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Early life experience linked to chronic diseases later in life: UBC research

A UBC study found that people's early-life experiences can lead to chronic diseases later in life by affecting gene expression and inflammation responses. The researchers identified a link between low socioeconomic circumstances in early life and increased risk of infectious, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2009

DNA variations linked to brain tumors

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of California San Francisco have discovered a connection between DNA alterations on human chromosome 9 and glioblastoma. The study found that individuals with specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are 50% more likely to develop the aggressive brain cancer.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 5, 2009

Johns Hopkins scientists out a gene for gout

Researchers found the malfunctioning ABCG2 gene can lead to high urate levels, causing inflammation and pain. The gene is responsible for transporting urate out of the kidney and into urine, and its mutation may be linked to 10% of gout cases in Caucasians.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2009

Genetic factors may predict depression in heart disease patients

A recent study found that genetic variations involving endothelial dysfunction and platelet aggregation contribute to depressive symptoms in individuals with heart disease. Researchers discovered a significant association between one marker within the vonWillebrand factor gene and depressive symptoms.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateMay 19, 2009

Researchers gain genome-wide insights into patterns of the world's human population structures

Researchers used sophisticated statistical analyses to study genomic patterns of human population structure, revealing 18 significant axes of variation. These findings provide insights into the history of human evolution, evolutionary forces shaping local populations, and geographic correlations with genetic variation.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 14, 2009

Fruit flies sick from mating

Researchers found that fruit fly females' genes are activated similarly to an immune reaction when they mate, leading to a heightened defense system. The cost of mating is also revealed to be high, as females produce fewer offspring due to male harassment and toxic sperm fluid.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateFeb 19, 2009

Researchers identify novel genetic markers linked to increased risk of heart attack

Researchers have identified novel genetic markers associated with an increased risk of heart attack, which are more than twice as great in individuals carrying multiple genetic markers. The study found that genes on chromosomes 3 and 12 play a crucial role in cardiovascular biology.

Studies examine genetic determinants of ADHD

Two studies examine over 600,000 genetic markers in ADHD patients, finding that multiple genes contribute to the disorder. The findings highlight the need for larger studies to fully understand the genetic mechanisms underlying ADHD and to develop more effective treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateJan 7, 2009

University of Maryland researchers identify common gene variant linked to high blood pressure

A study by University of Maryland researchers has identified a common gene variant associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. The STK39 gene produces a protein that helps regulate salt processing in the kidneys, which plays a key role in determining blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 29, 2008

Genes for 9 health indicators

A genome-wide study has identified 23 regions of the genome associated with nine metabolic traits, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, and inflammation. The study found 14 known genetic variants and nine novel variants, five of which are good candidates for important variants.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 7, 2008

What HIV needs

Researchers at Salk Institute and Burnham Institute for Medical Research have identified 295 human host cell factors involved in HIV infection. This study may lead to the development of novel therapies aimed at disrupting human-HIV interactions and preventing viral replication.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 2, 2008