news archive genetic news - June 14, 2007

June 14, 2007

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Successful Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy In Pregnancy A pregnant woman with cervical cancer has been treated successfully with neoadjuvant cisplatin chemotherapy, in order to stabilize her cancer so that surgery could be delayed until fetal maturation.
-	Getting Specific With miRNA Production The upregulation of a specific microRNA (miRNA) implicated in cancer development by a general RNA processing factor is examined.
-	In Praise Of Forgetting Study finds that the ability to forget irrelevant information reduces demands on mechanisms that detect and resolve conflict between competing memories.
-	Recombinant RNA A new technique to express large amounts of structured RNA in cells, allowing a thorough study of its function, is presented.
-	Following Mitochondria In Mouse Neurons A set of tools to study transport of mitochondria in neurons is presented.
-	Regulating Insensitivity To DNA Damage A protein commonly associated with B cell lymphomas suppresses elimination of 'useful' B cells that otherwise harbor damaged DNA.
-	Genetic Variants Predisposing To Celiac Disease A region containing four closely linked genes on chromosome 4 harbours variants that protect against the development of celiac disease.
-	DNA 'Instruction Manual' Deciphered Researchers present results of a huge project that identifies and analyses functional elements taken from part of the human genome.
-	'Rejuvenating' Neurons To Protect Against Parkinson's Disease Encouraging neurons to revert to a more juvenile state might help slow or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease.
-	MicroRNAs And Tumour Suppression The tumour suppressor p53 acts directly on a family of small RNAs that are vital for cell growth and replication.
-	DNA Damage Contributes To Stem Cell Ageing DNA damage can cause premature ageing in bone-marrow-derived stem cells, making it harder for them to function.
-	Potential Drug For Atherosclerosis And Type 2 Diabetes A small-molecule inhibitor that has been successfully tested in mice may prove useful against chronic metabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
-	New Method For Making Stem Cells Doesn't Harm Embryos Fibroblasts - a common cell type found in connective tissue - can be coaxed back into an embryonic stem-cell-like state with a little genetic trickery.
-	Insights Into Seven Diseases Revealed Published article uncovers the true potential of the human genome. A pair of related papers offer further insights into two of the seven diseases investigated.
-	New Cell Source For Cloning Experiments? Researchers may have come up with a new source of cells that could be used for nuclear transfer experiments and stem cell research.