Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Study links mutations in RAD51C gene to breast and ovarian cancer

The discovery 15 years ago that the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 confer high risks for breast and ovarian cancer was a breakthrough for cancer prediction and therapy, especially for familial cases. Now the research group of Prof. Alfons Meindl (Klinikum rechts der Isar of the Technische Universitaet Muenchen), in collaboration with other groups from Germany, the U.K., and the U.S., can identify another gene that increases susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer.

22 Apr 2010

Affymetrix reports first-quarter total revenue of $80.2M

Affymetrix, Inc., today reported its operating results for the first quarter of 2010. Total revenue for the quarter was $80.2 million, as compared to total revenue of $78.6 million in the first quarter of 2009.

22 Apr 2010

People with vitiligo may have less risk of developing malignant melanoma: Research

People with the skin pigmentation disorder vitiligo may have less risk of developing life-threatening malignant melanoma, according to new research. The study also further confirms the suspicion that vitiligo is an autoimmune disease, which occur when the body's immune system reacts against its own tissues or organs.

22 Apr 2010

Findings may illuminate how cancer forms and migrates

Rho proteins have been described as "molecular switches" and play a role in cell migration, cell proliferation, cell death, gene expression, and multiple other common cellular functions.

21 Apr 2010

MMRC Multiple Myeloma Genomics Initiative presented at AACR 2010

An analysis of 38 myeloma tumor genomes surveyed through extensive next-generation sequencing by the Broad Institute has revealed intriguing recurrent mutations that point to important cellular pathways which contribute to multiple myeloma. These data were revealed during an oral presentation entitled "First Impressions of the Multiple Myeloma Genome" by Todd R. Golub, MD, Director of the Cancer Program at the Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute.

21 Apr 2010

Researchers discover subunits of GABAB receptors in central nervous system

In the latest issue of the renowned scientific journal "Nature" researchers from the universities of Freiburg and Basel report on their discovery of previously unknown subunits of the GABAB receptors in the central nervous system. GABAB receptors are transmembrane proteins in nerve cells which are of fundamental significance for the functioning of the brain and have great therapeutical and pharmaceutical importance.

21 Apr 2010

Study identifies the source of inherent noise in HIV gene expression

New research identifies a molecular mechanism that the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) appears to utilize for generating random fluctuations called "noise" in its gene expression.

21 Apr 2010

Gene test predicts statins' effectiveness in reducing risk of colorectal cancer

A genetic test can help determine in which patients cholesterol-lowering statin drugs might have the most benefit in also reducing the risk of colorectal cancer, a new study from researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center finds.

21 Apr 2010

UK scientists find new drug for women with inherited form of ovarian cancer

A team of UK scientists, part-funded by Cancer Research UK, have found that a new type of drug could help women with an inherited form of ovarian cancer.

21 Apr 2010

miRNAs may generate new insights on cancer and possible future treatments

Scientists are methodically unlocking the biological processes that lead to cancer, and recent discoveries with microRNAs (miRNAs) are revolutionizing their understanding and leading to clinical trials of potentially effective treatments.

21 Apr 2010

Obesity related FTO gene linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

If you are an American of European origin and carry the FTO gene which causes obesity, you have a much higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles claimed that 'A commonly carried allele of the obesity-related FTO gene is associated with reduced brain volume in healthy elderly'.

21 Apr 2010

NEDD9 protein plays significant role in development of HER2-driven breast cancer: Researchers

Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have identified a potentially significant molecular player in the development of aggressive breast cancer. The team's findings show that a protein called NEDD9 is critical in the formation of breast tumors induced by high levels of the cell-surface receptor HER2/neu in mice.

21 Apr 2010

Meridian Bioscience's second-quarter net sales down 6% to $31.1M

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 were $31,147,000 as compared to $33,280,000 for the same period of the prior fiscal year, a decrease of 6%. Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2010 were $5,980,000 or $0.15 per diluted share, decreases of 18% and 17%, respectively, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2009. Diluted common shares outstanding for fiscal 2010 and 2009 were 41,177,000 and 41,133,000, respectively.

20 Apr 2010

Genetic defect in protein glycogenin can lead to cardiac arrest

Researchers have discovered a new disorder linked to heart problems that stems from a genetic defect in the protein glycogenin. In a worst case scenario, disruption of this protein's function can lead to cardiac arrest, which is exactly what happened to the young man whose case triggered the investigation at Sahlgrenska University Hospital at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, that led to a brand new diagnosis.

20 Apr 2010

NextBio announces new Sequence-Centric module for mining high throughput array and sequencing data

NextBio today announced the latest evolution of its innovative life science research platform, adding new capabilities for the integration and mining of high-throughput array and next-generation sequencing data. The new NextBio Sequence-Centric module enables researchers to effectively explore and utilize massive amounts of public and internally generated sequencing data, while allowing organizations to create corporate-wide genomic data platforms to serve the needs of their global research teams.

20 Apr 2010

Striking down breast cancer related gene patent may not impact industry, says New York attorney

The recent decision in a Federal District Court in New York to strike down a patent for the breast cancer related BRCA-1 gene may not have the broad impact on the technology industry it had originally been feared to, says a New York attorney.

20 Apr 2010

Magnetically guided nanoparticles for delivering DNA, cells and drugs

Scientists and engineers have used uniform magnetic fields to drive iron-bearing nanoparticles to metal stents in injured blood vessels, where the particles deliver a drug payload that successfully prevents blockages in those vessels. In this animal study, the novel technique achieved better results at a lower dose than conventional non-magnetic stent therapy.

20 Apr 2010

CINJ: Common genetic variation impacts diagnosis of breast cancer in postmenopausal women

Researchers from The Cancer Institute of New Jersey are converging on Washington, D.C., this week for the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) to share their findings on how a common genetic variation can impact diagnosis of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

20 Apr 2010

S1P5 may serve as future strategy in biotherapy for esophageal cancer: Study

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Its mortality is very high due to relatively late diagnosis and inefficient treatment. The ability to reverse the outcome of esophageal cancer is limited due to a poor understanding of its biology. Progression of esophageal cancer may be associated with sphingosine 1-phosphate and its receptors S1P1-5, which play an important role in other cancers.

20 Apr 2010

New book titled 'Advances in Wound Care' addresses major, escalating health problem

The publication of the new book Advances in Wound Care, addresses this major and escalating health problem. The first in an annual book series, Volume 1 strengthens the interdisciplinary continuum of wound care to synchronize the numerous disciplines the wound care community represents.

20 Apr 2010