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We draw attention to two major new PHG Foundation reports of potential interest that will be released later this month: an independent expert response to the UK Government report on Genomic Medicine (launching 18thMay), and a review of the evidence supporting potential expansion of current newborn screening programmes to include additional disorders.
Genomes and disease
Genomes have been in the news this month, with the publicised first full clinical analysis of a full genome sequence for rare, common and pharmacogenetic variants (30 April), full genome sequencing of a whole family including minors for non-medical purposes (19 April), and over-the-counter genetic tests launching in the US (11 May). A comprehensive comparative analysis of twin genomes failed to elucidate the origins of multiple sclerosis (2 May), but a new genome-wide association study identified five new genetic loci associated with susceptibility to breast cancer (10 May), whilst the International Cancer Genome Consortium has set out strategies and policies to implement plans to map 25,000 cancer genomes (4 May)
Genetic studies have also shed light on Paget’s disease of the bone (5 May) and a possible means of identifying smokers at high risk of developing risk of lung cancer (19 April). Structural studies of the FTO protein may aid the design of new drugs to combat obesity (20 April), and genotoxicity data may aid understanding of prenatal origins of disease (22 April).
Legal and policy issues
In the US, a complaint by Native Americans about inappropriate uses of DNA donated for medical research has resulted in a financial settlement (27 April), whilst another complaint has been filed, this time of genetic discrimination against a company by a former employee (7 May). Libel charges against a UK science writer have been dropped (17 April), a consultation by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics is examining the use of human organs, tissues and cells for medical research and treatment (22 April), and evidence is sought for a review of the regulatory and governance framework for medical research (23 April). Egypt is to host a new regional centre for UNESCO’s Global Ethics Observatory system intended to serve Arab countries in particular (15 April).
Stem cells and cloning
A new cloning technique adds another potential approach to preventing the transmission of serious forms of mitochondrial disease (15 April). Both the Swiss government and the Vatican have announced support for adult human stem cell research (26 April), and stem therapeutics for multiple sclerosis have also been highlighted (8 May).
New reviews and commentaries
Our selection of recent articles of interest (4 May)
Other recent news and research
Mutation points to possible Tourette treatment
Genetic link found between both ALS types
Scientists use pig embryo to create stem cells
Scientists unravel secret of HIV resistance
Scientists use synthetic biology to create drug-controlled T cells
Genetic clues for universal E.coli vaccine
Cancer-causing viruses exploit genetic achilles heel
13 additional stem cell lines eligible for US federal funding
Yeast genes give insight into human blood vessel growth
Scientists discover new genetic sub-code
New method paves way for more sensitive and precise diagnostics
Gene-based test may let transplant patients skip biopsies
Gene therapy cures dogs of color blindness
Gene makes people fat, raises Alzheimer's risk
Repairing gene responsible for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Gene variant linked to thinking skills in elderly
House Bill proposes a federal open-access policy
Panel to take broad view of bioethics
Chip may detect spreading cancer cells in blood
Missing DNA linked to wide range of epilepsy disorders
Human stem cell survival keys discovered
See also the Genomics & Health Weekly Update from the CDC Office of Public Health Genomics and the GenInfo Monthly Newsletter from HumGen.
For our events listing, go to http://www.phgfoundation.org/events
Full listing of new additions to our website at: http://www.phgfoundation.org/whats_new.php
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