Regulation and Function of miR-218 in Gastric Cancer Metastasis
Tie, Pan et al., PLoS Genetics
Researchers describe a negative feedback system between Robo1, a Slit receptor, and miR-218, wherein “decreased miR-218 levels eliminate Robo1 repression, which activates the Slit-Robo1 pathway through the interaction between Robo1 and Slit2, thus triggering tumor metastasis.” The authors suggest that the restoration of miR-218 supresses Robo1 espression and inhibits tumor cell invasion.
Quest to Lay Off 60 Staffers in Conn. Testing Facility
October 26, 2009
Quest plans to lay off around 60 staffers in its Wallingford, Conn., testing facility as part of efforts to make the lab “more efficient.”
A company spokesperson told me late Friday the step “follows the completion of the installation of a new IT system and other steps we have taken to make our Wallingford lab more efficient.”
The reduction, announced at the facility last week, represents around 3 percent of Quest’s New England workforce.
The spokesperson said the company is providing “each affected individual with a severance package, employment outplacement services and other support” and is “working to identify potential suitable employment opportunities for these individuals at our other facilities.”
Last Tuesday Quest reported its third-quarter earnings, which showed that total revenue rose 3.9 percent, clinical testing increased 4.3 percent, and profits jumped 74.5 percent on “continued strong demand for gene-based and esoteric testing.”
A Dow Jones story on the earnings said the No. 1 reference lab “has been posting positive results in recent quarters, helped by cost cutting” and revenue growth.
