September 1, 2012 redOrbit Staff & Wire Reports Your Universe Online African-American and European men have an increased risk of prostate cancer due to changes in one of their immune system genes, claims a new study published online in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Medicine, as well as colleagues from Northwestern University and Washington, D.C.s Howard University Hospital, isolated changes in the IL-16 gene, an immune system protein, the school reported in an August 31 statement. Previously identified changes in the gene for IL-16 were associated with prostate cancer in men of European descent. But the same changes in the genes coded sequence called polymorphisms did not confer the same risk in African Americans, the university said. Doubt was cast on IL-16s role in prostate cancer when researchers were unable to confirm that the IL-16 polymorphisms identified in whites were also important risk factors in African Americans, they added. Using a new technique known as imputation, which the school describes as a form of statistical extrapolation, the research team was able to discover new patterns of association, which in turn showed them new locations within the gene … Continue reading →

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pathway Genomics Corporation, a San Diego-based genetic testing laboratory, has announced a clinical trial with theVeterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS). Launched this summer, researchers at VASDHS have begun a prospective randomized clinical trial ofPathway Fit, the companys premier saliva-based nutrigenetic test. The trial is focused on the genetic associations of weight loss and weight regain in veterans enrolled inMOVE!, a national weight management program designed by theVA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCP). The trial aims to determine if veterans can lose more weight by linking genetic changes with evidence-based lifestyle suggestions as part of Pathway Fit, said Dr. Karen Herbst, the trials lead investigator and staff physician in the endocrinology division of VASDHS. Veterans will learn what diet best matches their genetic-based phenotypes and metabolism, what kind of eating behaviors they may have, and the genetic changes that provide information on how their bodies respond to exercise. The overall goal is to help veterans modify their behavior in order to achieve a superior outcome. The trial comes at a time when an estimated72.5 million Americanssuffer from obesity, and approximately70 percent of U.S. veteransare overweight or obese, many with co-morbidities, including post-traumatic … Continue reading →

The Australian diagnostics company Genetic Technologies (GENE)(GTG.AX) is giving up gains from Wednesday, down 6% on the day to $3.48. The middle of the week saw immense momentum on the stock from traders, driving share price from $3.18 to $4.20 before beginning a descent that lasted through Thursday and into this morning. Gains on Wednesday were triggered when the Australian banking firm Lodge Partners initiated coverage of Genetic Technologies with a `Buy` rating, followed by news of a patent infringement suit from GENE against the Reproductive Genetics Institute. GENE markets BREVAgen, a diagnostic tool for determining genetic predisposition to breast cancer in women and is the exclusive marketer of Rosetta Genomics` (ROSG) miRview set of assays in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. Genetic Technologies had losses of $1.15 per share in fiscal 2012 - ended June 30 - but expects to improve revenue through sales of BREVAgen, saying that market penetration so far is in-line with similar products; the assay is now available in 48 states. GENE is beginning to even out as trader involvement dissipates and is trading on the low end of its 52-week range. Investor chatter points to Roche`s (RHHBY) Investor Day on the 5th as a … Continue reading →

ScienceDaily (Aug. 31, 2012) Prostate cancer in African-American men is associated with specific changes in the IL-16 gene, according to researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. The study, published online in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, establishes the association of IL-16 with prostate cancer in men of both African and European descent. "This provides us with a new potential biomarker for prostate cancer," says principal investigator Rick Kittles, UIC associate professor of medicine in hematology/oncology. Previously identified changes in the gene for IL-16, an immune system protein, were associated with prostate cancer in men of European descent. But the same changes in the gene's coded sequence -- called "polymorphisms" -- did not confer the same risk in African Americans. Doubt was cast on IL-16's role in prostate cancer when researchers were unable to confirm that the IL-16 polymorphisms identified in whites were also important risk factors in African Americans, Kittles said. Kittles and his colleagues used a technique called imputation -- a type of statistical extrapolation -- that allowed them to see new patterns of association and identify new places in the gene to look for polymorphisms. They found changes elsewhere in the … Continue reading →

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The New York Stem Cell Summit announced today that, in conjunction with several Houston-based medical institutions, it is launching the first Houston Stem Cell Summit to be held on Friday and Saturday, October 26 and October 27, 2012. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120831/NY66463LOGO) "Since the mid-1990s," said organizer Robin Young, "the group of researchers, medical schools and hospitals at the Texas Medical Center has led the world in clinical research for the therapeutic use of stem and progenitor cells for heart disease, orthopedics, dental surgery, and ophthalmic, as well as fostering new business models for commercialization of these cellular technologies." The Houston Stem Cell Summit will bring together, for the first time; the many and varied stem cell research and commercialization activities in Texas with the leading global researchers and entrepreneurs. Participating Texas institutions include: Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Heart Institute, Texas A&M, Rice University and MD Anderson. About the Summit The Houston Stem Cell Summit will be held over two days, Friday and Saturday, October 26 and October 27 at The Houstonian Hotel in Houston, Texas. In addition to highlighting the latest therapeutic research regarding the use of adult stem and progenitor cell therapies, the Summit … Continue reading →

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/9fkkzb/cell_therapy_tec) has announced the addition of Jain PharmaBiotech's new report "Cell Therapy - Technologies, Markets and Companies" to their offering. This report describes and evaluates cell therapy technologies and methods, which have already started to play an important role in the practice of medicine. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is replacing the old fashioned bone marrow transplants. Role of cells in drug discovery is also described. Cell therapy is bound to become a part of medical practice. Stem cells are discussed in detail in one chapter. Some light is thrown on the current controversy of embryonic sources of stem cells and comparison with adult sources. Other sources of stem cells such as the placenta, cord blood and fat removed by liposuction are also discussed. Stem cells can also be genetically modified prior to transplantation. Cell therapy technologies overlap with those of gene therapy, cancer vaccines, drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Pharmaceutical applications of stem cells including those in drug discovery are also described. Various types of cells used, methods of preparation and culture, encapsulation and genetic engineering of cells are discussed. Sources of cells, both human and animal (xenotransplantation) are discussed. Methods of delivery … Continue reading →