An international consortium of researchers has reported the sequencing and analysis of the genome of domestic cattle. This is the first livestock mammal to have its genome sequenced and it is believed that this achievement will aid in efforts to produce better beef and dairy products and also lead to a better understanding of the human genome. The analysis indicates that the bovine genome shares approximately 80% of its genes with humans. The particular cow whose genome was sequenced was named Dominette, a Hereford. [NIH press release] [CSIRO press release] [Science article 1] [Science article 2]
New Drug Starves Brain Cancer Cells
In animal studies, researchers have shown that a new drug (3-BrOP) is effective at starving neuroblastoma cells and reducing tumor growth by 75%. The drug, developed by scientists at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Center, is an inhibitor of glycolysis, the energy-producing process upon which neuroblastoma cells are highly dependent. Neuroblastoma is a childhood …
Gene Signature Associated with Gleevec Resistance in GIST Patients
A genetic signature associated with increased resistance to Gleevec in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) has been identified by researchers at the Fox Chase Cancer Center. Efforts to affect the expression and/or activity of genes in the signature may help increase the responsiveness to Gleevec in resistant patients. Currently, approximately 80% of GIST patients are responsive to Gleevec. This work was presented at the annual AACR meeting April 18-22. [Press release]
Clues to Mechanism of Lithium Action in Bipolar Disease
New research provides insights into how lithium works in the treatment of bipolar mood disorder, and may lay the groundwork for advances in the treatment of this disease. Scientists from Cardiff University, together with colleagues, have shown that lithium inhibits the enzyme inositol monophosphatase, and this leads to the inhibition of the production of PIP3, a molecule that is important in controlling brain cell signaling. Professor Adrian Harwood of Cardiff School of Biosciences, who led the research, said “We still cannot say definitively how lithium can help stabilize bipolar disorder. However, our research does suggest a possible pathway for its operation. By better understanding lithium, we can learn about the genetics of bipolar disorder and develop more potent and selective drugs. Further, altered PIP3 signalling is linked to other disorders, including epilepsy and autism, so this well established drug could be used to treat other conditions.” The research was published in Disease Models & Mechanisms. [Press release]
DICER1 Mutations Implicated in Rare Childhood Cancer
Mutations in the microRNA processing enzyme DICER1 appear to the cause of the inherited form of a rare, aggressive childhood cancer called pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB). “PPB is the first malignancy found to be directly associated with inherited DICER1 mutations, making the cancer an important model for understanding how mutations and loss of DICER1 function lead …
Possible New Avenue for Huntington Disease Treatment
Increasing the levels of a key protein (RCAN1-1L) can, in vitro, rescue cells from the toxic effects of mutant huntingtin proteins that cause Huntington disease. “Our findings allow for the possibility that controlled over-expression of RCAN1-1L might in the future be a viable avenue for therapeutic intervention in Huntington disease patients,” said Kelvin J. A. …
Novel Drug Targeted at Cancer Stem Cells Shows Promise in Pancreatic Cancer
The combination of a novel drug (tigatuzumab) directed against pancreatic cancer stem cells, and the drug (gemcitabine) currently used for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, has shown promising results in achieving tumor remission and preventing recurrence. Tigatuzumab is a humanized antibody directed against death receptor-5, which the researchers showed is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer stem …
Nine New X-Chromosome Genes Associated with Learning Disabilities
Researchers have identified nine new genes on the X-chromosome that, when mutated, are associated with learning disabilities. “We sequenced 720 out of the approximately 800 known genes on the X chromosome in more than 200 families affected by X-linked learning disabilities,” explained Professor Michael Stratton, from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. “This is the largest …
Synthesis of Anti-Leukemia Compounds from South Pacific Sponge
Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute have succeeded in synthesizing kapakahines, compounds with anti-leukemia potential that are normally produced in vanishingly small quantities by the South Pacific tube-type sponge Cripbrochalina olemda. With the synthetic process in hand, it will be possible, for the first time, to produce kapakahines in quantities sufficient for thorough study of …
Origins of Deadly Prostate Cancer Traced to Single Aberrant Cell
The origins of metastatic prostate cancer cells can be traced to a single original cancer cell in individuals. This is the conclusion of a 14-year autopsy-based study of copy number variation in the cells of prostate cancer victims. The study was carried out by researchers at Johns Hopkins and collaborating institutions. The findings call into …