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."
Minding the Gate
November 04, 2009
In an open letter to physicians, brought on by an email exchange with Steve Murphy, regarding direct-to-consumer genomics and personalized medicine, blogger William Gunn says that many laws regarding regulation of medical tests were written when people didn't want to see raw data and when tests weren't so accurate. Now, Gunn writes, "People neither want nor need a gatekeeper now. It's not about self-treatment, it's about empowerment." He urges the medical community to "in your advocacy of personalized medicine, abandon the paternalistic model."
In his own post, Murphy writes that he agrees with much of Gunn's letter, though, he hopes that empowered and motivated patients rely on their physicians rather than genetic testing companies.