news archive genetic news - October 27, 2006

October 27, 2006

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Caveat mTOR: PML in the repression of the angiogenic switch The product of the tumor-suppressor gene promyelocytic leukemia (PML) has been found to be a crucial inhibitor of neo-angiogenesis, in both neoplastic and ischemic conditions.
-	Laser Traps Shed Light On Infection Defenses A new technology that mimics the suspension of white blood cells in blood in the body is reported.
-	Towards Better Anti-Epileptic Drugs A completely new way of suppressing epileptic seizures in rats is reported in a study.
-	TAPping Into Mammalian Interaction Proteomics A new method enabling the efficient isolation of protein complexes from mammalian cells is described.
-	Bittersweet News For Neural Stem Cell Grafts Using human embryonic stem - HES - cells directed to a neural fate to treat Parkinson's disease might be more complicated than previously thought.
-	Protecting Mothers From Fetal Immune Recognition A protein expressed in developing embryos may protect mothers against immune-mediated attack by fetal cells.
-	New Sex Determination Gene Identified Mutations in a gene called RSPO1 result in female to male sex reversal.
-	Insulin-Producing Cells From Human Embryonic Stem Cells The culture conditions under which human embryonic stem cells can be converted into cells that produce all five hormones made by the pancreas, including insulin, are reported.
-	Inducing Connections Between Brain Sites Alters Motor Function Artificially connecting the activity of two brain sites can alter the motor function of freely behaving monkeys.
-	Protein For Optical Clarity The presence of a protein called soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) maintains optical clarity by keeping the cornea free of blood vessels.
-	Cancer Stem Cells Resist Radiotherapy Researchers now think they know why Glioblastomas (malignant brain tumours) very often recur after radiation therapy.