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."
Hamlet's Other Question
February 10, 2010
At her blog, Dr. Shellie wonders whether she should go through long derivations while teaching a graduate-level class this semester. She has been trying to find a balance between emphasizing concepts and rigorous derivations, especially as students tend to get lost following all the algebra. "I am also trying to encourage student thinking and participation during class. This tends to tilt things toward the hand-wavy side, as more student participation = fewer lines of algebra on the chalkboard," she adds.