In Science this week, a group of European researchers discuss how proposed medical device regulation in the European Union could affect consumer genomics. The law would require all health-related genetic tests to undergo a pre-market review to make sure they comply with existing regulations. It would also prohibit direct-to-consumer genetic testing advertising. The scientists explore the challenges and pitfalls the legislation might create. " If the proposed IVD regulation is accepted by the Council, it will clearly affect the way genetic testing is being offered beyond the clinic," the researchers say. "It will also potentially affect the clinicians who will be sought by consumers for genetic testing prescriptions. The future of European DTC genetic testing companies — and of non-European companies in the EU market — may also be heavily affected by coming policy decisions."
Also in Science, a team of scientists from Japan and the US described the construction of a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis that enabled them to identify a key target of T cells implicated in a variety of autoimmune diseases. The researchers isolated disease-causing T cell receptors in the animals, and then, by looking for targets of these receptors, they discovered that the T cells were recognizing a ribosomal protein. They also found this protein in humans and note that it is expressed very highly in people with rheumatoid arthritis.