MicroRNA News and Research

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In genetics, microRNAs (miRNA) are single-stranded RNA molecules of 21-23 nucleotides in length, which regulate gene expression. miRNAs are encoded by genes from whose DNA they are transcribed but miRNAs are not translated into protein (i.e. they are non-coding RNAs); instead each primary transcript (a pri-miRNA) is processed into a short stem-loop structure called a pre-miRNA and finally into a functional miRNA. Mature miRNA molecules are partially complementary to one or more messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, and their main function is to down-regulate gene expression.

Additional data supporting utility of PAM50 gene signature for breast cancer to be presented at ASCO 2011

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held provider of life science tools for translational research and developer of molecular diagnostics, today announced that researchers will present additional evidence for the potential utility of profiling breast cancer based on the PAM50 gene signature at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting taking place in Chicago, Illinois from June 3-7.

4 Jun 2011

KGI scientists identify new gene regulator that keeps hearts healthy even under intense exercise

Providing a medical explanation for why exercise is good for the heart, a team of scientists from Brazil pursuing a study that started in Dr. Ian Phillips' lab at Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) has discovered a new gene regulator called MicroRNA 29 that keeps hearts healthy even under intense exercise.

3 Jun 2011

Researchers uncover new details of unusual biological mechanism in brains of diverse species

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have uncovered new details of an unusual biological mechanism in the brains of diverse species that not only helps regulate how their brains develop, but also how they function later in life. The discovery could lead to new biomarkers for specific neurological diseases in humans and, possibly, the development of drugs to cure them.

21 May 2011

Isis receives $5M milestone payment from GSK for initiating ISIS-TTRRx Phase 1 study

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that it has earned a $5 million milestone payment from GlaxoSmithKline related to the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical study for ISIS-TTRRx.

19 May 2011

Common gene fault triggers a ripple of molecular signals leading to more aggressive cervical cancer

Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered that a common gene fault in cervical cancer cells triggers a ripple of molecular signals - which makes the disease more aggressive, according to research published in The Journal of Pathology.

19 May 2011

Affymetrix launches new menu of multiple genomic microarray tools

Affymetrix, Inc. today announced the availability of multiple genomic microarray tools that will further enable scientists in the applied research field.

18 May 2011

Researchers identify miRNA in blood serum of lung cancer patients

Researchers have identified characteristic patterns of molecules called microRNA in the blood of people with lung cancer that might reveal both the presence and aggressiveness of the disease, and perhaps who is at risk of developing it.

13 May 2011

Santaris Pharma advances SPC4955 into Phase 1 trial for high cholesterol treatment

Santaris Pharma A/S, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of mRNA and microRNA targeted therapies, today announced that it has advanced a second drug from its cardiometabolic program, SPC4955 into Phase 1 clinical trials, for the treatment of high cholesterol.

11 May 2011

USPTO grants patent to Rosetta's human hsa-miR-497 for use in diagnostic tests

Rosetta Genomics today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 7,943,745, which is related to human hsa-miR-497 and its variants and covers the composition of matter.

10 May 2011

AGA's cutting-edge research on GI disorders to be presented at DDW 2011

Clinicians, researchers and scientists from around the world will gather for Digestive Disease Week- 2011, the largest and most prestigious gastroenterology meeting, from May 7-10, 2011, at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.

7 May 2011

Genome epigenetic analysis reveals new ways to detect and treat breast cancer

The most comprehensive analysis yet of the epigenetic modifications present in breast cancer has revealed potentially important new ways to detect and treat the disease, Belgian researchers have reported.

5 May 2011

Affymetrix reports total revenue of $73.7 million for first quarter 2011

Affymetrix, Inc., today reported its operating results for the first quarter of 2011. Total revenue for the quarter was $73.7 million, as compared to total revenue of $80.2 million in the first quarter of 2010.

28 Apr 2011

Molecular Templates to present preclinical data of ETB platform technology at 5th RNAi and miRNA World Congress

Molecular Templates, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of a new class of small biologic therapies called Engineered Toxin Bodies (ETB), announced today that it will present preclinical data in a poster presentation at the 5th Annual RNAi and miRNA World Congress in Boston, MA during April 26-27, 2011.

22 Apr 2011

Scientists explore the role of microRNA that influences obesity-related traits

Eating more n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, commonly known as omega-3 fatty acids, may help carriers of a genetic variant on the perilipin 4 (PLIN4) gene locus lose weight more efficiently.

21 Apr 2011

Alnylam, Precision NanoSystems enter collaboration for discovery of novel small lipid nanoparticles

Precision NanoSystems, Inc. and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that the two companies have formed an exclusive collaboration focused on the discovery and development of novel lipid nanoparticles, known as small lipid nanoparticles ("sLNPs"), using microfluidics technology.

From Precision NanoSystems Inc. 20 Apr 2011

Chronic inflammation due to infection may lead to cancer

A new study shows how inflammation can help cause cancer. Chronic inflammation due to infection or to conditions such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease is associated with up to 25 percent of all cancers.

20 Apr 2011

Scientists identify networks of genes critical in embryonic-heart development

Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have identified networks of genes that play an important role in embryonic-heart development, advancing knowledge of how healthy hearts develop-and offering clues about how to combat a common birth defect known as congenital heart disease.

18 Apr 2011

Major pharmaceutical company, Access sign deal for RNAi therapeutics

ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., a biopharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary drug-delivery platforms to develop treatments in areas of oncology, cancer supportive care and diabetes, announced it has entered into an agreement with a major pharmaceutical company to exploit its CobaCyte and CobOral technology for the targeted delivery of RNAi therapeutics.

15 Apr 2011

Alnylam to extend RNAi therapeutics research collaboration with AlCana and UBC

AlCana Technologies, Inc., The University of British Columbia, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that Alnylam has elected to extend the companies' RNAi therapeutics research collaboration for a third year.

7 Apr 2011

Alnylam defends against Tekmira complaint, files answer and counterclaim

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading RNAi therapeutics company, has filed an answer and counterclaim to a complaint filed by Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation in the Business Litigation Session (BLS) of the Massachusetts Superior Court.