Scientists are gaining greater understanding of the genetics behind multiple sclerosis -- an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system -- with the discovery of 48 genetic variants that are linked with the condition. The discovery of these genetic variants, which is detailed in a study in the journal Nature Genetics, brings the total number of known genetic risk factors for the disease to a total of 110. Individually, each genetic variant is only responsible for a very small risk for multiple sclerosis. But when taken together, the 110 genetic variants "explain approximately 20 percent of the genetic component of the disease," according to a news release on the finding. "Describing the genetic underpinnings of any complex disease is a complicated but critical step. By further refining the genetic landscape of multiple sclerosis and identifying novel genetic associations, we are closer to being able to identify the cellular and molecular processes responsible for MS and therefore the specific biological targets for future drug treatment strategies," study researcher Jacob McCauley, Ph.D., of the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said in a statement. Researchers used technology called ImmunoChip to identify the genetic … Continue reading →

Actress Angelina Jolies public disclosure that she underwent a preventive double mastectomy has raised public awareness about genetics, an area of medicine that is exploding, said Dr. Beth Herrick, a radiation oncologist and medical director of the South-coast Center for Cancer Care in Fall River. Genetic testing determined Jolie had the BRCA 1 gene mutation, causing Jolie to decide to have her breasts and ovaries removed. I was happy to see her come out so graciously about it because it obviously drew attention to a very important critical issue. I think its an area of medicine exploding in terms of our understanding of genetics not just cancer, but the role genetics play in our lives, she said. But the test Jolie underwent to determine the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations is not for everyone, said Herrick, who has been doing genetic testing and counseling with her patients for a long time. I dont test all of my breast cancer patients. Only five to six percent of all women with breast cancer have an inherited BRCA 1 or 2 mutation, said Herrick. So its pretty rare. Everyone has the genes, she said, but if a patient is born with … Continue reading →

Genomics is the study of the human genome, genetic mapping and DNA sequencing. Sounds like the stuff of science fiction, or maybe a really boring party conversation, but either way, genomics is something you should care about. It's a science that's rapidly revolutionizing medical care. Here are five ways genomics is changing the future of medicine and why it should be important to you. Medicine Gets Personal Tweet Chat Today at 1 p.m., ET The human genome is stunning for its sheer complexity. Each of us has 23 chromosomes for a total of about 3 billion DNA base pairs. You inherit a chromosome from each of your parents, so double that to 6 billion. Between 3 million and 5 million of your base pairs differ from those of the person sitting next to you, said Dr. Eric Green, the director of the National Human Genome Research Institute. These genetic variations represent only a small corner of the human genome but reveal a lot of information about your health, both now and in the future, he said. Technology has made genetic sequencing a relatively cheap and speedy process. The Human Genome Project, which was the first successful attempt to sequence the … Continue reading →

Sep. 30, 2013 Scientists of the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC) have identified an additional 48 genetic variants influencing the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. This work nearly doubles the number of known genetic risk factors and thereby provides additional key insights into the biology of this debilitating neurological condition. The genes implicated by the newly identified associations underline the central role played by the immune system in the development of multiple sclerosis and show substantial overlap with genes known to be involved in other autoimmune diseases. Published online September 29 in the journal Nature Genetics, the study, "Analysis of immune-related loci identifies 48 new susceptibility variants for multiple sclerosis," is the largest investigation of multiple sclerosis genetics to date. Led by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, this study relied upon an international team of 193 investigators from 84 research groups in 13 countries and was funded by more than 40 local and national agencies and foundations. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disabling neurological condition that affects over 2.5 million individuals worldwide. The disease results in patchy inflammation and damage to the central nervous system that causes problems with mobility, balance, sensation and cognition depending … Continue reading →

MENLO PARK, Calif. & ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. and BioTime, Inc. (NYSE MKT: BTX) jointly announced today the closing of the transactions under the Asset Contribution Agreement (the Agreement) with Geron Corporation, previously announced on January 7, 2013, pursuant to which Asterias Biotherapeutics acquired Gerons human embryonic stem (hES) cell assets, as well as rights to use certain human embryonic stem cell lines, minority stakes in two of BioTime's subsidiaries and stock from BioTime. Assets Contributed to Asterias by Geron Under the terms of the Agreement, Geron has contributed to Asterias its stem cell intellectual property, multiple lots of OPC1 drug product (hES cell-derived oligodendrocytes) used in the worlds first human clinical trial of hES-derived cells in subacute spinal cord injury, multiple lots of hESC manufacturing cell banks - the starting material to manufacture additional lots of OPC1 drug product and to produce dendritric cells for cancer immunotherapy, chondrocytes for cartilage and disc repair, and cardiomyocytes for heart disease. Geron has also contributed all of the clinical and regulatory documents pertaining to the OPC1 and VAC1 (autologous dendritic cells) clinical trials, as well as a series of stem-cell-related out-licenses. Asterias has entered into an exclusive sublicense with Geron … Continue reading →

NEW YORK & PETACH TIKVAH, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics (BCLI), a leading developer of adult stem cell technologies for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that it has launched its activities in the US in preparation for its Phase IIa multi-center clinical trial, with the initiation of the NurOwn technology transfer process at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI). DFCIs Connell and O'Reilly Cell Manipulation Core Facility will produce NurOwn in its cGMP-compliant clean room facilities for the MGH and UMass Hospital clinical sites. The third clinical site in the trial, Mayo Clinic, will produce NurOwn at its own cleanroom facility. We are very pleased with the progress we are making at DFCI, this being the final step for submission of the Company's IND application to the US FDA, commented Mr. Chaim Lebovits, BrainStorms President. The Cell Manipulation Core Facility (CMCF) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) is a manufacturing facility that produces safe and effective novel cellular component therapy that meets all regulatory guidelines for clinical use and also facilitates research to be translated from the bench to the bedside. All procedures are performed in environmentally controlled conditions according to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for cell and tissue processing. In … Continue reading →

(PRWEB) October 01, 2013 Nanotechnology has been the greatest impetus to technological and industrial development in the 21st century and has been recognized as the resource for the next industrial revolution. The evolving technology has already influenced a large number of industrial segments, and the economic activity generated from it has been high in magnitude and wide in scope. The nanotechnology-based products, which have had a huge impact on almost each industrial sector, are now entering the consumer market in a big way. In their latest research study, Nanotechnology Market Outlook 2017, RNCOS analysts have identified that the global nanotechnology industry has been growing at a rapid pace with rising applications in sectors like electronic, enegy, healthcare sector etc. In addition, market trends like nanotechnology-based thin film solar cells with high effieciency; nanomaterials with higher strength; robust growth in nanofibres and nanomedicine market; etc., are booming growth in this industry. Considering the above factors, the global nanotechnology market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 19% during 2013-2017. In the report, the analysts have studied the nanotechnology market by application, by component and by region. On the application front, they have analyzed nanotechnology use in electronics, energy, cosmetics, … Continue reading →