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."
Team Completes Cassava Draft Genome Using Sanger, 454
Using a combination of low-coverage Sanger paired-end and high-throughput 454 single and paired-end sequencing, a team of researchers led by the University of Arizona, the Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, and 454 Life Sciences has completed a draft of the cassava genome.
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