What’s been going on in the life sciences world this week? Check out Week in Brief for an overview of the biggest news from the last seven days.
The Wellcome Sanger Institute has announced a partnership with PacBio, in which they will use advanced sequencing technology at the single-cell level to map gene expression in samples from ongoing studies. These projects are aimed at understanding the genetics of inflammatory bowel disease, and immune responses.
A study has shown that overuse of CT scans may lead to 100,000 extra cancer cases in the US alone. The associated radiation is linked to a significant number of childhood cancers and, additionally, is comparable to the impact of alcohol.
Recent research indicates that in oropharyngeal cancer, human and HPV genes can combine to form extrachromosomal DNA, boosting tumour growth. This hybrid DNA contains viral and human genetic elements, amplifying the expression of cancer-promoting genes.
Research in fruit flies has shown that reversing the activity of a specific gene linked to Alzheimer’s disease can alleviate symptoms and reduce toxic protein buildup in the brain. This finding suggests a potential new therapeutic avenue for Alzheimer’s by targeting gene activity.
Patients in England with an advanced form of melanoma are to be offered access to a new cancer vaccine. This is part of the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad programme, and the vaccine will enhance the body’s response to immunotherapy.
Moreover, monitoring levels of DNA fragments from dying tumour cells in the blood of melanoma patients can help predict recurrence. This is according to a study that has assessed the utility of a gene-based blood test to predict treatment outcomes.
New work has suggested the diabetes drug metformin may be used to prevent a form of acute myeloid leukemia in those who are genetically predisposed to the condition. Experiments in mice showed that metformin slowed the growth of mutation-bearing blood cells, subsequently preventing disease.
A study has concluded that 160+ adults from Northern Scotland likely have the Huntington’s disease gene but haven’t been tested. The area has one of the highest Huntington’s disease rates in the world, and these individuals could benefit from future breakthroughs should they undergo genetic testing.
Researchers have discovered that common variants in two genes, CNIH3 and WDR26, are linked to drug resistance in epilepsy patients. This discovery could help to predict treatment responses and allow for the adoption of effective tailored therapies.
Scientists have compared two single-cell RNA sequencing methods, D-scRNA and P-scRNA, for analysing human colon biopsies. The study identified pros and cons for each method, and aims to help researchers choose appropriate technology for their studies.
Finally, researchers have identified a genetic variant linked to cleft lip and cleft palate, and have elucidated the mechanisms behind this common birth defect.
