Sequencing and Analysis of the Hydra Genome
Chapman, Kirkness et al., Nature
An international research collaboration reports their sequencing and analysis of the Hydra magnipapillata genome, and compare it to the genomes of several other organisms. "The Hydra genome has been shaped by bursts of transposable element expansion, horizontal gene transfer, trans-splicing, and simplification of gene structure and gene content that parallel simplification of the Hydra life cycle," the authors write. They team suggests that comparisons of the Hydra genome to the reported sequences of other animals have helped them to elucidate the evolution of several of the organism's characteristics.
LabCorp Pens Cancer Dx-Development Deal With CancerGuide Diagnostics
February 04, 2010
LabCorp plans to co-develop and commercialize certain molecular diagnostic tests for cancer with CancerGuide Diagnostics as part of a multi-year licensing deal, according to a news report.
According to CancerGuide, its initial tests will be designed to help physicians assess the risk of cancer recurrence and for therapy selection.
The companies have a couple of things already in common: LabCorp, based in Burlington, NC, is also an equity investor in CancerGuide, which is located in Durham, NC. Also, CEO Myla Lai-Goldman is a former chief scientific officer and chief medical officer of LabCorp.
The report also said CancerGuide has raised the first tranche of a $10.5 million first round of fundraising.
According to filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, CancerGuide received $2 million in the first tranche of the financing, which was led by Hatteras Venture Partners and Intersouth Partners, both of Durham.
