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."
SACGHS on Gene Patents
February 05, 2010
The Health and Human Service's Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health and Society is expected to release six recommendations concerning gene patents, reports ScienceInsider. One of the recommendations advises that Congress exempt gene patents from infringement liability, which ScienceInsider says would "potentially allowing anyone to use any gene patent" and that has drawn the ire of some industry folks.
At Patent Docs, Donald Zuhn notes that BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood says that these recommendations "would undermine the U.S. patent system and the Bayh-Dole technology transfer system that have served our nation so well." Former Senator Bayh adds that these changes are trying "to reimpose the failed policies of the past, policies that just didn't work."