Human Genetic Variation Alters Anthrax Toxin Sensitivity
Martchenko, Candille et al., PNAS
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine show that genetic variation affecting capillary morphogenesis gene 2, or CMG2, dramatically alters toxin sensitivity in humans. In its analysis, the team reports on "a CMG2 single-nucleotide polymorphism occurring frequently in African and European populations [that they found] independently altered toxin uptake." The group goes on to suggest "testing of genomically characterized human cell populations may offer a broadly useful strategy for elucidating effects of genetic variation on infectious disease susceptibility."
BIO Report, Survey Reveal Importance of Academic Tech Licensing to US Economy
The licensing of technology by universities to companies added as much as $187 billion to the US gross national product and $457 billion to US gross industrial output, and created nearly 300,000 new jobs from 1996 to 2007, according to the report.
New to GenomeWeb? Register quickly here for free access.