Astrocytes Kill Neurons In ALS Two papers report that astrocytes carrying a mutated version of a protein that causes ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, are responsible for the death of motor neurons.
Stabilization Contra Retardation Paper explores the mechanisms underlying fragile X syndrome -- the most common inherited form of mental retardation.
How One's Own DNA Can Cause Autoimmunity Study may shed light on the cause of immune activation associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) -- the second most common autoimmune disease in humans.
Mutation Leads To Male Infertility Paper reports that a mutation in a gene called AURKC (Aurora Kinase C) has been identified in 14 infertile men of North African descent.
Genetic Susceptibility To Crohn Disease A genome-wide assessment of genetic variation in individuals with Crohn disease has identified seven genes or regions that are associated with elevated risk of the disease.
Genes Linked To Chemotherapy Response Scientists have identified a number of genes in lung cancer cells which, when downregulated, make the cancer cells especially vulnerable to a type of chemotherapy.
Genes Set Scene For Metastasis Biologists have identified a set of genes expressed in human breast cancer cells that work together to remodel the vasculature at the site of the primary tumour and that also promote the spread of cancer to the lungs.
Autoantibody Production By Perturbed B Cells Chronic low-level expression of a molecule called 'thymic stromal lymphopoietin' (TSLP) can greatly alter the development of antibody-producing B cells.
Prostate Cancer Risk Variants Several newly identified genetic variants on chromosome 8 are associated with increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
'Semi-Identical' Twins Discovered Researchers have discovered a pair of twins who are identical through their mother's side, but share only half their genes on their father's.