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."
Life Technologies to Expand TaqMan Protein-Expression Assays with 2010 Launch of 'Open Kit'
A Life Technologies scientist said that the availability of the open kit, which will enable researchers to design their own TaqMan protein expression assays, will bring qPCR-based protein expression analysis "to the masses."
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