Archive for the ‘Gene Therapy Research’ Category

Chad A. Hamilton, MD: Biology and Genetics of Uterine Cancer

By: Globe-athon

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Chad A. Hamilton, MD: Biology and Genetics of Uterine Cancer - Video

Let #39;s Play The Sims 3 Male Sim Perfect Genetics Challenge Episode 5

By: Lewis O #39;Brien

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Let's Play The Sims 3 Male Sim Perfect Genetics Challenge Episode 5 - Video

Let #39;s Play The Sims 3 Male Sim Perfect Genetics Challenge Episode 6

By: Lewis O #39;Brien

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Let's Play The Sims 3 Male Sim Perfect Genetics Challenge Episode 6 - Video

Blackdog LED 750W / California Lightworks 800W Showdown - Germination - TGA Genetics / Rare Dankness
Germination has started for the next grow. Got some awesome strains to pick from.

By: oneshotgrow

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Blackdog LED 750W / California Lightworks 800W Showdown - Germination - TGA Genetics / Rare Dankness - Video

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - Aug 20, 2013) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), the Breast Health Company, today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed paper titled "A phase I safety and efficacy study of the mammary aspirate specimen cytology test device for collection of specimens for exfoliative cytopathology of the breast ducts." The article was published in Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2013, 4, 846-852 ABB doi:10.4236/abb.2013.48112 Published Online August 2013 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/abb/).

The single-center study, conducted by Dr. Stephen Vitkun, MD, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY, included 34 healthy, non-pregnant, female subjects, involved an evaluation of Atossa's patented Class II medical biopsy device, the Mammary Aspirate Specimen Cytology Test (MASCT) System, in a clinical setting for use in the collection of mammary aspirate specimens for laboratory exfoliative cytological testing. The objective of this study was to determine if the MASCT System is safe and effective.

The results demonstrate good patient and physician acceptance of the mammary aspiration technique and showed that based on this clinical study, the Mammary Aspirate Specimen Cytology Test is safe and effective for use in the collection of mammary aspirate specimens for laboratory cytopathological testing. The amount of time a physician or nurse would spend on the procedure was confirmed as approximately 15 minutes. There were no adverse events reported by the subjects and no safety observations of any kind. The collection process was not reported to be painful by any subject.

The cytopathology results showed that specimens were collected from 100 percent of subjects who participated in the study and that the specimens made available for cytopathologic examination were adequate for examination by the pathologist for classification.

Dr. Steven C. Quay, Chairman, CEO and President of Atossa Genetics, stated, "This clinical study demonstrates that the Mammary Aspirate Specimen Cytology Test is safe and effective for use in the collection of mammary aspirate specimens for laboratory cytological testing. We believe that all women, particularly women ages 18 to 50, including those with a family history of breast cancer, those with BRCA mutations and those with dense breasts, should use the MASCT System and should be tested as to their risk of breast cancer using the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, which is provided by The National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health, Atossa's wholly-owned subsidiary."

About the MASCT SystemThe MASCT System is a patented, FDA designated Class II medical device for the collection of nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) for cytological evaluation. The collected fluid can be used in the determination and/or differentiation of normal versus pre-malignant versus malignant cells.

The MASCT System is a simple, safe and effective method for NAF collection. The MASCT System uses a hydrophilic ("water seeking") membrane in contact with the nipple to "wick" fluid from the orifice of the ducts by capillary action during the cycles of negative pressure, thereby increasing the frequency of obtaining NAF in women. The MASCT has been awarded 14 U.S. and international patents for aspects of this design.

NAF analysis performed at the National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health assesses a patient's breast health and can detect early cellular changes in the ducts. Regular assessment and tracking of cellular changes in the milk ducts, where most breast cancers begin, enables clinicians and patients to take control of breast health.

The MASCT System provides important benefits to both clinicians and patients.

About the ForeCYTE Breast Health Test

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Atossa Genetics Announces Publication of Mammary Aspirate Specimen Cytology Test (MASCT) System Clinical Trial Results

Even without gene patents, companies are monopolizing genetic data.

In June the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that patents on genes were invalid. Yet corporate intellectual-property claims can still harm patients.

The court struck down patents held by Myriad Genetics on two human genes linked to breast and ovarian cancers, BRCA1 and BRCA2. The decision ended the companys U.S. monopoly on testing those two genes for cancer-related mutations. But Myriad is now using a different tactic that restricts patient choice around genetic testing. The company has constructed a database of the genetic variants found in people who took its BRCA test. That unparalleled record of the natural variation in these important genescollected from patientsis claimed to be Myriads own intellectual property.

Doctors cant assess the significance of gene variants they find in their patients without free exchange of the kind of information held in Myriads database. It is as if patients radiological images were all examined by a single company that didnt give the medical community a chance to learn from them.

Myriads database prevents patients from easily getting second opinions when they receive diagnoses based on BRCA tests. Patients need to be able to seek confirmation that the gene variant they have really does mean what the testing laboratory says it means. That cant happen if Myriad is the only one with the data.

Late last year, I launched a grass-roots effort bringing doctors and patients together to free valuable data from BRCA1 and BRCA2 test reports. Colleagues of mine who see patients at cancer clinics now place copies of these reportswith identifying details removedin an existing public database called ClinVar, which is run by the National Institutes of Health. This project, called Sharing Clinical Reports, has now made more than 6,000 reports accessible. Efforts to enlist coperation from clinics around the country should free up tens of thousands more reports soon.

The medical community has condemned private databases that limit the dissemination of medical knowledge. The American Medical Association adopted a resolution in 2009 stating: "The use of patents, trade secrets, confidentiality agreements, or other means to limit the availability of medical procedures places significant limitation on the dissemination of medical knowledge, and is therefore unethical." A newer resolution, in June, calls for the release of all information generated by testing for genetic variants, with appropriate privacy protections. Were still far from seeing that come to pass. The medical community must prevent intellectual-property claims from being used to monopolize such vital data.

Robert Nussbaum is chief of the Division of Genomic Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, and worked on the legal challenge to Myriads gene patents.

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Corporate Genetics

Gene therapy PRASAD NAIDU
SUPER.

By: Prasad Naidu

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Gene therapy PRASAD NAIDU - Video

Aug. 20, 2013 The concept behind gene therapy is simple: deliver a healthy gene to compensate for one that is mutated. New research published today in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests this approach may eventually be a feasible option to treat Rett Syndrome, the most disabling of the autism spectrum disorders. Gail Mandel, Ph.D., a Howard Hughes Investigator at Oregon Health and Sciences University, led the study. The Rett Syndrome Research Trust, with generous support from the Rett Syndrome Research Trust UK and Rett Syndrome Research & Treatment Foundation, funded this work through the MECP2 Consortium.

In 2007, co-author Adrian Bird, Ph.D., at the University of Edinburgh astonished the scientific community with proof-of-concept that Rett is curable, by reversing symptoms in adult mice. His unexpected results catalyzed labs around the world to pursue a multitude of strategies to extend the pre-clinical findings to people.

Today's study is the first to show reversal of symptoms in fully symptomatic mice using techniques of gene therapy that have potential for clinical application.

Rett Syndrome is an X-linked neurological disorder primarily affecting girls; in the US, about 1 in 10,000 children a year are born with Rett. In most cases symptoms begin to manifest between 6 and 18 months of age, as developmental milestones are missed or lost. The regression that follows is characterized by loss of speech, mobility, and functional hand use, which is often replaced by Rett's signature gesture: hand-wringing, sometimes so intense that it is a constant during every waking hour. Other symptoms include seizures, tremors, orthopedic and digestive problems, disordered breathing and other autonomic impairments, sensory issues and anxiety. Most children live into adulthood and require round-the-clock care.

The cause of Rett Syndrome's terrible constellation of symptoms lies in mutations of an X-linked gene called MECP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein). MECP2 is a master gene that regulates the activity of many other genes, switching them on or off.

"Gene therapy is well suited for this disorder," Dr. Mandel explains. "Because MECP2 binds to DNA throughout the genome, there is no single gene currently that we can point to and target with a drug. Therefore the best chance of having a major impact on the disorder is to correct the underlying defect in as many cells throughout the body as possible. Gene therapy allows us to do that."

Healthy genes can be delivered into cells aboard a virus, which acts as a Trojan horse. Many different types of these Trojan horses exist. Dr. Mandel used adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9), which has the unusual and attractive ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This allows the virus and its cargo to be administered intravenously, instead of employing more invasive direct brain delivery systems that require drilling burr holes into the skull.

Because the virus has limited cargo space, it cannot carry the entire MECP2 gene. Co-author Brian Kaspar of Nationwide Children's Hospital collaborated with the Mandel lab to package only the gene's most critical segments. After being injected into the Rett mice, the virus made its way to cells throughout the body and brain, distributing the modified gene, which then started to produce the MeCP2 protein.

As in human females with Rett Syndrome, only approximately 50% of the mouse cells have a healthy copy of MECP2. After the gene therapy treatment 65% of cells now had a functioning MECP2 gene.

The treated mice showed profound improvements in motor function, tremors, seizures and hind limb clasping. At the cellular level the smaller body size of neurons seen in mutant cells was restored to normal. Biochemical experiments proved that the gene had found its way into the nuclei of cells and was functioning as expected, binding to DNA.

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First pre-clinical gene therapy study to reverse Rett symptoms

Washington, August 21 (ANI): Researchers have suggested that gene therapy may be one of the options to treat Rett Syndrome, the most disabling of the autism spectrum disorders.

Gail Mandel, Ph.D., a Howard Hughes Investigator at Oregon Health and Sciences University, led study is the first to show reversal of symptoms in fully symptomatic mice using techniques of gene therapy that have potential for clinical application.

Rett Syndrome is an X-linked neurological disorder primarily affecting girls; in the US, about 1 in 10,000 children a year are born with Rett.

In most cases symptoms begin to manifest between 6 and 18 months of age, as developmental milestones are missed or lost. The regression that follows is characterized by loss of speech, mobility, and functional hand use, which is often replaced by Rett's signature gesture: hand-wringing, sometimes so intense that it is a constant during every waking hour.

Other symptoms include seizures, tremors, orthopedic and digestive problems, disordered breathing and other autonomic impairments, sensory issues and anxiety. Most children live into adulthood and require round-the-clock care.

The cause of Rett Syndrome's terrible constellation of symptoms lies in mutations of an X-linked gene called MECP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein). MECP2 is a master gene that regulates the activity of many other genes, switching them on or off.

Mandel said that gene therapy is well suited for this disorder, as MECP2 binds to DNA throughout the genome, there is no single gene currently that we can point to and target with a drug.

She said that therefore the best chance of having a major impact on the disorder is to correct the underlying defect in as many cells throughout the body as possible and gene therapy allows them to do that.

Healthy genes can be delivered into cells aboard a virus, which acts as a Trojan horse. Many different types of these Trojan horses exist.

Mandel used adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9), which has the unusual and attractive ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This allows the virus and its cargo to be administered intravenously, instead of employing more invasive direct brain delivery systems that require drilling burr holes into the skull.

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Gene therapy may help make most debilitating form of autism history

ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BioTime, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTX), a biotechnology company that develops and markets products in the field of regenerative medicine, announced that Chief Executive Officer Michael D. West, PhD will give the keynote address at the MSC 2013 Adult Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine conference on Monday, August 19, 2013, at 12:15 p.m. EDT in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. West will discuss the potential use of embryonic mesenchymal progenitor cells, generated using BioTimes PureStemtechnology, in regenerative medicine and will contrast the properties of those cells with adult-derived mesenchymal stem cells. He will also discuss how those cells can be utilized in the search for genes potentially useful in induced tissue regeneration (iTR). The presentation will be available on BioTimes website at http://www.biotimeinc.com/scientific-presentations.

MSC 2013 Adult Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine, August 19-21, 2013, is being held at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center and is presented by Case Western Reserve University and the National Center for Regenerative Medicine.

About BioTime, Inc

BioTime is a biotechnology company engaged in research and product development in the field of regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine refers to therapies based on stem cell technology that are designed to rebuild cell and tissue function lost due to degenerative disease or injury. BioTimes focus is on pluripotent stem cell technology based on human embryonic stem (hES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. hES and iPS cells provide a means of manufacturing every cell type in the human body and therefore show considerable promise for the development of a number of new therapeutic products. BioTimes therapeutic and research products include a wide array of proprietary PureStem progenitors, HyStem hydrogels, culture media, and differentiation kits. BioTime is developing Renevia (a HyStem product) as a biocompatible, implantable hyaluronan and collagen-based matrix for cell delivery in human clinical applications. In addition, BioTime has developed Hextend, a blood plasma volume expander for use in surgery, emergency trauma treatment and other applications. Hextend is manufactured and distributed in the U.S. by Hospira, Inc. and in South Korea by CJ CheilJedang Corporation under exclusive licensing agreements.

BioTime is also developing stem cell and other products for research, therapeutic, and diagnostic use through its subsidiaries:

Additional information about BioTime can be found on the web at http://www.biotimeinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development, and potential opportunities for BioTime and its subsidiaries, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to statements that contain words such as will, believes, plans, anticipates, expects, estimates) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements and as such should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect the business of BioTime and its subsidiaries, particularly those mentioned in the cautionary statements found in BioTime's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. BioTime disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

To receive ongoing BioTime corporate communications, please click on the following link to join our email alert list: http://news.biotimeinc.com.

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BioTime CEO Dr. Michael West to Give Keynote Address at the MSC 2013 Adult Stem Cell Therapy & Regenerative Medicine ...

Featured Article Academic Journal Main Category: Genetics Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;Blood / Hematology Article Date: 19 Aug 2013 - 8:00 PDT

Current ratings for: Multiple myeloma: link to gene involved in aging

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Researchers say that a gene responsible for helping to control the aging process by regulating a "cell's internal clock" may be linked to a type of blood cancer.

Scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research in the UK found a genetic variant called TERC among four new variants that they linked to multiple myeloma - a form of cancer that affects immune cells produced in the bone marrow for circulation in the blood. Their findings are published in the journal Nature Genetics.

The researchers say that this latest discovery takes the number of total genetic variants linked to myeloma to seven, and may help lead to the discovery of genetic causes of the disease.

Myeloma is a relatively uncommon cancer according to the American Cancer Society statistics, with a 1 in 149 risk of developing the disease in the US.

For the study, the research team analyzed the genetic make-up of 4,692 patients who had myeloma, and compared this with DNA of 10,990 people who did not have the blood cancer.

The scientists say that in a previous study they conducted, three genetic variants were discovered in DNA, which was found to increase the risk of myeloma.

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Multiple myeloma: link to gene involved in aging

Rochester, NY (PRWEB) August 19, 2013

Genital Herpes (HSV-2, HSV-1) can reduce a mans sperm count. The virus infects the genital tract in men, resulting in a lower sperm count in the seminal fluid.

In fact, there is increasing evidence that the herpes virus plays a role in male infertility through its ability to damage a mans sperm. Many previous studies revealed that HSV infections were related with abnormal sperm parameters (1).

The bottom line according to the researchers is that HSV, by affecting the most important semen parameter sperm count, plays an important role in male infertility. (1)

Men should be aware that even if they dont have any physical symptoms, herpes may still be harming their ability to reproduce. These men should also be aware that even without physical symptoms, their sperm can infect their partners. The researchers reported that they detected a considerable prevalence of HSV DNA in semen from asymptomatic infertile males (1).

Can you imagine herpes attacking your sperm? I think men should be motivated to protect their sperm. They can do so by using Gene-Eden-VIR against the latent herpes virus. Mike Evans, polyDNA

Gene-Eden-VIR is designed to fight against the latent herpes virus. A recent post marketing clinical study showed that Gene-Eden-VIR is safe and effective. Up to 70% of those studied reported a decrease in viral symptoms. (2)

Each ingredient of Gene-Eden-VIR was chosen through a scientific approach. Scientists scanned thousands of scientific and medical papers published in various medical and scientific journals around the world to identify the safest, most effective natural ingredients that target the latent form of HSV. (3)

To learn more about Gene-Eden-VIR, visit http://www.gene-eden-kill-virus.com. All orders of Gene-Eden-VIR are completely confidential, and no information is shared or sold to any third party. Privacy is assured.

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Study: Genital Herpes May Reduce Sperm Count; polyDNA Recommends Gene-Eden-VIR Against the Latent Herpes Virus

NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Molecular Diagnostics in Genetic Testing http://www.reportlinker.com/p01597716/Molecular-Diagnostics-in-Genetic-Testing.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=In_Vitro_Diagnostic

Molecular diagnostics in genetic testing brings advanced analytical techniques to the diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders. The confluence of breakthroughs in genomics and proteomics and the development of microarray devices to measure analytes in the blood and various body tissues are driving significant growth in the segment. Major developments include the integration of specialty labs and gene expression profiling into clinical practice, the introduction and rapid growth of cell-free fetal DNA prenatal testing, the advancement of companion diagnostics for drug development, the widespread installed base of automated instruments for molecular testing and the development of personalized medicine. The genetic testing space is one of the most profitable sectors of molecular diagnostics and is expected to be an area of high growth and corporate change throughout the forecast period. This TriMark Publications report describes the emerging field of molecular diagnostics in genetic testing.

This review analyzes the size and growth of the molecular diagnostics in genetic testing market, including the factors that influence the various market segments within it and the dollar volume of sales, both in the United States and worldwide. Moreover, this analysis profiles the leading companies focused on the molecular diagnostics for genetic testing sector.

1. Overview 8

1.1 Statement of Report 8 1.2 About This Report 8 1.3 Scope of the Report 9 1.4 Objectives 11 1.5 Methodology 11 1.6 Executive Summary 12

2. Role of Molecular Diagnostics and Opportunities in the Genetic Testing Sector 15

2.1 Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics for Genetic Testing 15 2.1.1 Definition and Scope of Molecular Genetic Testing within this Report 15 2.1.2 Key Functions of Molecular Genetic Testing 15 2.1.3 Overview of Molecular Genetic Testing Laboratories 16 2.2 Diagnostic Testing of Genetic Disorders 16 2.2.1 Review of Genetic Disorders: Characterizations of Abnormalities and Patterns of Inheritance 17 2.2.2 Common Genetic Disorders 19 2.3 Carrier Testing for Genetic Disorders 20 2.4 Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Preimplantation Genetic Screening 20 2.5 Prenatal/In utero Genetic Testing 21 2.6 Newborn Genetic Screening Tests 23 2.6.1 Molecular Diagnostics for Newborn Genetic Testing 25 2.7 Pre-symptomatic and Predictive Testing for Adult Onset Disorders 26 2.8 Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics 26 2.8.1 Current Applications for Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics 28 2.8.1.1 Warfarin and VKORC1 and CYP2C9 Testing 29 2.8.1.2 Trastuzumab and Lapatinib and HER2 Overexpression Testing 31 2.8.1.3 Clopidogrel and CYP2C19 Testing 32 2.8.1.4 Thiopurines and TPMT Testing 32 2.8.1.5 Cetuximab and EGFR Expression and KRAS Mutation Testing 33 2.8.1.6 Irinotecan and UGT1A1*28 Testing 33 2.8.1.7 Abacavir and HLA-B*5701 Testing 34 2.8.1.8 Carbamazepine and HLA-B*1502 Testing 34 2.9 Tissue and Blood Typing 34 2.9.1 HLA Determination 34 2.9.2 Rhesus D Factor Determination 37 2.10 Parentage/Relationship Testing (Paternity Testing) 38 2.11 Genealogical DNA Testing 38 2.12 Criminal and Forensics Testing 39

3. Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics Technology for Genetic Testing 40

3.1 Introduction to Genomics and Its Opportunity 40 3.1.1 Science Background: Structures and Functions of Nucleic Acids and Proteins 40 3.1.2 The Human Genome 40 3.1.3 Genomics: Opening up of Opportunities in Molecular Diagnostics 41 3.2 Genetic Variability and Disease 42 3.3 Impact of the Human Genome Project on Molecular Diagnostics 43 3.4 Key Considerations for Molecular Diagnostics 44 3.5 Molecular Diagnostics in the Post-Genomic Era 45 3.6 Advances in Molecular Diagnostics Technologies 48 3.7 Molecular Diagnostics Testing Technologies and Platforms 50 3.7.1 Amplification Technologies 50 3.7.1.1 PCR and PCR Derivative Platforms 50 3.7.1.2 Multiple Displacement Amplification (MDA) 55 3.7.1.3 Multiple Annealing and Looping-based Amplification Cycles (MALBAC) 56 3.7.1.4 Whole Genome Amplification 57 3.7.1.5 Nucleic Acid Sequence-based Amplification (NASBA) 57 3.7.2 Detection of Amplified Gene Products 57 3.7.2.1 High Resolution Melting Analysis 58 3.7.2.2 Microparticle-based Flow Cytometry 59 3.7.3 DNA and Oligonucleotide Microarrays and Chips 59 3.7.3.1 Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH) 62 3.7.4 Gene Sequencing 62 3.7.4.1 Sanger Sequencing 62 3.7.4.2 Next Generation Sequencing 63 3.7.5 Fluorescence In situ Hybridization (FISH) 68

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Molecular Diagnostics in Genetic Testing

Cigna Corp. will require its customers to get "genetic counseling" before the health insurer pays for extensive testing to determine if a customer has genes associated with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer or a heart condition called Long QT syndrome.

The Bloomfield company is the first major health insurer to adopt such a policy. The change takes effect Sept. 16.

The new policy reflects a shift in thinking among medical societies and cancer groups who now believe that far more people are getting tested than those who are at risk of having genes associated various cancers or Long QT syndrome.

In medicine, there's a wide variety of genetics testing, and Cigna will continue to pay for many tests, said David Finley, national medical officer for enterprise affordability and policy at Cigna Corp. Some tests are applicable for some patients and not others.

Cigna decided to manage genetic tests for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer and Long QT syndrome because the tests are commonly requested and frequently misunderstood, Finley said.

In the current system, a patient tells her doctor that she is interested in getting genetic testing to see if she has a gene associated with breast cancer. The doctor then sends in some of the patient's personal medical history to Cigna, and the insurer makes a determination "yes" or "no" about the genetic testing. The insurer would inform the patient of her appeal rights, if the testing is declined.

"That standard way of doing it, we did not feel met the needs of our customers because it didn't help to educate them, and this is a very complicated test, which a lot of people meaning doctors and patients don't fully understand," Finley said.

Finley said there's an increasing consensus among doctors that genetic counseling should be a part of genetic testing. For one thing, board-certified genetic counselors, on average, are better informed about genetics tests than doctors especially as the field of study grows rapidly, Finley said.

The tests, Finley said, "are coming at a fast and furious rate."

"They have a lot of implications for patients and their families and they are hard to understand. It's a new field," he said.

Link:
Cigna To Require Counseling Before Extensive Genetic Tests For Cancer

BlueRaven Plays Space Station 13: Do You Even Genetics, Bro?
Here I explain what little knowledge I have as a geneticist. Get more information at the wiki: http://wiki.nanotrasen.com/index.php/Guide_to_genetics.

By: blueraven84

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BlueRaven Plays Space Station 13: Do You Even Genetics, Bro? - Video

dEAD mAN gENETICS CLEARING OUT COMPUTER 2
dEAD mAN gENETICS CLEARING OUT COMPUTER 2 *** SUBSCRIBE TO GET UPDATES ON LOCAL EVENTS COVERED BY UGS PRODUCTIONS*** DJ FARROUT UGS PRODUCTIONS FILMED BY D...

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dEAD mAN gENETICS CLEARING OUT COMPUTER 2 - Video

RUTHERFORD, N.J., Aug. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer Genetics, Inc. (CGIX), a diagnostics company focused on developing genomic-based, oncology tests and services, today announced the closing of its previously announced public offering of 1,500,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $10.00 per share. The gross proceeds to Cancer Genetics from the offering were $15,000,000, before underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Cancer Genetics. Cancer Genetics has also granted the representative of the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to 225,000 additional shares of common stock from Cancer Genetics to cover over-allotments, if any.

Aegis Capital Corp. acted as sole book-running manager for the offering.

Feltl and Company, Inc. acted as co-lead manager for the offering.

This offering was made only by means of a prospectus.

A copy of the prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained by contacting: Aegis Capital Corp., Prospectus Department, 810 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10019, telephone: 212-813-1010, e-mail: prospectus@aegiscap.com.

A registration statement relating to these securities was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 13, 2013. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Cancer Genetics:

Cancer Genetics, Inc. is an emerging leader in DNA-based cancer diagnostics and services some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the world. Our tests target cancers that are difficult to diagnose and predict treatment outcomes. These cancers include hematological, urogenital and HPV-associated cancers. We also offer a comprehensive range of non-proprietary oncology-focused tests and laboratory services that provide critical genomic information to healthcare professionals as well as biopharma and biotech. Our state-of-the-art reference lab is focused entirely on maintaining clinical excellence and is both CLIA certified and CAP accredited and has licensure from several states including New York State. We have established strong research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic and the National Cancer Institute. For further information, please see http://www.cancergenetics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements pertaining to future financial and/or operating results, future growth in research, technology, clinical development and potential opportunities for Cancer Genetics, Inc. products and services, along with other statements about the future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans, or prospects expressed by management constitute forward-looking statements. In addition, the offering is subject to market and other conditions and there can be no assurance as to the estimated proceeds from the offering and the anticipated use of proceeds from the offering. Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, and maintenance of intellectual property rights and other risks discussed in the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Cancer Genetics disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

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Cancer Genetics Announces Closing of Public Offering of 1,500,000 Shares of Common Stock

Washington, August 19 (ANI): A gene that helps to control the ageing process has now been associated to blood cancer, according to a new study.

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, found a genetic variant that influences the ageing process among four new variants they linked to myeloma - one of the most common types of blood cancer.

The study more than doubles the number of genetic variants linked to myeloma, bringing the total number to seven, and sheds important new light on the genetic causes of the disease.

One genetic marker found by the researchers is linked to a gene called TERC, which regulates the length of the telomere 'caps' on the ends of DNA. In healthy cells, these caps erode over time - causing tissues to age - but some cancer cells seem able to ignore the ageing trigger in order to keep on dividing. If further studies confirm the link, TERC could be a target for future myeloma treatments.

The team found the new markers by comparing the genetic make-up of a total of 4,692 myeloma patients with DNA from 10,990 people without the disease. A previous UK study led by the team, from The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and funded by Myeloma UK, found three genetic variants, or 'spelling mistakes' in DNA, which lead to increased risk of developing myeloma.

The team found the new batch of genetic variants by combining their samples with others from researchers in Germany. The combined results gave the scientists more data and therefore greater statistical accuracy.

All of the four new genetic variants are close to genes which are likely to play important roles in causing myeloma.

Study co-leader Professor Richard Houlston, Professor of Molecular and Population Genetics at The Institute of Cancer Research, said that it is a known fact that cancer often seems to ignore the usual controls over ageing and cell death, and it will be fascinating to explore whether in blood cancers that is a result of a direct genetic link.

He said that eventually, understanding the complex genetics of blood cancers should allow us to assess a person's risk or identify new avenues for treatment.

The research has been published in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics. (ANI)

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Ageing process controlling gene linked to blood cancer

In a person with myeloma, abnormal white blood cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow.

The same gene that acts as a person's internal clock has been linked to a common type of blood cancer, giving more support to the claim that the disease could be inherited.

A team of researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research in London found that the genetic variant that influences a person's aging process was also present in four new variants linked to myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects thousands of people each year.

[READ: A Gene May Cause Impulsive Behavior During Bad Economic Times]

The American Cancer Society estimates, for example, that there will be more than 22,000 new cases of myeloma in 2013 and that nearly 11,000 people will die from the disease.

Myeloma is caused by genetic mutations in white blood cells, which are responsible for helping a person fight infections and injuries. In a person with this condition, abnormal white blood cells called plasma cells grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow and block the production of normal blood cells.

The disease is said to be extremely painful, often affecting bones in multiple parts of the body, and has no known cure. Less than 40 percent of those with myeloma survive for more than five years and about 30 percent die within one year.

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The researchers compared the genetic make-up of nearly 5,000 myeloma patients with those of about 11,000 people without the disease. The genetic variants they linked to myeloma more than doubled the number of those linked to the disease, which gives scientists a better chance of identifying a person's risk of developing myeloma and different avenues for treatment.

"We know cancer often seems to ignore the usual controls over ageing and cell death, and it will be fascinating to explore whether in blood cancers that is a result of a direct genetic link," said co-author Richard Houlston, in a released statement. "Eventually, understanding the complex genetics of blood cancers should allow us to assess a person's risk or identify new avenues for treatment."

Excerpt from:
Researchers Link Aging Gene to Blood Cancer

Public release date: 18-Aug-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Henry French henry.french@icr.ac.uk 020-715-35312 Institute of Cancer Research

A gene that helps control the ageing process by acting as a cell's internal clock has been linked to cancer by a major new study.

Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, found a genetic variant that influences the ageing process among four new variants they linked to myeloma one of the most common types of blood cancer.

The study more than doubles the number of genetic variants linked to myeloma, bringing the total number to seven, and sheds important new light on the genetic causes of the disease.

The research, published in the prestigious journal Nature Genetics today (Sunday), was mainly funded by charities Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and Myeloma UK, with additional support from Cancer Research UK.

Myeloma affects around 4,700 patients each year, and is caused by genetic mutations in white blood cells, which normally help fight infection and injury. Less than four in 10 sufferers survive the disease for more than five years, and three in 10 die within a year (1).

One genetic marker found by the researchers is linked to a gene called TERC, which regulates the length of the telomere 'caps' on the ends of DNA. In healthy cells, these caps erode over time causing tissues to age but some cancer cells seem able to ignore the ageing trigger in order to keep on dividing. If further studies confirm the link, TERC could be a target for future myeloma treatments.

The team found the new markers by comparing the genetic make-up of a total of 4,692 myeloma patients with DNA from 10,990 people without the disease. A previous UK study led by the team, from The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and funded by Myeloma UK, found three genetic variants, or 'spelling mistakes' in DNA, which lead to increased risk of developing myeloma.

The team found the new batch of genetic variants by combining their samples with others from researchers in Germany. The combined results gave the scientists more data and therefore greater statistical accuracy.

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Major study links aging gene to blood cancer

A defective ageing gene may drive blood cancer by helping tumour cells become immortal, research has shown.

The discovery pinpointing the role of the TERC gene could lead to new treatments for myeloma, which affects around 4,700 UK patients each year.

Scientists identified four new gene variants linked to the disease, bringing the total number known to seven.

TERC regulates the length of telomeres, caps on the ends of chromosomes that play a major role in cellular ageing.

Telomeres have been compared to the plastic tips of shoe laces, because they prevent coiled double strands of DNA from fraying and sticking together.

Every time a cell divides, its telomeres shorten until a point of "senescence" is reached when no further division takes place.

Senescence is believed to contribute to ageing - but may also suppress cancer by halting the uncontrolled growth of tumours.

The new research suggests a problem with TERC may enable lymphoma cells to ignore the ageing trigger and keep on dividing.

Study co-author Professor Richard Houlston, from the Institute of Cancer Research in London, said: "Our study has taken an important step forward in understanding the genetics of myeloma, and suggested an intriguing potential link with a gene that acts as a cell's internal timer.

"We know cancer often seems to ignore the usual controls over ageing and cell death, and it will be fascinating to explore whether in blood cancers that is a result of a direct genetic link. Eventually, understanding the complex genetics of blood cancers should allow us to assess a person's risk or identify new avenues for treatment."

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Myeloma hope through genes study

Washington, August 19 (ANI): Researchers have decoded the genetic basis of chronic mountain sickness (CMS) or Monge's disease.

Their study provides important information that validates the genetic basis of adaptation to high altitudes, and provides potential targets for CMS treatment.

More than 140 million people have permanently settled on high-altitude regions, on continents ranging from African and Asia to South America. The low-oxygen conditions at such high altitudes present a challenge for survival, and these geographically distinct populations have adapted to cope with hypoxia, or low levels of oxygen in the blood.

Interestingly, many humans living at high elevations, particularly in the Andes mountain region of South America, are maladapted and suffer CMS. The disease is characterized by an array of neurologic symptoms, including headache, fatigue, sleepiness and depression.

Often, people with CMS suffer from strokes or heart attacks in early adulthood because of increased blood viscosity (resistance to blood flow that can result in decreased oxygen delivery to organs and tissues).

Past studies of various populations show that CMS is common in Andeans, occasionally found in Tibetans and absent from Ethiopians living on the East African high-altitude plateau.

Therefore, the researchers dissected the genetic mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation by comparing genetic variation between Peruvian individuals from the Andes region with CMS and adapted subjects without CMS, using whole genome sequencing.

They identified two genes, ANP32D and SENP1, with significantly increased expression in the CMS individuals when compared to the non-CMS individuals, and hypothesized that down-regulating these genes could be beneficial in coping with hypoxia.

Principal investigator Gabriel G. Haddad, Distinguished Professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine, and Physician-in-Chief and Chief Scientific Officer at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego, a research affiliate of UC San Diego, said that while a number of published articles have described an association between certain genes and the ability for humans to withstand low oxygen at high levels, it was very hard to be sure if the association was causal.

The researchers therefore looked at genetic orthologs - corresponding gene sequences from another species, in this case the fruit fly - to assess the impact of observed genetic changes on function under conditions of hypoxia.

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Why we suffer from chronic mountain sickness

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