MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'gene therapy'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:00:35 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118924&cid=t_104791_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F11%2Fgene-transfer-therapy-destroys-tumors-in-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-patients-holds-promise-for-ovarian-cancer%2F Penn researchers have shown sustained remissions of up to a year among a small group of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients treated with genetically engineered versions of their own T-cells. This genetically-modified “serial killer” T-cell approach could provide a tumor-attack roadmap for the treatment of lung and ovarian cancer, myeloma and melanoma as well. [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118924 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:11:37 +0100 5118924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050471&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F008191.html Rabbits the world over are celebrating the good news that a gene therapy for rabbits prevents clogging up of arteries. Rats and mice seethe in jealousy and resentment. A one-dose method for delivering gene therapy into an arterial wall effectively protects the artery from developing atherosclerosis despite ongoing high blood cholesterol. The promising results, published July 19 in the journal Molecular Therapy, came from research in rabbits. The gene therapy turns on a protein thought to be involved in delivering the benefits of high HDL blood cholesterol. The deployed gene produces a protein that is likely responsible for the beneficial effects of high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, commonly known as good cholesterol. This substance is apolipoprotein A-1, or apoA-1. It pumps... (Source: Fut... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050471 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5050471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433289&cid=t_104791_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F03%2Ffda-awards-1-6m-orphan-drug-grant-for-clinical-phase-ii-development-of-egen-001-for-treatment-of-ovarian-cancer%2F EGEN, Inc. announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awarded the company a four-year grant of $1.6 million to assist in the phase II clinical development of EGEN-001, the company’s lead product. EGEN-001 is under clinical development for the treatment of advanced recurrent ovarian cancer. EGEN, Inc. announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433289 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:52:52 +0100 4433289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4298767&cid=t_104791_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F29%2Fuh-biochemist-works-to-revolutionize-ovarian-cancer-treatment-by-unleashing-the-power-of-micrornas-nanotechnology%2F The day when an ovarian cancer patient can treat her tumor with a single, painless pill instead of a toxic drug cocktail is the ultimate goal of the pioneering research of a University of Houston (UH) scientist.  Preethi Gunaratnee, assistant professor in the department of biology and biochemistry, is studying a class of tiny genetic [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4298767 Wed, 29 Dec 2010 23:01:17 +0100 4298767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060087&cid=t_104791_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV102.flv Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Andrew Baker, Karl-Klaus Conzelmann, Peter Palese, and Katharina Eisenächer Episode #102 of the podcast This Week in Virology is a conversation about the RNA sensor RIG-I, adenovirus gene therapy, a universal influenza vaccine, and rabies virus, recorded in Munich, Germany at the SFB455 symposium ‘Viral offense and immune defense’. Download TWiV #102 (67 MB .mp3, 95 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: SFB455 Symposium scientific program Letters read on TWiV 102 Virologists having fun (YouTube video) Video of this episode – view below or download .mov (394 MB) or .wmv (506 MB) Weekly Science Picks... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060087 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:06:02 +0100 4060087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913104&cid=t_104791_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fpromising-melanoma-drug-tested%2F A drug against melanoma being described by researchers as “phenomenal” is one step closer to being widely available to patients after results of an early study were released two days ago. The gene therapy drug acts against the BRAF protein that causes skin cells to abnormally replicate. Dr Keith Flaherty of the Developmental Therapeutics Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital and Dr. Lynn Schuchter at the University of Pennsylvania took part in the study and comment. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913104 Sat, 28 Aug 2010 18:14:41 +0100 3913104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3702851&cid=t_104791_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV088.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, and Marc Pelletier On episode #88 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent, Alan, and Marc discuss using a virus for beetle control, RNA based gene therapy for AIDS, and reconstitution of a endogenous human retrovirus. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code TWIVPOD to receive $75-$500 off a Drobo. To enter a drawing to receive 50% off the manufacturers suggested retail price of a Drobo S or FS at drobostore.com, fill out the questionnaire here. Download TWiV #88 (68 MB .mp3, 91 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with Stitcher Radio. Links for this episode: Controlling the palm rhinoceros beetle with a virus The viro... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3702851 Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:03:35 +0100 3702851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3671766&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Ftriple_punch_gene_therapy_for_aids_patients_clears_its_first_safety_test_in_humans.php © 1Droid JamLosA triple punch gene therapy has cleared its first safety test in humans as it gives human stem cells three ways to defy HIV. Four AIDS patients were injected with these cells and they tolerated the treatment and for up to two years, the cells produced anti HIV weapons. Researchers are optimistic that after further clinical trials, combination therapy can replace or complement anti-retroviral drugs for treatment of HIV patients. The trial piggybacked on a standard treatment where AIDS patients were ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3671766 Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:13:46 +0100 3671766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590328&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2FOQq_wOiJvsw%2Fgeneticswatch-creating-life-and-curing.html GeneticsWatch Creating Life and Curing Blindness May 21, 2010 Tags: Venter, DNA, creating life, genome, American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, gene therapy, blindness I’ve been at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy annual meeting this week, garnering tales for my book, tentatively entitled “The Forever Fix.” It is largely the story of 9-year-old Corey Haas, who was on his way to certain blindness when gene therapy performed at the University of Pennsylvania in September 2008restored his failing vision. Francis Collins, director of the NIH, told Congress about Corey last week.Corey, his parents, and “Dr. Jean” Bennett, who made it all possible, were the stars of a press conference and a huge symposium. Corey got up on stage and calmly and clearly ... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590328 Sun, 23 May 2010 01:41:35 +0100 3590328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3443742&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fgene_therapy_using_nanoparticle_delivery_restores_vision_in_mice.php © Kyle MayIn a research report published in the April 2010 print issue of The FASEB Journal, scientists describe how they were able to reverse a type of blindness in mice using a form of gene therapy that does not involve the use of modified viruses. They used a non-viral, synthetic nanoparticle carrier to improve and save the sight of mice with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease characterized by progressive vision loss and eventual blindness. Using mice with the retinal degeneration slow (Rds) gene, ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3443742 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 05:37:30 +0100 3443742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3322326&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006981.html About 1 in 6000 babies is born with a genetic disorder of the nervous system called Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The mouse equivalent of SMA has now been treated with gene therapy with substantial improvement. COLUMBUS, Ohio – Reversing a protein deficiency through gene therapy can correct motor function, restore nerve signals and improve survival in mice that serve as a model for the lethal childhood disorder spinal muscular atrophy, new research shows. This muscle-wasting disease results when a child’s motor neurons – nerve cells that send signals from the spinal cord to muscles – produce insufficient amounts of what is called survival motor neuron protein, or SMN. This reduced protein in motor neurons specifically – rather than in other... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3322326 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3322326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3318122&cid=t_104791_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rawvoice.com%2Fpmn_twiv%2Fwww.twiv.tv%2FTWiV071.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Alan Dove, and Rich Condit Vincent, Dickson, Alan, and Rich answer listener questions about maternal infection and fetal injury, viral gene therapy, eyeglasses and influenza, filtering prions from blood, eradication of rinderpest, Tamiflu resistance of H1N1 influenza, bacteriophages and the human microbiome, H1N1 vaccine recalls, human tumor viruses, RNA interference, and junk DNA. This episode is sponsored by Data Robotics Inc. Use the promotion code VINCENT to receive $50 off a Drobo or $100 off a Drobo S. Win a free Drobo S! Contest rules here. Download TWiV #71 (63 MB .mp3, 88 minutes) Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email. Links for this episode: Maternal infection and fetal neurologic... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3318122 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 01:00:22 +0100 3318122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3036958&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fsirna_drug_to_treat_genetic_skin_disease_pachyonychia_congenita.php In the November 24 online issue of the journal Molecular Therapy, scientists report a new treatment for pachyonychia congenita, an ultra-rare genetic skin condition due to mutations in the keratin gene. The disorder is characterized by painful, blistering calluses on the feet and limbs that limit a patient's ability to walk, usually with other ther skin and nail problems. The new treatment involves a relatively new class of drug called siRNA, and works by preventing the gene with the mutation from being expressed but permitting the ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3036958 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:06:27 +0100 3036958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3026400&cid=t_104791_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FG1R4h8kDa74%2F X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a rare neurologic disease caused by a defect in a gene required for normal ABCD1 transporter function. The lack of this function leads to progressive demyelination, severe neurologic disease and death in males, often in childhood. ALD disease progression can be controlled by allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in those patients for whom bone marrow donors can be found. This unusual correction occurs because bone marrow-derived monocyte-macrophages are known to migrate into the central nervous system and form functional microglial cells. These corrected microglial cells provide the patients with cells with normal ABCD1 transporter activity and allow normal myelin function. Two patients with progressive ALD with no available allogeneic H... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3026400 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:00:23 +0100 3026400 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3015261&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006730.html An MIT press release about the use of nanoparticles to deliver gene therapy contains an interesting statistic about the size of the overall effort to develop clinically useful gene therapies: In the United States alone almost 1000 gene therapy clinical trials are underway. That's a surprisingly large number. Is it true? Seems too high to be possible. There are nearly 1,000 clinical trials under way in the United States involving gene therapy, for diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. However, no gene therapy treatments have been approved in the United States. This is an example of why it is hard to predict the future. It is hard to predict the success rate of those many attempts. Once some... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3015261 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3015261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2946942&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fgene_therapy_for_lebers_congenital_amaurosis_lca.php Usign a single shot of gene therapy, scientists were able to improve the vision in five children and seven adults with Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA), an inherited retinal degenerative disease characterized by severe loss of vision at birth. Although the patients did not attain normal eyesight, half of them (six of 12) improved enough that they may no longer be classified as legally blind. The 12 subjects ranged in age from 8 to 44 years old at the time of treatment. Four of the children, aged ... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2946942 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:40:26 +0100 2946942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2803858&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F006540.html All male squirrel monkeys are naturally red-green color blind. Gene therapy has successfully restored vision of 2 male squirrel monkeys. Researchers have used gene therapy to restore colour vision in... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2803858 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2803858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424366&cid=t_104791_132_f&fid=37823&url=http%3A%2F%2Fathena.bioc.uvic.ca%2Fnode%2F1026 Baculovirus has emerged as a novel gene delivery vector in the recent years.  As a DNA virus that infects insect as its natural host, baculovirus does not replicate nor is toxic inside the transduced cells.  Furthermore,  baculoviral DNA degrades inside the mammalian cells over time, thus easing the safety concerns about the use of baculovirus for gene therapy.  In the study,  Baculovirus Transduction of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: In Vitro Responses and In Vivo Immune Responses After Cell Transplantatio read more (Source: VBRC Blog) VBRC Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424366 Wed, 20 May 2009 01:00:04 +0100 2424366 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2147519&cid=t_104791_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fgene-therapy-for-periodontal-disease-2%2F By placing genes into cells and tissues, gene transfer research can be an effective treatment for some lethal medical conditions. University of Michigan scientists want to take this innovative concept further to improve quality of life and health for people with chronic diseases. Here’s how it works for periodontitis patients… An inactive virus is introduced to soak up excess TNF (tumor necrosis factor) receptor, which contributes to inflammatory bone destruction. Researchers found that in 60-80% of cases, periodontal tissues were not destroyed when gene therapy was used. Read the article at ADA.org. (Source: dental blog for dentists about dentistry) dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2147519 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:03:10 +0100 2147519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2144449&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F01%2Fgene-therapy-success-in-trial-on-bubble.html Great news from the uncontroversial biotech file: "Bubble Boy" disease, named after David Vetter who became famous because he had to be isolated behind plastic shields to prevent infection from a genetic disease that causes severe defects in the immune system, has been effectively treated in human trials using gene therapy. From the story: Gene therapy seems to have cured eight of 10 children who had potentially fatal "bubble boy disease," according to a study that followed their progress for about four years after treatment. The eight patients were no longer on medication for the rare disease, which cripples the body's defenses against infection. The successiful treatment is reported in Thursday's issue of the New England Journal of Medcine and offers hope for treating other diseases with... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2144449 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:28:00 +0100 2144449 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2090026&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FtyqENga6kx8%2F Welcome to the new year and the first edition of Genetics and Health for 2009. Let’s get down to business and talk shop. The first genome wide association study of ADHD was published this week. Led by Stephen V. Faraone, the International ADHD Multicenter Genetics (IMAGE) project found one genetic marker (out of 600K) may be association with the ADHD symptoms. As usually is the case, there may other genes involved in ADHD but these have small effects that can not be seen with GWAS, the study suggests. *** “Researchers have identified nine genes that might make people more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.” In the study, genetic differences in about 500 people with Alzheimer’s were compared to 500 people without the disease. Lowered levels of Vitamin D ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2090026 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:23:22 +0100 2090026 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2039847&cid=t_104791_125_f&fid=34820&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dentalblogs.com%2Farchives%2Fadministrator%2Fgene-therapy-for-periodontal-disease%2F While gum disease isn’t life threatening, it can increase risk factors for life-threatening conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes complications, and bacterial pneumonia. It’s also a contributing factor to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As you well know, gum disease is responsible for most adult tooth loss. To this point, gene therapy has not been used to treat non life-threatening diseases, but scientists at the University of Michigan have found that gene therapy can stop periodontal disease. The same gene therapy has shown positive results for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, as well. More testing is in the works. Read the full article at Medical News Today. Listen to William Giannobile’s podcast on the topic here. (Source: den... dental blog for dentists about dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2039847 Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:37:28 +0100 2039847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2011173&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FarEW-fKrv6w%2F Scientists are used to being cautious. But I was reading this article and I was beside clapping for the science! See, whenever we get very good results from our experiments, we always tell ourselves "let’s test this some more", "let’s confirm this in some other population". Well, let’s. But the results of this new study are so encouraging that we ought to celebrate with virtual champagne! Gene therapy has successfully treated sickle cell anemia in mice! OK, so it’s in mice but read on first. The scientists introduced the gene for gamma-globin into the mice’s blood-forming cells and then introduced those altered cells into  (sickle-cell anemic) mice. The investigators found that months after they introduced the altered blood-forming ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2011173 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:20:02 +0100 2011173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1947257&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FiE49ykTikLc%2F With still no gene therapy drug approved by the FDA, and only one controversial product in the market (Gendicine, approved only in China) since 2004, gene therapy is very much in its experimental stages. And yet, the global market for gene therapy is already projected to reach $484 million by 2015. There is quite a huge revenue to be made, but still way below the estimates when Gendicine first came out. Market predictions depend on the approval of products, cost of treatment and the population that the drugs target but progress has been slow until this year. In May 2008, Phase III trial for end-stage head and neck cancer, the first for cancer, showed marked improvements in patient survival. In April and later in October, six patients with inherited blindness reported better vision when tr... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1947257 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:26:43 +0100 1947257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1865523&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FAGrw2Ka_zVs%2F A new study found that premature ejaculation is not purely psychological. Genetics has a lot to do with it. Scientists from Utrecht University in the Netherlands studied 89 Dutch men who had "primary premature ejaculation", which means they suffered from it from their first sexual contact. They were compared with 92 men who had no such history. In men with premature ejaculation, the serotonin was deficient in the area of the brain that controls ejaculation. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls body temperature, sleep, sexual activity, appetite and emotions such as anger, aggression and mood. A common polymorphism (5HTTLPR) within the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene has been shown to influence the amount and activity of serotonin, so the authors postul... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1865523 Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:07:03 +0100 1865523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1856099&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FrWxVQ4HP7fU%2F Last month, three more patients treated with an experimental gene therapy reported improved vision. Add this to the first successful gene therapy for inherited blindness earlier this year and the science gets instant boost. Despite years of work and resources devoted to it, experimental gene therapy had very little proven success in clinical trials. Some of the factors preventing it from effectively treating disease are the problem with viral vectors and the host’s reaction to the foreign object, in this case a virus. In 1999, a young patient participating in an experimental therapy for ornithine transcarboxylase deficiency (OTCD) died when his immune response rejected the virus. Four years later, a patient developed leukemia-like conditions. This year’s clinical trials on the ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1856099 Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:30:01 +0100 1856099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1841036&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D4644 Wired has an interesting story on how Gene Therapy Restores Sight Hold on, it does not apply to all causes of blindness but the trials were done on those with a rare form of congenital blindness called Leber's Congenital Amaurosis where there is a defective gene, RPE65. This gene defect results in abnormal development of photoreceptors The treatment involved viral vectors to introduce normal genes into the patients eye. Cideciyan’s team used a virus to introduce healthy versions of the gene into their patients’ eyes, stimulating enzyme production allowing the remaining photoreceptors to function normally. Improvement began in just over a week, and remained after 90 days — the study’s endpoint. Tests showed that two patients needed 63,000 times less light to see at a... Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1841036 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1841036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1769440&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHEALTH%2F%7E3%2F383877706%2F Conclusion My thanks to everyone that contributed articles — it’s been great hosting the Cancer Research Blog Carnival for a second time this year. Be sure to take a moment and let your fellow bloggers know this issue is available so that everyone’s hard work can be appreciated and enjoyed by all. The Cancer Research Blog Carnival is looking for future hosts. You can find both the hosting schedule and past editions at the Cancer Research Blog Carnival website. For more information on the U.S. investment in cancer research, you can read the NCI’s plan and budget proposal for fiscal year 2009. References Niederhuber JE. A look inside the National Cancer Institute budget process: implications for 2007 and beyond. Cancer Res. 2007 Feb 1;67(3):856-62. View abstract The ... Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1769440 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:49:31 +0100 1769440 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1683524&cid=t_104791_136_f&fid=36051&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FCancerCommentary%2F%7E3%2FPbkU2BRxEJg%2F A research team from Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center and the VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine have showed that combining a dietary agent with a gene-delivered cytokine effectively eliminates human pancreatic cancer cells in mice displaying sensitivity to these highly aggressive and lethal cancer cells. The cytokine used in this study was melanoma differentiation associated gene-7/interleukin-24, known as mda-7/IL-24. The dietary agent, perillyl alcohol (POH), was combined with mda-7/IL-24, which is already used in other cancer treatments. POH is found in a variety of plants, including citrus plants, and has been well-tolerated by patients who have received it in clinical studies. Published in the July issue of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, their results indicated ... Cancer Commentary blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1683524 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 23:07:29 +0100 1683524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1478018&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F300502200%2F P52 gene, arrows show locations of common mutations  (Image courtesy www.bioinf.org) Following on from my last article on using gene therapy for increasing survival in head and neck cancer, Professor Jack Roth, M.D., professor in M. D. Anderson’s Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery and colleagues are now focusing on ways to deliver p53 and other tumor-suppressing genes systemically - through intravenous delivery. The p53 gene is inactivated in many types of cancer. Its normal role is to halt the division of a defective cell and then force the cell to kill itself. Advexin has to be injected straight into the tumor, but that’s not workable for many cancers. Head and neck cancer kills patients by recurring, not spreading to other organs, but most cancer deaths in... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1478018 Thu, 29 May 2008 11:47:11 +0100 1478018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1478019&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F300493803%2F Thank you to Jennifer Texada at MD Anderson for bringing this great cancer treatment discovery to my attention…. (Image courtesy Introgen Therapeutics) A gene therapy invented at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is the first to succeed in a U.S. phase III clinical trial for cancer.  Introgen Therapeutics, Inc a spin out from MD Anderson, reported results of its phase III trial of Advexin, a modified adenovirus that expresses the tumor-suppressing gene p53, for end-stage head and neck cancer. The p53 gene is inactivated in many types of cancer. Its normal role is to halt the division of a defective cell and then force the cell to kill itself. “Cells become cancerous because p53 no longer functions. Restoring p53 works unlike any current cancer treatment bec... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1478019 Thu, 29 May 2008 11:32:34 +0100 1478019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1451857&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F293025515%2F   Maxi-K gene therapy may be a safe and effective future option for men whose erectile dysfunction (ED) is not treatable with oral therapy. This therapy is not yet available commercially but shows immense promise for the future. Maxi-K therapy is a unique, locally administrated gene-transfer technology to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The safety and the restorative effects of the treatment have been shown by data from participants in a phase I trial. In some men, the effect lasted up to six months. The gene therapy appears safe as no transfer-related adverse events were reported more than two years after the transfer in some subjects. Unlike conventional oral treatments for men with ED, Maxi-K therapy doesn’t require prior planning, fosters sexual spontaneity and can be used by m... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1451857 Sun, 18 May 2008 20:29:37 +0100 1451857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1402924&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34825&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wesleyjsmith.com%2Fblog%2F2008%2F04%2Fgene-therapy-success-restores-vision.html This is exciting news and demonstrates once again that most biotechnology isn't morally contentious. A teenager with failing eyesight has had his vision improved by inserting healthy genes to correct a genetically caused disability. From the story: In the trial carried out by a team at the University College of London Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital, the world's first gene transplant for blindness produced an unprecedented improvement in Steven Howarth's sight.The student suffered from a genetic mutation, called Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA), which usually begins affecting the sight of sufferers in early childhood and eventually causes total blindness during a patient's twenties or thirties. Currently, there is no treatment for the condition.Born with no periphe... Secondhand Smoke blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1402924 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:44:00 +0100 1402924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1378177&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fgene_therapy_may_treat_cocaine_addiction.php Using gene therapy, researchers have demonstrated in rats that increasing the levels of dopamine D2 receptors in the brain can reduce use of cocaine by 75 percent. "By increasing dopamine D2 receptor levels, we saw a dramatic drop in these rats' interest in cocaine," said lead author Panayotis (Peter) Thanos, a neuroscientist with Brookhaven Lab and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) Laboratory of Neuroimaging. "This provides new evidence that low levels of dopamine D2 receptors may play an important role in not just alcoholism but in cocaine abuse as well. It also shows a potential direction for addiction therapies." The study, published online in the journal Synapse, indicates that gene therapy may be a promising method to treat drug and alcohol addiction... The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1378177 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:19:36 +0100 1378177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1182837&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F224514644%2F   New research has shown evidence that genes have the ability to recognize similarities in each other from a distance, without any proteins or other biological molecules aiding the process. This discovery could explain how similar genes find each other and group together in order to perform key processes involved in the evolution of species. According to new research from Imperial College, UK published this week in the Journal of Physical Chemistry B, this ability to seek each other out could be the key to how genes identify one another and align with each other in order to begin the process of ‘homologous recombination’ - whereby two double-helix DNA molecules come together, break open, swap a section of genetic information, and then close themselves up again. Recombination i... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1182837 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 11:48:14 +0100 1182837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1166415&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F220372857%2F Early embryos yield stem cells,(photo courtesy of BBC news www.bbc.co.uk/news)  The Uk’s fertility regulator Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) has given the green light to two teams of scientists for the creation of hybrid human-animal embryos. Scientists, research institutions and patient groups have challenged the UK government for much of the last year: the Department of Health wanted to prevent the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos - which would be used to create stem cells for medical research - but scientists argued it would slow down crucial work into treatments for diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes. Reason eventually triumphed and the government has now backed down. Scientists from King’s College London and ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1166415 Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:31:31 +0100 1166415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1152548&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F217135443%2F              In evolutionary terms bats and mice are separated by millions of years. An MD Anderson team led by Dr Richard Behringer successfully switched the mouse Prx1 gene regulatory element with the Prx1 gene regulatory region from a bat - the resulting transgenic mice displayed abnormally long forelimbs. While forelimb length is just one of several key morphological changes that occurred during the evolution of the bat wing, this unprecedented finding demonstrates that evolution can be driven by changes in the patterns of gene expression, rather than solely by changes in the genes, themselves. Dr. Behringer describes the significance of his finding as such: “Darwin suggested that “successive slight modifications” would ultimately result in the evolution ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1152548 Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:24:42 +0100 1152548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1122543&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F208833766%2F   Being able to sequence a human genome for $1,000 or less (which is the price most insurance companies are willing to pay) could open a new era in personal medicine, making it possible to precisely diagnose the cause of many diseases and tailor drugs and treatment procedures to the genetic make-up of an individual. Professor Aleksei Aksimentiev at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaignhas demonstrated a strategy for sequencing DNA by driving the DNA molecule back and forth through a nanopore capacitor in a semiconductor chip. As DNA passes through the nanopore, the DNA molecule’s electric field induces sequence-specific electrostatic potentials that can be detected at the top and bottom layers of the capacitor membrane. “Despite the tremendous interest in using nanopo... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1122543 Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:11:01 +0100 1122543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1119875&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F207418977%2F Further to my article on Fragile X Syndrome the BBC health website has posted this article: “Genetic engineering has been used to alleviate symptoms Fragile X in mice, which is a leading cause of inherited learning difficulties and autism. There is currently no treatment for Fragile X syndrome, also linked to epilepsy and abnormal body growth, but the new work raises hopes of progress. A Massachusetts team were able to trigger big improvements in the mice by tweaking just one gene, FMRP. The researchers, from the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, examined mice which lack the FMRP gene, and show many of the symptoms associated with fragile X. They also created mice that not only lacked FMRP, but also had a 50% reduction in mGluR5. This... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1119875 Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:51:54 +0100 1119875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1119436&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2F1433zeta_potential_lung_cancer_gene_target.php Researchers have identified a gene target called 14-3-3zeta for selective anti-cancer drugs. Using RNAi techniques, they discovered that when 14-3-3zeta is turned off, lung cancer cells become less able to form new tumor colonies under laboratory conditions. While the authors found that the cells with 14-3-3zeta turned off do not grow more slowly, the cells are vulnerable to anoikis (Greek for homelessness), a form of cell death that happens when non-cancerous cells that are accustomed to growing in layers find themselves alone. Further experiments showed that 14-3-3zeta regulates a set of proteins called the Bcl2 family that control programmed cell death, and its absence upsets the balance within the family. The authors of the study, which has been published in the Proceedings of the Nat... The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1119436 Thu, 27 Dec 2007 17:29:51 +0100 1119436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1088737&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F199131945%2F There is increasing evidence that there is a genetic link between schizophrenia and cancer, providing a surprising possible scientific explanation for lower rates of cancer among patients with schizophrenia - despite having poor diets and high rates of smoking - and their parents.  It would seem that many of the genes associated with schizophrenia are the same as the genes associated with cancer, but that the cells that have these genes use them in opposite ways in the two disorders. While cancer results from changes in the genes that cause cells to go into metabolic overdrive and multiply rapidly, those same genes cause cells in schizophrenia to slow to a crawl.  Like a ‘yin and yang’. Dr. Daniel Weinberger of NIMH says “Some of the genes showing this yin-yang effect ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1088737 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:12:11 +0100 1088737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1085651&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F198607638%2F  A sickle cell compared with with a normal red blood cell Further to my blog on retrieving stem cells from skin cells , scientists in Alabama and Massachusetts have reported a key next step when they used the stem cell technique to give mice with sickle cell anemia a healthy new blood supply. Lead researcher Tim Townes, molecular genetics chief at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, created a strain of mice bearing the human genes for sickle cell, a devastating inherited disease of deformed red blood cells that can’t carry enough oxygen. Townes paired with prominent stem cell scientist Rudolf Jaenisch of the Whitehead Institute in Cambridge, Mass., to reprogram skin from those mice into embryonic-like stem cells. They coaxed the newly engineered cells to grow into blood-producin... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1085651 Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:24:25 +0100 1085651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1060036&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F192667486%2F Embryonic stem cells are derived from human embryos.  They are valued as they are shown to be ‘pluripotent’ - having the capability to become any of the 220 types of cell in the human body. They have the potential to generate new heart, liver, brain, muscle and bone tissue to replace diseased or damaged tissue in people who are ill with cardiovascular, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and a whole range of other diseases including diabetes. Thew topic of stem cell research and using stem cells from embryos has provoked serious ethical debates over the last few years.  However, these debates may well draw to a close following this latest discovery. A team of researchers at Wisconsin University, Madison in the US have reported that they have reprogramed human skin cells t... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1060036 Thu, 29 Nov 2007 23:48:27 +0100 1060036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1049954&cid=t_104791_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F190681471%2F Targeted Genetics will resume studying an experimental gene therapy for rheumatoid arthritis that was halted four months ago after a patient died. The FDA will permit the company to continue clinical trials on its lead drug candidate, tgAAC94, after determining the patient died from a fungal infection that wasn’t connected to the treatment, Bloomberg News reports. The case renewed questions about the safety of gene therapy, although the FDA, meanwhile, has reviewed all 27 human studies in the US using the technique after the latest death was reported. As many as 35 patients are still eligible to get one more injection of the experimental product. The treatment involves the injection of viruses engineered to produce an immune-suppressing protein, which helps block the inflammation in... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1049954 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:31:02 +0100 1049954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1042308&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fgene_therapy_for_hereditary_blindness_on_phase_i_clinical_trials.php A gene-transfer technique is undergoing Phase I trials to test its safety in people with a form of hereditary blindness called Leber congenital amaurosis type 2, or LCA2. The first adult subject received an injection of trillions of replacement genes into the retina of one eye last week, making the volunteer one of the first people in the world to undergo the procedure. In all, six adults and then three children between the ages of 8 and 17 will undergo the gene-transfer procedure at UF over the next year or more before safety data are fully evaluated. Names are not being disclosed for privacy reasons. Potential risks are discussed with prospective participants as part of an extensive screening and informed consent process. The procedure is based on the principle that in LCA, photorecept... The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1042308 Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:01:40 +0100 1042308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1027132&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F184907254%2F Writing ths article has made me feel somewhat queasy but hey this is a good use of us girls monthly ‘curse’! Cryo-Cell, a US company has launched a service for women to store their own stem cells taken from their menstrual blood - as a future health insurance. It charges $499 (£238) for processing and a year’s storage.  Richard Branson’s Virgin Health Bank already offers umbilical cord blood banking for around $3,000 (£1,500). Cryo-Cell say one menstrual cycle has the potential to produce millions of stem cells but it may take several years for these menstrual stem cells to be developed into potential readily available commerical therapies. The main stem cell regulatory authorities are not impressed! Elaine Warburton Genetics and Health correspondent www.genetics... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1027132 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 22:50:45 +0100 1027132 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1024313&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F184337060%2F Further to my articles on hospital MRSA .. A new strain of MRSA called Community Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) that infects people in the community as opposed to vulnerable and sick people in hospitals, appears to be gaining a foothold because of certain clever tricks the bacteria has learned about the human immune system that it uses to its advantage. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Hamilton, Montana have pinpointed the genes on the CA-MRSA that produce a class of peptides called PSMs.  These PSMs recruit, activate and neutralize human neutrophils (a common type of white blood cell), the main line of defence against an infection by Staphylococcus aureus. Elaine Warburton Genetics and Health  www.geneticsandhealth.com Share This (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1024313 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:58:37 +0100 1024313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=989730&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F177084998%2F Following my article on latest prognostic tests for breast cancer, Dutch firm Agendia BV are leading the field again!  Their Mammaprint®  test is the first microarray to gain FDA approval and now they have won a prestigious award for innovation in the field of breast cancer. The 2007 Frost & SullivanEuropean Product Innovation Award in the field of biomarker-based breast cancer diagnostics is presented to Netherlands-based Agendia BV, for its new method of translating a breast cancer prognosis microarray signature into a high-throughput diagnostic test called MammaPrint. The Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Innovation is presented each year to the company that has demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within its industry. The recipient company has shown... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=989730 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:58:22 +0100 989730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=985634&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F176164320%2F The whole topic of ‘junk DNA’ fascinates me.  How can any part of DNA be considered junk?  It must have had a role at some stage. DNA is too perfect to have junk parts! I found this article in Science Daily about junk DNA and the subsequent finding that a part of it played a major role in controlling genes. Excepts of the article are as follows .. “A study by researchers at the ‘Yale Stem Cell Center’ for the first time demonstrates that piRNAs, a recently discovered class of tiny RNAs, play an important role in controlling gene function. These piRNAs are mainly derived from so -called junk DNA and had escaped the attention of generations of geneticists and molecular biologists when Haifan Lin, Director of Yale’s Stem Cell Center discovered them in mam... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=985634 Sun, 28 Oct 2007 10:24:26 +0100 985634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=983281&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F175772755%2F Cardiff University, Wales and Wellcome Trust, the UK’s largest medical research charity have embarked on a project to scan the entire human genome in search of genes that pre-dispose people to, or protect them from developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The team led by Professor Julie Williams will use a technique known as ‘genome-wide association scanning’ to analyse DNA samples taken from 14,000 people - 6,000 with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease and 8,000 healthy ‘control’ samples from the UK and US. It is very likely that they will find some unexpected associations as certain genes are involved in more than one form of dementia and that even genes that affect cholesterol levels can be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. For further informat... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=983281 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:40:50 +0100 983281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=983283&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F175763908%2F Some patients, particularly young children, may be born with a genetic mutation which means they are at risk of hearing loss after taken antibiotics called aminoglycosides.  There is now a drive to consider screening patients for the genetic mutation known as m.1555A-G which is held in around 1 in 1,611 newborns in the USA, 1 in 206 newborns in New Zealand and 1 in 40,000 newborns in the UK. Aminoglycosides are valuable antibiotics used for serious infections such as complicated urinary tract infections, TB and septicemia.  They are known to potentially cause damage to the ear - otoxicity. Individuals holding the mutation have an inherited predisposition which makes them extremely sensitive to the effects - they can end up with severe and permanent hearing loss. It is estimated to cos... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=983283 Sat, 27 Oct 2007 10:05:43 +0100 983283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=966599&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36585&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FHighlightHealth%2F%7E3%2F170167208%2F This article was published on Highlight HEALTH. (Source: Highlight HEALTH) Highlight HEALTH blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=966599 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:38:03 +0100 966599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=949697&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F169698787%2F Fabio, a first time visitor to Genetics and Health has asked  me the age old question ‘Can we cure cancer through genetic innovation?’ Millions of hours of research has gone into finding cures for cancer but in my humble opinion, a cure for cancer is some way off.  That said, I firmly believe that cancer will, in the next few years, become a chronic disease and managed  and treated accordingly - a bit like diabetes or hypertension (high blood pressure).  Advances in early detection and drug targeting and delivery will mean doctors will be able to treat this disease while a person continues with their everyday life.  We are already seeing cancer survival rates improving and there is no reason why this trend won’t continue. A more radical perspective is that cancer ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=949697 Sun, 14 Oct 2007 10:24:19 +0100 949697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=936808&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F004659.html The brain, not space, is the final frontier. Our brains are all growing old and are the hardest part of the body to repair and rejuvenate. We need gene therapy... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=936808 Mon, 08 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 936808 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=966576&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fprotein_biomarkers_for_colorectal_cancer_identified.php This study found two novel proteins which have never been found to be associated with colorectal cancer. We clearly demonstrated that absence of mimecan and up-regulation of TXNDC5 were involved in the early development of colorectal cancer," said the article's first author Yinghong Wang. "Our further work showed that mimecan can inhibit cell growth and induce cell apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells implying a candidate role as a tumor suppressor gene for the mimecan gene. These results suggested that mimecan might serve as a potential biomarker for future gene therapy." The identification of these biomarkers could improve the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. The study will be published in the October issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine. See article. (... The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=966576 Tue, 25 Sep 2007 03:30:24 +0100 966576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=872154&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34919&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.thelancet.com%2Farchive%2F2007%2F09%2F15%2Fhearing-on-us-gene-therapy-death-to-be-webcast The US National Institutes of Health is webcasting a review of the case of a young woman who died after receiving an experimental gene-therapy drug. The 36-year-old woman’s death has raised concerns about the future of gene-therapy research in the USA. The meeting will be conducted by the NIH’s Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC), which oversees gene-therapy trials in the USA. The study was a phase I/II trial of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) derived vector that delivers a gene for a soluble form of the receptor for tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. When injected into the joint, the vector enters joint cells introducing the gene. The cells then produce the soluble TNF-alpha receptor, which can sop up the cytokine and blunt the in... The Lancet Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=872154 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 00:25:37 +0100 872154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=865523&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F155405476%2F A genetic variant (SNP) of the CYP2B6 gene present in almost half of Americans of European descent is linked to greater effectiveness of the stop smoking medication ‘Zyban’ (bupropion). According to research by scientists supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people with this variant were less likely than those without it to have resumed smoking six months after treatment with bupropion. Once more is understood about this genetic variant it should start to pave the way for personalised smoking cessation programs based on genetics. Penny Harrington b5 media Genetics and Health correspondent Share This (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=865523 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:42:33 +0100 865523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=858387&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F154670016%2F Cell magazine reports on a study by Johns Hopkins University, USA showing that one of the main genes associated with Schizophrenia, DISC1, plays a normal role in the adult human brain. How the gene that has been pegged as a major risk factor for schizophrenia and other mood disorders that affect millions in the world contributes to these diseases remains unclear. But this reports sheds further light on this subject. The report states “It turns out that DISC1 makes a protein that serves as a sort of musical conductor for newly made nerve cells in the adult brain, guiding them to their proper locations at the appropriate tempo so they can seamlessly integrate into our complex and intertwined nervous system. If the DISC1 protein doesn’t operate properly, the new nerves go hyp... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=858387 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:30:57 +0100 858387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=858388&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F154670017%2F The subtle imprint left on children’s faces by rare genetic disorders could soon be spotted by computer to aid diagnosis.  Scientists at University College London have developed software that is designed to spot slight variations in eye position and the shape of the head, nose, ears and jaw.  By comparing the features with those of an average child of the same age, the program can make a diagnosis with 90% accuracy. A trial will soon be underway at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, London. Of the 5,000 known genetic disorders, about 700 affect the face.  Some disorders are so rare that a physician might see them only once in a lifetime which may complicate an early diagnosis. An example is Williams syndrome which affects internal organs.  Children with this complaint... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=858388 Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:30:21 +0100 858388 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=853140&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F154144870%2F The Holocaust Museum in Houston, Texas is running a new exhibit and lecture series, “Medical Ethics and the Holocaust”.  The series is being opened by James Watson the Nobel Prize-winning scientist whose 1953 co-discovery of DNA’s structure culminated this decade in the mapping of the human genome. Watson heads an impressive roster of speakers, who include three Nobel laureates and such prominent figures as Dr. Francis Collins, the head of the Human Genome Project, and Leon Kass, the former director of President Bush’s Council on Bioethics. Topics range from pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to euthanasia in the movies to performance-enhancing drugs in sports to the United States’ history with eugenics. For further information:  http://www.chron.com/disp/st... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=853140 Sun, 09 Sep 2007 09:53:37 +0100 853140 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=853141&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F154138278%2F Scientists at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Researchhave identified a critical gene that increases a person’s risk for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, and may be involved with other autoimmune diseases. Genetic mapping enabled them to identify STAT4 located on chromosome 2 as a culprit in susceptibility to both diseases. Peter K. Gregersen, MD, head of The Feinstein Institute’s Robert S. Boas Center for Genomics & Human Genetics says “About 22 percent of people in the United States inherit this particular form of STAT4. Having this variant of STAT4 confers a 30 percent increased risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis. People with two copies of STAT4 have a 60 percent increased risk, Dr. Gregersen said. Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful ... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=853141 Sun, 09 Sep 2007 09:32:19 +0100 853141 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=853144&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F154112661%2F You will have noticed that my posts have slightly dwindled this last week.  I’ve been heavily involved in the merge of two junior schools which has been a fascinating exercise not to mention that attorneys can be your best friends but also so damn infuriating! Luckily both schools are pro the merge and that now includes staff and parents. Makes life easier! While I was reviewing the academic syllabuses it made me realize that kids just aren’t told about genetics and the huge role it will play in their lives.  Genetics is a scary subject for most people … you just have to think of the cloned ewe ’Dolly the Sheep’ and it conjures up freaky images.  It’s the same at Medical School.  Our ‘would be’ physicians come out knowing zilch about g... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=853144 Sun, 09 Sep 2007 07:28:45 +0100 853144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=852528&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F004569.html After decades of experimentation scientists still do not have good ways to deliver gene therapy into cells in humans or other animals. Gene therapy is a crucial piece of the... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=852528 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 04:00:00 +0100 852528 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=966596&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fgene_therapy_clear_amyloid_plaques_in_animal_trials.php In this study, the scientists used an amyloid-degrading enzyme to clear these amyloid cobwebs from the brain - as illustrated in these treated (right) versus untreated (left) brain images. In a study published in PLOS, Harvard scientists report that the delivery of skin cells genetically engineered to produce neprilysin into the brain of mice has successfully cleared amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's Disease. The Harvard team used skin cells from the animal's own body to introduce a gene for an amyloid-busting enzyme known as neprilysin. The skin cells, also known as fibroblasts, "do not form tumors or move from the implantation site," Hemming notes. "They cause no detectable adverse side effects and can easily be taken from a patient's skin." In addition, other gene... The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=966596 Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:22:47 +0100 966596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=830974&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F150092862%2F I’ve been asked by some of you as to what is this new ‘buzz’ word ‘EPIGENETICS’ that keeps cropping up. I am using the definition as laid down by one of the European Epigenetics Research Community. Epigenetics was originally defined as ‘the interactions of genes with their environment that bring the phenotype into being’. Today, the term is used to describe the study of heritable changes in genome function that occur without a change in DNA sequence. This includes; the study of how patterns of gene expression are passed from one cell to its descendants, how gene expression changes during the differentiation of one cell type into another, and how environmental factors can change the way genes are expressed. There are far-reaching implications of ep... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=830974 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:35:38 +0100 830974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=830975&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F150087979%2F The testes in humans may act as mutation multipliers that raise the odds of passing improved DNA to offspring but this mechanism can also backfire by increasing the frequency of certain diseases as ‘bad’ mutations are also inherited. Natural selection may favor “germline” cells - the precursors to sperm - carrying ‘good’ mutations which can be passed from generation to generation much more quickly than molecular mutations which tend to be random and slower. Why natural selection might favor sperm precursor cells carrying a disease mutation is not yet understood. Penny Share This (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=830975 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:21:38 +0100 830975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=830976&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F150085174%2F Yet another gene has been found that appears to be associated with the development of breast cancer. Tip60 is a so-called tumor suppressor gene - it helps to hold the growth of cells in check. Low Tip60 activity appears to be particularly associated with aggressive tumors. When we are born we inherit a copy of the gene from our mother and our father. Typically with tumor suppressor genes, both copies must be faulty for the function to be lost.  However the Tip60 gene stops working if only one copy is faulty.  This is unusual.  There’s still a long way to go in understanding the role Tip 60 plays in the development of breast cancer but this discovery all adds to the bigger picture of how breast cancer develops. Penny Share This (Source: Genetics and Health) Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=830976 Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:12:08 +0100 830976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=815193&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F146870410%2F I was leafing through Nature’s website when I read this potentially quite scary piece of research on how scientists have managed to erase a rat’s long-term memory for a month. Scientists at the Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, trained rodents to associate a particular smell with illness. They then injected the rat brains up to a month later with a polypeptide called ZIP which caused the rats to completely forget the unpleasant memory. It has been previously thought that long-term messages get stored in a brain’s ’safe-house’ ready to be retrieved at a later date.  However, this research suggests that the process of storing long-term memories is maintained by an ever-active process which can be over-ridden. Whilst there are benefits for this resea... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=815193 Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:09:26 +0100 815193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=814236&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F146514990%2F Obesity is a major problem across the world, it’s reaching epidemic proportions. Obesity increases the risk of developing many illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and osteoarthritis. Research has shown that genetic predisposition increases an individual’s risk of obesity, as do other factors such as over-eating, eating fatty foods, lack of exercise, genetics, and some medications. Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, part of Louisiana State University have shown under lab conditions that obesity may also be caused by a common virus.  They have shown that infection with the common virus that causes respiratory and eye infections in humans, called human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) turns adult stem cells taken from fat tissue in... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=814236 Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:05:04 +0100 814236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=791363&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F142652894%2F The recent Tour de France drug violations show further evidence that sport is rife with illegal drug taking to enhance performance and achieve that ‘extra mile’.  There are mega bucks at stake alongside the dream of become a World and Olympic champion.  I imagine that if you’ve invested your entire life to your chosen sport the lure of taking banned performance enhancing drugs to help you achieve your dreams is with you night and day. The World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) in Montreal, Canada is charged with monitoring the conduct of athletes.  It is working with investigators around the globe to develop a test that would ’out’ competitors for injecting themselves with genetic material capable of enhancing body mass or performance.  At present there ar... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=791363 Fri, 10 Aug 2007 10:40:39 +0100 791363 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=780684&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F140993037%2F The South of England is reeling with the news that there has been another foot and mouth outbreak, halting the transport of all UK livestock.  The EU has also stepped in with various embargoes.  This comes only a few years after the farming community was nearly decimated from a foot and mouth outbreak in the North of England. It cost the industry nearly US$16 billion. Since the last foot and mouth epidemic was eradicated, farmers have been ultra cautious in hygiene, cleanliness and infection control.  There is growing disquiet within the community from the test results that this strain of foot and mouth is the same as the strains used two week’s previously at both a private lab and government lab only four miles away.  By all accunts these bugs may have travelled from the a... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=780684 Sun, 05 Aug 2007 21:18:17 +0100 780684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=516577&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F106136077%2F Layering DNA is a hot technique. Over the weekend, I wrote about coating organs with DNA to improve transplant success. University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers have also developed nanoscale films made up of DNA and water-soluble polymers. The design allows them to deliver DNA directly into cells as a form of gene therapy. The DNA film can be manipulated by adding multiple layers with each layer capable of carrying a different type of DNA sequence. The time point of release can be manipulated by altering the polymer structure. Thus far, they’ve applied the DNA films to cardiac stents which are typically used in angioplasties to open clogged arteries. Some types of cardiac stents have a coating of drugs that help to prevent the growth of smooth muscle cells over the stent (restenosis... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=516577 Mon, 02 Apr 2007 22:35:01 +0100 516577 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=502769&cid=t_104791_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F004151.html Thin films help deliver gene therapy. David M. Lynn and his colleagues have created ultrathin, nanoscale films composed of DNA and water-soluble polymers that allow controlled release of DNA from... (Source: FuturePundit) FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=502769 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 502769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486422&cid=t_104791_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F102788730%2F The British Society for Gene Therapy (BSGT) is holding a Public Open Day today at The University of Warwick. As I write this, they should be in the midst of discussing whether gene therapy can be used to treat haemophilia, cystic fibrosis, cancer, and muscular dystrophy. Of particular interest to some of us, science and media will also be discussed along with a workshop on gene therapy in the news. Last year’s program and presentations are also available. More later when this year’s is posted online. Concurrently, the BSGT Annual Conference starts today and will last until March 21. BBC News reports from the meeting on gene therapy for fetuses. Dr Simon Waddington of University College London: There are several advantages. For example, in cystic fibrosis, lung damage is actual... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486422 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:27:33 +0100 486422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719737&cid=t_104791_107_f&fid=36584&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biotech-weblog.com%2F50226711%2Fantiaging_klotho_gene_prevents_hypertension_and_renal_damage.php © Adrian PurserBased on studies using rat models, scientists have found out that the anti-aging gene called klotho has positive effects on hypertension and renal damage. These results indicate that de... (Source: The Biotech Weblog) The Biotech Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719737 Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0100 2719737