Archive for the ‘Gene Therapy Research’ Category

09-02-2012 23:02 Stem Cell Therapy latest news - Jan 2012, MS options Contact Kevin for help to raise funds for treatment part 2 of 4

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09-02-2012 22:12 Stem Cell Therapy latest news - Jan 2012, MS options Contact Kevin for help to raise funds for treatment part 1 of 4

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09-02-2012 23:17 Stem Cell Therapy latest news - Jan 2012, MS options Contact Kevin for help to raise funds for treatment part 3 of 4

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22-11-2011 18:28 Video by Humberside Students Charlotte, Maria and Adrien for their Grade 11 Biology Project. It explores Genetically Modified Organisms. The sources used are as followed: Sources Adrien Bettio: Monsanto ~ Home . (nd). Monsanto ~ Home . Retrieved November 22, 2011, from http://www.monsanto.ca GM crops | Politics | guardian.co.uk . (nd). Latest US and world news, sport and comment from the Guardian | guardiannews.com | The Guardian . Retrieved November 22, 2011, from http://www.guardian.co.uk Losey, JE, Rayor, LS, and Carter, ME (1999). Transgenic pollen harms monarch larvae. Nature International weekly journal of science, 399. Retrieved October 22, 2011, from http://www.nature.com Nordlee, JA, Taylor, SL, Townsend, JA, Thomas, LA, and Bush, RK (1996). Identification of a Brazil-Nut Allergen in Transgenic Soybeans. The New England Journal of Medicine, 334, 688-692. Retrieved October 22, 2011, from http://www.nejm.org The World Book encyclopedia 2011 (2011 ed., pp. 85-86). (2011). Genetically Modified Food. Chicago, IL: World Book Inc.. Whitman, DB (nd). Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?. ProQuest. Retrieved October 22, 2011, from http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php Charlotte Tenszen: Barringtonzee, John, and J.Moriarity, Andrew. "Biotechnology-The Canadian Encyclopedia." The Canadian Encyclopedia. Np, nd Web. 24 Oct. 2011. Dixon. "Genetically modified food." bgm.com. Np, np Web. 20 Oct. 2011. Ratnasiri, Kalani. "Global Voices: Can GM foods help solve the global food crisis ...

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31-01-2012 08:03 The drug Kalydeco has been approved to treat patients with one of the mutations that cause cystic fibrosis. FDA's Stephen Spielberg, MD, Ph.D, tells how this targeted treatment represents how personalized medicine will revolutionize health care.

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21-01-2012 05:14 EDIT: After some thoughts and reading a few comments, there is possibly a lot more that could go into this video regarding genetics and Alicorns, but like I said, I don't want to delve too much into it at this time, maybe later after Season 2 is over and we have more information. As someone said: "If you have a pegasus who carries horn genes and a unicorn who carries wing genes, like so: hhWw x Hhww It would be possible for them to? have alicorn sons, right? I mean, without the alicorn mother rule (maybe the guy would have the genes but 'alicorniness' wouldn't manifest, or maybe he'd die at birth, only alicorns being able to 'mother' an alicorn).." Yeah, that does seem like it would work. In fact, it would produce a ratio that would actually be higher for alicorns. I'm guessing that there is more to alicorns besides just? these two genes though, and that's why we haven't seen them. The ratio that would produce would? actually be evenly spread... 4:4:4:4 A short video explaining how I think pony genetics work for wings and horns since we now know they can breed and produce fertile offspring. (Crap, I just realized that I mispelled alicorn in the second slide that has it... oh well, it's not there long.) Song used, Mumble Finds A Pet: http://www.youtube.com By the way, General Mumble has a new album out now, go buy it now and show your support! generalmumble.bandcamp.com The Twilight Vectors at the beginning and end is by SirPonyLancelot: Check out his dA gallery: sirponylancelot ...

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02-02-2012 13:54 I just came with the info

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Public release date: 7-Feb-2012
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Contact: Gillian Shasby
gshasby@thejns.org
434-924-5555
Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group

Charlottesville, VA (February 7, 2012). Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center's VCU Massey Cancer Center and Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center (Richmond, VA) and Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA) have discovered that suppression of Wilms tumor 1 protein (WT1) results in downregulation of CD97 gene expression in three glioblastoma cell lines and reduces the characteristic invasiveness exhibited by glial tumor cells. This finding is announced in the article, "Novel report of expression and function of CD97 in malignant gliomas: correlation with Wilms tumor 1 expression and glioma cell invasiveness," by Archana Chidambaram, Ph.D., and colleagues, published online ahead of print today in the Journal of Neurosurgery. Although further studies must be performed, the authors propose that CD97 may prove to be a new target for anti-glioma therapies.

According to William C. Broaddus, M.D., Ph.D., neurosurgeon and leader of the research team, "the invasive behavior of glioma cells is a key feature of their malignancy in the first place, and more recently there is evidence that treatment of gliomas with anti-angiogenic approaches such as bevacizumab (Avastin) may stimulate the invasive behavior of some gliomas. This may even serve as the mechanism by which these tumors fail to respond to bevacizumab treatment. That means that treatments to attack the invasiveness of gliomas by attacking CD97 expression may have special promise as a new treatment strategy."

WT1 is a transcription factor involved in the normal development of several tissue types. Usually expression of this protein is switched off when tissue reaches the normal adult stage. However, WT1 expression has been identified in numerous malignant diseases?leukemia, lung and breast cancers, sarcomas, reproductive organ tumors, and gliomas to name a few. In fact, the same team of researchers previously documented WT1 expression in 80% of glioma cells and tumor specimens. Because WT1 expression in tumor cells has been shown to play a role in resistance to radiation and chemotherapy as well as promotion of cell proliferation, invasion, and/or angiogenesis, Dr. Broaddus brought together the team to investigate what genes present in malignant gliomas could be mediated by WT1 to confer the virulence displayed by this particular tumor. According to the authors, "given its structural identity?and functional history, it seemed logical that WT1 might regulate the transcription (or posttranscriptional expression) of other genes."

To this end, the research team set out to silence WT1 gene expression in malignant glioma cells and observe the effects of this silencing on other genes in these cells. The researchers did this by using short interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against WT1 in three glioblastoma cell lines: U251-MG, U1242-MG, and GBM-6.

Application of siRNA consistently suppressed WT1 gene expression levels, which in turn produced a significant reduction in cellular invasiveness. A microarray analysis identified other genes that were affected by WT1 silencing. These included 27 genes that were significantly downregulated and 11 that were significantly upregulated. The authors point out that nine of the 27 downregulated genes have putative or established roles in oncogenesis, and seven of the 11 upregulated genes have putative or established roles in tumor suppression. All but one gene demonstrating dysregulation during WT1 silencing have at least one potential binding site for WT1 in their promoter regions; the other gene (PDGF-D) has binding sites for Egr1, which recognizes and binds consensus binding sequences shared by WT1.

Prior to this study, there were no reports of CD97 overexpression in glioma cells. It was therefore surprising to the research team that the CD97 gene consistently displayed a direct correlation with WT1 in all three glioblastoma cell lines. Given CD97's putative role in aiding cell invasiveness and neoangiogenesis in other non-brain tumors, the decision was made to examine this cell-surface receptor specifically.

CD97 belongs to the adhesion G-protein?coupled receptor family. Western blot analysis demonstrated overexpression of CD97 protein in the three cell lines. Quantitative reverse transcriptase??polymerase chain reaction showed a six- to 21-fold increase in CD97 expression in the tumor cells over that found in normal human astrocytes, which displayed minimal CD97 expression. After siRNA transfection methods were applied to silence the CD97 gene, CD97 mRNA levels lowered significantly: approximately 50% in U251-MG cells, nearly 80% in GBM-6 cells, and 20% in U1242-MG cells. To examine whether these results would impact the glioblastoma cells' invasive capabilities, the researchers plated cells on Matrigel-coated filters of Transwell plates to see whether the cells would invade the Matrigel. In each cell type the cellular invasiveness potential decreased: to 54% of control (tumor cells) in U251-MG cells, approximately 50% of control in GBM-6 cells, and 26% of control in U1242-MG cells.

Perhaps the greatest challenge faced in treating malignant gliomas is their strong invasive capacity. The authors believe their data indicate that upregulation of CD97 mediated by WT1 possibly promotes this invasiveness. The findings of this study show a definite relationship between CD97 overexpression and the invasive quality of malignant glioma cells, which is correlated to the relationship between WT1 expression and the invasive characteristic of glioma cells?relationships that in the future may be exploited in a therapeutic setting.

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Chidambaram A, Fillmore HL, Van Meter TE, Dumur CI, Broaddus WC. Novel report of expression and function of CD97 in malignant gliomas: correlation with Wilms tumor 1 expression and glioma cell invasiveness. Laboratory investigation. Journal of Neurosurgery, published ahead of print February 7, 2012; DOI: 10.3171/2011.11.JNS111455.

Disclosure: The research presented in this paper was supported in part by the F. Norton Hord, Jr. Fund of the Medical College of Virginia Foundation and the Department of Neurosurgery, Virginia Commonwealth University. The authors report no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods used in this study or the findings specified in this paper.

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Ms. Gillian Shasby, Director of Publications?Operations
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For well over 60 years, the Journal of Neurosurgery has been recognized by neurosurgeons and other medical specialists the world over for its authoritative, clinical articles, cutting-edge laboratory research papers, renowned case reports, expert technical notes, and more. Each article is rigorously peer reviewed. The Journal of Neurosurgery is published monthly by the JNS Publishing Group, the scholarly journal division of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (http://www.aans.org), an association dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to promote the highest quality of patient care. The Journal of Neurosurgery appears in print and on the Internet (http://www.thejns.org).

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TUESDAY, Feb. 7 (HealthDay News) -- In certain people with Parkinson's disease, mutations in the parkin gene disrupt the proper function of dopamine, the brain chemical that controls body movement.

The finding could lead to new treatments and screening methods for the disease, according to the University at Buffalo researchers.

Using live human neurons in the laboratory, the team found that parkin mutations hinder the actions of dopamine and produce more "free radicals," harmful molecules that destroy dopamine-laden brain cells, leading to Parkinson's disease.

"Once parkin is mutated, it can no longer precisely control the action of dopamine, which supports the neural computation required for our movement," study author Jian Feng, a professor of physiology and biophysics in the university's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, said in a university news release.

The parkin mutation is responsible for only a small percentage of Parkinson's disease cases, Feng stressed. Nevertheless, understanding how parkin works is relevant to all Parkinson's patients, he said.

One expert agreed that the finding may not be of direct help to most Parkinson's patients at this time.

"One should be cautious in overstating the importance of this since most cases of idiopathic [arising from unknown cause] Parkinson's disease are not caused by parkin mutations," explained Dr. Andrew Feigin, director of the experimental therapeutics division of the Center for Neurosciences at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research in Manhasset, N.Y. However, he added that, "the creation of human neurons containing a parkin mutation may provide a new means for screening potential therapies for Parkinson's disease."

The study appears in the current issue of the journal Nature Communications.

The researchers said this is the first study to use live human neurons to investigate the role that parkin plays in Parkinson's disease, and it was made possible by the use of stem cells.

The research team created human neurons using human skin cells taken from four people: two with a rare type of Parkinson's disease in which their disease is caused by the parkin mutation, and two with healthy people who served as controls.

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, which affects at least 500,000 people in the United States.

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Public release date: 7-Feb-2012
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Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, February 7, 2012?People visit social networking sites such as Facebook for many reasons, including the positive emotional experience that people enjoy and want to repeat, according to an article in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.. The article is available free online at http://www.liebertpub.com/cyber

Measurements of physical and psychological responses such as breathing rate, brain activation, and pupil dilation, designed to assess a person's psychophysiological state, were collected in a group of individuals participating in either a relaxing or stressful task or being online on their own personal Facebook account. The results revealed a significantly different experience for stress or relaxation exposure compared to the response to Facebook.

Maurizio Mauri, PhD, Pietro Cipresso, PhD, Anna Balgera, MA, Marco Villamira, PhD, MD, and Giuseppe Riva, PhD, from IULM University, Auxologico Italian Institute, and Catholic University of Sacro Cuore, in Milan, Italy, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, report the design, findings, and conclusions of this study in the article entitled, "Why Is Facebook so Successful? Psychophysiological Measures Describe a Core Flow State while Using Facebook." http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cyber.2010.0377

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Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published monthly in print and online that explores the psychological and social issues surrounding the Internet and interactive technologies. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed online at http://www.liebertpub.com/cyber

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Games for Health Journal, Telemedicine and e-Health, and Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 70 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available at http://www.liebertpub.com.

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New study shows Facebook use elevates mood

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global outlook on Genetic Engineering Industry. The disparity in demand and supply arising due to increasing global population and stagnant food production is a major factor responsible for growing food crisis, and also a reason for nations to view genetic engineering (GE) as a viable solution. The benefits of GM crops and its subsequent commercialization have considerably helped in overcoming food shortage, alleviation of poverty, tackling biodiversity and other socio-economic issues.

San Jose, California (PRWEB) February 07, 2012

Follow us on LinkedIn – Genetic engineering (GE) deals with the manipulation of genes for human welfare. The versatility of genetic engineering has extended its benefits to agriculture, medicine, diagnosis and several other industries. These advancements helped in dealing with several socio-economic issues and more importantly the blistering issue of global food crisis. As global population grows and climate change impacts crop yields, GM crop varieties offer a healthy and safe alternative to traditionally produced crops in order to meet the future food demand. Modern breeding techniques are an effective amalgamation of traditional breeding protocols and advanced biotechnology methods including the use of genetic engineering to develop plants that have certain exceptional properties. For instance, market assisted selection uses genetic markers to identify traits in plants such as drought tolerance and improved yield, without the need to actually transfer genes from donor to target organisms. Genetically modified (GM) foods are being commonly used, with a significant share of staples such as soybeans and corn being produced in genetically modified varieties.

The growing consumer awareness about the benefits of GM crops is a primary driver for increasing consumer interest in the biotech foods. Ever since the commercialization of GM crops in 1996, agricultural biotechnology has spread very rapidly and currently, 29 countries cultivating GM crops are reaping its benefits. While markets such as the US, Brazil and Argentina have already accepted GM seed products, Europe, after opposing biotech crops for years, is now beginning to realize the benefits of GM foods. China and India, the countries with ever-growing population and yet self-sufficient food production, increasingly favor GM crops. Korea and Japan, both of which largely depend on imports of food in order to meet their food requirements, exhibit a moderate attitude towards GM foods. The US is the largest producer of GM crops covering an area of 69 million hectares in 2011 and accounts for almost three-fourth of total GE crops production across the world. Canada, Argentina, and Brazil are home to genetically modified soy, corn and canola, while China produces insect resistant rice.

Despite the fact that biotech crops offers innumerous benefits, the industry has been facing tough challenges with regard to ethical and moral issues, herbicide and pesticide resistance, species specific action and others. For instance, the European Union still remains indecisive over the acceptance of biotech crops in context of the potential threats associated with it. Several countries in the European Union banned the cultivation of genetically modified potato and maize attributable to concerns over antibiotic resistance. Globally, several protocols have been laid to ensure safe transfer, use and handling of biotechnologically modified living organisms. Adoption of cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation is a prime agenda of the protocols. Important precautions included regulations on international trade of genetically altered crops to curb the spread of associated diseases, pests and ensure fair trade practices.

The research report titled “Genetic Engineering: A Global Outlook” announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers an aerial view of the industry, highlights latest developments, and discusses demand drivers, issues and concerns, and regulatory environment. Discussion on the industry’s most noteworthy regional market, the US, is amply detailed with unbiased research commentary to provide the reader a rudimentary understanding of the prevailing market climate. Market discussions in the report are punctuated with fact-rich market data tables. Regional markets elaborated upon include United States, Canada, India, China, and South Africa among others. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of companies worldwide.

For more details about this comprehensive industry report, please visit –

http://www.strategyr.com/Genetic_Engineering_Industry_Market_Report.asp

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Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a leading publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company currently employs over 800 people worldwide. Annually, GIA publishes more than 1300 full-scale research reports and analyzes 40,000+ market and technology trends while monitoring more than 126,000 Companies worldwide. Serving over 9500 clients in 27 countries, GIA is recognized today, as one of the world's largest and reputed market research firms.

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13-01-2012 20:25 SEE OUR RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTS VISIT http://www.2buildmusclefast.com "LIKE US ON FACEBOOK" http://www.facebook.com WE ARE NATURAL BODYBUILDERS AND DO NOT USE STEROIDS OR PRO HORMONES. OUR SUPPLEMENTS WE APPROVE OF ARE CREATINE WHEY PROTEIN and AND A GOOD PRE WORKOUT LIKE JACK3D OR SOMETHING SIMILAR

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11-12-2011 13:07 Doctors are hailing a major breakthrough in gene therapy that could revolutionise treatment of the blood clotting disorder Haemophilia. Sufferers currently have to take an ongoing series of injections to control the condition. A study at University College London hopes to change all that. Al Jazeera's Gerald Tan has been taking a look at the findings.

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Breakthrough in Haemophilia treatment - Video

20-12-2011 09:01 If you would like more information please call us Toll Free at 877-578-7908. Or visit our website at http://www.usastemcells.com Or click here to have a Free Phone Constultation with Dr. Matthew Burks usastemcells.com Real patient testimonials for USA Stem Cells. Adult stem cell therapy for COPD, Emphysema, and Pulmonary fibrosis.

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Adult Stem Cell Treatments for COPD -Real patient results, USA Stem Cells- Donald W. Testimonial - Video

07-11-2011 15:39 http://www.StemCellTreatment.org Salima had stem cell treatment for Fibromyalgia and had very good results. We have had great success with stem cell therapy for Fibromyalgia also known as FMS. Fibromyalgia symptoms include pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles and other soft tissue. Stem cell treatment for fibromyalgia is something that ASCAAC specializes in. Go to our website for more information and fill out the form or give us a call so we can answer your stem cell and fibromyalgia questions!

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Stem Cell Treatment Fibromyalgia - Video

12-01-2012 07:24 If you would like more information please call us Toll Free at 877-578-7908. Or visit our website at http://www.usastemcells.com Or click here to have a Free Phone Constultation with Dr. Matthew Burks usastemcells.com Real patient testimonials for USA Stem Cells. Adult stem cell therapy for COPD, Emphysema, and Pulmonary fibrosis.

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Adult Stem Cell Treatments for COPD -Real patient results, USA Stem Cells- Leon B. Testimonial - Video

10-01-2012 17:54 Cell-based therapy research at Swedish Heart and Vascular Institute is quintessential to medical advancement. Medical director Dr. Paul P. Huang researches stem cell therapy pertaining to cardiovascular disease. He provides an historical perspective of stem cell research and explains how stem cells can help cardiovascular patients avoid surgery and improve their quality of life. Dr. Huang believes that regenerative medicine is medicine's next frontier. For more information visit http://www.swedish.org

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Cell-based Therapy Research - Video

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA and SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwire -02/06/12)- Benitec Biopharma (ASX: BLT.AX - News) and Medistem (Pinksheets: MEDS.PK - News) announced today the successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in preclinical models using Benitec Biopharma's patented gene silencing technology applied to stem cell-derived immune system cells called dendritic cells. The studies, which were led by Dr. Wei-Ping Min of the University of Western Ontario, were published in the "Journal of Translational Medicine" on the 31st January 2012(1). Benitec Biopharma's CEO Dr Peter French and Medistem's scientist Dr Rosalia De Nochea Champion were co-authors on the paper.

"In 2003, Dr Wei-Ping Min's group, together with Medistem's CEO Dr Thomas Ichim, were the first to apply the technology of RNA Interference to the immune system, by silencing the autoimmune disease-associated gene IL-12p35(2)," said Dr. Peter French. "In the current paper, Dr. Min expanded these studies to a disease-relevant model, and using stem cell-derived dendritic cells was capable of developing promising preclinical data relevant to rheumatoid arthritis."

By specifically "silencing" various genes, Benitec Biopharma's ddRNAi technology is capable of modulating stem cells outside of the body, in order to endow them with new desired therapeutic activities. The first clinical study which combined stem cell therapy with Benitec Biopharma's ddRNAi technology was in a trial of AIDS-related lymphoma patients, the results of which were published in 2010 and showed the safety and feasibility of the approach(3).

In the current paper, ddRNAi was used to generate dendritic cells that acted as a "tolerogenic vaccine," which specifically blocked the pathological immune response in rheumatoid arthritis, without blocking healthy immune responses. It is contemplated that by blocking pathological immunity, ddRNAi-modified stem cell-based therapies, such as those being developed by Medistem, could provide novel treatment and curative approaches to tissue that has been damaged. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis the tissue would be cartilage and synovium.

"Medistem is the first company to take a stem cell from discovery to clinical trials in the short span of four years," said Dr. Weiping Min. "This is a unique example of merging basic research, as performed in my laboratory with the translational expertise of Dr. Ichim's company."

Medistem has previously published work in the area of rheumatoid arthritis, however the company's main efforts are currently focused on heart failure, for which it has started the RECOVER-ERC 60 patient double blind, dose escalating, placebo controlled trial using its Endometrial Regenerative Cell (ERC) universal donor stem cell. The company also has a critical limb ischemia trial recently approved by the FDA.

"In our opinion the Benitec Biopharma technology platform is the only means of inducing the stable expression of gene silencing in a stem cell," said Dr. Ichim, CEO of Medistem. "Given that Benitec Biopharma has pioneered ddRNAi for human therapy, and has been involved in applying it to stem cell manipulation, we are eager to continue our collaborations and finding means of leveraging the unique properties of the ERCs with the transformational technology of ddRNAi to develop novel cell therapies for a range of chronic life-threatening human diseases."

"Benitec Biopharma and Medistem are in discussions as to how to advance this work both in rheumatoid arthritis and in a range of other disease states that would lend themselves to such a novel combination therapy," Dr. French added.

About Medistem
Medistem Inc. is a biotechnology company developing technologies related to adult stem cell extraction, manipulation, and use for treating inflammatory and degenerative diseases. The company's lead product, the endometrial regenerative cell (ERC), is a "universal donor" stem cell being developed for critical limb ischemia and heart failure. A publication describing the support for use of ERC for this condition may be found at http://www.translational-medicine.com/content/pdf/1479-5876-6-45.pdf.

Cautionary Statement This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of our securities. This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking information. Factors which may cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are discussed in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Benitec Biopharma

Benitec Biopharma Ltd is developing novel treatments for chronic and life-threatening conditions based on targeted gene-silencing activity using a transformational technology: DNA-directed RNA interference (ddRNAi) -- sometimes called expressed RNAi. The technology's potential to address unmet medical needs and to cure disease results from its demonstrated ability to permanently silence genes which cause the condition. Importantly, this technology's target gene and related gene pathways will rarely have presented as a therapeutic avenue for research for the traditional small molecule agents, currently accounting for the majority of today's pharmaceutical products.

Benitec now either owns or exclusively licenses from CSIRO more than 40 granted or allowed patents in the field of RNA interference for human therapeutic applications. Patents have been granted in key territories such as the USA, the UK, Japan, Europe, Canada and Australia. In addition, Benitec has almost 50 patent applications pending for which it is the owner or exclusive licensee from CSIRO, and has further intellectual property under development as a result of its pipeline program.

Founded in 1997 and trading publicly since 2001, Benitec Biopharma is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the symbol "BLT." Benitec aims to deliver a range of novel ddRNAi-based therapeutics to the clinic in partnership with the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to its focused R&D strategy in infectious diseases, cancer and chronic cancer-associated pain, Benitec Biopharma is pursuing programs with licensees.

References
(1) Li, R et al. Gene silencing of IL-12 in dendritic cells inhibits autoimmune arthritis. "Journal of Translational Medicine" 2012, 10:19 doi:10.1186/1479-5876-10-19.
(2) Hill JA et al. Immune modulation by silencing IL-12 production in dendritic cells using small interfering RNA. "The Journal of Immunology," 2003, 171: 691-696.
(3) DiGiusto DL et al. RNA-based gene therapy for HIV with lentiviral vector-modified CD34+ cells in patients undergoing transplantation for AIDS-Related Lymphoma. "Science Translational Medicine," 2(36): 36ra43.

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Benitec Biopharma and Medistem Technologies Successfully Combined in Preclinical Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid ...

Their sophisticated data-filtering strategy, which uses gene expression during normal development as a starting point, offers a new, efficient and potentially game-changing approach to gene discovery.

Babies born with CDH—representing one in every 3,000 live births—have a hole in the diaphragm that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity, and may die due to poor growth of the lung.

Patricia K. Donahoe, M.D., director of the Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories at MGHfC, explained, "That hole can be fixed surgically if CDH has been diagnosed in time. But even surgery does not rescue the infants' impaired lung development, which often leads to fatal respiratory complications." Patients who survive into adulthood "tend to have a lot of ongoing health issues," she noted.

Donahoe and her colleagues Meaghan Russell, Ph.D., and Mauro Longoni, M.D., and Jackson Laboratory Professor Carol J. Bult, Ph.D., a computational biologist, led the research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The team had two goals: to identify the genes and gene networks that cause the hole in the diaphragm in order to develop new diagnostics and preventive treatments, and to learn more about how healthy lungs form to boost lung development in post-operative infant patients.

Bult and her Jackson colleague Julie Wells, Ph.D., generated gene expression profiles—snapshots of gene activity—for embryonic mouse diaphragms at multiple stages of development. Using algorithms designed by the JAX-MGH team, they used these data to then predict genes likely to contribute to diaphragm defects.

Bult said, "We asked which genes in our developmental data sets work together in common pathways, and which of these pathways contain previously known CDH genes from human studies and mouse models?"

To build gene networks, the researchers used the Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) data base resource based at The Jackson Laboratory. MGI, freely available to the research community, maintains the most comprehensive collection of mouse genetic and genomic information.

The researchers' filtering strategy identified 27 new candidate genes for CDH. When the investigators examined the diaphragms of knockout mice for one of these candidate genes—pre-B cell leukemia transcription factor 1 or Pbx1—they found previously unreported diaphragmatic defects, confirming the prediction.

The next step in the project is to screen patients for mutations in Pbx1 using the collection of CDH patient data and DNA that MGHfC and Children's Hospital Boston have been accumulating for years in collaboration with hospitals from around the world.

The research reported in the paper opens the door "not only to further research to explore the effects of the other 26 CDH candidate genes," Bult said, "but to a disease gene identification and prioritization strategy for CDH, an approach that can be extended to other diseases and developmental anomalies."

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Researchers find clues to common birth defect in gene expression data

09-01-2012 15:30 January 6, 2012 - The Genomics in Medicine Lecture Series More: http://www.genome.gov

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Breast Cancer Genes, Risk Assessment and Screening - Lawrence Brody - Video

18-12-2011 05:11 "By chance, the light-skinned coloured fish that I used for that research also taught us a lot about how Europeans, how humans became lighter skinned ... what Professor Cheng discovered was perhaps one of the most important genetic mutations ever found. A single change among literally billions of coded instructions within Zebrafish DNA that reduced black pigment from their stripes... Soon after this, identical genetic mutation was found in fair-skinned Europeans ... not only did white-skinned people evolve from black-skinned people, but lighter-skinned people, whether they're European, or whether they're Asian, ... we're actually mutants, of the dark-skinned people..." Nina Jablonski breaks the illusion of skin color http://www.ted.com Always Revealing, Human Skin Is an Anthropologist's Map http://www.nytimes.com

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6/7 Skin Deep - white-skinned people evolved from black-skinned people - Video

Discovery could lead to personalised medicine where stroke treatments are tailored to individual patients

By Claire Bates

Last updated at 9:19 AM on 6th February 2012

A single genetic mutation can double your risk of stroke, according to a new study.

Researchers found the gene variant increased the risk of large artery ischemic strokes, which account for over a third of all cases.

The discovery may lead to screening tests to identify those at risk along with earlier treatments and could potentially save thousands of lives.

Impact: Around 110,000 people in England have a stroke every year, while 300,000 people are living with resulting disabilities

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide and a major cause of chronic disability in developed countries. The condition costs the NHS ?2.8billion a year.

One of the most common types is when blood flow is impaired because of a blockage to one or more of the large arteries supplying blood to the brain, known as large artery ischemic stroke.

Researchers from St George's, University of London and Oxford University compared the genetic make-up of 10,000 people who had suffered from a stroke with 40,000 healthy individuals. The study was funded by the Wellcome Trust.

They found that an alteration in a gene called HDAC9 occurs on about 10 per cent of human chromosomes. Those people who carry two copies of the variant (one inherited from each parent) have nearly twice the risk for this type of stroke compared to those with no copies of the variant. 

The protein produced by HDAC9 is already known to play a role in the formation of muscle tissue and heart development. However, the exact mechanism by which the genetic variant increases the risk of stroke is not yet known.

Professor Hugh Markus, from St George's, University of London, who co-led the study says: 'This discovery identifies a completely new mechanism for causing stroke. The next step is to determine in more detail the relationship between HDAC9 and stroke and see whether we can develop new treatments that reduce the risk of stroke.

'Interestingly, there are already drugs available which inhibit the HDAC9 protein. However, it is important that we understand the mechanism involved before trialling the effects of these drugs on stroke.'

The researchers went on to show that the new variant does not have the same effect on the risk of other types of stroke which include bleeding in the brain.

Professor Peter Donnelly, Director of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics in the University of Oxford, who co-led the study, says: 'This is really fascinating, and if it holds up more generally, will move us closer to personalised medicine, where treatments and preventions can be tailored more precisely to individual patients.'

The study was published online in Nature Genetics today.

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Single genetic mutation can double your risk of stroke - but scientists hope it could lead to tailored treatments

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:MYGN - News) announced today that Jim Evans, Chief Financial Officer, is scheduled to present at the Leerink Swann 2012 Global Healthcare Conference, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, February 16, 2012. The conference is being held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, New York.

The presentation will be available to interested parties through a live webcast accessible on the investor relations section of Myriad's website at http://www.myriad.com.

About Myriad Genetics

Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:MYGN - News) is a leading molecular diagnostic company dedicated to developing and marketing transformative tests to assess a person's risk of developing disease, guide treatment decisions and assess a patient's risk of disease progression and disease recurrence. Myriad's portfolio of nine molecular diagnostic tests are based on an understanding of the role genes play in human disease and were developed with a focus on improving an individual's decision making process for monitoring and treating disease. With fiscal year 2011 annual revenue of over $400 million and more than 1,000 employees, Myriad is working on strategic directives, including new product introductions, companion diagnostics, and international expansion, to take advantage of significant growth opportunities. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company's website: http://www.myriad.com.

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Myriad Genetics to Present at the Leerink Swann 2012 Global Healthcare Conference

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Response Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: RGDX - News), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer, announced today that Thomas Bologna, CEO and Chairman, and David O’Toole, vice president and CFO, will present at the 22nd Annual UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference at the Grand Hyatt in New York.

Response Genetics’ presentation is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 7. A live webcast of the presentation will be available on the conference section of the company's website at http://investor.responsegenetics.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=207260&p=irol-presentations. The webcast will be archived for 60 days.

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics Inc. (“RGI”) is focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer. RGI’s technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information from genes derived from tumor samples stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. In addition to diagnostic testing services, the Company generates revenue from the sales of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. RGI was founded in 1999 and its principal headquarters are located in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please visit http://www.responsegenetics.com.

Forward-Looking Statement Notice

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release and the statements of representatives of RGI related thereto contain or may contain, among other things, certain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Company’s plans, objectives, projections, expectations and intentions, such as the ability of the Company to successfully present at the UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference, and other statements identified by words such as “projects,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “intends,” “plans” or similar expressions.

These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results, including, without limitation, actual sales results, if any, or the application of funds, may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on various factors (many of which are beyond the Company’s control). The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Response Genetics to Present at the 22nd Annual UBS Global Healthcare Services Conference

Public release date: 6-Feb-2012
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Contact: Joyc
joyce.peterson@jax.org
207-288-6058
Jackson Laboratory

Researchers at MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC), The Jackson Laboratory and other institutes have uncovered 27 new candidate genes for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a common and often deadly birth defect.

Their sophisticated data-filtering strategy, which uses gene expression during normal development as a starting point, offers a new, efficient and potentially game-changing approach to gene discovery.

Babies born with CDH?representing one in every 3,000 live births?have a hole in the diaphragm that separates the abdominal cavity from the chest cavity, and may die due to poor growth of the lung.

Patricia K. Donahoe, M.D., director of the Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories at MGHfC, explained, "That hole can be fixed surgically if CDH has been diagnosed in time. But even surgery does not rescue the infants' impaired lung development, which often leads to fatal respiratory complications." Patients who survive into adulthood "tend to have a lot of ongoing health issues," she noted.

Donahoe and her colleagues Meaghan Russell, Ph.D., and Mauro Longoni, M.D., and Jackson Laboratory Professor Carol J. Bult, Ph.D., a computational biologist, led the research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The team had two goals: to identify the genes and gene networks that cause the hole in the diaphragm in order to develop new diagnostics and preventive treatments, and to learn more about how healthy lungs form to boost lung development in post-operative infant patients.

Bult and her Jackson colleague Julie Wells, Ph.D., generated gene expression profiles?snapshots of gene activity?for embryonic mouse diaphragms at multiple stages of development. Using algorithms designed by the JAX-MGH team, they used these data to then predict genes likely to contribute to diaphragm defects.

Bult said, "We asked which genes in our developmental data sets work together in common pathways, and which of these pathways contain previously known CDH genes from human studies and mouse models?"

To build gene networks, the researchers used the Mouse Genome Informatics (MGI) data base resource based at The Jackson Laboratory. MGI, freely available to the research community, maintains the most comprehensive collection of mouse genetic and genomic information.

The researchers' filtering strategy identified 27 new candidate genes for CDH. When the investigators examined the diaphragms of knockout mice for one of these candidate genes?pre-B cell leukemia transcription factor 1 or Pbx1?they found previously unreported diaphragmatic defects, confirming the prediction.

The next step in the project is to screen patients for mutations in Pbx1 using the collection of CDH patient data and DNA that MGHfC and Children's Hospital Boston have been accumulating for years in collaboration with hospitals from around the world.

The research reported in the paper opens the door "not only to further research to explore the effects of the other 26 CDH candidate genes," Bult said, "but to a disease gene identification and prioritization strategy for CDH, an approach that can be extended to other diseases and developmental anomalies."

###

MassGeneral Hospital for Children is the pediatric service of Massachusetts General Hospital (www.massgeneral.org), the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, with an annual research budget of more than $750 million and major research centers in AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, human genetics, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, reproductive biology, regenerative medicine, reproductive biology, systems biology, transplantation biology and photomedicine.

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution and National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center based in Bar Harbor, Maine, with a facility in Sacramento, Calif., a future institute in Farmington, Conn., and a total staff of about 1,400. Its mission is to discover the genetic basis for preventing, treating and curing human disease, and to enable research and education for the global biomedical community.

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MassGeneral, Jackson researchers find clues to common birth defect in gene expression data