Epstein-Barr Virus Protein Contributes To Cancer Oct 4, 2008
PML nuclear bodies are known to have tumor-suppressive effects due to their roles in regulating DNA repair and programmed cell death, and accordingly, EBNA1 was shown to interfere with these processes. The researchers conclude that there is "an important role for EBNA1 in the development of NPC, in which EBNA1-mediated disruption of PML nuclear bodies promotes the survival of cells with DNA damage." Since EBNA1 is expressed in all EBV-associated tumors, including B-cell lymphomas and gastric... (Science Daily)
Key To Rapid Evolution In Plants Confirmed Oct 3, 2008
In animals, the variation in rate of molecular evolution has been ascribed to differences in generation time, metabolic rate, DNA repair, and body size; in plants, the differences have been more difficult to determine. The current analysis evaluated DNA sequence data for five major evolutionary lineages within the flowering plants, comparing genetic markers in their chloroplast, nuclear, and mitochondrial genomes. (Science Daily)
Tiny Water Bug Able to Survive in Space Sep 10, 2008
"If we can document and show that there are special molecules involved in DNA repair in multicellular animals like tardigrades, we might be able to further the development of radiation therapy.". Copyright. (Fox News)
African-Americans Have Unique Lung Cancer Risks From Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Sep 10, 2008
9, 2008) Lung cancer risk prediction models are enhanced by taking into account risk factors by race and by measuring DNA repair capacity, according to. (June 3, 2003) New findings from the Lung Health Study (LHS) indicate that, in general, women's lung function improves significantly more than men's after sustained smoking cessation. (Science Daily)
Research: Unique animal species can survive in space Sep 10, 2008
"One problem with radiation therapy in treating cancer today is that healthy cells are also harmed. If we can document and show that there are special molecules involved in DNA repair in multicellular animals like tardigrades, we might be able to further the development of radiation therapy.". Water bears are multicellular, invertebrate animals about one millimeter in size. (Xinhuanet, China)
A potential approach to treatment of hepatitis B virus infection Sep 10, 2008
Eukaryotic cells employ multiple strategies of checkpoint signaling and DNA repair mechanisms to monitor and repair damaged DNA. There are two branches in the checkpoint response pathwayataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and ATM-Rad3-related (ATR) ... Reference: Zhao F, Hou NB, Song T, He X, Zheng ZR, Ma QJ, Li L, Zhang YH, Zhong H. Cellular DNA repair cofactors affecting hepatitis B virus infection and replication. (EurekAlert!)
You Can Be Replaced: Immune Cells Compensate For Defective DNA Repair Factor Sep 9, 2008
The research, published by Cell Press in the September 5th issue of the journal Molecular Cell, suggests that although XLF shares many properties with well known DNA repair factors, certain cells of the immune system possess an unexpected compensatory mechanism that that can take over for nonfunctional XLF.. Genetic instability can lead to multiple problems, including cell death and many forms of cancer. (Science Daily)
Massive Cancer Gene Search Finds Potential New Targets In Brain Tumors Sep 6, 2008
An exciting example, Chin said, is an unanticipated observation of a link between DNA methylation of specific genes and DNA repair defects, leading to a hypothesis about a potential mechanism of resistance to a common chemotherapy drug used for brain cancer. The Nature paper complements a parallel study by Johns Hopkins researchers of 22 GBM tumors, which was also published on Sept. 4 in the journal Science. (Science Daily)
Genome analysis used to decode brain cancer: study Sep 6, 2008
The most unexpected finding, said Chin, was that a commonly used chemotherapy treatment called temozolomide may provoke a "resistance mechanism" that compromises genes critical for DNA repair. The result is new tumours with a large number of DNA mutations and a higher tolerance for chemotherapy. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Creating lung cancer risk models for specific populations refines prediction Sep 6, 2008
HOUSTON - Lung cancer risk prediction models are enhanced by taking into account risk factors by race and by measuring DNA repair capacity, according to research teams led by epidemiologists at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in two complementary papers appearing in the September issue of Cancer Prevention Research ... In the second paper, Spitz, the lead author, demonstrates that the predictive capability of her original model which incorporates clinical and risk factor... (EurekAlert!)
Growth factor predicts poor outcome in breast cancer Aug 31, 2008
"It also regulates DNA repair." ... "If you have something regulating DNA repair, you want that turned off," said Lee. (EurekAlert!)
Researchers Solve Structure Of An Enzyme Vital For DNA Repair Aug 15, 2008
The modification prevents the damaged bit of DNA from wrapping around it too tightly, creating slack that provides access for DNA repair. It s a very essential process to be able to repair the DNA, says Andr; Hoelz, senior author of the paper and a research associate in G. (Science Daily)
Novel structure proteins could play a role in apoptosis Jul 25, 2008
"So far, we've been able to confirm that two of the NSPs' four isoforms, called NSP 5a3a and NSP 5a3b, interact with a protein called B23, a multifunctional protein that is involved in cellular processes such as cell division, DNA repair and apoptosis," said Luca D'Agostino, a research fellow in the Sbarro Institute and the study's lead author. In the study, the researchers silenced the expression first of NSP 5a3a. (EurekAlert!)
Once suspect protein found to promote DNA repair, prevent cancer Jul 22, 2008
SMITHVILLE, Texas - An abundant chromosomal protein that binds to damaged DNA prevents cancer development by enhancing DNA repair, researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science. The protein, HMGB1, was previously hypothesized to block DNA repair, senior author Karen Vasquez, Ph ... Evidence suggests that HMGB1 works by summoning other DNA repair factors to the damaged site, Vasquez said. (EurekAlert!)
Can broccoli cure cancer? Jul 22, 2008
One recent study found that these substances could enhance DNA repair in cells. Another found that men who ate one daily portion of broccoli had altered patterns of gene activity in their prostates. (guardian.co.uk)
Broccoli juice helps patient beat bladder cancer Jul 21, 2008
According to a report published in the British Journal of Cancer in 2006, natural chemicals found in certain vegetables, such as broccoli-cauliflower and cabbage, can enhance DNA repair in cells, which could help stop them becoming cancerous. A spokesman for Cancer Research UK said: 'There's a lot of research that's focused on broccoli and the healing properties that the vegetable contains. (Daily Mail)
Do you need a vitamin pill? Jul 19, 2008
Plays a role in immune function and DNA repair. Found in wheat germ oil, almonds and sunflower seeds, as well as other nuts and vegetables. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Life-extending Protein Can Also Have Damaging Effects On Brain Cells Jul 2, 2008
SirT1, the mammalian version of yeast Sir2, controls numerous physiological processes including glucose metabolism, DNA repair, and cell death, the researchers added. In mammalian cells, SirT1 also controls several stress-response factors. (Science Daily)
Faulty DNA Repair Could Be A Risk Factor For Lung Cancer In Nonsmokers Jun 28, 2008
"About 15 percent of lung cancers occur in lifetime never smokers. Risk factors for lung cancer in people who have never smoked are poorly understood, but this study demonstrates that poor DNA repair capacity is an important predictor of lung cancer risk in never smokers," said the study's lead author, Olga Gorlova, Ph ... In the June issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, the researchers say that, overall, nonsmokers... (Science Daily)
Basal DNA repair machinery is subject to positive selection in ionizing-radiation-resistant bacteria Jun 22, 2008
The most striking finding is that all basal DNA repair genes in IRRB, unlike many of their orthologs in IRSB, are subject to positive selection. Conclusions. (BioMed Central)
TRACON Pharmaceuticals Doses the First Patient in a Phase 1 Clinical Trial With Oral TRC102, An Inhibitor of Chemotherapy Resistance, in Combination With Alimta Jun 18, 2008
SAN DIEGO, June 18, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- TRACON Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced that the first cancer patient has been treated in a Phase 1 clinical trial with oral TRC102, a novel anti-cancer drug intended to reverse resistance to Alimta(r) chemotherapy by targeting a specific DNA repair pathway. ADVERTISEMENT. (Primezone Releases)
Resveratrol: Thousands of Bottles of Wine, High-Dose Pills Not Required; Mega-doses May Induce Side Effects Jun 4, 2008
There is also evidence that supra-high dose resveratrol inhibits the absorption of folic acid (vitamin B9), an essential nutrient needed for DNA repair. European Journal Nutrition 46: 329-36, 2007] High doses have not been tested in humans for long-term use. (PR Newswire)
New Immunization Strategy Could Be Effective Against 10 To 15 Percent Of All Cancers May 28, 2008
They have determined that immune cells react strongly to the modified proteins in tumor cells in which a DNA repair defect has occurred. It is estimated that this repair defect is present in some 15 percent of all tumours. (Science Daily)
Bears And Hibernation: New Insights Into Metabolism In Extreme Conditions May 17, 2008
This system an enzyme cascade is the main cell pathway for protein turnover and also participates in key cellular processes such as the cell cycle, DNA repair, and so on. Years after this first discovery, the same team of scientists at the UB has again broken new ground in detecting a possible natural inhibitor of the cellular mechanisms involved in protein metabolism. (Science Daily)
BiPar Sciences Announces Clinical Data Presentations on Lead PARP Inhibitor, BSI-201, at 40th American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting May 16, 2008
The lead development program is based on DNA repair, specifically with poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. The lead product within that program is BSI-201, a platform drug with the potential to be a superior new treatment across a range of tumor types, both as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy. (PR Newswire)
Molecular 'clock' could predict risk for developing breast cancer May 14, 2008
For women with a strong family history of breast cancer, the concept wont work because those breast cancers are associated with DNA repair issues and not methylation, Dr. Euhus said. . (EurekAlert!)
Anti-cancer gene shield discovery May 7, 2008
The p53 gene halts the growth of damaged cells, either by triggering their death, or prompting DNA repair. It is activated by DNA damage. (BBC News -- Health)
Standard chemo works better against metastatic BRCA1/2 breast cancer than against sporadic tumors Apr 17, 2008
Functional BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins are involved in DNA repair, said Dr Kriege ... In BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, who have no functional BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins respectively, DNA repair after chemotherapy might be worse than in sporadic patients resulting in better treatment responses. (EurekAlert!)
New Gene Discovery Suggests Which Patients CTI's Brostallicin May Benefit Apr 14, 2008
According to the study abstract, "Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) revealed unique associations between cells' sensitivity to brostallicin," and distinct sets of genes, "including significant associations with particular aspects of DNA repair." In addition to correlative genomic analyses on the NCI-60 cell line panel, a high-throughput siRNA (HT-RNAi) screen was conducted to functionally identify those gene products involved in brostallicin response ... Knowledge mining of the brostallicin... (PR Newswire)
Mayo-led study finds smoking related to subset of colorectal cancers Apr 14, 2008
Women who smoked were at increased risk for developing colorectal tumors that lacked DNA repair proteins. SAN DIEGO Smoking puts older women at significant risk for loss of DNA repair proteins that are critical for defending against development of some colorectal cancers, according to research from a team led by Mayo Clinic scientists ... Tobacco toxins appear to block the DNA repair genes from producing their beneficial proteins. (EurekAlert!)
Is DNA Repair A Substitute For Sex? Apr 6, 2008
Is DNA Repair A Substitute For Sex ... Is DNA Repair A Substitute For Sex ... Their results have medical implications, because DNA repair capacity is an important factor in cancer, inflammation, aging, and other human conditions. (Science Daily)
'Jumping Gene' May Contribute To A Premature Aging Syndrome Mar 22, 2008
Genetic defects in certain DNA repair factors like the CSB protein have been known for some time to cause premature aging, but the reasons are still unclear. Most cases of Cockayne syndrome (CS) are caused by recessive mutations in the CSB gene, yet some individuals with inherited mutations that cause complete loss of the CSB protein are nearly unaffected. (Science Daily)
Doctor: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Can Be Prevented. Mar 19, 2008
Two easy-to-find supplements that restore your body's powerful DNA repair enzymes. And much more. (Newsmax)
Fallout From Atomic Bombs Still Causing Health Problems Mar 16, 2008
"It's possible that in utero the developing embryo has a better DNA repair process," Crabtree said. "Or it could be that embryos are better at removing damaged cells altogether, because cell death is a normal part of the developmental process.". (Health-Finder)
Brits Discover Breast Cancer Vaccine Feb 29, 2008
In essence it will block DNA repair in the BRCA genes and destroy their chances of multiplying. This drug could also be free of the side effects associated with other cancer treatments such as pain, nausea and hair loss. (MedIndia)
New Protein Tag Enhances View Within Living Cells Feb 28, 2008
One such method, developed by Dr. Kai Johnsson and colleagues at Ecole Polytechnique F;d;rale de Lausanne, is derived from the human DNA repair enzyme alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT). This tool, called SNAP-tag, can be covalently labeled in living cells using benzylguanine (BG) derivatives bearing a chemical probe. (Science Daily)
North-East pioneers new drug for cancer Feb 28, 2008
The drug works by knocking out a key DNA repair mechanism in cancer cells. It does this by blocking the action of an important enzyme involved in DNA repair, known as Parp (poly ADP-ribose polymerase), and is part of a class of new anti-cancer drugs known as Parp inhibitors. (The Northern Echo)
New Switch Of The Immune Response Discovered Feb 27, 2008
13, 2000) An enzyme involved in DNA repair has been shown by researchers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine to also play a critical role in innate immunity, the body s. . (Science Daily)
Ireland Cancer Center and TRACON Pharmaceuticals Announce Treating the First Cancer Patient With TRC102, An Inhibitor of Chemotherapy Resistance Feb 25, 2008
CLEVELAND and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 25, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Ireland Cancer Center of University Hospitals Case Medical Center and TRACON Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the first cancer patient has been treated in a Phase 1 clinical trial with TRC102, a novel anti-cancer drug intended to reverse resistance to Temodar(r) chemotherapy by targeting a specific DNA repair pathway. ADVERTISEMENT. (Primezone Releases)
Yale study offers insight into possible cause of lymphoma Feb 15, 2008
"It now seems likely that anything that compromises the function of these DNA repair processes could lead to widespread mutations and an increased risk of cancer." ... Second, DNA repair enzymes spot the changes and begin making "sloppy" repairs, which lead to yet more mutations. (EurekAlert!)
Study reveals why certain ovarian cancers develop resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy Feb 11, 2008
Because BRCA1 and BRCA2 have similar functions in terms of DNA repair, we may be able to generalize these findings for women with either mutation, said Taniguchi, an assistant member of the Hutchinson Centers Human Biology and Public Health Sciences divisions. BRCA2 works to repair damaged DNA; inherited mutations in this gene disrupt that ability, which increases the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. (EurekAlert!)
BRCA1 Mutation Linked To Breast Cancer Stem Cells Feb 2, 2008
Previous research has shown that BRCA1 is involved in DNA repair, but it has been unclear why women with this gene mutation have such a high risk of breast cancer, up to 85 percent lifetime risk compared to 16 percent in the general population. The cancers which develop in these women are generally a more aggressive form called triple negative type, because they do not express hormones or proteins, including estrogen, that can be targeted with therapies. (Science Daily)
A Taxing Issue: How Human T-lymphotropic Virus Can Cause Leukemia In Adults Feb 1, 2008
Tax has a number of effects in the cell, including promoting inappropriate cell division, repressing DNA repair mechanisms and causing genomic instability. These effects are thought to combine and cause cancer, although the exact details of the process are unclear. (Science Daily)
Dynamical pathway analysis Jan 27, 2008
We applied our framework to three real-world datasets: the SOS DNA repair network in E. coli under different dosages of radiation, the GSH redox cycle in mice lung exposed to either poisonous air or normal air, and the MAPK pathway in mammalian cell lines exposed to three types of HIV type I Vpr, a wild type and two mutant types; and we found that the three genetic networks exhibited fundamentally different dynamical properties in normal and abnormal cells. Conclusions. (BioMed Central)
Function approximation approach to the inference of reduced NGnet models of genetic networks Jan 15, 2008
We then applied the proposed method to actual expression data of the bacterial SOS DNA repair system, and succeeded in finding several reasonable regulations. When our method inferred the genetic network from the actual data, it required about 4. (BioMed Central)
TaMSH7: A cereal mismatch repair gene that affects fertility in transgenic barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Dec 21, 2007
Chromosome pairing, recombination and DNA repair are essential processes during meiosis in sexually reproducing organisms. Investigating the bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Ph2 (Pairing homoeologous) locus has identified numerous candidate genes that may have a role in controlling such processes, including TaMSH7, a plant specific member of the DNA mismatch repair family. (BioMed Central)
Highly Promising Dutch Research Into Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease Dec 17, 2007
Pharming's Market Authorization Application for lead product Rhucin(R) for treatment of acute attacks of Hereditary Angioedema is under review with the EMEA. The advanced technologies of Pharming include innovative platforms for the production of protein therapeutics, technology and processes for the purification and formulation of these products, as well as technologies in the field of tissue repair via its collaboration with NovaThera and DNA repair via DNage. Additional information is... (PR Newswire)
Breast Cancer Spread by Blocking Tumor-Killing Gene, Study Says Dec 10, 2007
These kinds of mutations that break tumor suppressors in half may turn out to be common in many kinds of carcinomas, particularly those with deficiencies in DNA repair pathways similar to BRCA1,'' said Lao Saal, a research fellow in Parsons' lab at the time of the study, in a statement. Breast, thyroid and colon tumors may respond particularly well to such therapy. (Bloomberg)
New study reveals for first time how BRCA1 mutations cause breast cancer Dec 10, 2007
These kinds of mutations that break tumor suppressors in half may turn out to be common in many kinds of carcinomas, particularly those with deficiencies in DNA repair pathways similar to BRCA1, a question that only a systematic search can answer, said Dr. Saal. Similar research is underway in tumors from carriers of germline mutations in BRCA2, the other known major breast cancer susceptibility gene, said Dr. Borg. (EurekAlert!)
Skin cream tackles skin cancers in mice Dec 4, 2007
A skin cream that can hyperactivate the body's natural DNA repair mechanisms has been shown to protect mice from skin cancer, and to reduce the growth of cancers already present ... Lotion containing fragments of DNA can ward off precancerous skin lesions in mice (see ), and a salve containing a DNA repair protein reduces the number of skin tumours in people with a genetic defect in this DNA repair system. (Nature News Service)
Genes identified that protect against heart damage from chemotherapy Dec 4, 2007
Yeast, which have about 6,000 genes compared to humans 30,000, are good models for study of human cells because they include the same basic cellular functions such as replication, DNA repair, signaling and even cell death, says Dr. Cashikar, MCG geneticist and a study co-author. They found 71 genes that conveyed varying degree of protection from doxorubicin. (EurekAlert!)
Graveyard Shift Work Linked to Cancer Dec 1, 2007
Certain processes like cell division and DNA repair happen at regular times. Even worse than working an overnight shift is flipping between daytime and overnight work. (Newsday -- Columnists)
Night shift 'may be cancer risk' Dec 1, 2007
Certain processes like cell division and DNA repair happen at regular times. But if the body needs to do something at an unusual time - like produce insulin in the middle of the night to help digest food - that can set off a chain reaction of biological mistakes. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
New Microscope Peers Into Secret Lives Of Cells Nov 27, 2007
Currently, Czymmek and his staff--associate scientist Liz Adams and research associates Deborah Powell and Shannon Modla--are assisting UD researchers with a broad range of scientific projects on plants and fungi, vocal cords, bone health, biofilms, DNA repair, and gel-like synthetic polymers, among others. An average of 175 users per year have been served at the center since it opened in 2001, according to Czymmek. (Science Daily)
Gene Variant Doubles Risk of Prostate Cancer in Black Men Nov 3, 2007
"This gene is involved in DNA repair.". In the study, Kittles' team looked at the 8q24 region of chromosome 8 and compared genotypes of 490 black men with prostate cancer to 567 controls. (Health-Finder)
Junk Science: Food Nannies' Halloween Cancer Scare Nov 2, 2007
It s known that the risk of cancer increases with age possibly because of the deterioration of DNA repair mechanisms and a few well-documented risk factors, such as family history of cancer, heavy smoking, and exposure to certain viruses and some exposures to radiation. Outside of those and perhaps a few other risk factors, the occurrence of cancer is largely inexplicable. (Fox News)
New genetic variant associated with prostate cancer in African-Americans Nov 1, 2007
That variation is located within a gene that plays a role in DNA repair. A malfunction in DNA repair could contribute to cancer development. (EurekAlert!)
Scientists hail DNA repair study Oct 18, 2007
The scientists said it was only DNA repair that stopped people from contracting cancer on a regular basis. They said the research represented a major breakthrough in investigating how DNA was formed and replicated by viruses. (BBC News -- Health)
Vucurevich care center gets grants Oct 15, 2007
The program includes clinical trials, patient navigator services, community and cancer patient surveys, community education and outreach, and an ATM gene test regarding DNA repair. "Our clinical trials have made cutting-edge cancer treatments and technology ... available in western South Dakota," Petereit said. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Tea for life Oct 8, 2007
Human clinical trials by Iman Hakim, a professor at the Arizona Cancer Center at the University of Arizona, suggest that compounds in green tea positively affect genes involved in cancer susceptibility and DNA repair, although not everyone will respond equally well. Also, Hakim says, an ongoing clinical trial of former and current smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has found a "significant improvement" in levels of HDL, or good, cholesterol in volunteers given tea as opposed to a... (USA Today -- News)
Red Wine Ingredient -- Resveratrol -- Fights Diabetes In Mice Oct 5, 2007
The research group also confirmed that increased levels of an enzyme called SIRT1, which earlier studies had linked to longevity, DNA repair, and insulin secretion, improve insulin sensitivity in mice. Resveratrol is known to activate the SIRT1 enzyme. (Science Daily)
'Smoking a turn-on for some genes' Oct 1, 2007
They found some DNA repair genes were turned off in smokers and stayed off in the former smokers. Damage to the DNA is one of the main causes of cancer. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
New Clues To Breast Cancer Development In High-risk Women Sep 17, 2007
BRCA serves as a DNA repair molecule throughout the body, fixing cellular processes that have malfunctioned for some reason, said Furth ... Loss of BRCA function interferes with DNA repair and, as shown in this study, it appears to enhance to growth effects of estrogen. (Science Daily)
New View Of DNA Repair: Enzyme Alerts Cell's Powerful Army To Repair DNA Damage Sep 10, 2007
To reduce the chance of harmful mutations that may result from DNA damage, p53 may kill cells or stop them temporarily from dividing, so that there is time for DNA repair. Learning more about the processes involved in transcription could pay off in improved treatments in years to come. (Science Daily)
New Mechanism In Development Of Severe Inherited Disease Discovered Sep 6, 2007
Cockayne Syndrome is a recessively inherited disorder that belongs to a group of diseases in which defects in one of the numerous DNA repair systems lead to non-functioning proteins and, thus, to severe health impairments ... The scale of these defects suggested that a dysfunctional DNA repair mechanism alone cannot be responsible for this whole range of impairments ... Cockayne Syndrome is characterized by a defect in the CSB protein, which is the main component of a particular DNA repair... (Science Daily)
