Check out the latest Genomics Week In Brief – full of intriguing news and research from the genomics space!
Top stories from the past week:
- A new drug, Donanemeb, could slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by around 30% by clearing a build-up of amyloid protein deposits in the brain (JAMA).
- CRISPR gene editing may offer a way to both prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease by significantly reducing the levels of APOE-e4 genes and amyloid proteins in the brain (Alzheimer’s Association).
- Mouse models show that stem cell transplants could restore fertility in those who suffer from chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure (The Lancet).
- A next-generation sequencing-based test has revealed that 73% of cervicovaginal samples from endometrial cancer patients had detectable mutagens, offering a non-invasive method to potentially detect the early stages of endometrial cancer (The Lancet).
- A vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) traditionally used in Chinese medicine may prove an excellent antitumor treatment when used in combination with a new nano-drug, designed to dramatically reduce the organ toxicity of its bioactive compound (The Lancet).
- Scientists have identified a common genetic mutation which could be the reason why 20% of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus are asymptomatic (Nature).
- A genome-wide screening has identified 34 genes as potential regulators of motor-ageing in worms and mice, presenting a target for future treatment (PLOS Biology).
- Tele-genetic counselling (TGC) could help meet the demand for genetic counselling (GC) services in countries where there is a shortage of trained GC personnel, such as Hong Kong (Frontiers).
- The composition of gut microbiota could influence the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer by modulating the expression of genes through DNA methylation (Frontiers).
- Novel gene loci associated with Joubert Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that impacts the cerebellum, have been identified which will support further research into early prognosis of the syndrome (Frontiers).
- Whole-genome sequencing proves to be an extremely effective, standalone method to detect all clinically relevant genomic events in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, possibly replacing current diagnostic methods (Frontiers).
- DNA methylation is a promising marker in the development of a cost-effective and accurate method of detecting the early stages of gastric cancer (Frontiers).
In other news:
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently published a new Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on epilepsy and other neurological disorders, establishing what is needed to improve access to care and treatment for those suffering with neurological disorders across the globe (WHO).
- Two Devon hospitals are set to benefit from new surgery robots which have so far been used by ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons to assist with the removal of tumours of the tonsils, tongue, voice box and swallowing passage (BBC News).
- Despite vaccination efforts, 17 possible cases of polio have surfaced in Malawi, potentially owing to the displacement of thousands of people during Cyclone Freddy – the world’s longest lasting tropical cyclone (The Guardian).
Read last week’s Genomics Week in Brief here!
