Archive for the ‘Gene Therapy Research’ Category

FAQ: Is Cell Therapy an outpatient procedure

By: Phil Grindstone

Continue reading here:
FAQ: Is Cell Therapy an outpatient procedure - Video

Italian lawmakers on Wednesday gave their final approval to a law that allows limited use of a controversial type of stem cell therapy which has been condemned by many scientists but has given hope to families of terminally-ill children.

The law gives the go-ahead for therapy being carried out by the Stamina Foundation on dozens of patients to continue, and allows for an 18-month period of clinical trials for the procedure, which had previously been blocked by Italian authorities.

The bill was amended from an earlier version and states the therapy must be carried out under regulatory oversight and using cells made according to the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) which the Stamina Foundation has not adhered to.

The Stamina Foundation says its treatment is based on mesenchymal stem cells and could treat diseases like spinal cord injury and motor neurone disease.

But leading scientists have warned that there is no evidence to suggest the treatment could work and no way to know that it will not cause harm.

Umberto Galderisi from the University of Naples and president of Stem Cell Italy, is among critics of the bill.

He said the clinical trials would "never have been allowed" if scientific accepted practice had been followed.

"This is legislating on the basis of public opinion. It means exploiting suffering. Patients are not lab rats," he told AFP, adding there were "no scientific certainties" the therapy could work.

"We do not want Italy to become one of those countries like China or Ukraine where there are untested scientific trials," he said.

Patients lobbied for the therapy to be given the go-ahead, receiving support from various celebrities including actress Gina Lollobrigida.

More here:
Italy approves law on controversial stem cell therapy

NEW YORK, May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer Testing http://www.reportlinker.com/p0171427/Molecular-Diagnostics-in-Cancer-Testing.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=In_Vitro_Diagnostic

Molecular diagnostics is a rapidly-advancing area of research and medicine, with new technologies and applications being continually added. The technologies that come under the umbrella of molecular diagnostics include first-generation amplification, DNA probes, fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), second-generation biochips and microfluidics, next-generation signal detection, biosensors and molecular labels, and gene expression profiling using microarrays. These technologies are improving the discovery of therapeutic molecules for cancer, the screening, diagnosis and classification of cancer patients, and the optimization of drug therapy.

This TriMark Publications report describes the specific segment of the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) market known as molecular diagnostics (MD), with a specialization in the MD tests for cancer. In the current medical diagnostics market, molecular diagnostics for cancer testing offers one of the brightest areas for growth and innovation. The confluence of breakthroughs in genomics, proteomics, and the development of microarray devices to measure analytes in the blood and various body tissues, has led to this revolutionary market segment offering the power of advanced analytical techniques to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. This report analyzes the size and growth of the molecular diagnostics market in its applications for cancer detection and therapy, examining the factors that influence the various market segments and the dollar volume of sales, both in the United States and worldwide.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Overview 9 1.1 Statement of Report 9 1.2 About This Report 9 1.3 Scope of the Report 10 1.4 Objectives 10 1.5 Methodology 10 1.6 Executive Summary 12

2. Introduction to Molecular Diagnostics 18 2.1 Opening-up of Opportunities in Molecular Diagnostics 18 2.2 Impact of the Human Genome Project on Molecular Diagnostics 20 2.3 Considerations for Molecular and Clinical Diagnostics 20 2.4 Molecular Diagnostics in the Post-Genomic Era 23 2.5 Advances in Molecular Diagnostics Technologies 24 2.6 Oligonucleotide Array Platforms 26 2.7 Emerging Cancer Personalized Medicine Market 26 2.7.1 Predictive Cancer Molecular Diagnostics 28 2.8 Companion Tests for Drug Development 29 2.9 Opportunities for IVDMIA Companies 31

3. Cancer Diagnostics Molecular Testing Market 32 3.1 Market Description 36 3.1.1 Market Overview 36 3.1.2 Molecular Diagnostic Markers 37 3.1.3 Competitive Landscape 38 3.1.4 Sales and Marketing Strategies for Cancer Tests 40 3.1.4.1 North American Market 42 3.1.4.2 International Markets 43 3.1.4.3 Europe 43 3.1.4.4 Asia-Pacific 44

4. Molecular Diagnostic Tests for Cancer 45 4.1 Cancer Diagnostic Tests 45 4.1.1 Use of Genomics to Understand Cancer 46 4.1.2 Molecular Diagnostic Tools Solutions 48 4.1.3 Technology of Gene Expression Analysis 50 4.1.3.1 Amplify and Detect Diminished Amounts of RNA Consistently 50 4.1.3.2 Analyze Hundreds of Genes 51 4.1.3.3 Employ Advanced Information Technology 51 4.2 Breast Cancer 53 4.2.1 Cancer Prognostic Assays 55 4.2.1.1 Myriad Genetics (BRACA1 and BRACA2) 56 4.2.1.2 Genomic Health (Oncotype DX) 56 4.2.1.2.1 Single Gene Reporting (ER, PR, HER2) 59 4.2.1.2.2 Node Positive (N+) 59 4.2.1.2.3 Aromatase Inhibitors 60 4.2.1.2.4 Product Development 60 4.2.1.2.5 Product Development Opportunities in Breast Cancer 61 4.2.1.3 InterGenetics, Inc. 61 4.2.1.4 LabCorp (HER-2) 62 4.2.1.5 Clarient, Inc. (GE Healthcare) 64 4.2.1.6 BioTheronostics (AviaraDx) 65 4.2.1.7 Agendia B.V. (MammaPrint) 65 4.2.1.8 Oncogene Science (Wilex) 67 4.2.1.9 Ventana Medical Systems 69 4.2.2 Competition and Comparison of Methods 69 4.2.3 Competitive Structure and Market Share Analysis 70 4.2.3.1 Breast Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Market Size 71 4.2.3.1.1 Global Market 71 4.2.3.1.2 U.S. Market 71 4.2.3.1.3 European Market 72 4.2.3.2 Market Forecasts 73 4.2.3.2.1 Revenue Forecasts 73 4.2.3.3 Market Drivers and Restraints 73 4.2.3.3.1 Market Drivers 73 4.2.3.3.2 Market Restraints 74 4.2.3.4 Breast Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Market and Technology Trends 74 4.2.3.4.1 Breast Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Market Trends 74 4.2.3.4.2 Breast Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Technology Trends 74 4.2.3.4.3 Breast Cancer Testing Assay Strategic Recommendations 74 4.3 Colorectal Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Market 75 4.3.1 Colon Cancer Testing Platforms 77 4.3.1.1 Genomic Testing 77 4.3.1.1.1 IVD Multiplex Index Analysis (MIA) 77 4.3.1.1.2 The BRAF Test 77 4.3.1.1.3 KRAS 78 4.3.1.1.3.1 Background on KRAS Mutation 78 4.3.1.1.4 mSEPT9 82 4.3.1.2 Screening Test 82 4.3.2 Players in the Colorectal Cancer Space 83 4.3.3 Competitive Structure and Market Share Analysis 89 4.3.3.1 Colon Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Market Size 89 4.3.3.1.1 Global Colon Cancer Testing Market 89 4.3.3.1.2 U.S. Colon Cancer Testing Market 90 4.3.3.1.3 European Colon Cancer testing Market 91 4.3.3.2 Market Forecasts 91 4.3.3.2.1 Revenue Forecasts 91 4.3.3.3 Market Drivers and Restraints 92 4.3.3.3.1 Market Drivers 92 4.3.3.3.2 Market Restraints 92 4.3.3.4 Colon Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Market and Technology Trends 92 4.3.3.4.1 Colon Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Market Trends 92 4.3.3.4.2 Colon Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Technology Trends 93 4.3.3.4.3 Colon Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Strategic Recommendations 93 4.4 Prostate Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Market 95 4.4.1 Screening for Prostate Cancer 96 4.4.1.1 PSA Screening Test for Prostate Cancer 96 4.4.1.2 PCA3 Screening Test for Prostate Cancer 97 4.4.1.3 Gen-Probe 99 4.4.1.4 Beckman Coulter (Danaher) Prostate Health Index 101 4.4.1.5 Opko Health 4KScore 101 4.4.1.6 Metabolon Prostarix DRE Urine Test 102 4.4.2 Tests after Positive Biopsy 102 4.2.2.1 Myriad Genetics (Prolaris) 102 4.2.2.2 Genomic Health (Genomic Prostate Score) 102 4.2.2.3 Bostwick Laboratories (ProstaVysion) 103 4.2.2.4 Metamark Genetics (Biopsy Test) 103 4.4.3 Tests After Negative Biopsy 103 4.4.3.1 Mitomics (Prostate Core Test) 103 4.4.3.2 MDxHealth (Confirm MDx) 104 4.4.4 Tests After Surgery 105 4.4.4.1 GenomeDx Sciences (Decipher) 105 4.4.4.2 Iris International (Nadia ProsVue) 105 4.4.5 Competition and Comparison of Methods 105 4.4.6 Competitive Structure and Market Share Analysis 106 4.4.7 Market Drivers and Restraints 107 4.4.7.1 Market Drivers 107 4.4.7.2 Market Restraints 107 4.4.8 Prostate Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Market and Technology Trends 107 4.4.8.1 Prostate Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Market Trends 107 4.4.8.2 Prostate Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Technology Trends 108 4.4.8.3 Prostate Cancer Testing Assay Strategic Recommendations 108 4.5 Other Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Markets 111 4.5.1 Bladder Cancer 111 4.5.2 Ovarian Cancer 111 4.5.2.1 Incidence of Ovarian Cancer 111 4.5.2.2 Key Players in Ovarian Testing market 116 4.5.2.3 Ovarian Cancer Market Size 119 4.5.2.4 Ovarian Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Market Size 119 4.5.2.4.1 Global Ovarian Cancer Testing Market 119 4.5.2.4.2 U.S. Ovarian Cancer Testing Market 120 4.5.2.4.3 European Ovarian Cancer testing Market 121 4.5.2.5 Market Forecasts 121 4.5.2.5.1 Revenue Forecasts 121 4.5.2.6 Market Drivers and Restraints 122 4.5.2.6.1 Market Drivers 122 4.5.2.6.2 Market Restraints 122 4.5.2.7 Ovarian Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Market and Technology Trends 122 4.5.2.7.1 Ovarian Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Market Trends 122 4.5.2.7.2 Ovarian Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Technology Trends 123 4.5.2.7.3 Ovarian Cancer Molecular Diagnostic Testing Assay Strategic Recommendations 123 4.5.3 Lung Cancer 123 4.5.4 Melanoma 130 4.6 Molecular Diagnostic Screening Test for Cancer 131 4.6.1 Extreme Drug Resistance assay (Oncotech EDR Assay) 132 4.6.2 Multidrug Resistance Protein (MRP) 132 4.7 Companion Diagnostic Tests for Cancer Therapeutics 133

5. Business 137 5.1 Technology and Market Trends 137 5.1.1 Technology Trends 138 5.1.2 Market Trends 139 5.2 M&A Activity 141 5.3 Partnerships 144 5.4 Competitive Analysis 147 5.4.1 Primary Competitors 153 5.4.1.1 Summary of Market Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats 154 5.4.2 Industry Challenges and Strategic Recommendations 155 5.4.3 Commercialization of Molecular Diagnostic Products 155 5.5 SWOT Comparison of Business Models for Cancer Diagnostic Testing 157 5.6 Intellectual Property Rights 173 5.6.1 BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Patents 174 5.6.2 Current Patent Disputes 174

Read the rest here:
Molecular Diagnostics in Cancer Testing

WATERTOWN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Syros Pharmaceuticals, a newly launched company harnessing breakthroughs in gene control to revolutionize the treatment of cancer and other diseases, announced today that Eric R. Olson, Ph.D., has joined the company as its Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. Olson has over 25 years experience in the life sciences industry, most recently as Research Vice President for respiratory diseases at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. During his 12 years at Vertex he led research, development and commercial teams in bringing to patients the first cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment resulting from discovery of the CF gene.

Eric is of the few people in the biopharma industry who have led programs from conception all the way through development and successful commercialization, said Nancy Simonian, M.D., Syross Chief Executive Officer. The combination of his deep scientific expertise, his understanding for translating science into drugs that actually help people, and his experience creating real value for shareholders is extraordinary. It fits perfectly with Syros' mission.

In addition to his work at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Olson has also held positions as the Director of the Antibacterials and Molecular Sciences departments at Warner-Lambert (now Pfizer), as well as a research scientist focused on gene expression systems with The Upjohn Company. Dr. Olson earned his B.S. in microbiology from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology from the University of Michigan. He is published in over 40 academic journals.

Syros Pharmaceuticals groundbreaking work in gene control and Super-Enhancers has created a unique, state-of-the-art opportunity to develop novel medicines focused on disease dependency genes, said Dr. Olson. I am excited to lead the scientific efforts at a company conducting this type of innovative research, and look forward to working with Syros experienced management team and renowned scientific advisory board to develop new breakthrough therapies.

About Syros Pharmaceuticals

Syros Pharmaceuticals is a life sciences company harnessing breakthroughs in gene control to revolutionize the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Syros proprietary platform identifies the master switches for disease genes, opening a whole new approach to novel therapeutics. Syros initial focus is in cancer, but the company platform will also be applicable to other therapeutic areas. The Companys founders are pioneers in gene control research and translation. Co-founded and backed by Flagship Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners, Syros Pharmaceuticals is located in Watertown, MA. For more information, visit http://www.syros.com.

Visit link:
Syros Pharmaceuticals Appoints Eric R. Olson, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer

Mitochondria are the cells workhorse, transforming the calories we eat into useable energy. They have also been the subject of lots of scrutiny over longevity, since lifespan is intimately tied up with metabolism. Now a new study reports that mitochondrial malfunction may actually be the key to extending life.

Although loss of mitochondrial function has been associated with increased lifespan in a number of species, the reasons behind this effect have been poorly understood. Its also been known that low levels of stress within a cellfor instance, running on low energycan increase an animals lifespan. Most of these studies have however been done in flies, worms and yeast. Thus a Swiss research team led by Riekelt Houtkooper decided to examine stress and longevity in mice, as well as the worm C. elegans.

In mice, they analyzed a set of related mouse strains that have lots of natural variation in lifespanthey live anywhere from 1 to 2 1/2 years. With genetic tests the researchers were able to pin down three specific genes that seemed to be the key determinants of the mouses lifespan. Mice with lower activity in these genes lived up to 2.5 times longer than those with high activity.

Then, in worms, the researchers artificially damped down the activity of the equivalent genes and observed how long they lived. One gene stuck out as most important: Worms with a dampened mrps-5 gene lived 60 percent longer than normal.

The key, the researchers say, appears to be that loss of mrps-5 causes the mitochondria to send a kind of cellular SOS to the nucleus. The nucleuss response, called the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, is to send out protective proteins.

And fascinatingly, the same mechanism may be behind the touted longevity benefits of red wine and other foods. Rapamycin and resveratrol, two compounds known to play a role in longevity, also activated the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in the worms, the authors report in Nature.

These results thus tie mitochondrial translation and metabolism to natural lifespan regulation across species. The fact that similar mechanisms drive longevity in mice opens the door to investigations of the genes in human longevity, though at the moment most known mitochondrial mutations shorten human life rather than extending it. Still, if the cellular fountain of youth is to be found, this study indicates the mitochondria remains the place to look for it.

See the original post:
Single Gene Leads to Longer Lifespan Across Species

FARMINGTON, Conn., May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- World markets are constantly changing and developing. To stay aligned with the latest trends and events, companies now need a global business intelligence provider that can predict where an industry is headed next, so that they can adapt, react and evolve.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130522/CG19099)

Global Information Inc (GII), in partnership with market research publisher GlobalData, offer decision makers and executives integrated business intelligence solutions with reliable analytics and actionable insights from the combined expertise of its over 700 market analysts.

Read about the new titles below or visit our online market research portal to browse and gain quick access to GlobalData's thousands of off-the-shelf research reports.

Predictive Breast Cancer Gene Testing

US Analysis and Market Forecasts

225 Pages | February 2013

This report identifies unmet needs in the US predictive breast cancer gene testing market, physician attitudes towards current gene testing, and the future of gene testing in the face of rapid technological advancement.

Learn more and access the report at http://www.giiresearch.com/report/gd267106-medipoint-predictive-breast-cancer-gene-testing-us.html

Global Oil and Gas Pipelines Industry Outlook 2013

Read the original post:
Adapt, React, Evolve: Staying Ahead in the Breast Cancer Gene Testing, Solar Energy, and Oil & Gas Markets with ...

Public release date: 22-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Michael Bernstein m_bernstein@acs.org 202-872-6042 American Chemical Society

A new, streamlined approach to genetic engineering drastically reduces the time and effort needed to insert new genes into bacteria, the workhorses of biotechnology, scientists are reporting. Published in the journal ACS Synthetic Biology, the method paves the way for more rapid development of designer microbes for drug development, environmental cleanup and other activities.

Keith Shearwin and colleagues explain that placing, or integrating, a piece of the genetic material DNA into a bacterium's genome is critical for making designer bacteria. That DNA can give microbes the ability to churn out ingredients for medication, for instance, or substances that break down oil after a big spill. But current genetic engineering methods are time-consuming and involve many steps. The approaches have other limitations as well. To address those drawbacks, the researchers sought to develop a new, one-step genetic engineering technology, which they named "clonetegration," a reference to clones or copies of genes or DNA fragments.

They describe development and successful laboratory tests of clonetegration in E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium bacteria, which are used in biotechnology. The method is quick, efficient and easy to do and can integrate multiple genes at the same time. They predict that clonetegration "will become a valuable technique facilitating genetic engineering with difficult-to-clone sequences and rapid construction of synthetic biological systems."

###

The authors acknowledge funding from the China Scholarship Council, the National Science Foundation Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center, the Human Frontier Science Program, the Australian Research Council and a William H. Elliott Biochemistry Fellowship.

The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 163,000 members, ACS is the world's largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.

Follow us: Twitter Facebook

Read the original here:
Fast new, 1-step genetic engineering technology

May 22, 2013 A new, streamlined approach to genetic engineering drastically reduces the time and effort needed to insert new genes into bacteria, the workhorses of biotechnology, scientists are reporting. Published in the journal ACS Synthetic Biology, the method paves the way for more rapid development of designer microbes for drug development, environmental cleanup and other activities.

Keith Shearwin and colleagues explain that placing, or integrating, a piece of the genetic material DNA into a bacterium's genome is critical for making designer bacteria. That DNA can give microbes the ability to churn out ingredients for medication, for instance, or substances that break down oil after a big spill. But current genetic engineering methods are time-consuming and involve many steps. The approaches have other limitations as well. To address those drawbacks, the researchers sought to develop a new, one-step genetic engineering technology, which they named "clonetegration," a reference to clones or copies of genes or DNA fragments.

They describe development and successful laboratory tests of clonetegration in E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium bacteria, which are used in biotechnology. The method is quick, efficient and easy to do and can integrate multiple genes at the same time. They predict that clonetegration "will become a valuable technique facilitating genetic engineering with difficult-to-clone sequences and rapid construction of synthetic biological systems."

The authors acknowledge funding from the China Scholarship Council, the National Science Foundation Synthetic Biology Engineering Research Center, the Human Frontier Science Program, the Australian Research Council and a William H. Elliott Biochemistry Fellowship.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by American Chemical Society.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Journal Reference:

Follow this link:
Fast new, one-step genetic engineering technology

Public release date: 22-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: e.lowry@qmul.ac.uk e.lowry@qmul.ac.uk 020-788-25378 Queen Mary, University of London

Researchers from Queen Mary, University of London have led the largest sequencing study of human disease to date, investigating the genetic basis of six autoimmune diseases.

The exact cause of these diseases autoimmune thyroid disease, coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes is unknown, but is believed to be a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. In each disease only aproportion of the heritability is explained by the identifiedgenetic variants. The techniques used to date, have generally identified common (in the population) variants of weak effect.

In this study, using high-throughput sequencing techniques,a global team of scientistssought to identify new variants, including rare and potentially high risk ones, in 25 previously identified risk genes in a sample of nearly 42,000 individuals (24,892 with autoimmune disease and 17,019 controls).

It has been suggested in the 'rare-variant synthetic genome-wide association hypothesis' that a small number of rare variants in risk genes are likely to be a major cause of the heritability of these conditions.

However, the study published today in the journal Nature, suggests that the genetic risk of these diseasesmore likely involves a complex combination of hundreds of weak-effect variants which are each common in the population.

The authors estimate that rare variants in these risk genes account for only around three per cent of the heritability of these conditions that can be explained by common variants.

David van Heel, Professor of Gastrointestinal Genetics at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary and director of the Barts and The London Genome Centre, led the study. He said: "These results suggests that risk for these autoimmune diseases is not due to a few high-risk genetic variations but seems rather due to a random selection frommany common genetic variants which each have a weak effect.

"For each disease there are probably hundreds such variants and the genetic risk is likely to come from inheriting a large number of these variants from both parents. If this is the case then it maynever be possible to accurately predict an individual's genetic risk of these common autoimmune diseases. However, the results do provide important information about the biological basis of these conditions and the pathways involved, which could lead to the identification new drug targets."

Go here to read the rest:
Researchers complete largest genetic sequencing study of human disease

May 22, 2013 Researchers from Queen Mary, University of London have led the largest sequencing study of human disease to date, investigating the genetic basis of six autoimmune diseases.

The exact cause of these diseases -- autoimmune thyroid disease, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes- is unknown, but is believed to be a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors. In each disease only a proportion of the heritability is explained by the identified genetic variants. The techniques used to date, have generally identified common (in the population) variants of weak effect.

In this study, using high-throughput sequencing techniques, a global team of scientists sought to identify new variants, including rare and potentially high risk ones, in 25 previously identified risk genes in a sample of nearly 42,000 individuals (24,892 with autoimmune disease and 17,019 controls).

It has been suggested -- in the 'rare-variant synthetic genome-wide association hypothesis' -- that a small number of rare variants in risk genes are likely to be a major cause of the heritability of these conditions. However, the study published today in the journal Nature, suggests that the genetic risk of these diseases more likely involves a complex combination of hundreds of weak-effect variants which are each common in the population.

The authors estimate that rare variants in these risk genes account for only around three per cent of the heritability of these conditions that can be explained by common variants.

David van Heel, Professor of Gastrointestinal Genetics at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary and director of the Barts and The London Genome Centre, led the study. He said: "These results suggests that risk for these autoimmune diseases is not due to a few high-risk genetic variations but seems rather due to a random selection from many common genetic variants which each have a weak effect.

"For each disease there are probably hundreds such variants and the genetic risk is likely to come from inheriting a large number of these variants from both parents. If this is the case then it may never be possible to accurately predict an individual's genetic risk of these common autoimmune diseases. However, the results do provide important information about the biological basis of these conditions and the pathways involved, which could lead to the identification new drug targets."

The research utilised high-throughput sequencing techniques performed at the Barts and The London Genome Centre and demonstrated for the first time that the sequencing can call genotypes as accurately as 'gold standard techniques' such as genotyping array platforms. Additional laboratory work was carried out at the Blizard institute at Queen Mary.

Professor Richard Trembath, Vice Principal and Executive Dean for Health at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, and a co-author on the paper said: "The results prompt a re-assessment of the genetic architecture that determines risk for development of common auto-immune disorders and will fuel future careful assessment of regions of the human genome beyond those presently known to confer susceptibility to these important medical conditions."

This study was primarily funded by the Medical Research Council with additional funding from Coeliac UK.

Excerpt from:
Largest genetic sequencing study of human disease

Washington, May 22 (ANI): Researchers have found that an important genetic risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis can be used to identify individuals at risk for this deadly lung disease.

The team including physicians and scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine looked at a fairly common variant of the gene for mucin-5B, a protein that is a component of the mucous produced by the bronchial tubes. While this variant of the MUC5B gene is fairly common, pulmonary fibrosis is an uncommonly reported disease.

In a review of CT scans of more than 2,600 adults who did not have a clinical diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, researchers found imaging evidence of lung inflammation and scarring in about 9 percent of those over age 50. In this age group, these abnormal findings on CT scans were significantly more common among the 21 percent people with the MUC5B genetic variant.

Importantly, definite lung fibrosis seen on CT scan was strongly associated with the MUC5B genetic variant. While these abnormalities do not necessarily indicate a disease that will progress, the presence of these abnormalities were associated with more shortness of breath and cough as well as smaller lung sizes and ability to transfer oxygen.

The findings suggest that pulmonary fibrosis, which is a condition where lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff and scarred, may be a part of a much more common, but likely less severe, syndrome and could potentially be predicted on the basis of the MUC5B genetic variant.

A paper describing the finding was recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Twenty-one authors shared credit for the paper, including researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston University. (ANI)

Follow this link:
Genetic risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis identified

Public release date: 21-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Lori J. Schroth ljschroth@partners.org 617-534-1604 Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, MA New research from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) finds that a genetic risk factor for pulmonary fibrosis, an uncommon but deadly lung disease, may be effective in identifying individuals at risk for this disease. These findings will be presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference and publish online simultaneously at the New England Journal of Medicine on May 22 and will appear in the July 4, 2013 print edition.

"While this variant of the MUC5B gene is fairly common, pulmonary fibrosis is not. Our findings suggest that pulmonary fibrosis may be a part of a much more common, but likely less severe, syndrome and could potentially be predicted on the basis of the MUC5B genetic variant," said Gary M. Hunninghake, MD, MPH, a physician researcher in the pulmonary and critical care division at BWH and co-corresponding author of the research paper. "While too early to tell how important this variant may be in clinical practice, this finding could open new research avenues into this disease."

Researchers looked at a common variant of the gene for mucin-5B, a protein that is a component of the mucous produced by the bronchial tubes associated with associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Their goal was to determine whether this common gene variant was also associated with interstitial lung disease in the general population. To do this, researchers reviewed CT scans of more than 2,600 adults who did not have a clinical diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. Researchers found imaging evidence of interstitial lung abnormalities (lung inflammation and scarring) in about 9 percent of those over age 50. In this age group, these abnormal findings were significantly more common among the 19 percent of people with the MUC5B genetic variant. While these abnormalities do not necessarily indicate a disease that will progress, the presence of these abnormalities was associated with more shortness of breath and cough as well as smaller lung sizes and ability to transfer oxygen.

"Our findings provide important insights into the pulmonary effects of a common genetic variant in the general population, and they also suggest that the clinical condition pulmonary fibrosis may be part of the broader spectrum of abnormalities that includes more subtle and asymptomatic findings," said George O'Connor, MD, professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, director of lung research at the Framingham Heart Study, and a senior collaborator in this study.

Future research efforts will focus on identifying which people with imaging abnormalities are at greatest risk for progression to pulmonary fibrosis, and reciprocally, why some people "at-risk" for pulmonary fibrosis do not develop a clinical disease. The authors believe that this work may eventually pave the way for efforts aimed at preventing pulmonary fibrosis.

###

In addition to Hunninghake, other researchers from BWH included Hiroto Hatabu, MD, Yuka Okajima, Mizuki Nishino, MD, Tetsuro Araki, Oscar Zazueta, Sila Kurugol, James Ross, Ral Estpar, Ivan Rosas, MD, and George Washko, MD. In total, twenty-one authors shared credit for the paper, including researchers at Boston University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, and the University of Colorado.

This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (K08 HL092222, 5R21CA11627, K25 HL104085, R01 HL116473, K23 HL089353, R01 HL116473 and R01 HL107246), the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (R01-HL095393, R01-HL097163, P01-HL092870, and RC2-HL101715) and the U.S. Veterans Administration.

See the original post here:
Genetic marker associated with risk for pulmonary fibrosis

Genetics vs. Destiny "Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater" Part 5
Entire Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZCHyzDO5qbHBC8k2VjtLYQlYjW_aTAlJ Reach Me On Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Brandon_Show Additional...

By: IITheBrandonShowII

Continued here:
Genetics vs. Destiny "Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater" Part 5 - Video

PRUEBA - Minecraft TM3-EP30 Playing With Genetics
Pura artillería pesada ®ELFCO, espero que os guste. Ip Teamspeak 3: 5.135.179.5 Seguirme en twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/elfcor Más información y descarga...

By: Elfco en Minecraft

Here is the original post:
PRUEBA - Minecraft TM3-EP30 Playing With Genetics - Video

Does Bad Genetics Mean No 6 Pack?
Are 6 Pack Abs Genetic or are they attainable for everyone who trains hard, focuses on nutrition, and has low enough body fat? This is a common question whic...

By: Matty Fusaro

See the original post:
Does Bad Genetics Mean No 6 Pack? - Video

Berkovic SF (2013): Genetics of human epilepsy
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Postgraduate lecture: 13 May 2013 Professor Sam Berkovic Epilepsy Research Centre Melbourne Brain Centre.

By: Walter + Eliza Hall Institute Research

See the original post here:
Berkovic SF (2013): Genetics of human epilepsy - Video

BLURP Experiment week 5
RedLine Genetics TheSocialGrow.com Blueberry x GDP The Blurp is a very good fast growing plant...the last 1 of the 5 were put into Bloom 11/13 light/dark c...

By: FARMER BIRDLEY

Read the original post:
BLURP Experiment week 5 - Video

RUTHERFORD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Mayo Clinic ("Mayo") and Cancer Genetics Inc. (CGIX) today launched OncoSpire Genomics ("OncoSpire"), a joint venture with the singular goal of improving cancer care by discovering and commercializing diagnostic tests that leverage next-generation sequencing.

Individualized medicine and genomic testing give us a fundamental understanding of the inner workings of wellness and disease. We recognize the transformative power of these tools and are committed to using every resource at our disposal to bring individualized medicine to our patients, says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and director of Mayo Clinics Center for Individualized Medicine. That is why this joint venture is so important.

OncoSpire will focus on mutually identified projects in the Biomarker Discovery Program within Mayos Center for Individualized Medicine. Initial focus areas will include hematological and urogenital cancers, and potentially other cancers, as selected by a scientific review committee. OncoSpire will be based in Rochester, Minn., and will be equally owned by Cancer Genetics and Mayo Clinic. Cancer Genetics will contribute operating capital, commercial expertise and other guidance. Mayo will contribute in-kind with sequencing and laboratory resources, clinical and research expertise, and other operational resources.

We expect this new venture to accelerate cancer biomarker discovery research already underway at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, says Robert Diasio, M.D., cancer researcher and director of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.Transforming discoveries into individualized cancertherapies will benefit patients, so we areexcited to be part of theseefforts.

Research will be conducted in genetics and life sciences labs at Mayo Clinic, including Mayos Center for Individualized Medicine Biomarker Discovery Program and the medical genome facility, aresource that allows medical researchers toinvestigate how individual differences in thestructure and function of human genomes influence health outcomes.

Technological advances, such as next-generation sequencing, have driven down the cost to perform whole genome sequencing. What originally took $3 billion over 13 years for the Human Genome Project and the first human genome sequence can now be accomplished for a few thousand dollars in a matter of days.

Panna Sharma, CEO of Cancer Genetics, says: The combination of resources we are bringing together positions OncoSpire Genomics to create a major impact in the development of advanced genomic-based cancer diagnostics. Our investment in OncoSpire Genomics represents the potential for a paradigm shift in patient management that can result in more efficient use of health care resources, ultimately improving the cost structure of cancer diagnosis and treatment. We expect this will add value to our commercial offerings as next-generation sequencing becomes more widely accepted by the clinical community. A major factor behind our decision to work with Mayo was the depth of their world-class clinicians and thought leaders, who we believe are in a position to drive clinical value and clinical adoption for the tests being created by OncoSpire Genomics.

Mayo Medical Laboratories and Mayo Clinics Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology will work with Mayos Center for Individualized Medicine to help bring discoveries from the joint venture to patients at Mayo Clinic and elsewhere. According to Frost & Sullivan, a health care industry analyst, the U.S. cancer biomarker testing market is expected to reach $11.5 billion by 2017.

Next-generation sequencing will change the future of health care, especially in complex disease categories such as cancer, says R.S.K. Chaganti, Ph.D., founder and chairman of Cancer Genetics. We are pleased to have forged this new relationship with Mayo with the goal of furthering next-generation sequencing technologies. Cancer Genetics strength in hematological and urogenital cancers brings a tremendous knowledge base to the partnership. Together we can make a significant impact in the pursuit of personalized medicine that is transforming cancer treatment.

See original here:
Mayo Clinic Forms Joint Venture with Cancer Genetics

Wound Care at OSU
Gayle Gordillo, MD, is a board-certified surgeon and Associate Professor of Surgery at Ohio State University. She has a special interest in reconstructive su...

By: Ohio State #39;s Wexner Medical Center

Link:
Wound Care at OSU - Video

GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

MaxCyte, Inc., the pioneer in scalable, high performance cell transfection systems, is hosting a series of events at IBCs 9th Annual Cell Line Development & Engineering Conference being held May 20-22 in La Jolla, CA. During this cutting-edge conference on innovations for bioproduct development, MaxCyte will present breakthrough transient gene expression (TGE) data in a scientific podium presentation and detail unmatched novel antibody production capabilities in two technical posters. MaxCyte scientists will be available throughout the conference at Booth #12 to provide technical details on the use of flow electroporation for large scale transient gene expression and rapid stable cell line generation.

Dr. James Brady, Director of Technical Applications at MaxCyte, will present data on flow electroporation in a podium presentation entitled Streamlining Antibody Development Using Large Scale, CHO Transient Gene Expression (TGE) followed by Rapid Production of CHO Stable Clones on Tuesday, May 21, at 1:30 PM within a session dedicated to accelerating cell line and process development.

Dr. Bradys presentation demonstrates the unmatched performance of the MaxCyte Scalable Transfection Systems to achieve antibody titers of over 1 gram/liter using transient gene expression in CHO cells. In addition, using the same technology, high yield stable cell lines can be identified within just 6-8 weeks, says Dr. Karen Donato, Executive Vice President of Global Business Development & Marketing at MaxCyte. From the earliest phases of discovery and development, companies using the MaxCyte transfection platform now have a powerful tool to generate antibodies in CHO cells rapidly and reproducibly in meaningful quantities for identification and characterization.

MaxCyte will also present two scientific posters, both available for viewing throughout the conference. The first poster, entitled CHO Transient Gene Expression (TGE) Optimization for Multi-Gram Level Antibody Production: Effects of Expression Construct, Post Transfection Cell Density and Feed Conditions demonstrates a simple, optimized process to achieve antibody titers exceeding 1 gram/liter within 14 days of transfection. This poster is presented in collaboration with Vivalis, a key client and leading provider of innovative cell-based solutions to the pharmaceutical industry for the manufacture of vaccines and recombinant proteins.

The second poster, entitled Bioproduction Using Large Scale Transient Transfection: From >1.2 grams/L Antibody Titers via Transient Gene Expression (TGE) to Rapid, High Yield Stable Cell Line Generation, presents data demonstrating the utility of the MaxCyte platform at multiple steps in antibody development including high yield antibody production via transient gene expression and rapid generation of stable cell lines in 6-8 weeks for later stage development and biomanufacturing.

Companies are already realizing the benefits of streamlining progression from early to late stage development by using MaxCytes one-of-a-kind technology that brings together transient gene expression and rapid stable cell generation, says Douglas Doerfler, President, and CEO of MaxCyte. MaxCyte flow electroporation is a truly enabling technology and we look forward to presenting our latest scientific findings to leaders in the development of biotherapeutics at the 9th Annual Cell Line Development & Engineering Conference.

About MaxCyte

MaxCyte specializes in cell modification technologies to enable the discovery, development, manufacturing, and delivery of innovative therapeutic products. Drawing on its cell therapy expertise, MaxCyte designed a portfolio of products including the MaxCyte STX Scalable Transfection System and MaxCyte VLX Large Scale Transfection System, ideal tools for use in drug discovery research and screening and protein production environments. These products provide for the rapid development and consistent production of billions of (co)transfected primary cells, stem cells, and cell lines for protein and antibody production and for cell-based assays with comparable results and Seamless Scalability from the bench to HTS and pilot and production scale.

For more information, http://www.maxcyte.com

Go here to see the original:
MaxCyte Presents Unprecedented Data Using Flow Electroporation for CHO-Based Transient Gene Expression to Achieve Gram ...

Real Time with Bill Maher: Overtime - Episode #282
Bill and his roundtable guests (Mark Bittman, Zachary Quinto, Charles Cooke, Glenn Greenwald, Joy Reid) answer fan questions from last week #39;s show. For more ...

By: Real Time with Bill Maher

Excerpt from:
Real Time with Bill Maher: Overtime - Episode #282 - Video

WORLD HISTORY GENETIC ENGINEERING PROJECT
7th period.

By: Adriessa Oliveira

Read more from the original source:
WORLD HISTORY GENETIC ENGINEERING PROJECT - Video

Genetic Engineering: What it is and How it will Affect Our Future

By: KECisamazing

View original post here:
Genetic Engineering: What it is and How it will Affect Our Future - Video

Editor's Choice Main Category: Cancer / Oncology Also Included In: Genetics;Preventive Medicine Article Date: 21 May 2013 - 0:00 PDT

Current ratings for: UK Aims To Make Genetic Testing Available To All Cancer Patients

3 (2 votes)

The program, involving the Institute of Cancer Research, London, The Royal Marsden, the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics and Illumina Inc, aims to find a way to allow more cancer genes to be tested in more people.

Mutations in some genes, referred to as cancer predisposition genes, considerably raise the probability that a person will have cancer.

Although scientists can identify about 100 cancer predisposition genes, in the UK, testing for these genes is currently very limited.

Looking for gene mutations is now quicker and at a more reasonable cost than ever before as a result of recent advances in methods for reading the genetic code, called sequencing.

There is now a possibility to transform cancer gene testing and to improve the health consequences of several cancer patients as well as their families, the scientists explained.

Professor Nazneen Rahman, lead researcher of the program and Head of Genetics at theInstitute of Cancer Research (ICR) and the Cancer Genetics Clinical Unit at The Royal Marsden, said:

It also improves the information available for relatives about their own cancer risks. Sometimes a relative is found to also have an increased risk of cancer and screening or preventative measures can be employed. Just as frequently, testing provides the reassuring news that a relative is not at increased risk of cancer and does not need interventions."

See the rest here:
UK Aims To Make Genetic Testing Available To All Cancer Patients

Public release date: 21-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Mark Couch Mark.Couch@ucdenver.edu 303-724-5377 The JAMA Network Journals

Variation in the gene MUC5B among patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was associated with improved survival, according to a study published online by JAMA. The study is being released early online to coincide with its presentation at the American Thoracic Society international conference.

"Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive disease with a median [midpoint] survival of 3 years," according to background information in the article. The prognosis is variable; patients may remain stable for several years, slowly lose lung function, progress in an intermittent fashion, or experience precipitous acute exacerbations. "Current prediction models of mortality in IPF, which are based on clinical and physiological parameters, have modest value in predicting which patients will progress. In addition to the potential for improving prognostic models, identifying genetic and molecular features that are associated with IPF mortality may provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of disease and inform clinical trials."

Anna L. Peljto, Dr.P.H., of the University of Colorado Denver, and colleagues conducted a study to determine whether the variation (rs35705950) of the gene MUC5B, previously reported to be associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis, is associated with survival among patients with IPF. The study included two independent cohorts of patients with IPF: the INSPIRE cohort, consisting of patients enrolled in the interferon-1b trial (n=438; December 2003 - May 2009; 81 centers in 7 European countries, the United States, and Canada), and the Chicago cohort, consisting of IPF participants recruited from the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic at the University of Chicago (n = 148; 2007-2010). The INSPIRE cohort was used to model the association of MUC5B genotype with survival. The Chicago cohort was used for replication of findings.

The median follow-up period was 1.6 years for INSPIRE and 2.1 years for Chicago. During follow-up, there were 73 deaths among the INSPIRE cohort patients and 64 deaths among the Chicago cohort patients. Analysis indicated that the unadjusted 2-year cumulative incidence of death was lower among patients carrying 1 or more copies of the IPF risk allele (an alternative form of a gene) (T) in both the INSPIRE cohort and the Chicago cohort.

According to the authors, "The addition of the MUC5B genotype to the survival models significantly improved the predictive accuracy of the model in both the INSPIRE cohort and the Chicago cohort."

"These findings suggest that the common polymorphism in the promoter of MUC5B (rs35705950), previously reported to be strongly associated with the development of familial interstitial pneumonia and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is significantly associated with improved survival in IPF. These findings are consistent with a previous report of an association between the MUC5B variant and less severe pathological changes in familial interstitial pneumonia, as well as another report of slower decline in forced vital capacity for patients with IPF. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to demonstrate that a genetic variant is associated with survival in IPF."

"Further research is necessary to refine the risk estimates and to determine the clinical implications of these findings," the researchers conclude.

###

Read the original here:
Genetic variation among patients with pulmonary fibrosis associated with improved survival