the most effective future Alzheimer's drug therapies will be administered to those who are at high risk of the disease before cognitive symptoms appear.

10 Nov 2015

Seven new nCounter PanCancer profiles launched to deeply probe cancer biology

NanoString Technologies, Inc.a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, today announced the expansion of its 3D Biology™ portfolio with the commercial launch of the nCounter® PanCancer Profiles, seven new gene expression panels each designed to interrogate a focused area of cancer biology including immuno-oncology.

9 Nov 2015

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation validated antibodies launched by Chromatrap

Chromatrap, a business unit of Porvair Sciences Ltd, has announced the launch of its own range of Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-validated antibodies.

From Chromatrap® - Porvair Sciences Ltd 9 Nov 2015

Researchers successfully test new method for rapid diagnosis of Ebola in Guinea

An international team of researchers, including Ahmed Abd El Wahed, scientist at the University of Göttingen and the German Primate Center, has tested a new method for rapid diagnosis of Ebola in a field trial in Guinea. The test procedure was carried out using a portable suitcase laboratory. The mobile suitcase lab is operated with solar power and enables simple on-site diagnostics in remote areas without the need of an equipped laboratory.

6 Nov 2015

Genetic reduction of AMPK enzyme can prevent or delay hearing loss

A mitochondrial defect is responsible for a type of human hereditary deafness that worsens over time and can lead to profound hearing loss.

6 Nov 2015

RXi Pharmaceuticals begins Phase 1/2 clinical trial in ophthalmology

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation a biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapies primarily in the areas of dermatology and ophthalmology today announced the initiation of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial in ophthalmology. The clinical study RXI-109-1501 will evaluate the safety and clinical activity of RXI-109 to prevent the progression of retinal scarring, a harmful component of numerous retinal diseases.

5 Nov 2015

Researchers find new way to prevent inflammation, accelerate the skin's healing process

Most products on the market today that are used to treat skin problems target the effects of the disease or wound such as inflammation, which can prolong the healing process and result in scarring. However, LSU Assistant Professor Wei Xu and collaborators at Northwestern University discovered a new way to prevent inflammation and to speed up the skin's healing process.

5 Nov 2015

Researchers identify mechanisms underlying postnatal organ maturation

Any expectant mother will tell you that she wants her baby's organs to develop properly in the womb. What she may not realize, however, is that a child's internal organs continue to develop for months and years after birth. This critical period is full of cellular changes that transform the organization and function of most tissues. But the exact mechanisms underlying postnatal organ maturation are still a mystery.

5 Nov 2015

Scientists create supercharged blood cell that may heal major wounds, block inflammation

Faculty of Medicine scientists have created a "Franken-platelet" - a supercharged blood cell - that might be capable of healing major wounds, busting clots or blocking inflammation.

5 Nov 2015

Study evaluates effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment in HIV-infected children

A study led by Louise Kuhn, PhD, professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, evaluated whether HIV-infected children in South Africa who had achieved viral suppression with one antiretroviral treatment could transition to efavirenz-based therapy, the recommended drug for children older than 3 years, without risk of viral failure.

4 Nov 2015

Study provides novel insight into the evolution of hepatitis A virus and how it spreads to humans

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are part of an international team led by the University of Bonn, Germany, who have found a link between the origin of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and small mammals.

4 Nov 2015

Alnylam presents positive ongoing phase 2 open-label extension data for Patisiran and Revusiran

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced new results from its ongoing Phase 2 open-label extension (OLE) studies with patisiran and revusiran, investigational RNAi therapeutics targeting transthyretin (TTR) for the treatment of TTR-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis).

3 Nov 2015

CureVac raises €100M to enable rapid expansion of mRNA development platform, clinical-stage pipeline

CureVac, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company pioneering the field of mRNA-based technology, today announces that it has raised about $110 million (€100 million) to enable accelerated expansion of its industry-leading messenger RNA (mRNA) development platform and clinical-stage pipeline.

3 Nov 2015

Rice scientists solve long-standing mystery about hemophilia protein

Rice University scientists have solved a long-standing mystery about where the body stores and deploys blood-clotting factor VIII, a protein that about 80 percent of hemophiliacs cannot produce due to genetic defects.

3 Nov 2015

Key protein controls stem cell properties that could make them useful in regenerative medicine

A key protein controls stem cell properties that could make them more useful in regenerative medicine, according to a study led by Mount Sinai researchers and published online today in the journal Cell Stem Cell.

31 Oct 2015

RNA profiles of tumor-educated platelets may diagnose cancer, identify potential therapeutic approaches

Analysis of tumor RNA carried in platelets - blood components best known for their role in clotting - may prove to be more useful than other "liquid biopsy" technologies for diagnosing cancer and determining its primary location and potential therapeutic approaches.

31 Oct 2015

RNA News and Research

Further Reading

Research opens door for developing biomarker tests to detect cancers early

Idera begins enrollment in IMO-8400 Phase 2 clinical trial for treatment of dermatomyositis

Researchers identify factors that spark formation of pluripotent cells

Drug compounds target multiple pathways associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1

Two studies explore potential new blood tests for Alzheimer's disease

Seven new nCounter PanCancer profiles launched to deeply probe cancer biology

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation validated antibodies launched by Chromatrap

Researchers successfully test new method for rapid diagnosis of Ebola in Guinea

Genetic reduction of AMPK enzyme can prevent or delay hearing loss

RXi Pharmaceuticals begins Phase 1/2 clinical trial in ophthalmology

Researchers find new way to prevent inflammation, accelerate the skin's healing process

Researchers identify mechanisms underlying postnatal organ maturation

Scientists create supercharged blood cell that may heal major wounds, block inflammation

Study evaluates effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment in HIV-infected children

Study provides novel insight into the evolution of hepatitis A virus and how it spreads to humans

Alnylam presents positive ongoing phase 2 open-label extension data for Patisiran and Revusiran

CureVac raises €100M to enable rapid expansion of mRNA development platform, clinical-stage pipeline

Rice scientists solve long-standing mystery about hemophilia protein

Key protein controls stem cell properties that could make them useful in regenerative medicine

RNA profiles of tumor-educated platelets may diagnose cancer, identify potential therapeutic approaches

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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