news archive genetic news - August 7, 2008

August 7, 2008

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Mapping and Cloning Genes - Goodbye to All That? A paper describing the use of whole-genome deep sequencing to pinpoint mutations in the worm C. elegans is published; in principle, this approach be applicable to any model organism whose genome has been sequenced.
-	Sex in Bacteria for Genome-wide Interaction Screens Two papers describing techniques for genome-wide genetic interaction screens in bacteria are published.
-	Pre-eclampsia May be an Autoimmune Disease A pre-eclampsia-like syndrome can be induced in mice by giving them autoantibodies isolated from humans with the disease.
-	A Great Warm-up Act Promoting blood vessel growth and tissue remodelling may improve outcome in patients with muscular dystrophy.
-	Avoiding Attack When Not Stressed A study explains the process how healthy cells express a panel of microRNAs that help avoid unwanted recognition and attack from the immune system., and suggests the same mechanism may also help tumours to go undetected.
-	Mediating Restraint Scientists report that a molecule called CD200R exerts a dampening effect on specific immune cells residing in the lung.
-	Research Agenda for Personalized Genomics A multifaceted research agenda is urgently needed to reap the full benefits and avoid the potential pitfalls of personalized genomics.
-	Enzyme Implicated in Restless Legs Syndrome A new genetic variant has been implicated in risk of restless legs syndrome.
-	Unlocking the Door to HIV Infection The structure of the protein complex responsible for unlocking cells to enable HIV entry is reported.
-	The Impact of microRNA on Proteins The consequences of protein regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) are studied on a large scale in two papers.
-	Genetics for Mental Health Disorder Specific human genomic variations associated with schizophrenia are identified by three research groups.
-	Family History of Pancreatic Cancer in a High-Risk Cancer Clinic: Implications for Risk Assessment A case-control design was used to investigate the importance of a family history of pancreatic cancer (PC) to cancer risk assessment.
-	Health Behaviors and Psychological Distress in Women Initiating BRCA1/2 Genetic Testing: Comparison with Control Population Study looked at breast cancer screening practices, lifestyle behaviors and psychological distress among 640 women initiating BRCA1/2 testing.