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.
A Million Vets
The US Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a million veterans to volunteer to take part in its databank of genetic and medical information, reports the Baltimore Sun. Veterans and the VA system have especial appeal for this kind of research since there are veterans of a variety of ages, ethnicities, and medical histories. With this genetic and medical information, the VA plans to study what genes are linked to disorders like post-traumatic stress or heart disease, and develop preventive treatments. "We did tell them that this may not benefit them directly," says Joel Kupersmith, the chief research and development officer at the VA, to the Sun. "But vets are very altruistic people and they're likely to help if you tell them it will benefit someone else." About 51,000 people have agreed to participate thus far, the Sun adds.
But a population that is not
But a population that is not evenly distributed by gender. So much for women's health.
They're doing the best with
They're doing the best with what they've got! This is an awesome idea! The VA has the numbers, and they'll have relatively complete and longitudinal data. Go VA!