Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

New approach to protein misfolding may lead to novel therapies for a number of diseases

In an encouraging new development, a team led by Scripps Research Institute scientists has restored partial function to lung cells collected from patients with cystic fibrosis. While there is still much work to be done before the therapy can be tested in humans, the discovery opens the door to a new class of therapies for this and a host of other chronic diseases.

7 Dec 2009

New findings may yield more effective therapies for infants with blood cancer

Pediatric oncologists have identified specific genes, dubbed partner genes, that fuse with another gene to drive an often-fatal form of leukemia in infants. By more accurately defining specific partner genes, researchers expect to better predict which infants may benefit from particular treatments.

7 Dec 2009

FDA approves new technology tool for breast cancer screening

The FDA has approved new technology that now allows radiologists to detect breast cancer sooner and faster. The SonoCine Automated Whole-breast Ultrasound Method and is being offered by only one facility in Arizona - Arizona Breastnet, in Scottsdale.

6 Dec 2009

New study reveals genetic alteration can lead to severe childhood obesity

Scientists in Cambridge have discovered that the loss of a key segment of DNA can lead to severe childhood obesity. This is the first study to show that this kind of genetic alteration can cause obesity. The results are published today in Nature.

6 Dec 2009

New treatment options for leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders introduced

Leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders are serious and often deadly blood cancers. Research presented today at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology introduces potential new treatment options and improved diagnostic methods for patients suffering from acute promyelocytic leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and myelofibrosis that are based on a better understanding of the underlying genetic causes of these conditions.

6 Dec 2009

Genomic Health to present its Oncotype DX multi-gene expression test studies at the 32nd SABCS

Genomic Health, Inc. today announced that the company will present results from five studies at the 32nd Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), taking place December 9-13, 2009, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

5 Dec 2009

Comparative study on African monkeys may provide novel targets for AIDS therapy

Two studies published this month in the Journal of Clinical Investigation provide a significant advance in understanding how some species of monkeys such as sooty mangabeys and African green monkeys avoid AIDS when infected with SIV, the simian equivalent of HIV.

5 Dec 2009

'Twist' gene plays a key role in the development of breast cancer

Working with mice, scientists at Johns Hopkins publishing in the December issue of Neoplasia have shown that a protein made by a gene called "Twist" may be the proverbial red flag that can accurately distinguish stem cells that drive aggressive, metastatic breast cancer from other breast cancer cells.

5 Dec 2009

IMF to stage presentation on multiple myeloma at ASH annual meeting

The International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)—supporting research and providing education, advocacy and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers and physicians—today said presentations at the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) will cover all stages of multiple myeloma, a major milestone in treating this and related cancers.

4 Dec 2009

New discoveries to treat life-threatening blood disorder presented at ASH annual meeting

A genetic variation that may indicate a patient's risk of developing a potentially life-threatening blood disorder if exposed to certain pharmaceutical therapies or chemicals is one of several medical discoveries scientists at cancer diagnostics leader Quest Diagnostics will present during the 51st American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition, December 5-8, 2009, in New Orleans, LA.

4 Dec 2009

Humans and mice have critical differences in gene responsible for DMD

Humans and mice have previously unknown and potentially critical differences in one of the genes responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Biology have found that two major features of a key DMD gene are present in most mammals, including humans, but are specifically absent in mice and rats, calling into question the use of the mouse as the principal model animal for studying DMD.

4 Dec 2009

Findings suggest severity of atherosclerosis depends on the rate of white blood cell migration

By measuring the total gene activity in organs relevant for coronary artery disease (CAD), scientists at the Swedish medical university Karolinska Institutet have identified a module of genes that is important for the recruitment of white blood cells into the atherosclerotic plaque.

4 Dec 2009

Scientists discover mechanism by which E6 oncoprotein of high-risk HPV16 promotes carcinogenesis

In the 1980s, Harald zur Hausen and his co-workers discovered that specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause cervical cancer. Scientists soon found out how these pathogens cause cells to degenerate. It is known today that the main culprits are viral proteins E6 and E7. Both proteins switch off different cellular control functions, thus promoting cell growth.

4 Dec 2009

Neurologix completes Phase 2 clinical trial of Parkinson’s study

Neurologix, Inc. (OTCBB:NRGX), a biotechnology company engaged in the development of innovative therapies for the brain and central nervous system, announced the completion of all planned surgeries in an ongoing Phase 2 clinical trial of the company’s gene transfer approach to the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease.

4 Dec 2009

Kyto advancing with a program for humanization of the mAbTCR23 antibody

Kyto Biopharma Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on developing monoclonal antibody and oligonucleotide targeting therapeutics based on a proprietary vitamin B12 platform for the treatment of various forms of cancer.

4 Dec 2009

Protein plays a key role in cancer and DNA repair

A protein that plays a key role in copying DNA also plays a vital role in repairing breaks in it, UC Davis scientists have found. The work is helping researchers understand how cancer cells can resist radiation and chemotherapy, as well as how cells become cancerous in the first place.

4 Dec 2009

Master gene linked to childhood brain tumor

The master gene Math1 is involved in the genesis of the most common childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma, said researchers from Baylor College of Medicine (www.bcm.edu) in a report in the current issue of the journal Science.

4 Dec 2009

ISIS-FXIRx and ISIS-SMNRx included in Isis Pharmaceuticals' development pipeline

Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that it has added two new drugs to its development pipeline, ISIS-FXIRx and ISIS-SMNRx.

4 Dec 2009

Genetic differences determine intensity of people's responses to social rejection

Scientists have long known that opium-like painkillers, called opioids, relieve not only physical pain, but also some forms of emotional stress. Now, a new study reviewed by Faculty of 1000 Biology member Markus Heilig shows that small genetic differences in the gene for the opioid receptor can determine the intensity of people's responses to social rejection.

4 Dec 2009

Lightlake Therapeutics granted ethical approval for gene testing subjects in obesity treatment trial

After two decades of scientifically and medically proven success in their field, Lightlake Therapeutics' experts have been granted ethical approval to begin selecting and gene testing subjects for a trial of a simple, safe and effective treatment for what the World Health Organisation has described as a global epidemic of unhealthy eating and obesity.

3 Dec 2009

Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

New approach to protein misfolding may lead to novel therapies for a number of diseases

New findings may yield more effective therapies for infants with blood cancer

FDA approves new technology tool for breast cancer screening

New study reveals genetic alteration can lead to severe childhood obesity

New treatment options for leukemia and myeloproliferative disorders introduced

Genomic Health to present its Oncotype DX multi-gene expression test studies at the 32nd SABCS

Comparative study on African monkeys may provide novel targets for AIDS therapy

'Twist' gene plays a key role in the development of breast cancer

IMF to stage presentation on multiple myeloma at ASH annual meeting

New discoveries to treat life-threatening blood disorder presented at ASH annual meeting

Humans and mice have critical differences in gene responsible for DMD

Findings suggest severity of atherosclerosis depends on the rate of white blood cell migration

Scientists discover mechanism by which E6 oncoprotein of high-risk HPV16 promotes carcinogenesis

Neurologix completes Phase 2 clinical trial of Parkinson’s study

Kyto advancing with a program for humanization of the mAbTCR23 antibody

Protein plays a key role in cancer and DNA repair

Master gene linked to childhood brain tumor

ISIS-FXIRx and ISIS-SMNRx included in Isis Pharmaceuticals' development pipeline

Genetic differences determine intensity of people's responses to social rejection

Lightlake Therapeutics granted ethical approval for gene testing subjects in obesity treatment trial

Industry Focus eBook - Cell & Gene Therapy (1st Edition) eBook

Real-time Raman monitoring for pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion

Synthetic Psychedelics: A Growing Public Health Concern

How the Vutara VXL simplifies single-molecule imaging