Your Weekly KromoNews: July
3, 2005
This Week in Genetics
Genes determine what levels of arsenic are toxic
New study from the University of Arizona found a variation in the gene CYT19. This gene
codes for enzymes which are involved in metabolism of arsenic. The study shows
that depending on the variations in the gene, arsenic can cause toxicity in
lower amounts to certain genetically susceptible children. It is also possible
that some individuals are able to tolerate higher amounts of arsenic without
harm to their health. The findings are of extreme importance to public health,
as certain levels of arsenic are present in drinking water at all times.
Currently, the safe limits are determined by the Public Health based on general
population studies. This study shows that "safe" arsenic levels may be
not safe to the sensitive individuals.
Read Full Story
Genetic "switches" found in human fibroblast cells
Researchers from University of California at San Diego discovered over
10,000 genetic "switches" while studying the human fibroblast cells.
These "switches" or "promoters" are parts of the
cell's DNA and regulate the cell cycle and growth by turning the genes on and
off. Understanding this process of genetic regulation would further clarify how
the cells differentiate into various tissues and organs. All the cells in the
body carry the same genetic information, however they develop into different
tissues with the specialized functions. Controlled gene activity defines what
function the cell will have in the body.
Read Full Story
Gene mutation involved in Congenital Heart Disease
Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania discovered a gene that when
mutated, leads to congenital heart disease. They used genetically
engineered mice with a mutated myocardin related transcription factor B gene.
This gene affects the development of the great vessels of the heart: aorta and
pulmonary arteries. The mice with mutated gene developed a severe variation of
congenital heart disease, called Persistent Truncus Arteriosus. In this
condition aorta does not separate from pulmonary artery, which results in
mixture of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in a newborn and poor oxygen
delivery to the tissues. The findings of the study might provide a basis for
prenatal screening for the congenital heart disease.
Read Full Story
Topic of the Week:
Genetics of Pattern Baldness
Pattern baldness (Androgenic Alopecia) is the predominant form of
hair loss in men and women. It is called such due to a typical pattern
of hair line, that some people refer to as the "M" shape
(although the pattern is generally different in case of women).
Studies suggest that the age of onset,
rate of hair loss and pattern of hair loss are mostly determined by genetics.
Other factors, such as diet, stress, climate, hair grooming practices may influence
hair growth and loss, although their influence appears to be minimal.
Susceptibility to androgenic
alopecia is inherited as a complex polygenic trait. Scientists
from University of Bonn studied a group of 200 affected men from 95 families,
all of whom underwent genetic screening. The researchers observed a certain
pattern of variation in the androgen receptor gene, and the variant was
almost always found in men who lost their hair before the age of 60.
The researchers from University
of Bonn suggest the importance of maternal line in the inheritance of male
baldness.
In another study, a group of scientists from Wright
State University School of Medicine in Ohio suggest that male pattern of hair loss
is a familial trait and may be inherited from father, as well
as from mother. Their study claims that men whose
fathers had hair loss were 2.5 times as likely to have some level of hair loss
compared to men whose fathers had no hair loss.
Read full article
GeneMarket
Last week (KromoNews June 26th) we talked about
Genetics of Obesity.
That prompted a fair amount of discussion regarding the underlying health
risks and the cultural pressures associated with obesity. Our readers agree
that maintaining optimal health should be the most important goal,
and appropriate physical activity appears to be a reliable way of achieving that,
particularly aerobic exercise such as walking.
It may be challenging for a person to estimate the intensity of the daily exercise.
Pedometers are devices for tracking the amount of physical activity, by counting steps,
aerobic steps, distance in miles and calories burned during the day.
This allows the user to set and reach their optimal goals.
We recommend the use of pedometer for everyone who wants
to incorporate aerobic exercise into daily life, and needs assistance
with daily step, distance and burnt calorie count.
We recommend: "HJ112 Premium Pedometer" by Omron, ASIN: B0000U1OCI, and available from
Amazon (~25 USD).
Users should choose the one that best meets their needs.
GeneMatics Update
GeneMatics 2.2.4 license comes with 3 free customizations to the AttributeBank! Buy it here!
Upcoming Events
KromoNews is pleased to announce genetics related events all across the globe.
While not all the events may be relevant or reachable from your particular location,
we are making efforts to customize this content
based on individual preferences, location and language.
This week, we are pleased to announce qPCR 2005: an exciting symposium, workshop and exhibition.
The symposium part will focus on approximately 35 lectures presented by internationally recognised experts in their field,
who will be participating in a lively and exciting programme enabling the valuable exchange
of information in the quantitative PCR field. What is PCR?
qPCR 2005 2nd International qPCR Symposium & Industrial Exhibition
TATAA Application Workshop & qPCR Matrix Workshop
The qPCR 2005 event will focus on all aspects of qPCR technology and its applications in research
and diagnostics. Leading academic researchers and industrial contributors in the field
will participate in the symposium, which will be an arena for fruitful discussions
between researchers of different backgrounds.
Title of the Symposium talks
The Symposium, the Industrial Exhibition and associated Application Workshops offer an overview of the present knowledge and future developments in qPCR technology and its wide applications.
When: September 5-9, 2005
Topic:
The whole story of quantitative PCR - from Tissue Preparation to BioInformatics
Where: Freising-Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Physiology Weihenstephan, Germany
Contact: Website: http://qpcr2005.gene-quantification.info
Genetic Term of the Week
mRNA (Messenger RNA):
A messenger RNA is an RNA that carries genetic information
from DNA to ribosome, and is used as a template for protein synthesis.
During transcription process, the genetic information is copied from the DNA to mRNA
by enzyme RNA polymerase.
There are two types of mRNA: monocistronic mRNA (in eukaryotes) and polycistronic mRNA (in prokaryotes).
In 1960s, Sydney Brenner showed that mRNA is an unstable intermediate.
› Read more about mRNA here.
Puzzle
(How quickly can you know that?)
(For this puzzle, ignore Rhesus factor, and remember the rules of universal donor and recipient).
Jack and Jill have two children Jim and Janet. All four of them have different blood group types.
Jim is married to Jennyfer and they have two children John and Justin, and all four of them
have different blood group types also.
Once Janet was in an accident (she is OK now), and only one of the 7 people in the immediate
family was a potential donor for her.
Question: What is Jim's blood group?
There are no prizes for this one, but if you would like to see your name in print next week, quickly
send us your answer by email.
This edition of KromoNews brought to you by: GeneMatics.
KromoNews is sent weekly.
To subscribe to KromoNews, please visit KromoNews website
or send an email with word "Subscribe" in the subject field.
To unsubscribe, please send an email with word "Unsubscribe" in the subject field.
We pride ourselves on our privacy policy.
|
