news archive genetic news - February 18, 2009

February 18, 2009

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Neurotrophins to the Rescue Scientists have identified a possible treatment in rodent and primate models linked to Alzheimer's disease.
-	Susceptibility to Heart Attack Genetic variants that predispose to heart attack are reported in five studies published online.
-	Gene Variants Associated With Thyroid Cancer Scientists have identified two common genetic variants that increase risk of thyroid cancer in European populations.
-	Gene Variant Increases Risk of Essential Tremor The first genetic risk factor for the neurological disease Essential Tremor has been identified.
-	Clue to Gene-Environment Interaction in Parkinson's Disease An explanation as to why exposure to the metal manganese is a risk factor for Parkinson's disease, is put forward in a study published online.
-	Gene Variants Associated with Risk of Psoriasis Scientists have identified several new genetic variants that affect risk of psoriasis, a common inflammatory disease of the skin and joints, according to three studies published online.
-	CHIPing Away at Cancer Metastasis Scientists have uncovered that an enzyme called CHIP suppresses breast cancer.
-	Gene Influences Stem Cell Fate Postnatal stem cells need the MII1 gene switched on if they are to form neurons.
-	Urine Clues for Prostate Cancer A potential biomarker for cancer has been identified in urine.
-	Radioresistance in Cancer Stem Cells Explained? Cancer stem cells from breast tumours have lower levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) than other cell types from the same tumour.
-	H5N1 Structure Reveals Focus of Viral Replication A key region of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that is involved in viral replication is revealed in two papers.
-	Mouse Model of Hepatitis C Infection One Step Closer A therapeutically useful mouse model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one step closer with the discovery of a key protein needed for mouse cell infection.