Potential treatments from cryptic genes Jun 2, 2008
"Over the last eight years we have been looking for new natural products in the DNA sequence of the antibiotic-producing bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor," said Professor Gregory Challis from the University of Warwick ... It is possible to identify pathways that produce new compounds by looking at the DNA sequences and many gene clusters likely to encode natural products have been analysed. (EurekAlert!)
Schneider's photos add a dose of science Jun 2, 2008
His DNA sequence is just that: a set of spindly looking shapes, no matter how handsomely it's done in platinum (Schneider is an expert printer). It is rather remarkable to think that his Genetic Self-Portrait: Chromosomes (1997) contains defining markers of his identity, printed as 19 images But in purely visual terms, a marker is a marker is a marker. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
DNA sequence mapped for woman 1st time Jun 1, 2008
Geneticist Marjolein Kriek poses on top of a printout of her "DNA sequence map" at the Leid's Medical Centre in Leiden May 29, 2008 ... Geneticist Marjolein Kriek poses on top of a printout of her "DNA sequence map" at the Leid's Medical Centre in Leiden May 29, 2008. (Xinhuanet, China)
Presentation of Data on Progen's Cancer Epigenetic Targets Platform May 30, 2008
Progen has operations in Australia and the US. About Epigenetics: Epigenetics is defined as inherited changes in gene expression that are not associated with changes in the DNA sequence itself, but rather are associated with changes in the activation and regulation of gene transcription. Its role in cancer, through the aberrant silencing or repression of gene expression, is now recognized and a number of epigenetic targets in oncology have now been identified. (PR Newswire)
Infotainment May 28, 2008
Its the first woman in the world and the first European whose DNA sequence will be made public, the researchers at Leiden University Medical Centre in the western Netherlands said in a statement. The. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Pacific Biosciences acquires single molecule sequencing technology May 28, 2008
Sequencing by incorporation generally identifies nucleotides in a DNA sequence based upon synthesis of a complementary DNA strand. The technology acquired from Lincoln, Neb. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Compressing DNA sequence databases with coil May 20, 2008
Publicly available DNA sequence databases such as GenBank are large, and are growing at an exponential rate ... While much research has been done on compressing individual DNA sequences, surprisingly little has focused on the compression of entire databases of such sequences ... We have designed and implemented a portable software package, COIL, for compressing and decompressing DNA sequence databases based on the idea of edit-tree coding. (BioMed Central)
Biochips Can Detect Cancers Before Symptoms May 14, 2008
Each of these drops contains a unique protein, antibody or nucleic acid that will attach to a particular DNA sequence or antigen. A tumor, even in its earliest asymptomatic phases, can slough off proteins that find their way into a patient's circulatory system. (Science Daily)
Scientists discover small RNAs that regulate gene expression and protect the genome May 14, 2008
RNA is best known as a working copy of the DNA sequence of genes ... RNA molecules consist of sequences of chemical units, or bases, that are copies of the DNA sequence. (EurekAlert!)
Gene Linked To Alcohol And Cocaine Dependence May 13, 2008
A new study has found that nine of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) -- DNA sequence variations -- in the 3' region of the tachykinin receptor 3 gene (TACR3), located within chromosome 4q, have a significant association with AD, particularly those with more severe AD, and co-existing cocaine dependence. See also. (Science Daily)
Epigenetics and suicide May 8, 2008
The differences were epigenetic, meaning that rather than finding changes in the DNA sequence, there were differences in the frequency with which a chemical group, called a methyl group, is attached to certain regions of the DNA. This chemical modification can reduce expression of genes: in this case they looked at epigenetic changes to a gene that is critical for production of proteins and found that not only were there more methyl groups, but those methyl groups correlated with reduced gene... (Nature News Service)
Unraveling the Link Between Genes and Environment May 7, 2008
MONDAY, May 5 (HealthDay News) -- New studies in the field of epigenetics -- which looks at how environmental factors can change gene function without altering DNA sequence -- are identifying new molecular targets that may lead to improved drug treatment of depression, scientists report. Epigenetics plays a major role in depression and the actions of antidepressants. (MEDLINEplus)
Half of people carry 'fat gene' May 6, 2008
The DNA sequence - carried by 50 per cent of the UK population - is a third more common among people of Indian Asian ancestry than among Europeans, say researchers. They hope the findings will lead to better ways of curbing rising obesity rates, such as screening programmes to identify those most at risk. (Telegraph.co.uk)
The tachykinin receptor 3 gene has been linked to alcohol and cocaine dependence May 6, 2008
Researchers have found that seven of the nine single nucleotide polymorphisms DNA sequence variations in the 3 region of TACR3 have a significant association with AD as well as cocaine dependence ... A new study has found that nine of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) DNA sequence variations in the 3 region of the tachykinin receptor 3 gene (TACR3), located within chromosome 4q, have a significant association with AD, particularly those with more severe AD, and co-existing... (EurekAlert!)
Genetic Breakthrough Explains Dangerously High Blood Glucose Levels May 4, 2008
ScienceDaily (May 3, 2008) Canadian, French and British researchers have identified a DNA sequence that controls the variability of blood glucose levels in people. This is a potentially significant discovery because high blood glucose levels in otherwise healthy people often are indications of heart disease and higher mortality rates. (Science Daily)
Microbes in natural Illinois wetlands help protect water quality, environment May 3, 2008
Each group of microbes has a slightly different DNA sequence for this gene, and we were able to use these differences to determine the make-up of the microbial populations in those wetland samples. When we compared the activity in the natural wetlands to the constructed wetlands, we found that the differences seen in the denitrification rates were correlated to the pattern seen in the microbial community composition. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
New Technologies Offer More Accurate Means Of Diagnosis And Monitoring Cancer Apr 21, 2008
Using a laboratory technique called methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, which enables the production of millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence in a short period of time, the researchers analyzed promoter methylation (a DNA modification that shuts down gene expression) of the tumor suppressor genes p16 and FHIT in 1,774 samples of oral and bronchial tissue taken from the study participants. They found that methylation patterns observed in the oral tissues correlated with those... (Science Daily)
Many African-Americans have a gene that prolongs life after heart failure Apr 21, 2008
The researchers meticulously searched the DNA sequence of these genes in 96 people of European-American, African-American or Chinese descent to look for differences. They found most people, no matter their race, had exactly the same DNA sequence in GRK2 or GRK5 ... But there was one common variation in the DNA sequence, a variation called GRK5-Leu41, the variant that more than 40 percent of African-Americans have. (EurekAlert!)
Researchers chart how new flu strains travel Apr 17, 2008
They also determined the DNA sequence of the hemagglutinin gene for about 10% of the viruses. The team found that once the viruses leave Asia, they don't change much and rarely return. (Los Angeles Times)
Molecule Disrupts DNA Sequence in Ewing's Sarcoma Apr 14, 2008
Finding could yield first targeted therapy for the rare disease, researchers say. (SOURCE: Georgetown University Medical Center, news release, April 13, 2008). (Health-Finder)
'Connecting The Dots' In Path That Leads To Fat Apr 12, 2008
However, they weren't able to show that it binds the DNA sequence that promotes C/EBP. activity directly, suggesting that it doesn't "flip the switch" on its own. (Science Daily)
Harvard researchers publish MRI images of genes in action in the living brain Mar 31, 2008
In this report, Harvard researchers describe how they link a relatively common MRI probe (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles) to a short DNA sequence that binds to proteins in cells responsible for brain tissue repair (glia and astrocytes). Then, researchers used the eye drops on mice with conditions that cause leaks in the blood-brain barrier. (EurekAlert!)
Gene hunters uncover networks behind disease Mar 17, 2008
The researchers then searched the genome for additional DNA sequence variations associated with some of these changes in gene expression. This approach is conceptually similar to a traditional genetic association study, but starting with information about altered gene expression gives the researchers a hint about how these variants could be acting to affect obesity. (Nature News Service)
Mystery of the polar bear whose remains were found in Scotland Mar 8, 2008
Now Ceiridwen Edwards, an ancient-bear specialist at Trinity College Dublin, is hoping to get permission to take small samples of bone from the skull to analyse the animal's DNA sequence, as well as taking further measurements to investigate its diet ... "There is a theory that brown bears and polar bears were hybridising and this could show up in the DNA sequence. I'm quite interested to see where this polar bear fits in to the overall genetic diversity of bears," she said. (Independent)
Secrets Of Cooperation Between Trees And Fungi Revealed Mar 7, 2008
Rubin indicates that by using DNA sequence to survey the forest ecosystem, from the plants to symbiotic and pathogenic fungi, researchers can ultimately optimize the conditions under which a biomass plantation would thrive. "We now have the opportunity to gain fundamental insights into plant development and growth as related to their intimate interaction which symbiotic fungi. These insights will lead to bolstered biomass productivity and improved forests.". (Science Daily)
Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features high-throughput methods for analyzing gene activity Mar 4, 2008
Our knowledge of epigenetics, the changes in gene regulation through modulation of chromatin not brought about by changes in the DNA sequence, has rapidly expanded in recent years ... The method, "DNA Immunoprecipitation (DIP) for the Determination of DNA-binding Specificity," allows researchers to determine the specific DNA sequence that a regulatory protein binds. (EurekAlert!)
Batteries made of viruses Feb 18, 2008
Once she finds the right amino acid sequences, its relatively easy to work back to the DNA sequence that would encode then. Shove that DNA sequence into a virus, and voila, youve made a virus that can bind to a semiconductor. (Nature News Service)
Structure Of Important Neurotransmitter Regulator Determined Feb 7, 2008
Part of the challenge was solved when the DNA sequence of KAT II was determined, but knowing the code is not enough. How proteins pass their critical messages also depends upon their shape. (Science Daily)
Scientist brings artificial life one step closer Jan 25, 2008
The resulting DNA sequence has about 582,000 base pairs of genetic code in 485 genes. Dr Venter said it was the largest artificial sequence ever made, 20 times longer than any previous attempt. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Detailed gene map 'within grasp' Jan 23, 2008
"The dream of people working in the field would be to have a picture of all the places in our DNA sequence where there are differences between people, and how these fit together when they are inherited," Dr Richard Durbin of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, who is co-chair of the consortium, told BBC News. "We can do 100 times as much sequence today as before for the same amount of money," he explained. (BBC News -- Health)
Genetic Diversity Of European Americans And Disease Gene Mapping Jan 20, 2008
Based on their discovery that ancestry from only three populations accounts for most of the potentially problematic substructure in European American disease association studies, the researchers scoured through published data sets to identify places in the genome where common DNA sequence variants differ substantially in frequency among these three ancestral populations and are therefore potentially informative for estimating genetic ancestry. The investigators then confirmed the utility of... (Science Daily)
New Virus Linked To Skin Cancer Jan 18, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008. New virus linked to rare but lethal skin cancer Posted: 18 January 2008 1225 hrs. (Channelnewsasia.com)
Scientists discover bad cholesterol genes Jan 13, 2008
A team of researchers from The Barts and The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry carried out a detailed study of the entire human DNA sequence to pinpoint which genes might be involved and the team found a new region on chromosome 1 that appeared to influence LDL cholesterol. This DNA was associated with a 6 percent increase in blood LDL levels, according to the researchers. (Xinhuanet, China)
Bad cholesterol genes discovered Jan 12, 2008
The Barts and The London, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry team carried out a detailed study of the entire human DNA sequence to pinpoint which genes might be involved. They found a new region on chromosome 1 that appeared to influence LDL cholesterol. (BBC News -- Health)
High cholestrol linked to genes Jan 12, 2008
The researchers showed that people with the common DNA sequence were likely to have higher levels of the so-called bad cholesterol responsible for increased risk of heart disease, Patricia Munroe, who led the study, said on Thursday. "People knew this genetic marker was associated with a higher risk of heart disease, and the new findings show why - it is associated with high cholesterol," said Munroe, a geneticist at the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Three studies suggest gene raises autism risk Jan 11, 2008
"This convergence of rare and common variants in autism is unusual but reinforces the growing consensus among genetics researchers that both types of changes in DNA sequence are going to be important contributors," State said in an e-mail. Autism includes a range of disorders, from the mild Asperger's syndrome to profound mental retardation and lack of ability to socialize. (Reuters)
Link Uncovered Between Variation In Humans With Extreme Body Mass And Abnormal Splicing Dec 30, 2007
23, 2002) A surprising amount of the DNA sequence in the genes of humans and other higher organisms ends up on the cutting-room floor, so to speak, spliced out by the cellular machinery that turns genetic code. . (Science Daily)
Scripps scientists develop new tests that identify lethal prion strains quickly and accurately Dec 5, 2007
This suggests that the capacity of a cell line to replicate a particular prion strain is controlled epigenetically without any changes to the DNA sequence, she said. Another fascinating question raised by the study is how cells come to distinguish between prion strains; that is, between the various proteins that differ only in the way they are folded. (EurekAlert!)
Smoking Before, After Pregnancy Harms Daughters' Fertility Nov 22, 2007
Jurisicova described the process: "Toxic compounds were injected under the skin of mice and were picked up by the bloodstream and carried throughout the body until they reached the ovaries. Once at the ovaries, they passed through the cell membrane and bound to the receptor. When this happens, it activates the receptor, which then enters the cell nucleus. The receptor then finds a specific DNA sequence that turns on the gene, which accumulates and eventually kills the eggs.". "This study now is... (Health-Finder)
Wis. Marine who vanished in Vietnam is buried 40 years later Nov 20, 2007
Air Force Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Feeney, a spokeswoman for the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, said investigators initially failed to recover a DNA sequence from bone samples to prove it was Fischer. Technology improved over time and they succeeded in obtaining a sequence earlier this year, she said. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Research suggests importance of gene in diabetes Nov 9, 2007
McDuffie explained this process involved "replacing a critical part of the gene's DNA sequence, so the body can never make a protein out of that gene.". The 12/15 gene, according to McDuffie, normally causes mice to produce an enzyme that seems to play a substantial role in activating the body's autoimmune attack. (The Cavalier Daily, VA)
Biomedical agency puts epigenetics on the map Nov 8, 2007
The agency already spends about $240 million per year on epigenetics, the study of stable, inherited genetic modifications that affect gene expression and function without altering the DNA sequence. Several projects will be funded in the push. (Nature News Service)
'Mythical' Creature Is Coyote, Not Chupacabra Nov 5, 2007
"The DNA sequence is a virtually identical match to DNA from the coyote (Canis latrans)," bioligist Mike Forstner said in a written statement. "This is probably the answer a lot of folks thought might be the outcome. I, myself, really thought it was a domestic dog, but the Cuero Chupacabra is a Texas Coyote.". (CBS 4, CO)
Researchers say mythical, bloodsucking `chupacabra' in Texas is just a plain old coyote Nov 3, 2007
The DNA sequence is a virtually identical match to DNA from the coyote,'' biologist Mike Forstner said in a statement. This is probably the answer a lot of folks thought might be the outcome. (Rensselaer Republican, IN)
Merck licenses rights to new hepatitis B vaccine Nov 2, 2007
Heplisav consists of a portion of the hepatitis B virus linked to a short DNA sequence aimed at bolstering immune response. The DNA sequence does that by stimulating a toll-like receptor, one of a family of sentries that activate the immune system's early response to infection. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Mythical beast in Texas is just a coyote Nov 2, 2007
"The DNA sequence is a virtually identical match to DNA from the coyote," biologist Mike Forstner said in a written statement ... "The DNA sequence is a virtually identical match to DNA from the coyote," biologist Mike Forstner said in a statement. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Treatment For Alcoholism Could Be Selected Based On Genetics Oct 26, 2007
Previous research had found a significant association between risk for alcoholism and DNA sequence variations called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the GABRA2 gene. New findings indicate that the GABRA2 genotype can modify overall drinking behavior, and may also have an impact on the success of certain types of alcohol psychotherapy. (Science Daily)
Benefits Of 80 Million Years Without Sex Oct 13, 2007
Dr. Alan Tunnacliffe commented on the findings: "We've known for a few years that gene copies that would have the same DNA sequence in sexual creatures can be quite different from each other in asexuals. But this is the first time we've been able to show that these gene copies in asexuals can have different functions. "It's particularly exciting that we've found different, but complementary, functions in genes which help bdelloid rotifers survive desiccation. Evolution of gene function in this... (Science Daily)
SA maps out deadly TB genome Oct 13, 2007
He said the technology imported from the US was able to generate 100 million base pairs of DNA sequence per experiment, meaning massive amounts of information are generated in a very short period of time. The strain of TB was fully sequenced more than 20 times, so that mutations could be distinguished from sequencing errors. (iAfrica.com)
Carriers Of 'Plaque' Gene At Greater Risk Oct 9, 2007
Molecular biologist Chao Qiang Lai (left) and geneticist Jose Ordovas use a DNA sequence system to identify which individuals carry a specific mutation associated with high triglycerides or obesity. (Credit: Stephen Ausmus). (Science Daily)
Synthetic chromosome developed Oct 7, 2007
The DNA sequence is based on the bacterium Mycoplasma genitalium which the team pared down to the bare essentials needed to support life. The chromosome has been watermarked with inks for easy recognition. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Plan for breast cancer blood test Oct 6, 2007
The ambitious project will centre on the new field of epigenetics, modifications to genes that do not change the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes are thought to be one mechanism for cancers to form, and certain epigenetic "signatures" have already been found in some types of prostate and cervical cancerous cells. (The Age)
Genetic differences in clover make one type toxic Oct 2, 2007
We are documenting the effect of natural selection at the DNA sequence level to understand the molecular evolution of this polymorphism, said Olsen ... But with clover we have a system where we can look in detail at DNA sequence variation and at the same time have a thorough understanding of the plants ecology. (EurekAlert!)
Researchers map genome of wine grape Sep 28, 2007
According to a team of French and Italian researchers that has mapped the genome of the Pinot Noir grape, the variety has a DNA sequence of nearly a half billion letters. The scientists say their research could lead to new pest-resistant varieties of the grape, or even give the Pinot Noir a different flavor. (Herald Online, SC -- Health)
Sangamo BioSciences to Present at the ThinkEquity Partners Growth ... Sep 11, 2007
By engineering ZFPs that recognize a specific DNA sequence Sangamo has created ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TF(TM)) that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function. Sangamo is also developing sequence-specific ZFP Nucleases (ZFN(TM)) for gene modification. (CNNMoney.com)
Genetic Risk Factor For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus Identified Sep 7, 2007
Among the variants were several disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) small differences in DNA sequence that represent the most common genetic variations between individuals in a large segment of the STAT4 gene. The STAT4 gene encodes a protein that plays an important role in the regulation and activation of certain cells of the immune system. (Science Daily)
Genome maps to the stars Sep 6, 2007
With U.S. biologist Craig Venter becoming the first person to have his complete DNA sequence decoded and published Monday, the shortlist of celebrities and business elites asking to have their genomes mapped is about to get longer ... U.S. biologist Craig Venter is the first person to have his complete DNA sequence decoded ... One major hurdle remains for the prospect of a personal genome industry: Researchers don't yet understand the complex DNA sequence of a single human. (Globe and Mail)
This human's life, decoded Sep 4, 2007
The full human DNA sequence of one healthy middle-aged man is a boggling array of genetic quirks, burps and hiccups: There are seven billion more humans to go ... Scientists have for the first time decoded the complete DNA sequence of a single human being, a mammoth feat that shatters old beliefs about the "book of life" and marks a historic step toward the era when medical care can be tailored to an individual's genes ... With the boggling array of genetic quirks, burps and hiccups found in the... (Globe and Mail)
Selfish cells take over testes Aug 29, 2007
It has been a puzzling mystery to scientists why one particular mutation that causes Apert syndrome a tiny change in the DNA sequence of a gene involved in bone development is seen in sperm 100-1,000 times more frequently than would be expected if it were the result of random mutation. Geneticists have offered two different explanations for why this unusually common error, called C755G, crops up so often: either the C755G site is unusually prone to errors when DNA is copied (the 'mutation... (Nature News Service)
Scientists Find Clue To Mechanisms Of Gene Signaling And Regulation Aug 24, 2007
Scientists have discovered a pattern in the DNA sequence of the mouse genome that may play a fundamental part in the way DNA molecules regulate gene expression ... Ever since scientists cracked the basic code of chemical bases that comprise the genome of humans and animals, scientists have been uncovering layers of other chemical modifications of gene functioning that can be inherited along with the DNA sequence. (Science Daily)
Adaptation To Parasites Drive African Fishes Along Different Evolutionary Paths Aug 17, 2007
Analysis of MHC genes between P. emmiltos and P. fainzilberi revealed that the two species were genetically more different at these sites involved in contacting and presenting molecules to immune cells than at other sites of the gene's DNA sequence that do not play functional roles. These results show that natural selection has driven the evolution of these genes in different direction between the two species. (Science Daily)
Plants From Ancient Gondwanaland Spread By Continental Drift And Transoceanic Dispersal Aug 13, 2007
Using DNA sequence data, botanists have shown that the large southern hemisphere plant family Proteaceae lived on the super-continent Gondwanaland almost 120 million years ago ... Barker et al. apply a technique known as molecular dating to DNA sequences from over 40 representatives of the family from all southern continents ... Using carefully selected fossils that are of known age and affinity, the mutation rate of the DNA sequences was calculated, allowing these scientists to provide age... (Science Daily)
African skulls find throws story of human evolution into disarray Aug 10, 2007
In fact these "new", and probably non-protein producing, genes are excellent examples of evolution which can be defined as the change in the frequency of a certain allele (the DNA sequence that makes up a gene) in a population over a given period of time-though some, like Ernst Mayr, disputed this admittedly "minimalist" description. Infidel, Dar ul harb / 6:04pm 9 Aug 2007. (Scotsman)
Biologists at Tufts University discover 1 reason why chromosomes break, often leading to cancer Aug 4, 2007
The Tufts researchers have found a highly flexible DNA sequence that increases fragility and stalls replication, which then causes the chromosome to break. Catherine Freudenreich, associate professor of biology at the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University, and doctoral student Haihua Zhang focused on one particular human common fragile site an area that is a normal part of chromosome structure but is prone to breaking. (EurekAlert!)
Research teams uncover risk genes for multiple sclerosis Jul 31, 2007
This study analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are small differences in the DNA sequence that represent the most common genetic variations between individuals ... The next step is to begin to collect larger numbers of samples and examine more DNA sequences, which will allow scientists to identify subtler variations that contribute to the disease. (EurekAlert!)
