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."
Mad Cows and the Case of the Biomarker
September 07, 2008
Using 2D differential gel eletrophoresis and mass spectrometry, a group of researchers from Canada and Germany identified proteins in cattle urine relating to bovine spongiform encephalitis. Analysis of protein expression data from one protein could, the researchers report, identify cases from controls with 100 percent accuracy. A set of proteins could tell when the animal was infected (with 85 percent accuracy). The researchers are hopeful that a live cattle test for BSE will be possible.