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."
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February 07, 2012
Sponsored Video: Sage Science - Pippin DNA Size Selection
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January 31, 2012
Illumina Customers 'Back to Work' as Q4 Sequencing Consumables Recover, MiSeq Drives Growth
February 08, 2012
MicroRNA Signatures of Breast Cancer
Ohio State University's Carlo Croce and colleagues found a signature consisting of nine microRNAs that differentiate in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma in breast cancer. As they report in PNAS this week, the researchers examined the miRNA profiles of 80 invasive ductal carcinoma, eight ductal carcinoma in situ, and six normal breast biopsies. Though they note that the miRNA profiles of the breast to ductal carcinoma in situ transition and the in situ to invasive ductal carcinoma transition were largely similar, there were differences. "Specifically, let-7d, miR-210, and -221 were downregulated in the in situ and up-regulated in the invasive transition," the authors write. In addition, they found five miRNAs linked to overall survival or time to metastasis.
"MiR-210, which we showed here to be regulated during [breast cancer] progression, was also a component of the two prognostic signatures," the researchers report. "Finally, a set of highly prominent [breast cancer] genes was expressed in a miR-210 antagonistic fashion."
February 08, 2012
When it comes to screening for ovarian cancer, a new study finds doctors may be going overboard.
February 08, 2012
In JAMA this week: the association between age at diagnosis and disease-specific mortality among breast cancer patients, and more.
February 08, 2012