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."
Roche's 454 Eyes Immune Repertoire Sequencing as Key Application for Long-Read Platform
Some researchers are looking at short-read platforms such as the Illumina Genome Analyzer for immunogenetics applications, but a 454 official said that the long read lengths of the company's platform — currently in the range of 400 or more base pairs — make it ideal for immunogenetics research.
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