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.
Sequenom's Center for Molecular Medicine 'On the Verge of Recovery,' Spokesperson Says
Sequenom's Center for Molecular Medicine is "on the brink of a growth spurt," according to a local news report yesterday, after a company spokesperson told it the firm is "on the verge of recovery."
Earlier this week, Sequenom announced it has launched its SensiGene fetal sex-determination test, and earlier in the month debuted its SensiGene fetal RHD genotyping test. Last September it launched its first assay, the SensiGene cystic fibrosis carrier screening test.
"Our hope is these tests are adopted successfully across the OB-GYN community," Ian Clements, spokesman for Sequenom, was quoted as saying in yesterday's Grand Rapids News. SCMM is based in that Michigan city.
According to the article, "[a] sales crew of 15 is hitting big obstetrics and gynecology practices at cities around the United States to spread news" of the tests.
Referring to the company's fourth prenatal test, the trisomy 21 test that was put on hold last spring after the company was found to have mishandled data supporting its performance, Clements said the company is "still very confident in the science behind this."
The article said "[g]etting the Down syndrome test back on track is the company's single largest expense for 2010."
"The launch of the RhesusD and fetal sex tests are really important stepping stones, that this technology can work," Clements was quoted as saying. "I believe we are on the verge of recovery here."
The lab employs about 20 people, "but more will be needed if the new line-up of blood tests take off, according to the article.
"These things are going to be cycling through that lab," Clements said. "As (growth) happens, expansion plans will need to be part of our annual planning process."