Mar. 14, 2013 A research team from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) released their results on the structure and molecular details of the neurodegenerative disease-associated protein Ataxin-1. Mutations in Ataxin-1 cause the neurological disease, Spinocerebella Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1), which is characterized by a loss of muscular coordination and balance (ataxia), as is seen in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. SCA1-causing mutations in the ATAXIN1 gene alter the length of a glutamine stretch in the Ataxin-1 protein. The research team provides the first structural insight into the complex formation of ATAXIN-1 with its binding partner, Capicua (CIC). The team, led by Professor Ji-Joon Song from the Department of Biological Sciences at KAIST, solved the structure of Ataxin-1 and CIC complex in atomic level revealing molecular details of the interaction between Ataxin-1 and CIC. Professor Song explained his recent research work, "We are able to see the intricate process of complex formation and reconfiguration of the two proteins when they interact with each other. Our work, we expect, will provide a new therapeutic target to modulate SCA1 neurodegenerative disease." Understanding structural and molecular details of proteins at the atomic level will help researchers to track the molecular … Continue reading →

March 18, 2013, 3 a.m. There was no doubt in Chontell Johnson's mind. When a genetic test revealed her mother had early onset Alzheimer's, the then-27-year-old decided she would get tested, too. ''If I didn't know, I would spend the rest of my life second-guessing decisions,'' she says. The results confirmed that within the three billion letters of Johnson's genome, a single mistake means she has a 98 per cent chance of developing the neurological condition that killed her mother at 47. ''It scares the life out of me to think I'll not be able to communicate with people,'' says Johnson, now 33. When the human genome was first sequenced 13 years ago, it was hailed as a medical revolution, the catalyst for this new era of personalised medicine. For most of the past decade, however, genetic testing remained an expensive tool for research laboratories only. But in recent years, the technology to read a person's genome has advanced at a staggering pace. Now a vial of spit or blood and an internet connection is all anybody needs to peer inside their body's blueprint. But while labs can sequence a person's DNA in a couple of days for less than … Continue reading →

So, you want to know more about the genes that make you what you are? Or, maybe youre interested in knowing what your potential disease vulnerability is by getting your genome sequenced? Well, you may want to think twice, or maybe three times before taking the dive. Costing fromseveral hundred to thousands ofdollars, theyre now sold over the Internet, and there are plans to sell them in drugstores. Some tests claim to provide personal nutrition advice based on your genetic profile. Usually all you have to do is rub a swab inside your cheek and mail it to the company, which will scan your DNA, looking for mutations and variations that suggest increased risk, and then send you the results. Home tests have not been reviewed by the FDA or any other agency, unlike most physician-ordered genetic tests or other kinds of at-home medical tests. And, theres no data to indicate the take home tests are even accurate to begin with. In addition, the FDA has advised some home test makers to submit factual test based results, given that some companies are claiming to be able to devise health care plans based on an individuals personal genetic results, which can … Continue reading →

Stem Cell Orthopedic Weighs in on Misinformation Within Controversial Performance Enhancing Drug Debate (PRWEB) March 16, 2013 As the controversy involving PEDs intensifies, especially with increased media exposure due to the recent disgrace of cyclist Lance Armstrong, misinformation and half-truths have become commonplace. Even the medical community itself has been caught up in the wake of this controversy, by mislabeling substances such as IGF-1, a cytokine, as a growth hormone. Stem Cell Orthopedics recognizes this misunderstanding as potentially dangerous, especially if these important repair enhancers become overly regulated or banned completely as a result of this widespread ignorance. The blog explains in detail the power of IGF-1, other cytokines, and stem cell medicine to help profoundly effect and increase the speed of healing in the body. The blog continues to illuminate the natural prevalence of IGF-1 in red meat and in platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP), the highly effective and innovative treatment used by experts throughout the sport medicine world. Stem Cell Orthopedics is determined to help set the record straight on the many invaluable applications of cytokines, including IGF-1, TGF, and FGF, on tissue repair in the sports world and beyond. Headed by the world-renowned stem cell treatment pioneer, … Continue reading →

Singapore, Mar 16, 2013 - (ACN Newswire) - The liver is an important target organ for drug testing because all drugs pass through it for detoxification. This is a process whereby harmful substances are reduced or removed from the body. Drugs that cannot be detoxified may cause poisoning or other lethal side effects. IBN researchers have now made it possible for companies to predict the toxicity of new drugs earlier, potentially speeding up the drug development process and reducing the cost of manufacturing. The tool they have engineered to enable this is an artificial human liver piece, which mimics the natural tissue environment closely. IBN Executive Director Professor Jackie Y. Ying, said, "This research advance is the first drug testing model available that can sensitively predict long-term drug responses in the liver. Such predictive toxicology platforms are useful research tools that aid and accelerate the discovery of new drugs. The ability to determine drug toxicity at an early stage would lead to significant cost savings for the pharmaceutical companies and consumers." IBN Group Leader Professor Hanry Yu elaborated, "Most materials and devices have been designed with little attention to what the cells need. By using a cell-centered approach and translating … Continue reading →