news archive genetic news - April 9, 2010

April 9, 2010

your information resource in human molecular genetics

-	Variants Associated with Pediatric Allergic Disorder Genetic variants at chromosome 5q22 are associated with pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) - a type of allergic disorder often triggered by food allergies.
-	Mutations in PHF6 Found in T-Cell Leukemia The X chromosome gene PHF6 is frequently mutated in a certain type of leukemia
-	Genetic Risk Variant for Urinary Bladder Cancer Another genetic variant associated with risk of urinary bladder cancer is reported in a study
-	Antibody Has Therapeutic Effect on Mice with ALS A biological treatment targeting the protein CD40L has a therapeutic effect on mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
-	Regulating P53 Activity in Cancer Cells The protein BRD7 activates p53 and could therefore suppress the development of cancerous tumours.
-	Anti-RNA Therapy Counters Breast Cancer Spread A new type of therapy that prevents the metastatic spread of breast cancer in a mouse model of breast cancer is presented
-	Mitochondrial DNA Diversity A study of normal and cancerous human cells shows that Mitochondrial DNA is more heterogeneous than was thought.
-	The Power of RNA Sequencing RNA sequencing is a powerful tool for teasing apart the genetic mechanisms that underpin variation in gene expression.
-	‘Pro-Ageing' Therapy for Cancer? The discovery of a signalling pathway that forces cancerous cells to age could aid the development of a general approach for cancer therapy.
-	Niche Genetics Influence Leukaemia Certain blood cancers can be triggered by genetic changes in the blood cells' microenvironment.
-	Molecular Biology: Clinical Promise for RNA Interference The first proof-of-principle study showing that the gene-silencing technique RNA interference (RNAi) can indeed lower levels of gene expression in humans is revealed.
-	Chemoprevention Cocktail for Colon Cancer Treating premalignant colorectal cells with a protein cocktail that 'persuades' them to commit cell suicide may prove a useful method of cancer chemoprevention.