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Genetic sequencing and policy
The European Society of Human Genetics has issued official recommendations about the genetic testing of minors (2 June), whilst the European Parliament has moved to adopt a strategic approach to rare diseases, many of which are forms of genetic disorder (26 May). In the United States, the National Human Genome Research Institute has made strategic recommendations on its continued involvement in human genome sequencing (8 June), whilst the company Knome has become the first to offer a full-genome sequencing service directly to consumers at a substantially lower price than previous services (19 May).
Genomics and public health
New research considers whether genetic testing for the risk of prostate cancer is ready for prime-time (27 May), and a new information portal to allow health professionals and members of the public to access reliable clinical and public health evidence, NHS Evidence, has been launched in the UK (21 May). A new PHG Foundation report looks at carrier screening for Tay Sachs disease in Ashkenazi Jewish sub-populations (19 May).
Legal and regulatory issues
Umbilical cord blood banking as a source of stem cells for potential therapeutic applications continues to generate controversy, this time in Ireland where the possibility of legal challenges from patients has been raised (9 June). In the US, a legal challenge to patents held by Myriad Genetics relating to the BRCA1/2 genes could have implications for all gene patents (28 May).
Disease genetics
A research paper proposes a possible genetic basis for the observed reduced risk of certain forms of cancer in individuals with Down’s syndrome (25 May), and two more report genome wide association studies linking specific genes with the risk of testicular cancer in white men (4 June). We also report on a paper considering the risk of myocardial infarction conferred by raised levels of lipoprotein a and LPA gene variants (11June).
New reviews and commentaries
Our selection of recent articles of interest (1 June)
Other recent news and research
Patenting human genes thwarts research, scientists say
Scientists find gene linked to growth of neuroblastomas
Pigs offer new stem cell source
Heart drug may block breast cancer gene
New epigenetics sequencing facility opens
Cambridge to host genetic research hub
Study finds genetic link between heart condition, gum disease
Mouse genome laid bare to science
US company finds "safer" way to make stem-like cells
Studies find new weaknesses in cancer using RNAi
NIH to set up institute for rare and neglected diseases
Stem cells help restore damaged retinal tissues
Scientists find gene variant linked to prevalence of autism in boys
Women's menstruation genes found
Researchers uncover genetic clues to blood pressure
Muscular dystrophy diagnosis delayed almost 2.5 years in boys
Biotech stem cells could zero in on tumors
Test helps predict response to lung cancer drugs
Biomarkers may help measure rate of decline in Alzheimer’s patients
Survival gene for motor disease
See also the Genomics & Health Weekly Update from the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics and the GenInfo Monthly Newsletter from HumGen.
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