2 DNA variants linked to MS

New Genes Linked With MS

CHICAGO, USA, July 30--After decades of dead ends, scientists have identified two genes that may raise the risk of multiple sclerosis, lending insight into the causes of the debilitating disease.

DNA Methylation Analysis

DNA methylation analysis: a powerful new tool for lung cancer diagnosis

Department of Biochemistry, University of Southern California, School of Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, NOR 6420, 1441 Eastlake Ave, Los Angeles, California, CA 90089-9176, USA.

Carcinoma of the lung is the most common cause of cancer death worldwide. The estimated 5-year survival ranges from 6-16%, depending on the cell type. The best opportunity for improving survival of lung cancer patients is through early detection, when curative surgical resection is possible. Although the subjects at increased risk for developing carcinoma of the lung (long-term smokers) can be identified, only 10-20% of this group will ultimately develop the disease. Screening tests of long-term smokers employed to date (radiography and sputum cytology) have not been successful in reducing lung cancer mortality. The application of molecular markers specific for lung cancer offers new possibilities for early detection. Hypermethylation of CpG islands in the promoter regions of genes is a common phenomenon in lung cancer, as demonstrated by the analysis of the methylation status of over 40 genes from lung cancer tumors, cell lines, patient sputum and/or serum. Determination of the methylation patterns of multiple genes to obtain complex DNA methylation signatures promises to provide a highly sensitive and specific tool for lung cancer diagnosis. When combined with the development of non-invasive methods to detect such signatures, this may provide a viable method to screen subjects at risk for lung cancer.

PMID: 12154407 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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Human DNA, the Ultimate Spot for Secret Messages

I should say right now that I am not talking about theology or the near theology known as intelligent design. The ability to stick a message in a cockroach does not make us the designers or creators of the cockroach — only evolution could be so kind or clever.

But I’m a sucker for secret messages. Once, long ago, I stayed up all night with my friends playing the Beatles’ “White Album” backward hoping to hear the words “Turn me on dead man,” referring to the rumored death of Paul McCartney. I’m ready to find Slartibartfast’s signature and rediscover my cosmic heritage.

The sad truth is, as others will tell you, this is a bit like writing love letters in the sand. “I don’t buy it,” said Seth Shostak, an astronomer at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, Calif., pointing out that DNA is famously mutable. “Just ask Chuck Darwin,” he added in an e-mail message.-Read More-

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