Genome is the total genetic content contained in a haploid set of chromosomes in eukaryotes, in a single chromosome in bacteria, or in the DNA or RNA of viruses.
Reversing Alzheimer’s gene ‘blockade’ can restore memory, other cognitive functions — Neuroscientists show that HDAC2 enzyme could be a good target for new drugs – MIT neuroscientists have shown that an enzyme overproduced in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients creates a blockade that shuts off genes necessary to form new memories. Furthermore, by inhibiting that enzyme in mice, the researchers were able to reverse Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Drug-proof ‘pig MRSA’ makes leap from livestock to humans — Pig-to-Human ‘Superbug’ May Be Due to Animal Antibiotics – A strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria that humans contract from livestock was originally a human strain, but it developed resistance to antibiotics once it was picked up by farm animals. The findings illustrate a very close link between antibiotic use on the farm and potentially lethal human infections.
New gene study of ADHD points to defects in brain signaling pathways — Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia research suggests that interventions at the glutamate transmission level might treat ADHD disorder – Pediatric researchers analyzing genetic influences in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have found alterations in specific genes involved in important brain signaling pathways.
CSHL team finds evidence for the genetic basis of autism — Models of autism show that gene copy number controls brain structure and behavior – Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have discovered that one of the most common genetic alterations in autism — deletion of a 27-gene cluster on chromosome 16 — causes autism-like features.
Lead researcher, Dr Manuel Ferreira from QIMR said the findings suggest that a drug currently used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may be effective to treat asthma. – Asthma sufferers now can be treated with a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, revealed by researchers in a new study.
National asthma genetics consortium releases first results — Discovers new asthma gene in African-Americans, replicates 4 others – A novel gene is discovered associated with the asthma disease in African-Americans and African-Caribbeans. The polymorphism, located in a gene called PYHIN1, was not present in European-Americans and may be the first asthma susceptibility gene variant specific to populations of African descent.
Genetic study shows that low body fat may not lower risk for heart disease and diabetes – Researchers revealed that some people with a specific form of the gene are more likely to have lower percent body fat, but also more likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes, because the gene lowers only the “subcutaneous” fat under the skin, but not the more harmful “visceral” fat that surrounds organs. People with this gene variant are less able to store fat safely under the skin and may, therefore, store fat elsewhere in the body, where it may interfere with normal organ function.
Yale researchers discover many genetic keys needed to unlock autism – Investigating 1,000 families reveals hundreds of small genetic variations are associated with autism spectrum disorders, according to a multi-site collaborative study led by researchers at Yale University. These genetic findings can be used to begin unraveling the underlying biology of autism.
New strain of MRSA discovered — Antibiotic resistant bacteria found in both humans and dairy cows – Scientists have identified a new strain of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which occurs both in human and dairy cow populations. The study, led by Dr Mark Holmes at the University of Cambridge, identified the new strain in milk from dairy cows while researching mastitis (a bacterial infection which occurs in the cows’ udders).
‘Master switch’ gene for obesity and diabetes discovered — Researchers have found that a gene linked to type 2 diabetes and cholesterol levels is in fact a ‘master regulator’ gene, which controls the behavior of other genes found within fat in the body – A team of researchers, led by King’s College London and the University of Oxford, have found that a gene linked to type 2 diabetes and cholesterol levels is in fact a ‘master regulator’ gene, which controls the behaviour of other genes found within fat in the body.
Swiss-US team finds indigenous cases of leprosy in the Southern United States — Study confirms human contamination through contact with armadillos – Using advanced DNA analysis and extensive field work, an international research team has confirmed the link between leprosy infection in Americans and direct contact with armadillos.
Researchers identify genes causing antimalarial drug resistance – Using a pair of powerful genome-search techniques, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH), Harvard University, and the Broad Institute have identified several genes that may be implicated in the malaria parasite’s notorious ability to rapidly evade drug treatments.
