Researchers identified hundreds of novel genes mutated in stomach cancer, which could lead to targeted therapies. FAT4 and ARID1A were found to be particularly interesting, with mutations detected in 5% and 8% of stomach cancers, respectively.
Researchers developed a method to derive DNA information from RNA, allowing for identification of individuals in massive research repositories. This technique raises questions about DNA and RNA data bank privacy issues, and may enable tracking of individual characteristics like age, sex, and disease risks.
Researchers have identified two new gene variants linked to an increased risk of common childhood obesity, highlighting a genetic predisposition to the condition. The study analyzed data from over 5,500 cases of childhood obesity and found novel loci associated with the disease.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have found that controlling IL-18 levels could prevent the development of wet AMD, a form of blindness. Drs. Sarah Doyle and Matthew Campbell discovered that drusen accumulating in the macula lead to IL-18 production, which acts as an anti-angiogenic factor.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover molecular switch controlling liver glucose production, potentially offering new avenue for treating insulin-resistant type II diabetes. The discovery may lead to agents that can selectively damp down activity of the IP3 spigot and calcineurin accelerator to lower blood sugar levels.