news archive genetic news - June 7, 2006

June 7, 2006

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Mutations in GLIS3 are responsible for a rare syndrome with neonatal diabetes mellitus and congenital hypothyroidism A new neonatal diabetes syndrome associated with congenital hypothyroidism, congenital glaucoma, hepatic fibrosis and polycystic kidneys, is decribed.
-	Mutations In CEP290, Which Encodes A Centrosomal Protein, Cause Pleiotropic Forms Of Joubert Syndrome Mutations were identified in the CEP290 gene in five families with variable neurological, retinal and renal manifestations.
-	How And When Should Genetic Tests For Cancer Be Used? Two experts in the use of genetic testing call for primary-care physicians and oncologists to work with medical geneticists and genetic counsellors, to identify the best clinical course of action.
-	New Techniques For Chromosomal Damage Control Two articles describe tools for the detection of large-scale structural rearrangements in individual chromosomes.
-	Urinary Tract Microbicide Prevents Infection When bacteria enter the urinary tract, cells there secrete antimicrobial factors to thwart infection.
-	Tumors That Suppress Immunity Report shows how late-stage tumors can promote the development of 'suppressor' cells that prevent other immune cells from effectively fighting against the tumor.
-	New Class Of Small RNAs Revealed Two groups of researchers have unearthed a whole new class of small RNA molecules manufactured by the mammalian genome.
-	Enzymes Make Their Mark Members of a protein subfamily have been found to have demethylase activity.
-	Virus Entry Proteins Visualized Researchers reveal a fresh three-dimensional look at the spike proteins on HIV's coating that allow it to bind and fuse with human cells.
-	Yellow Card For RNA Interference Study shows that the long-term expression of RNA fragments in mice can end up killing the animals.
-	Mechanism Links Protein Misfolding To Brain Disease Researchers identify a chemical reaction that may lead to the formation of damaging protein clumps in the brain.