Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Research team confirms gene mutation associated with serious forms of leukaemia

The University of Navarra, together with the University of Oxford and three other European centres, are taking part in a project to discover the origin of myelodysplasia, an ailment with a predisposition to develop into leukaemia. In the work, patients from 19 hospitals in the north of Spain - including the University Hospital of Navarra - were analysed, as well as from England, Italy, Sweden and Germany.

1 Jun 2010

MediSapiens completes $1M seed round investment for personalized cancer medicine software

MediSapiens, world's first software company for personalized cancer medicine in oncology clinics and drug development, completed $ 1 million (EUR 0.8 million) seed round investment from Veraventure, ETFIII advised by Eqvitec Partners, VTT Ventures and Lifeline Ventures.

1 Jun 2010

Karolinska Institutet researchers produce human stem cells without using animal substances

For the first time, human embryonic stem cells have been cultured under chemically controlled conditions without the use of animal substances, which is essential for future clinical uses. The method has been developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet and is presented in the journal Nature Biotechnology.

31 May 2010

Researchers identify pattern of gene expression in kidney transplant recipients who don't need anti-rejection drugs

Researchers have identified a distinct pattern of gene expression in the largest reported group of kidney transplant recipients who have not rejected the transplant kidneys even though they stopped taking anti-rejection drugs. This finding may help identify other transplant recipients who could safely reduce or end use of immunosuppressive therapy. In 2008, more than 80,000 people in the United States were living with a kidney transplant.

31 May 2010

Scientists identify new susceptibility genes in genome-wide association study of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Scientists from Singapore, China and USA have identified three new susceptibility genes in a genome-wide association study of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The study, led by the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), a biomedical research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), and the Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Centre, identified genetic risk factors of NPC that advance the understanding of the important role played by host genetic variation in influencing the susceptibility to this cancer.

31 May 2010

Targeted Genetics's partner Celladon presents Phase II trial data with MYDICAR at Heart Failure Congress 2010

Targeted Genetics Corporation announced that its partner, Celladon Corporation, presented full data today that show the first Phase II trial with MYDICAR® for the treatment of advanced heart failure has met its primary safety and efficacy endpoints, as prospectively defined in the Phase II trial protocol.

31 May 2010

Researchers identify gene responsible for Meckel-Gruber and Joubert syndromes

An international group of researchers has identified the genetic cause of an inherited condition that causes severe foetal abnormalities.

31 May 2010

UC Riverside botanist receives BSA Merit Award for outstanding contributions to botanical science

Darleen DeMason, a professor of botany in UC Riverside's Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, has been elected as one of this year's six Botanical Society of America Merit Award recipients.

29 May 2010

RNAi therapy shuts down gene critical to RSV, prevents virus replication

John DeVincenzo, MD, professor and researcher in the Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Sciences at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), has proven for the first time that a totally new concept in drug design can be used to treat human disease. Dr. DeVincenzo, who also serves as a children's infectious diseases specialist at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, conducted his study at the Children's Foundation Research Center, a UT Health Science Center partner located at Le Bonheur.

29 May 2010

Study demonstrates protection against Ebola infection in nonhuman primates using RNAi

Scientists using tiny particles of genetic material to interfere in the replication process of the deadly Ebola virus have successfully prevented monkeys exposed to that virus from dying of hemorrhagic fever. The proof-of-concept study, published in this week's issue of The Lancet, suggests that such protection also should be possible in humans.

29 May 2010

Bioheart to establish two Centers of Excellence to provide cell therapy procedures for patients with CHF, PAD

Bioheart, Inc., announced today plans for establishing two Centers of Excellence in the Middle East to provide its cell therapy procedures to patients suffering from congestive heart failure and peripheral arterial disease. Dr. Karl E. Groth, Chairman and CEO, and Peggy A. Farley, Chief Operating and Financial Officer, are now in that region holding discussions and performing site inspections.

29 May 2010

Exposure in womb to BPA, DES increase offspring's risk of breast cancer

Exposure in the womb to chemicals like Bisphenol-A (BPA) and Diethylstilbestrol (DES) can increase an offspring's risk of breast cancer, researchers at Yale School of Medicine report in a study published in current issue of Hormones and Cancer, a journal of The Endocrine Society.

29 May 2010

Life Technologies acquires majority stake in Geneart

Life Technologies Corporation, a provider of innovative life science solutions, announced today that it has concluded its tender offer and acquired a majority stake in Geneart AG, the global leader of the synthetic gene market segment. The combination of Geneart with Life Technologies' resources and commercial capabilities creates a well-capitalized synthetic biology company with advanced technology and production capabilities, providing products to fuel innovation in this emerging field.

28 May 2010

Study papers shows how nutrients affect gene expression

Awareness of the influence of our genetic variation to dietary response (nutrigenetics) and how nutrients may affect gene expression (nutrigenomics) is prompting a revolution in the field of nutrition. Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics provide powerful approaches to unravel the complex relationships among nutritional molecules, genetic variants and the biological system.

28 May 2010

New study provides cause-and-effect link between immune system cells and mental illness

A Nobel Prize-winning University of Utah geneticist discovered that bone marrow transplants cure mutant mice who pull out their hair compulsively. The study provides the first cause-and-effect link between immune system cells and mental illness, and points toward eventual new psychiatric treatments.

28 May 2010

Research finding could lead to first-ever target for drug therapy for lymphedema

A genetic mutation for inherited lymphedema associated with lymphatic function has been discovered that could help create new treatments for the condition, say researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Their findings are reported in the June issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.

28 May 2010

Roche launches GS Junior System benchtop DNA sequencing platform for life science research

Roche, announced today the global launch of the GS Junior System, the company's new benchtop next-generation DNA sequencing platform for life science research. The GS Junior System, developed by 454 Life Sciences, a Roche company, provides an integrated sequencing and bioinformatics solution, all in a size that is no bigger than a typical desktop laser printer.

From Roche Sequencing and Life Science 28 May 2010

Small molecule ramps up interferon production in host cells, launching potent immune response

Many disease-causing microbes carry pumps that expel antibiotics, making the bugs hard to kill with standard drugs. Ironically, these same pumps could be the bugs' Achilles heel.

28 May 2010

Scientists study interaction between Notch signaling pathway and BCL6 gene to understand how cancer forms

A Florida State University College of Medicine researcher has discovered a new interaction between a cell signaling system and a specific gene that may be the cause of B-cell lymphoma. The finding suggests a similar interaction could be occurring during the development of other types of cancer, leading to further understanding of how cancer works — and how it might be stopped.

28 May 2010

UT Southwestern researchers create 35 new rat "lines" with mutations in specific genes

For two decades, the laboratory mouse has been the workhorse of biomedical studies and the only mammal whose genes scientists could effectively and reliably manipulate to study human diseases and conditions.

28 May 2010

Gene News and Research

Latest Gene News and Research

Research team confirms gene mutation associated with serious forms of leukaemia

MediSapiens completes $1M seed round investment for personalized cancer medicine software

Karolinska Institutet researchers produce human stem cells without using animal substances

Researchers identify pattern of gene expression in kidney transplant recipients who don't need anti-rejection drugs

Scientists identify new susceptibility genes in genome-wide association study of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Targeted Genetics's partner Celladon presents Phase II trial data with MYDICAR at Heart Failure Congress 2010

Researchers identify gene responsible for Meckel-Gruber and Joubert syndromes

UC Riverside botanist receives BSA Merit Award for outstanding contributions to botanical science

RNAi therapy shuts down gene critical to RSV, prevents virus replication

Study demonstrates protection against Ebola infection in nonhuman primates using RNAi

Bioheart to establish two Centers of Excellence to provide cell therapy procedures for patients with CHF, PAD

Exposure in womb to BPA, DES increase offspring's risk of breast cancer

Life Technologies acquires majority stake in Geneart

Study papers shows how nutrients affect gene expression

New study provides cause-and-effect link between immune system cells and mental illness

Research finding could lead to first-ever target for drug therapy for lymphedema

Roche launches GS Junior System benchtop DNA sequencing platform for life science research

Small molecule ramps up interferon production in host cells, launching potent immune response

Scientists study interaction between Notch signaling pathway and BCL6 gene to understand how cancer forms

UT Southwestern researchers create 35 new rat "lines" with mutations in specific genes

eBook: Using iPSCs models for human disease research and drug discovery eBook

Exploring the role of confocal-based high-content imaging in advancing core facilities

Transforming Cardiovascular Care: Insights from Mina Makar at AstraZeneca

Clue's CEO Rhiannon White on the Future of Femtech and PCOS