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."
Inventing the Future with Synthetic Biology
August 18, 2008
Forbes features Ginkgo BioWorks, a synthetic biology company started by MIT's Tom Knight and three of his PhD students, including Reshma Shetty. She's part of their Eight People Inventing the Future, on the list due to her "DIY genetic engineering" approach to using genetic parts to make new living systems. Shetty's claim to fame is making banana-scented bacteria, and Ginkgo's aim is to sell standardized genetic parts dried onto sheets of paper to big companies that want to make new drugs, plastics, and petroleum replacements, says the story.