Britain launched a research program on Monday that should eventually allow all cancer patients to have access to the kind of genetic analysis that led Hollywood star Angelina Jolie to decide to undergo a double mastectomy.

The project, involving the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, the U.S. gene sequencing firm Illumina, geneticists and cancer doctors, aims to find a way to allow more cancer genes be tested in more people.

Researchers announcing the 2.7 million pound ($4 million) project, funded by the Wellcome Trust medical charity, stressed this was not a response to reports last week of Jolie's decision to undergo surgery to reduce her breast cancer risk.

"What we're trying to do here is develop processes that will allow comprehensive and systematic use of genetic information in cancer medicine so that (more people) will be able to benefit from the types of information and situations we were hearing about last week (with the Jolie story)," said Nazneen Rahman, head of genetics at the ICR and a leader on the new project.

Mutations in some genes, known as cancer predisposition genes, greatly increase the risk that a person will get cancer.

Jolie tested positive for a high risk gene mutation that made her about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than women who do not carry this mutation, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

There are nearly 100 other known cancer predisposition genes, but in Britain - where most healthcare is part of the taxpayer-funded National Health Service - testing for them is currently very restricted.

Yet recent advances in reading the genetic code, known as gene sequencing, mean that looking for gene mutations is now faster and cheaper than ever - paving the way for gene testing eventually to become routine for all cancer patients.

"It is very important to know if a mutation in a person's genetic blueprint has caused their cancer," Rahman told reporters at a briefing in London.

"It allows more personalized treatment, so for example such people are often at risk of getting another cancer and may choose to have more comprehensive surgery, or may need different medicines, or extra monitoring."

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UK aims to make gene testing more accessible for cancer patients

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Public release date: 20-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Evan Lerner elerner@upenn.edu 215-573-6604 University of Pennsylvania

The allure of personalized medicine has made new, more efficient ways of sequencing genes a top research priority. One promising technique involves reading DNA bases using changes in electrical current as they are threaded through a nanoscopic hole.

Now, a team led by University of Pennsylvania physicists has used solid-state nanopores to differentiate single-stranded DNA molecules containing sequences of a single repeating base.

The study was led by Marija Drndi, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the School of Arts and Sciences, along with graduate students Kimberly Venta and Matthew Puster and post-doctoral researchers Gabriel Shemer, Julio A. Rodriguez-Manzo and Adrian Balan. They collaborated with assistant professor Jacob K. Rosenstein of Brown University and professor Kenneth L. Shepard of Columbia University.

Their results were published in the journal ACS Nano.

In this technique, known as DNA translocation measurements, strands of DNA in a salt solution are driven through an opening in a membrane by an applied electric field. As each base of the strand passes through the pore, it blocks some ions from passing through at the same time; amplifiers attached to the nanopore chip can register the resulting drop in electrical current. Because each base has a different size, researchers hope to use this data to infer the order of the bases as the strand passes through. The differences in base sizes are so small, however, that the proportions of both the nanopores and membranes need to be close those of the DNA strands themselves a major challenge.

The nanopore devices closest to being a commercially viable option for sequencing are made out of protein pores and lipid bilayers. Such protein pores have desirable proportions, but the lipid bilayer membranes in which they are inserted are akin to a film of soap, which leaves much to be desired in terms of durability and robustness.

Solid-state nanopore devices, which are made of thin solid-state membranes, offer advantages over their biological counterparts they can be more easily shipped and integrated with other electronics but the basic demonstrations of proof-of-principle sensitivity to different DNA bases have been slower.

"While biological nanopores have shown the ability to resolve single nucleotides, solid-state alternatives have lagged due to two challenges of actually manufacturing the right-sized pores and achieving high-signal, low-noise and high-bandwidth measurements," Drndi said. "We're attacking those two challenges here."

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Penn research makes advance in nanotech gene sequencing technique

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By Kate Kelland

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain launched a research program on Monday that should eventually allow all cancer patients to have access to the kind of genetic analysis that led Hollywood star Angelina Jolie to decide to undergo a double mastectomy.

The project, involving the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, the U.S. gene sequencing firm Illumina, geneticists and cancer doctors, aims to find a way to allow more cancer genes be tested in more people.

Researchers announcing the 2.7 million pound ($4 million) project, funded by the Wellcome Trust medical charity, stressed this was not a response to reports last week of Jolie's decision to undergo surgery to reduce her breast cancer risk.

"What we're trying to do here is develop processes that will allow comprehensive and systematic use of genetic information in cancer medicine so that (more people) will be able to benefit from the types of information and situations we were hearing about last week (with the Jolie story)," said Nazneen Rahman, head of genetics at the ICR and a leader on the new project.

Mutations in some genes, known as cancer predisposition genes, greatly increase the risk that a person will get cancer.

Jolie tested positive for a high risk gene mutation that made her about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than women who do not carry this mutation, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

There are nearly 100 other known cancer predisposition genes, but in Britain - where most healthcare is part of the taxpayer-funded National Health Service - testing for them is currently very restricted.

Yet recent advances in reading the genetic code, known as gene sequencing, mean that looking for gene mutations is now faster and cheaper than ever - paving the way for gene testing eventually to become routine for all cancer patients.

"It is very important to know if a mutation in a person's genetic blueprint has caused their cancer," Rahman told reporters at a briefing in London.

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UK tries out new model for gene testing in cancer patients

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Repeal Cannabis-Hemp-Marijuana Prohibition
Activist, Advocate, Minister, Patient, Survivor,... I, Mary Thomas-Spears aka Mary Thomas aka Rev. Mary,... Founder of Diverse Sanctuary Community Network,.....

By: reverendmary

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Repeal Cannabis-Hemp-Marijuana Prohibition - Video

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OMD Genetic Engineering (Official Video)
From the album "Dazzle Ships" (1983)

By: Randy Turner

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OMD Genetic Engineering (Official Video) - Video

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Public release date: 20-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Vicki Cohn vcohn@liebertpub.com 914-740-2100 ext. 2156 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News

New Rochelle, NY, May 20, 2013National guidelines recommend that at-risk women be screened for elevated cholesterol levels to reduce their chances of developing cardiovascular disease. But who is 'at risk?' The results of a study by investigators at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to estimate the proportion of women young and old who have cholesterol levels that meet the definition of being at-risk are reported in an article in Journal of Women's Health, a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the Journal of Women's Health website at http://www.liebertpub.com/jwh.

In "Cholesterol Screening for Women: Who is 'At Risk?'" Cheryl Robbins, Patricia Dietz, Shanna Cox, and Elena Kuklina, from the CDC, Atlanta, GA, analyzed data for a representative sample of 1,781 U.S. women not previously diagnosed with elevated cholesterol.

More than half (55%) of younger women (ages 20-44 years) and 74.2% of older women (>45 years) were at-risk for high cholesterol as defined by U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. Nearly all of the women in both age groups had at least one risk factor that would make them candidates for cholesterol screening according to the American Heart Association risk definition. The authors suggest the need for future research to determine whether screening and treatment of young women with high cholesterol will help to decrease subsequent deaths due to cardiovascular disease.

"The high prevalence of dyslipidemia reported in this study even among younger women is striking and supports the need for increased education about the risks for cardiovascular disease in women," says Susan G. Kornstein, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Women's Health, Executive Director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Women's Health, Richmond, VA, and President of the Academy of Women's Health.

###

About the Journal

Journal of Women's Health, published monthly, is a core multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the diseases and conditions that hold greater risk for or are more prevalent among women, as well as diseases that present differently in women. The Journal covers the latest advances and clinical applications of new diagnostic procedures and therapeutic protocols for the prevention and management of women's healthcare issues. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Journal of Women's Health website at http://www.liebertpub.com/jwh. Journal of Women's Health is the Official Journal of the Academy of Women's Health and the Society for Women's Health Research.

About the Academy

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Which women should be screened for high cholesterol?

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CARLSBAD, Calif., May 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Life Technologies Corporation (LIFE) today announced that its Applied Biosystems 3500 Dx /3500 xL Dx Genetic Analyzers CS2 have been approved by Health Canada for diagnostic use. The development marks a major extension of Life Technologies' capabilities to serve the clinical end market in North America with Sanger-based solutions.

The Applied Biosystems 3500 Dx Series Genetic Analyzers deliver high quality performance, higher throughput and increased productivity for clinical laboratories around the world. The 3500xL Dx is an automated 24 capillary-based Sanger Sequencer; the 3500 Dx is an eight capillary instrument. Together, the offering of both 3500 Dx and 3500xL Dx provides hospitals of all sizes the flexibility they need to meet their unique throughput demands designed for a wide range of sequencing applications. In addition to diagnostic use, the instruments are appropriate for a wide range of research applications, including de novo sequencing and mutational profiling.

"The current approval of the 3500 Dx Series Genetic Analyzers by Health Canada emphasizes Life Technologies' success in pursuing regulatory pathways for our diagnostics laboratory instruments, as well as our vision to becoming a global leader in the molecular diagnostics industry," said Ronnie Andrews , president of Medical Sciences at Life Technologies.

Applied Biosystems Sanger Sequencers supplied the technology that powered the Human Genome Project, and Sanger instruments remain the sequencing "gold-standard" for accuracy, reliability and ease of use. The participation of the sequencing technologies in clinical diagnostics is reshaping the disease treatment paradigm worldwide.

In February 2013 , the 3500 Dx/3500xL Dx Genetic Analyzers CS2 Series received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance for use with the company's SeCore HLA typing kits. Additional products offered by Life Technologies for the molecular diagnostics lab market in Canada include the Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Dx Real-time PCR instrument and the QuantStudio Dx Real-time PCR Instrument, both available as Class I devices.

About Life Technologies Life Technologies Corporation (LIFE) is a global biotechnology company that is committed to providing the most innovative products and services to leading customers in the fields of scientific research, genetic analysis and applied sciences. With a presence in more than 180 countries, the company's portfolio of 50,000 end-to-end solutions is secured by more than 5,000 patents and licenses that span the entire biological spectrum -- scientific exploration, molecular diagnostics, 21st century forensics, regenerative medicine and agricultural research. Life Technologies has approximately 10,000 employees and had sales of $3.8 billion in 2012.

Life Technologies' Safe Harbor StatementThis press release includes forward-looking statements about Life Technologies' anticipated results that involve risks and uncertainties. Some of the information contained in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements as to industry trends and Life Technologies' plans, objectives, expectations and strategy for its business, contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. When used, the words "believe," "plan," "intend," "anticipate," "target," "estimate," "expect" and the like, and/or future tense or conditional constructions ("will," "may," "could," "should," etc.), or similar expressions, identify certain of these forward-looking statements. Important factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are detailed in filings made by Life Technologies with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Life Technologies undertakes no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110216/MM49339LOGO)

Life Technologies Contact Suzanne Clancy 760-602-4545 858-205-4235 (mobile) suzanne.clancy@lifetech.com

SOURCE: Life Technologies Corporation

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Life Technologies Announces Regulatory Approval of its 3500 Dx Series Genetic Analyzers in Canada

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Scientists say they have formed the most complete picture yet of how the body controls the production of proteins needed to stay healthy.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are tracking the complex interactions between genes that enable proteins to be produced for use in cells.

They are studying tiny strands of genetic code - known as microRNAs - that switch larger genes on and off to regulate the production process.

Four hundred of these strands have been observed in action for the first time using a new tracking technique developed at the university. Researchers say they have been able to identify which genes are controlled by each microRNA.

Dr Grzegorz Kudla, of the university's Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, said the study had uncovered a wealth of information about the way microRNAs interact with other genetic material in the body.

He said: "Imagine you are in a small town. You know everybody's name because you have access to a phonebook, but you also want to know who interacts with whom.

"You can guess - perhaps people living on the same street interact, or you can spend time asking people about their friends. Our experiment amounts to screening footage from the town's CCTV system to identify pairs of people talking to each other in the street.

"We collected such footage for 18,000 pairs of people - except that in our case, we were looking at 18,000 genes. We already knew that genes often interact with each other, but we didn't know who interacts with whom. Now we know."

Scientists say the study accounts for around 40% of the 1,000 different microRNAs active in the human body, many of which had not been investigated before. The research, published in the journal Cell, is also the first to describe the distinguishing traits of a large number of microRNAs in one go.

Lead researcher Professor David Tollervey, of the university's School of Biological Sciences, said the study gives scientists a rule book for how individual genes are controlled and will also help in the understanding of a range of diseases caused when the regulation process goes wrong.

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Tiny genetic code strands observed

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New measure may aid treatment planning, future studies for broad range of tumors

Newswise BOSTON A new measure of the heterogeneity the variety of genetic mutations of cells within a tumor appears to predict treatment outcomes of patients with the most common type of head and neck cancer. In the May 20 issue of the journal Cancer, investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary describe how their measure was a better predictor of survival than most traditional risk factors in a small group of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

"Our findings will eventually allow better matching of treatments to individual patients, based on this characteristic of their tumors," says Edmund Mroz, PhD, of the MGH Center for Cancer Research, lead author of the Cancer report. "This method of measuring heterogeneity can be applied to most types of cancer, so our work should help researchers determine whether a similar relationship between heterogeneity and outcome occurs in other tumors."

For decades investigators have hypothesized that tumors with a high degree of genetic heterogeneity the result of different subgroups of cells undergoing different mutations at different DNA sites would be more difficult to treat because particular subgroups might be more likely to survive a particular drug or radiation or to have spread before diagnosis. While recent studies have identified specific genes and proteins that can confer treatment resistance in tumors, there previously has been no way of conveniently measuring tumor heterogeneity.

Working in the laboratory of James Rocco, MD, PhD director of the Mass. Eye and Ear /MGH Head and Neck Molecular Oncology Research Laboratory, principal investigator at the MGH Center for Cancer Research and senior author of the Cancer report Mroz and his colleagues developed their new measure by analyzing advanced gene sequencing data to produce a value reflecting the genetic diversity within a tumor not only the number of genetic mutations but how broadly particular mutations are shared within different subgroups of tumor cells. They first described this measure, called mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH), in the March 2013 issue of Oral Oncology. But that paper was only able to show that patients with known factors predicting poor outcomes including specific mutations in the TP53 gene or a lack of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) were likely to have higher MATH values.

In the current study, the investigators used MATH to analyze genetic data from the tumors of 74 patients with squamous cell head and neck carcinoma for whom they had complete treatment and outcome information. Not only did they find that higher MATH values were strongly associated with shorter overall survival with each unit of increase reflecting a 5 percent increase in the risk of death but that relationship was also seen within groups of patients already at risk for poor outcome. For example, among patients with HPV-negative tumors, those with higher MATH values were less likely to survive than those with lower MATH values. Overall, MATH values were more strongly related to outcomes than most previously identified risk factors and improved outcome predictions based on all other risk factors the researchers examined.

The impact of MATH value on outcome appeared strongest among patients treated with chemotherapy, which may reflect a greater likelihood that highly heterogeneous tumors contain treatment-resistant cells, Mroz says. He also notes that what reduces the chance of survival appears to be the subgroups of cells with different mutations within a tumor, not the process of mutation itself. "If all the tumor cells have gone through the same series of mutations, a single treatment might still be able to kill all of them. But if there are subgroups with different sets of mutations, one subgroup might be resistant to one type of treatment, while another subgroup might resist a different therapy."

In addition to combining MATH values with clinical characteristics to better predict a patient's chance of successful treatment, Mroz notes that MATH could someday help determine treatment choice directing the use of more aggressive therapies against tumors with higher values, while allowing patients with lower values to receive less intense standard treatment. While MATH will probably be just as useful at predicting outcomes for other solid tumors, the investigators note, that will need to be shown in future studies.

"Our results have important implications for the future of oncology care," says Rocco, the Daniel Miller Associate Professor of Otology and Laryngology at Harvard Medical School. "MATH offers a simple, quantitative way to test hypotheses about intratumor genetic heterogeneity, including the likelihood that targeted therapy will succeed. They also raise important questions about how genetic heterogeneity develops within a tumor and whether heterogeneity can be exploited therapeutically."

Additional co-authors of the Cancer paper are Aaron Tward, MD, PhD, Mass. Eye and Ear; Curtis Pickering, PhD, and Jeffrey Myers, MD, PhD, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; and Robert Ferris, MD, PhD, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. The study was supported by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research grants R01DE022087 and RC2DE020958, National Cancer Institute grant R21CA119591, Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas grant RP100233, and the Bacardi MEEI Biobank Fund. The MGH has filed a patent application for the MATH measure.

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Genetic Diversity Within Tumors Predicts Outcome in Head and Neck Cancer

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nc5lqz/genetic_testing) has announced the addition of the "Genetic Testing Market Outlook to 2017" report to their offering.

A recent report, Genetic Testing Market Outlook to 2017, provides an in-depth analysis of the current and future genetic testing market. A comprehensive introduction of gene-based tests, their working principles and types are covered in around a 140-page report. On account of our analysis of the past and present market trends; drivers; and existing strengths and challenges; forecast for genetic testing has been drawn, according to which, the market is likely to grow at a CAGR of around 9% during 2012-2017.

Our report is an outcome of extensive interaction with industry experts which has led us to portray the updated status of genetic testing in various therapeutic areas, major geographies and significant industry applications. The genetic testing industry has seen several new product launches, active research innovations, strategic activities, launch of new DTC tests, and wider therapeutic applications.

The report effectively illustrates the role of genetic testing in diseases such as Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, and Alzheimer. It also incorporates the information on disease prevalence, available tests, and genes that cause a particular disease. An extensive research and reliable statistics in terms of market size, developments and future performance for emerging sectors namely, Next-Generation Sequencing, Whole Genome Sequencing, Non Invasive Prenatal Diagnostics, and Personalized Medicine have been covered in the report.

Genetic testing is growing in both developing and developed nations with both industry and research personnel highlighting the significance of molecular biology. The report provides comprehensive analytics of key developments for major markets including the U.S., Europe and Asian countries, and their market overview. Country level analysis depicts the level of penetration for genetic testing, types of tests available, consumer perspectives, regulatory stringency and future growth.

Companies Mentioned

- Abbott Laboratories

- Clarient (GE Healthcare)

- Dako (Agilent Technologies)

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Research and Markets: Genetic Testing Market Outlook to 2017

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Public release date: 20-May-2013 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Samuli Ripatti samuli.ripatti@helsinki.fi 358-405-670-826 University of Helsinki

The study comprised over 24,000 Finnish subjects and was led by Professor Samuli Ripatti. The results revealed that a panel of 28 genetic markers improved detection of individuals with high risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) (10-year risk 20%) over traditional risk factors.

Identification of high-risk individuals is an important preventive strategy for CHD, because the current guidelines recommend statin treatment for the high-risk group. "The results indicate that genetic markers could be useful in CHD prevention, when used in addition to traditional risk factor screening", said Professor Veikko Salomaa from National Institute for Health and Welfare.

The study shows that genetic screening of individuals at intermediate risk (10-20%) based on traditional risk factors would reclassify 12% of them into the high-risk group. "Statin treatment of the reclassified individuals could prevent hundreds or even thousands of CHD events in Finland. The results are based on large population cohorts but should nevertheless be tested in a clinical setting. Pilot projects studying the effect of this new genetic information on health behavior are now being carried out", said Professor Samuli Ripatti.

Genetic markers improved prediction more efficiently than family history of the disease. Information on family history has been used to reflect genetic risk and it is commonly used in CHD risk evaluation. The results of the study demonstrate the potential for genetic screening of CHD in combination with traditionally screened risk factors in Finland.

###

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

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Genetic screening could reveal hidden high risk for coronary heart disease

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Mendel #39;s Work on Genetics
Brief history of Gregor Mendel #39;s work, plus an example of his "Pea Plant" experiments, with modern interpretation in terms of PP, Pp, and pp, hetero- and hom...

By: Michael Auerbach

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Mendel's Work on Genetics - Video

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Charles Lee

FARMINGTON Harvard genetics expert Charles Lee, Ph.D., has been appointed scientific director of The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine.

Lee is a world renowned scientist best known for his discovery that copy-number variation a state in which cells have an abnormal number of copies of DNA sections, sometimes associated with susceptibility or resistance to disease is widespread and significant in the human genome.

Lee currently directs both the molecular genetics research unit at Brigham and Womens Hospital and the cytogenetics facility for the Harvard Cancer Center in Boston.

For his discoveries and research into the human genome, Lee has received numerous accolades and awards, including the 2008 Ho-Am Prize in Medicine, often referred to as the Korean version of the Nobel Prize, and a Chen Global Investigator award from the International Human Genome Organization. He is also an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Lee will be responsible for the scientific direction and coordination of JAX Genomic Medicine in Farmington, Connecticut.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy hailed Lees appointment as another major milestone in a growing biomedical research economy.

Dr. Lee is an excellent addition to Connecticuts scientific community, Malloy said. His work will highlight our leadership in the bioscience sector and our commitment to creating good paying jobs with good benefits. With our investment in JAX and the bioscience industry, we have turned a corner on decades of no job growth.

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Harvard genetics expert named scientific director at Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine

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LOS ANGELES, May 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Response Genetics, Inc. (RGDX), a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests that help determine a patient's response to cancer therapy, today announced that abstracts will be presented at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL May 31 to June 4, 2013. The abstracts demonstrate the clinical utility of Response Genetics' proprietary ResponseDX(R) ERCC1 gene expression test in colon, pancreatic, and lung cancer and the emerging finding that gene mutation and expression profiles in colorectal cancer are associated with tumor location within the colon and rectum.

Poster Discussion Session Gene expression profiles and tumor locations in colorectal cancer (left vs. right vs. rectum) Date/Time Poster Display: June 4, 2013, 8:00AM -- 12:00PM, Location: S405 Date/Time Poster Discussion: June 4, 2013, 11:30AM -- 12:30PM, Location: S406

Poster Session Correlation of ERCC1 mRNA expression with KRAS mutation status in colorectal, pancreatic, and lung adenocarcinoma Date/Time: June 3, 2013, 1:15PM -- 5:00PM, Location: S Hall A2

About Response Genetics, Inc.

Response Genetics, Inc. (the "Company") is a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic testing services for cancer. The Company's technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information derived from tumor cells stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens. The Company's principal customers include oncologists and pathologists. In addition to diagnostic testing services, the Company generates revenue from the sale of its proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services of clinical trial specimens to the pharmaceutical industry. The Company's headquarters is 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 the Company 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 provide clinical testing services to the medical community, to continue to strengthen and expand its sales force, to continue to build its digital pathology initiative, to attract and retain qualified management, to continue to strengthen marketing capabilities, to expand the suite of ResponseDX(R) products, to continue to provide clinical trial support to pharmaceutical clients, to enter into new collaborations with pharmaceutical clients, to enter into areas of companion diagnostics, to continue to execute on its business strategy and operations, to continue to analyze cancer samples and the potential for using the results of this research to develop diagnostic tests for cancer, the usefulness of genetic information to tailor treatment to patients, and other statements identified by words such as "project," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "plan" 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 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, Inc. Announces Presentations at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2013 Annual Meeting

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SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - May 20, 2013) - Atossa Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), the Breast Health Company, today announced that Dr. Steven Quay, chairman, CEO and president, will be presenting at the Sidoti Semi-Annual Microcap Conference on Friday, June 7, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. In addition to presenting the company story, management will be available for one-on-one meetings with institutional investors.

For more information about the conference or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Atossa's management, please contact your Sidoti representative or visit http://www.sidoti.com.

About Atossa Genetics, Inc.

Atossa Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS) (www.atossagenetics.com), The Breast Health Company, is based in Seattle, WA, and is focused on preventing breast cancer through the commercialization of patented diagnostic medical devices and patented laboratory developed tests that can detect precursors to breast cancer up to eight years before mammography, and through research and development that will permit it to commercialize treatments for pre-cancerous lesions.

The National Reference Laboratory for Breast Health (NRLBH; http://www.nrlbh.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of Atossa Genetics, Inc., is a CLIA-certified high-complexity molecular diagnostic laboratory located in Seattle, WA. The NRLBH provides the patented ForeCYTE Breast Health Test, a risk assessment test for women 18 to 73 years of age akin to the Pap Smear, and the ArgusCYTE Breast Health Test, a blood test for recurrence in breast cancer survivors that provides a "liquid biopsy" for circulating breast cancer cells and a tailored treatment plan for patients and their caregivers.

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Atossa Genetics to Present at the Sidoti Semi-Annual Microcap Conference

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

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU) announced today that it will host a conference call and Webcast on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. (EST) to provide a corporate update and discuss the Companys first quarter results.

To access the live call, dial 877-324-1976 (domestic) or 631-291-4550 (international). The live Webcast and replay access of the teleconference will be available on the Investors section of Interleukin Genetics, Inc.s Website at http://www.ilgenetics.com.

About Interleukin Genetics

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU) develops and markets a line of genetic tests under the Inherent Health and PST brands.The products empower individuals to prevent certain chronic conditions and manage their existing health and wellness through genetic-based insights with actionable guidance. Interleukin Genetics leverages its research, intellectual property and genetic panel development expertise in metabolism and inflammation to facilitate the emerging personalized healthcare market. The Company markets its tests through partnerships with health and wellness companies, healthcare professionals and other distribution channels. Interleukin Genetics flagship products include its proprietary PST genetic risk panel for periodontal disease and tooth loss susceptibility sold through dentists, and the Inherent Health Weight Management Genetic Test that identifies the most effective diet and exercise program for an individual based on genetics. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. and operates an on-site, state-of-the-art DNA testing laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). For more information, please visit http://www.ilgenetics.com.

.

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Interleukin Genetics, Inc. Announces Conference Call to Discuss First Quarter 2013 Results

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

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU) announced today that it has raised $12.0 million in gross proceeds through a private placement of its securities to accredited investors. Interleukin sold an aggregate of 43,715,847 shares of its common stock at a price of $0.2745 per share and issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 32,786,885 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.2745 per share to the investors.

Subject to future approval by Interleukins shareholders of an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock, each investor has the right, prior to June 30, 2014, to purchase its pro rata share of up to an aggregate of $5,000,000 of additional shares of common stock and warrants on the same terms and conditions as those set forth above.

Immediately prior to the closing of this transaction Pyxis Innovations Inc., the sole holder of Interleukins Series A-1 Preferred Stock, converted all outstanding shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock into 28,160,200 shares of common stock and converted all of Interleukins outstanding convertible debt ($14,316,255) into 2,521,222 shares of common stock. Delta Dental Plan of Michigan, Inc., the sole holder of the Companys outstanding Series B Preferred Stock, also converted all outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock into 10,928,961 shares of common stock. Accordingly, following the transaction, the Company has no outstanding preferred stock or convertible debt.

BTIG, LLC acted as the exclusive placement agent for the transaction.

The securities offered in the private placement have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws. Accordingly, the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws.

This release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state.

Further details of the transaction, including information with respect to the restructuring of Interleukins Board of Directors, will be described in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC by the Company.

About Interleukin Genetics, Inc.

Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU) develops and markets a line of genetic tests under the Inherent Health and PST brands.The products empower individuals to prevent certain chronic conditions and manage their existing health and wellness through genetic-based insights with actionable guidance. Interleukin Genetics leverages its research, intellectual property and genetic panel development expertise in metabolism and inflammation to facilitate the emerging personalized healthcare market. The Company markets its tests through partnerships with health and wellness companies, healthcare professionals and other distribution channels. Interleukin Genetics flagship products include its proprietary PST genetic risk panel for periodontal disease and tooth loss susceptibility sold through dentists and the Inherent Health Weight Management Genetic Test that identifies the most effective diet and exercise program for an individual based on genetics. Interleukin Genetics is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. and operates an on-site, state-of-the-art DNA testing laboratory certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

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Interleukin Genetics Announces $12 Million Private Placement

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Could tissue engineering mean personalized medicine? - Nina Tandon
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Here we demonstrate how a patient who suffers from Parkinson #39;s Disease has benefited from stem cell therapy with us in Panama.

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Treatment of a patient with Parkinson's Disease using stem cell therapy - Video

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Businessman had an increased risk of cancer through the BRCA2 gene He entered a trial at the Institute of Cancer Research as it ran in his family The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are linked to an aggressive form of cancer Angelina Jolie had a double mastectomy after testing positive for BRCA1

By Amanda Perthen

PUBLISHED: 19:19 EST, 18 May 2013 | UPDATED: 04:29 EST, 19 May 2013

A British father has made medical history by having his healthy prostate removed after discovering that he carries a defective gene that boosts his risk of cancer, it was reported last night.

The businessmans increased risk of cancer through the BRCA2 gene is believed to have come to light when he took part in a trial at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London.

He entered the trial because he has relatives who have suffered from breast or prostate cancer in the past.

Scientists believe that others who know they are carriers will choose to go down the same route (stock image)

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to be linked to an aggressive form of breast cancer.

Last week Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie revealed she had had surgery to remove both her breasts to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer after testing positive for the rogue BRCA1 gene.

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British father, 53, has prostate removed after being told he carried defective gene that boosts his chance of cancer

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Angelina Jolie has revealed she underwent a double masectomy when tests revealed genes associated with breast cancer

A 53-year-old British father has become the first man to have his prostate removed because tests revealed he was carrying a "faulty" cancer gene.

A clinical trial at London's Institute of Cancer Research revealed that he carried the BRCA2 gene, which research shows is associated with a high risk of developing prostate cancer.

Several of the man's family had suffered from breast or prostate cancer, which is why he took part in the study.

The closely associated BRCA1 gene has been known for some time to have links with breast cancer, and last week actress Angelina Jolie revealed that she had undergone a double mastectomy when tests revealed that she carried the gene.

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After receiving the news the man asked doctors to remove his prostate, which tests had shown to be healthy.

Surgeons were initially reluctant, since the potential side effects of the operation include infertility, incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

MRI scans and a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA tests, did not show the presence of malignant cells, but microscopic examination revealed cell changes associated with cancer, prompting the surgeons to act.

Surgeon Roger Kirby told the Sunday Times: "The relatively low level of cancerous cells we found in this man's prostate before the operation would these days not normally prompt immediate surgery to remove the gland, but given what we now know about the nature of BRCA2, it was definitely the right thing for this patient."

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UK Man has Prostate Removed After Tests Reveal 'Jolie' Gene Flaw

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Fill a pool with giant amounts of chocolate pudding.

Pay for the genetic engineering of a real-life unicorn.

Do something boring like pay off your debt, send your kids to college or start a charity that could, like, solve world hunger or something.

All of these things can (might?) be done if you win the now-all-time-high Powerball jackpot of $600 million, according to the Powerball website.

The next drawing is Saturday and the world waits with bated breath to see who will be the next mega-rich and mega-lucky winner.

Well, not that lucky the Powerball website says the jackpot is only worth $376.9 million in cash only.

The last drawing on Wednesday paid out almost $47,00,000 in non-jackpot prizes around the country and nearly 2.7 million people could count themselves as winners. However, no one claimed the biggest prize.

Michigan already has seen its share of luck so far in the latest lottery craze. A $1 million ticket was sold in tiny Blanchard, sending the locals into a lottery-fueled delirium, according to MLive.

Get creative and tell us what you'd buy with the money if you got the lucky numbers on Saturday in the comments.

Good luck, lottery-playing Ann Arborites. Youll need it.

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What would you buy? Powerball jackpot reaches $600 million

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The reality is sobering. Ten to 15 years ago we thought that we would be using genetic tests to predict all sorts of diseases, said Prof Tim Spector, a genetic epidemiologist at Kings College London. It turns out to have been wishful thinking.

We used to think there might be five to 10 genes involved in a disease, but we now know there may be thousands that only contribute a tiny amount and interact with each other.

It was hoped that the 1.8 billion human genome project to decipher our DNA would herald a new age in medicine when it was completed 13 years ago. Instead, it revealed that our genetic make up is far more complicated than we had expected.

None the less, scientists have now developed tests for about 2,500 diseases, but almost all are for rare conditions and only a fifth are treatable. Examples include Huntingdons Disease and Cystic Fibrosis.

However, scientists who worked on the human genome project are now striving to unravel the web of genes that play a role in more widespread conditions including obesity, diabetes and autism.

They are analysing the genomes of more than 10,000 people from around the UK who suffer from a range of diseases.Their results are already identifying genes that have weak effects in serious and common conditions.

These may not be useful as a test in themselves, said Dr Jeff Barrett, group leader on the UK10K project at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. But they will help us understand more about these diseases. This can give us clues about how to develop treatments and to develop new ways of screening.

Also on the horizon are new tests for, diabetes, early-onset Alzheimers disease and colon cancer, which may help doctors provide treatments to slow them or prevent them from occurring.

Tests for obesity genes can also present people with the option of changing their behaviour and diet to reduce their chances of becoming obese.

Simultaneously, the development of genetic tests is also resulting in a growing ethical and moral debate about how they should be used. By providing seemingly healthy individuals with a warning that they may suffer from an illness later in their life, doctors are also offering them the chance to prevent it.

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Where is genetic testing taking us?

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