PHILADELPHIA Epigenetics - the science of how gene activity can be altered without changes in the genetic code - plays a critical role in every aspect of life, from the differentiation of stem cells to the regulation of metabolism and growth of cancer cells. Epigenetic factors act by reworking the structure in which genes reside, called chromatin. Inside chromatin, DNA is wound around proteins called histones. Several new cancer treatments interfere with the function of enzymes that chemically mark the histones to alter the readout of the DNA code and ramp the expression of genes up or down, as if with a dimmer switch. Enzymes called histone deacetylases (HDACs) erase the mark and shut off gene expression. A team led by Mitchell A. Lazar, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, has been studying HDAC3 for several years. They discovered thatthe enzyme activity of HDAC3 requires interaction with a specific region on another protein, which they dubbed the Deacetylase Activating Domain or "DAD. This nuts and bolts discovery on the epigenetic control of a persons genome has implications for cancer and neurological treatments. This domain is found … Continue reading →

By Brett Spiegel History recounts Alexander the Great's search for a restorative spring, and Hollywood managed to age Brad Pitt backwards in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." But the true fountain of youth may lie in your own genetic code, according to a study published Thursday. An offshoot of the receptor gene dopamine which has been linked to the pursuit of social, physical, and intellectual activity is more often found in those who live long lives than those who don't, scientists at the University of California, Irvine, and Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York found. More from Everyday Health: Microvascular Changes Might Predict Glaucoma Subtle Cognitive Decline Follows Menopause Tanning Myths Targeted by New Salon Group "Its been well documented that the more youre involved with social and physical activities, the more likely youll live longer. It could be as simple as that," Robert Moyzis, PhD, professor of biological chemistry at UC Irvine, said in a press release. While the genetic variant may not directly influence longevity, it is associated with personality traits that have been shown to be important for living a longer, healthier life," he noted. The particular genetic trait studied, referred to as the DRD4 7R … Continue reading →

Jan. 7, 2013 A simple, precise and inexpensive method for cutting DNA to insert genes into human cells could transform genetic medicine, making routine what now are expensive, complicated and rare procedures for replacing defective genes in order to fix genetic disease or even cure AIDS. Discovered last year by Jennifer Doudna and Martin Jinek of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and University of California, Berkeley, and Emmanuelle Charpentier of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine-Sweden, the technique was labeled a "tour de force" in a 2012 review in the journal Nature Biotechnology. That review was based solely on the team's June 28, 2012, Science paper, in which the researchers described a new method of precisely targeting and cutting DNA in bacteria. Two new papers published last week in the journal Science Express demonstrate that the technique also works in human cells. A paper by Doudna and her team reporting similarly successful results in human cells has been accepted for publication by the new open-access journal eLife. "The ability to modify specific elements of an organism's genes has been essential to advance our understanding of biology, including human health," said Doudna, a professor of molecular and cell biology and of … Continue reading →

BOSTON & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Partners HealthCare and Illumina, Inc. (ILMN) today announced the GeneInsight-Illumina Founding Network Members, including the ARUP Laboratories, Mount Sinai Genetic Testing Laboratory, New York Genome Center (NYGC), Partners HealthCare, and Illumina. The members represent a diverse and distinguished group of laboratories within leading academic institutions and commercial organizations who are interested in leveraging clinical-grade genomics interpretation and reporting. The members are committed to exploring and sharing knowledge, including variant level content and interpretations, through the formation of inter-laboratory collaborations and knowledge rings. The network will be opened widely later in 2013 to other institutions willing to share clinical genomic data. Todays announcement reinforces our commitment to establishing a community-based approach to addressing some of the most challenging issues related to clinical next-generation sequencing, said Heidi Rehm, PhD, Chief Laboratory Director, Partners Laboratory for Molecular Medicine. Were excited to bring together such a talented and diverse group of leading institutions who share a common vision and are passionate about the opportunities for collaboration to advance the field of clinical genetics. Elaine Lyon, PhD, Medical Director, ARUP Laboratories echoes this sentiment and expressed her enthusiasm for a community approach to curating variant knowledge saying, As a user … Continue reading →

Vincent Caruso Vincent Caruso, ski and snowboard instructor, relates his experience following a stem cell procedure By: Nathan Wei … Continue reading →

RESEARCH AWARENESS VIDEO Copyright Vanderbilt University 2012 Visit us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com In the heart of Tennessee, we are working to heal the hearts of thousands. From the lab bench to a patient's bedside, we are studying new ways to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease. Studies involving heart failure, valve disease and the effects of chemotherapy on the heart are just some of the types of research we do here every day at the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute, and we want to spend the next few minutes showing you why it is so important to the care we provide. Our Mission: Bring the highest quality and innovative care to our customers by conducting clinical research to the highest ethical, regulatory and scientific standards to advance excellence in cardiovascular patient care. Our Team: Our clinical research team is comprised of passionate and highly-accomplished clinical trials experts dedicated to providing leading publications and services for clinical research professionals and patients. We are regularly involved in continuing education programs to stay current on the latest industry changes. Our informed, result-driven, and interactive approach assures patients/sponsors that Vanderbilt is the place that is committed to treating serious illnesses along with careful observation. … Continue reading →

GULF SHORES, Ala., Jan 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --In 2007, an ATV accident left military veteran Scott Williams with a spinal cord injury that paralyzed him from the upper chest down. In the summer of 2012, after undergoing an autologous adipose-derived stem cell transplant into his spine at the Precision StemCell (http://www.precisionstemcell.com) facility in Gulf Shores, Williams began noticing increased sensation in his left leg and the ability to slightly move both feet. "Within one month, I was able to move my feet some, and I haven't done that in over five years," Williams stated. "I feel that this is amazing progress." Williams received the "Selegeline reprogramed adipose derived stem cells" treatment that Precision StemCell has been giving to patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Seventy-five percent of those ALS patients have experienced improvements in moving, breathing and speech. Dr. Jason R. Williams, head of Precision StemCell and a board certified radiologist with extensive training in image guided procedures, performed the procedure. "I believe that Mr. Williams is the first patient to ever have this procedure for spinal cord injury using this specific technique," stated Dr. Williams. "This treatment is a good initial step, … Continue reading →

REHOBOTH, Mass. -- A first of its kind procedure is being performed in Massachusetts Monday. Its a stem cell therapy on a dog. "He can't get comfortable, can't lay down, because of the pain, so he sits up and stares at the wall all night, which is tough to watch," said Bob Cook, Bubbas owner. Cook of Taunton is talking about his 2-year-old English Bulldog Bubba, who suffers from hip dysplasia. He said his condition has gotten worse in the last several months. After doing research, he found out about a regenerative stem cell therapy and has been hopeful. He brought Bubba to the Abbot Animal Hospital in Rehoboth. "Hopefully we can give these animals relief and increase quality of life and their life span as well, said Dr. Ashraf Gomaa. Gomaa is the only doctor in our area certified by MediVet America, the company that developed this technology. After extracting fat from Bubba, it is processed in a machine that basically breaks down the cells to get to the healthy stem cells. The cells are then injected back into Bubba into the area of concern. "Replacing the bad cells with new cells, pretty advanced technology," Gomaa said. Go here … Continue reading →

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- America Stem Cell, Inc. (ASC) today announced that it has been awarded an Advanced Technology Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health. This grant will be led by Dr. Leonard Miller, VP Preclinical Research at ASC, in collaboration with Dr. Larry Sherman at the Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). Dr. Shermans lab has over 15 years of extensive experience in multiple models of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and in the application of these models to identify novel therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, the first-ever transplants of human NSCs into human patients for Batten Disease, a demyelinating disease that affects children, were at Dr. Shermans Institute (OHSU). The studies outlined within the presently approved grant will examine the effect of ASCs lead technology, ASC-101, in combination with neural stem cells in an experimental mouse model of MS. MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). MS is caused by damage to the myelin sheaths that cover nerve fibers. Degradation of these sheaths causes signals along the nerve fiber to slow down … Continue reading →

Novel resveratrol nanodelivery systems Video Abstract: 37840 Video abstract of original research paper'Video abstract bioavailability' to be published in the open access International Journal of Nanomedicine by Neves AR, Lcio M, Martins S, et al. Introduction: Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in grapes and red wines. Interest in this polyphenol has increased due to its pharmacological cardio- and neuroprotective, chemopreventive, and antiaging effects, among others. Nevertheless, its pharmacokinetic properties are less favorable, since the compound has poor bioavailability, low water solubility, and is chemically unstable. To overcome these problems, we developed two novel resveratrol nanodelivery systems based on lipid nanoparticles to enhance resveratrol's oral bioavailability for further use in medicines, supplements, and nutraceuticals. Methods and materials: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with resveratrol were successfully produced by a modified hot homogenization technique. These were completely characterized to evaluate the quality of the developed resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles. Results: Cryo-scanning electron microscopy morphology studies showed spherical and uniform nanoparticles with a smooth surface. An average resveratrol entrapment efficiency of ~70% was obtained for both SLNs and NLCs. Dynamic light scattering measurements gave a Z-average of 150--250 nm, polydispersity index of ~0.2, and a highly negative … Continue reading →