Study: Genetic variant plays role in cleft lip
2008-10-07 11:15:44
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- An international team of researchers have found a genetic variation that is likely to contribute to one in five cases of isolated cleft lip, according to the latest issue of Nature Genetics.
It is the first time a genetic variant has been associated with cleft lip alone, rather than both cleft lip and palate. The findings were published in the journal Nature Genetics on Oct. 5.
In 2004, an international team identified the gene IRF6 as a contributor to about 12 percent of cases of the common form of cleft lip and palate. "Now we found that a common variant in the IRF6 gene severely disrupts the ability of AP2 (protein) to bind to it. This in turn disrupts proper expression of the IRF6 gene," said Fedik Rahimov, the lead author from University of Iowa, in the Midwest of the United States.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/07/content_10158977.htm
Published: Monday, October 6, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, October 6, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.
Florida to study role of environment, genetics in children
National and state organizations will follow 100,000 children across the country from birth to age 21 in an effort to study the role of environment and genetics in the health of children.
The study is made possible by a $54 million grant from the National Institute of Health. The study, which will be conducted by various institutions including the University of Central Florida in Orlando, will examine certain diseases in children, such as asthma, diabetes, obesity and autism. The ultimate goal is that findings will help develop better treatments, find prevention and, eventually, a cure for prevalent childhood diseases.
http://www.ocala.com/article/20081006/UNKNOWN/810060354/1357/OBIZ?Title=_No_heading_
deCODE genetics files IND application for cognition drug
Mon. October 06, 2008; Posted: 11:51 AM
Oct 06, 2008 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- DCGN Quote Chart News PowerRating -- deCODE genetics has submitted an investigational new drug application to the FDA for DG071, the company's novel small-molecule modulator of phosphodiesterase 4.
The compound is being developed as a new and potentially safer means of targeting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) to combat memory loss and cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease and other disorders in which neural signaling is reduced or impaired, the company said.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1923746/
deCODE files new Alzheimer's drug
Monday 6th October 2008
Gene research firm deCODE genetics has filed a new Alzheimer's disease drug application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).The company's investigational new drug application for DG071, a novel small-molecule modulator of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), is being developed as a new and potentially safer means of targeting PDE4 to combat memory loss and cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's.
http://www.pharmacyeurope.net/default.asp?title=deCODEfilesnewAlzheimer
Inflammatory bowel gene uncovered
Genetic variations which predispose people to a common inflammatory bowel condition have been uncovered by a team of German and UK researchers.
It was known that ulcerative colitis, which affects around 100,000 people in the UK, runs in families.
Now researchers have linked the condition with the gene that encodes for interleukin 10 (IL10) - a compound which regulates inflammation.
IL10 therapy has been tested in early studies, Nature Genetics reported.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7650530.stm
Breast cancer family history topic of monthly genetic series
HOUSTON -- (October 3, 2008) -- The effect of family history on breast cancer risk will be the topic of discussion in a public forum on Oct. 14 at The Health Museum of Houston.
The forum will feature Dr. Sharon Plon, director of the Baylor Adult Cancer Genetics Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine and Dr. Powel Brown, director of cancer prevention at the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at BCM.
Sponsored by BCM and Texas Children's Hospital, the event is part of a monthly "Evening with Genetics" lecture series organized by BCM's Department of Molecular and Human Genetics. The series offers current information regarding care, education and research about genetic disorders.
http://www.bcm.edu/news/item.cfm?newsID=1233
The genetics of smell
your nose vs. mine; No wonder one person will detect peppercorns and another won't
BILL ZACHARKIW, Freelance
Published: Saturday, October 04
I have been laid up for the better part of the week with a pretty decent cold. While this has put a damper on my capacity to taste wine, it has been a welcome break considering I have tasted close to 700 wines over the last two weeks. It has also allowed me to catch up on some reading.
http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/story.html?id=5e48824b-ee93-4897-95a9-49e2f6c47510
Genetics: The New Nursing Frontier
Clemson Offers First National Conference in Health Care Genetics
Clemson University School of Nursing and the Greenwood Genetic Center will hold the first national conference in health care genetics on October 23 and 24, 2008. Speakers include Jean F. Jenkins, PhD, RN, senior clinical advisor to the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute.
For more information visit: Clemson University School of Nursing Web site
By Debra Wood, RN, contributor
Scientists are continuing to find genetic connections to common illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma. Some treatments already vary depending on a patient’s genetic makeup and research is now underway to further tailor care according to genetic profiles.
“Genetics and genomics, eventually, will streamline care and the options we offer patients, and hopefully, offer more benefit,” said Jean F. Jenkins PhD, RN, FAAN, senior clinical advisor to the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.
http://www.nursezone.com/Nursing-News-Events/more-news.aspx?ID=18401
Healthy Living: New study suggests asthma may be linked to genetics
Oct 2, 2008 02:00 AM EDT
Wednesday, October 1, 2008Reported by: Shari Small
About 20 million Americans have asthma, of which nine million are children. New evidence finds it can be a family affair.
"It feels like something is squeezing your lungs," said Breanna Coleman, describing her asthma.
13-year-old Breanna and 9-year-old Janee have battled asthma since they were babies. Their mother believes it came from her side of the family.
"I had it from my father, and mine being so bad, I figured the gene was strong and that, you know, they probably have it too," said mother Shavon Coleman.
http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?S=9110309
Scientists study potato genetics
Scottish scientists are aiming to unlock the genetic secrets of the potato.
The Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI), near Dundee, hopes to map chromosome four of the root vegetable.
The scientists would then know where genes responsible for colour, shape, and disease resistance are positioned.
The new research is part of a number of projects looking at how to produce improved varieties of potato, barley and wheat.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/tayside_and_central/7646997.stm
