Chromosome News and Research

Latest Chromosome News and Research

Study finds duplicated region of DNA in major depressive disorder

A large genetic study of people with major depression has found that a duplicated region of DNA on chromosome 5 predisposes people to the disorder. The gene involved plays an important role in the development of nerve cells, adding to evidence that disruptions in neurotransmission networks form a biological basis for depression.

1 Dec 2010

Pfizer to present data on hematology portfolio at ASH Annual Meeting

Pfizer said today that new data on investigational compounds in its hematology portfolio will be presented at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in Orlando, December 4-7.

1 Dec 2010

DTRA presents Outstanding Scientific Achievement award to Aduro BioTech

Aduro BioTech, a clinical-stage immunotherapy company, is pleased to announce the "Outstanding Scientific Achievement" award from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. The award was presented at the 2010 Chemical and Biological Defense Science and Technology Conference in Orlando, Florida to Dr. Justin Skoble, Associate Director, Biodefense and Process Development at Aduro BioTech.

30 Nov 2010

Research finds alteration in KBTBD13 protein causes nemaline myopathy

Researchers from the Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), along with research teams from the National Institutes of Health and from Australia, the Netherlands and Spain, have identified a novel gene on chromosome 15q that, when altered, causes nemaline myopathy with cores, a rare inherited muscle disorder. The gene encodes a member of the BTB/Kelch family of proteins.

30 Nov 2010

Ageing reversed in mice: Study

A scientific team at Harvard-affiliated medical centers genetically manipulated mice to age faster. Then they used gene therapy to lengthen telomeres. Telomeres are compounds found at the ends of strands of DNA that are related to age. This lengthening of telomeres reversed age-related problems such as decreased brain function and infertility.

29 Nov 2010

Study finds association between DGKK gene and hypospadias

Hypospadias is a common congenital malformation of the male external genitalia, affecting 1 in 375 boys. In hypospadias patients, the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis, but somewhere halfway, at the base of the penis, or even in the scrotum.

29 Nov 2010

Tension-dependent stabilization helps chromosome separation machinery

Scientists have discovered an amazingly simple way that cells stabilize their machinery for forcing apart chromosomes. Their findings are reported Nov. 25 in Nature.

25 Nov 2010

VYTORIN reduces major vascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease

In a new investigational study of VYTORIN, the cholesterol-lowering medicine from Merck, VYTORIN 10/20 mg reduced the incidence of first major vascular events defined as non-fatal heart attacks or cardiac death, stroke or any revascularization procedure by a highly statistically significant 16.1 percent compared to placebo, Study of Heart and Renal Protection study involved more than 9,000 patients who, on average, had advanced or end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD)

22 Nov 2010

Research indicates possible danger of cancerous tissue development by using stem cells

Research work carried out at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem arouses a cautionary warning in the growing field of the development of stem cells as a means for future treatment of patients through replacement of diseased or damaged tissues by using the patient's own stem cells. The research indicates a possible danger of cancerous tissue development in the use of such cells.

22 Nov 2010

Scientists identify gene variants associated with eating disorder

Scientists at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified both common and rare gene variants associated with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa.

20 Nov 2010

Researchers find clue behind dementia development

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic campus in Florida have found a clue as to how some people develop a form of dementia that affects the brain areas associated with personality, behavior, and language.

18 Nov 2010

New findings suggest novel approach to targeted treatment of cancer

New research that provides potential for exciting new approaches to targeting diseases such as cancer has been announced by an international team of academics.

17 Nov 2010

Researchers suggest that genetic screening may predict heart attack risk

Testing for 11 specific genetic variations in hundreds of people with no history of heart disease provided information that led to revision of their estimated heart attack risk, say Mayo Clinic researchers.

17 Nov 2010

Transgenomic awarded $1,070,453 grant under Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Transgenomic, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded a research and development grant totaling $1,070,453.32 from the U.S. government under HR: 3590 – Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the "Act") in immediately available funds. This is among the largest awards for any one company under the Act.

12 Nov 2010

New discovery can develop diagnostic test to identify gene mutation in AML

Decoding the DNA of a woman who died of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has led researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to a gene that they found to be commonly altered in many patients who died quickly of the disease.

11 Nov 2010

Study finds cancer cells subject to several major chromosomal changes at the same time

New progress has been made on the road to understanding the origins of genetic changes in tumour cells. The prevalent theory has been that genetic changes in tumour cells come about in multiple stages over a long time. However, a recent study by researchers at Lund University shows that this does not have to be the case at all, but that the cancer cells instead can be subject to several major chromosomal changes at the same time.

9 Nov 2010

Johns Hopkins scientists identify protein mechanism that regulates cell division

By tracking the flow of information in a cell preparing to split, Johns Hopkins scientists have identified a protein mechanism that coordinates and regulates the dynamics of shape change necessary for division of a single cell into two daughter cells.

9 Nov 2010

Study confirms defect in sweat gland function as disease biomarker for XLHED

Edimer Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on developing an innovative therapy for the rare genetic disorder, X-linked Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (XLHED), today announced key findings of a study exploring novel approaches to the assessment of sweat function in males with XLHED. Affected individuals lack a normal sweat response, placing them at life-long risk for clinically-significant hyperthermia.

9 Nov 2010

New COLD-PCR technology to detect EGFR gene mutation

Transgenomic, Inc. today announced completion of a development study of several new assays to detect genetic mutations using the Company's proprietary Co-amplification at Lower Denaturing Temperature PCR (COLD-PCR) technology in the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) gene.

8 Nov 2010

CytRx reports $4.4 million net loss for third quarter 2010

CytRx Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in oncology, today reported financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, and provided a business update. The Company also announced the filing of a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to replace its existing shelf registration, which expires in December 2010.

8 Nov 2010