Connection Between Epigenome, Selective Mutability, Evolution, and Human Disease
Li, Harris et al., PLoS Genetics
Researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine and elsewhere propose a "connection between the epigenome, selective mutability, evolution, and human disease" based on the findings of their study on associations of structural mutability with germline DNA methylation and with non-allelic homologous recombination mediated by low-copy repeats. "Combined evidence from four human sperm methylome maps, human genome evolution, structural polymorphisms in the human population, and previous genomic and disease studies consistently points to a strong association of germline hypomethylation and genomic instability," the Baylor-led team writes.
MicroPhage's New CEO, a Former Focus Dx Chief, 'Seems' to Fit In
MicroPhage, a maker of diagnostics for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility and resistance testing, has hired a Focus Diagnostics alumnus as its new CEO.
Don Mooney took the reins of the privately held company Feb. 3, according to a statement released the following day.
"The board selected Don on the basis of his deep diagnostics experience and proven leadership abilities, particularly in launching new products, handling regulatory issues, and creating effective strategic partnerships," Gary Mesch, executive chairman of MicroPhage's board, said in the statement.
In curious phrasing, Mesch said Mooney "seems to fit very well with the MicroPhage team ... ." [Emphasis added.]
Mooney had served as vice president and chief operating officer for Quest Diagnostics' Focus Diagnostics business.
He also served as vice president of commercial operations at Johnson & Johnson unit Ortho Clinical Diagnostics and vice president of marketing operations at Ciba Corning/Chiron Diagnostics.
Most recently he was president and CEO of ProteoGenix, an early-stage diagnostics company developing products for fetal-maternal testing.
Mooney succeeds Drew Smith, MicroPhage's chief science officer, who was named interim CEO in July. Smith will remain CSO.
MicroPhage, based in Longmont, Colo., currently sells one product in Europe — a MRSA/MSSA blood culture test — based on its bacteriophage-amplification platform, and "commercialization efforts under way in the US," according to the company.
The technology "resembles a home pregnancy test with twin, rapid detectors" and "does not require any instrumentation," the company said.
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