news archive genetic news - March 8, 2007

March 8, 2007

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Imatinib Could Cause Tumour Regression The first targeted anticancer drug to specifically inhibit an enzyme that causes cancer cell growth might also promote tumour regression.
-	The Connectivity Map Of Multi-Drug Combinations The response to drug combinations critically depends on how their biological targets are connected.
-	New Way Of Targeting Gene To Treat Breast Cancer A new way of targeting the PARP1 gene in order to induce cell death in breast cancer cells is reported.
-	X-Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy - Newborn Screening And Lorenzo's Oil Promising methods of screening for and treating X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) are highlighted.
-	Potential Therapeutic Target In Down Syndrome Blocking the actions of an inhibitory neurotransmitter can improve performance in several memory tasks in a mouse model of Down syndrome.
-	Proteins A La Carte A method to incorporate non-naturally occurring amino acids into proteins in mammalian cells is described.
-	Genomic Marker For Lung Cancer Gene expression patterns in lung airway cells from smokers may aid the early detection of lung cancer.
-	A Natural Barrier To HIV Transmission A protein in one of the first immune cells encountered by HIV as it enters the body acts as a natural barrier to transmission of the virus.
-	New Immune Cell Exit Strategy Immune cells recruited to sites of infection can use more than one type of molecule to exit the bloodstream.
-	Mitochondrial Point Mutations Do Not Limit Lifespan A large number of point mutations in mitochondria do not have a direct link to the ageing process in mice.
-	Genetic Variant Protects Against Four Infectious Diseases A genetic variant associated with protection against four different infectious diseases is described.
-	Genetic Variant Associated With Triglyceride Levels Scientists have identified a rare genetic variant that is associated with lower levels of triglycerides.
-	Tumour Suppressor Linked To Heart Failure? Inhibition of angiogenesis by the tumour suppressor protein p53 may have a critical role in the progression of cardiac hypertrophy to cardiac failure.
-	New Role For Gut-Lining Cells? Intestinal epithelial cells may have a key role in shaping the function of immune cells.