news archive genetic news - February 17, 2004

February 17, 2004

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	A Promising Target For Heart Failure Treatment Scientists report a new strategy to treat heart disease by inhibiting the enzyme protein kinase C-alpha (PKC-alpha).
-	DNA Vaccines From Polymer Time-Bombs These microparticles could be developed into more complex systems capable of multiple delivery at predefined times, and their use would be particularly advantageous in developing countries where safe injection practices are problematic.
-	Influenza Virus Enhances Asthma Prior exposure to virus enhanced, rather than suppressed, allergy.
-	Using The Human Genome To Design Drugs This discovery means that enormous numbers of chemical compounds can now be tested for their biological effects, using a single, largely automated technique.
-	Risk Of Heart Attack And Stroke Tied To Inflammation Gene Researchers report the identification of the first gene associated with a higher risk of both heart attacks and strokes, the diseases that result in the death of most people in developed countries.
-	Immortalizing Cells For Brain And Spinal Cord Repair Such 'designer lines' of neuronal progenitor cells could be of great value in a wide variety of neurological diseases.
-	Mouse Cloning Achievement Researchers have produced a new type of cloned mouse, using DNA from a mature olfactory neuron - a nerve cell involved in processing smell.
-	Gene For Rare Vascular Disorder Identified Researchers have identified a gene that helps to regulate blood vessel growth. Mutations in the gene may contribute to the rare vascular disorder Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS).
-	Mice Make Fish Oils For Healthy Hearts A worm gene engineered into mice enables them to produce omega-3 oils, compounds known to help prevent heart disease in humans.
-	Understanding Vitamin K Researchers have discovered a key component of vitamin K metabolism.