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New associations between diabetes, environmental factors found by novel Stanford analytic technique

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered a previously unknown association between type-2 diabetes and high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E. The novel analytic technique, called environment wide association studies (EWAS), identified these relationships surpassing tho...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 20, 2010

New genes involved in human eye color identified

A genome-wide association study has identified three new genetic loci significantly associated with quantitative eye colour variation, explaining over 50% of the trait's variance. The study used high-resolution full-eye photographs to quantify human eye colour along multiple dimensions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMay 6, 2010

Searching for genes behind a trait

A team at the University of Southern California used a genome-wide association method to locate genes behind important plant traits such as flowering time and disease resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana. The study identified dozens of genes linked to these traits, with potential applications in agriculture and biofuels.

Mayo oral cancer study shows full tumor genome

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a novel approach for sequencing RNA to study cancer tumors, revealing alterations in gene expression driven by chromosomal regions of gain and loss. This technology allows for detailed analysis of the transcriptome, enabling better understanding of individualized medicine and potential therapeutic...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 23, 2010

Genomic toggle switches divide autoimmune diseases into distinct clusters, Stanford study shows

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that pairs of autoimmune diseases are linked in clinical practice and can be attributed to specific genetic variations known as SNPs. The researchers identified 15 key SNPs that predispose individuals to multiple autoimmune diseases, while also protecting them against others.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateDec 23, 2009

NIH-funded study unveils potential genetic links to lung disease risk

A new NIH-funded study has uncovered several DNA sequences linked to impaired pulmonary function, providing insight into mechanisms of lung capacity and potentially leading to better understanding of diseases like asthma and COPD. The findings may help develop new interventions to manage lung diseases and improve mortality rates.

Causative gene of a rare disorder discovered by sequencing only protein-coding regions of genome

Researchers at the University of Washington successfully used exome sequencing to identify a previously unknown gene responsible for Miller syndrome, a mendelian disorder. This breakthrough study demonstrates the efficiency and potential of this strategy in discovering the genetic basis of rare diseases, which could lead to new therapies.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 19, 2009

Alcohol tolerance 'switch' found

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered a genetic 'switch' in fruit flies that contributes to increased alcohol tolerance. This switch also has implications for the development of fatty liver syndrome and cirrhosis in humans, with certain gene variations linked to excessive drinking behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGenetics·DateOct 21, 2009

Gene linked with human kidney aging

Researchers from Stanford University and colleagues have discovered a gene associated with human kidney aging, revealing new insights into the aging process. The study used sequential transcriptional profiling and eQTL mapping to identify genetic variants linked to kidney aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 15, 2009

Blood counts are clues to human disease

A genome-wide association study identified 22 regions of the human genome associated with eight blood measurements, including haemoglobin concentration and platelet counts. These genetic variants are linked to increased risk of heart disease, coeliac disease, and type 1 diabetes in European populations.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 11, 2009