A chimera (also spelled chimaera) (from the creature Chimera in Greek mythology) is a single organism composed of genetically distinct cells. This can result in male and female organs, two different blood types, or subtle variations in form.[1] Animal chimeras are produced by the merger of multiple fertilized eggs. In plant chimeras, however, the distinct types of tissue may originate from the same zygote, and the difference is often due to mutation during ordinary cell division. Normally, chimerism is not visible on casual inspection; however, it has been detected in the course of proving parentage.[2] Another way that chimerism can occur in animals is by organ transplantation, giving one individual tissues that developed from two different genomes. For example, a bone marrow transplant can change someone's blood type. An animal chimera is a single organism that is composed of two or more different populations of genetically distinct cells that originated from different zygotes involved in sexual reproduction. If the different cells have emerged from the same zygote, the organism is called a mosaic. Chimeras are formed from at least four parent cells (two fertilized eggs or early embryos fused together). Each population of cells keeps its own character and the … Continue reading →

LEADING experts are hosting a special event to highlight pioneering genetic work carried out at Newcastle University, including the controversial three-parent IVF technique. Genetic Matters will focus on a series of high-profile talks, including mitochondrial donation, the future of genetic diagnostics and life after being diagnosed with a rare illness. Newcastle Universitys 100,000 Genome Project will also be discussed. The world-leading scheme aims to map 100,000 complete genetic codes to uncover DNA data that can be used to develop personalised diagnostic procedures and drugs. Dr Katarzyna Pirog, from the Institute of Genetic Medicine, said: Genetics Matters is an event designed specifically for members of the public, and is an exciting opportunity to meet scientists and learn about the state-of-the-art genetic research that happens at Newcastle University. With a series of high profile talks, presentations from patient groups and charity organisations, and hands on research tables, it is a packed day giving everyone a chance to talk to real scientists and ask them any questions to do with genetic research. Prof Sir John Burn, head of Newcastle Universitys Institute of Human Genetics, will close the event with a talk about the future of rare disease research. He said: There are more … Continue reading →

Mutation of one gene is all it takes to get cystic fibrosis (CF), but disease severity depends on many other genes and proteins. For the first time, researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have identified genetic pathways -- or clusters of genes -- that play major roles in why one person with CF might never experience the worse kinds of symptoms while another person will battle severe airway infection for a lifetime. The finding, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, opens avenues of research toward new personalized or precision treatments to lessen pulmonary symptoms and increase life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis. "Right now, there are drugs being developed to fix the function of the CFTR protein that is disrupted in cystic fibrosis, but even then, some patients will respond very well to therapy and some won't," said Michael Knowles, MD, professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine and senior author of the paper. "Why is that? We think it's the genetic background -- the pathways that we identified contain genes that likely interact with the main CFTR gene mutation." Knowles's team found that when these pathways or groups of genes are highly expressed, CF patients … Continue reading →

Contact Information Available for logged-in reporters only Newswise CHAPEL HILL, NC Mutation of one gene is all it takes to get cystic fibrosis (CF), but disease severity depends on many other genes and proteins. For the first time, researchers at the UNC School of Medicine have identified genetic pathways or clusters of genes that play major roles in why one person with CF might never experience the worse kinds of symptoms while another person will battle severe airway infection for a lifetime. The finding, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, opens avenues of research toward new personalized or precision treatments to lessen pulmonary symptoms and increase life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis. Right now, there are drugs being developed to fix the function of the CFTR protein that is disrupted in cystic fibrosis, but even then, some patients will respond very well to therapy and some wont, said Michael Knowles, MD, professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine and senior author of the paper. Why is that? We think its the genetic background the pathways that we identified contain genes that likely interact with the main CFTR gene mutation. Knowless team found that when these pathways or … Continue reading →

Abstract Introduction Aromatic (ar-) turmerone is a major bioactive compound of the herb Curcuma longa. It has been suggested that ar-turmerone inhibits microglia activation, a property that may be useful in treating neurodegenerative disease. Furthermore, the effects of ar-turmerone on neural stem cells (NSCs) remain to be investigated. We exposed primary fetal rat NSCs to various concentrations of ar-turmerone. Thereafter, cell proliferation and differentiation potential were assessed. In vivo, nave rats were treated with a single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of ar-turmerone. Proliferative activity of endogenous NSCs was assessed in vivo, by using noninvasive positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and the tracer [18F]-fluoro-L-thymidine ([18F]FLT), as well as ex vivo. In vitro, ar-turmerone increased dose-dependently the number of cultured NSCs, because of an increase in NSC proliferation (P … Continue reading →

A GRAN who is afraid of heights is set to skydive from 10,000ft to help pay for life-saving medical treatment for her daughter. Margaret Clarke, 70, aims to overcome her lifelong fear so Lucy, 38, can travel to Moscow for a pioneering stem cell transplant to stop the progression of Multiple Sclerosis. The skydive over St Andrews, Fife is one of several fundraising initiatives Lucy's family are undertaking to raise the 40,000 needed for the treatment. If the mum-of-one can secure funding she will be the first Scot to fly to Russia for the cutting edge procedure. Margaret, of Rosehall, Sutherland, said: Which mother wouldnt jump out of a plane at 10,000 feet if they thought it would save their daughter? I dont think Im any different from any other caring mother. Lucy has suffered terribly with her illness. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that gets progressively worse over time. If we dont act now, I dont want to think about where we will be in a few years time. The jump on March 29 is one of a number of charity events planned to raise money for mum-of-one Lucy's treatment. Original post: Brave gran set to take on 10,000ft … Continue reading →