Exelixis lands $240M cancer drug deal Dec 13, 2008
Researchers believe XL-413 inhibits the function of Cdc7, which is required for DNA replication to proceed and could protect tumor cells from cell death. Cdc7 often is found to be more active in cancer cells. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Continue reading Nov 27, 2008
A variation or mutation in specific genes that help repair mistakes made during DNA replication are said to increase the risk of developing this condition ... This is one of the genes which help repair mistakes made during DNA replication. (Selma Enterprise, CA)
Obese People At Increased Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease, Even If They Don't Have High Cholesterol Or Diabetes Nov 12, 2008
It reacts with nitric oxide to create peroxynitrite, a very toxic molecule that can impact DNA replication and damage endothelial cells in the vascular system. The nanosensors provide a more direct method of determining what processes are occurring in the body. (Science Daily)
Molecule Stops DNA Replication In Its Tracks Nov 7, 2008
Because RU7 halts the replication of bacterial DNA by disrupting polymerase III but does not affect DNA replication in yeast, which uses the same molecular machinery as humans O Donnell s research suggests that RU7 could provide a starting point for antibiotic drug design. Further tweaking, for example by adding atoms that enable the compound to fit into a second binding site, could even increase RU7 s potency. (Science Daily)
Builder of windup realms that thrillingly run amok Nov 6, 2008
But a deeper source of their appeal was the author's extravagant care in working out the clockwork mechanics of his experiments the DNA replication in "Jurassic Park," the time travel in "Timeline," the submarine technology in "Sphere." The novels have embedded in them little lectures or mini-seminars on, say, the Bernoulli principle, voice-recognition software or medieval jousting etiquette. Several also came with extensive scientific bibliographies, as if the author, having learned all this... (International Herald Tribune)
Global analysis of gene expression changes during retinoic acid-induced growth arrest and differentiation of melanoma: comparison to differentially expressed genes in melanocytes vs melanoma Oct 12, 2008
Functional analysis of the 203 gene set indicated that RA decreased expression of mRNAs that encode proteins involved in cell division/cell cycle, DNA replication, recombination and repair, and transcription regulation ... Our analysis of common genes in the 48 h RA-treatment of B16 melanoma cells and untreated B16 vs. melan-a data set show that RA "normalized" the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism, DNA replication, DNA repair and differentiation. (BioMed Central)
An Advance On New Generations Of Chemotherapy And Antiviral Drugs Sep 13, 2008
12, 2008) Researchers are describing progress toward developing a new generation of chemotherapy agents that target and block uncontrolled DNA replication a hallmark of cancer, viral infections, and other diseases more effectively than current drugs in ways that may produce fewer side effects ... Several promising strategies are already in use that inhibit uncontrolled DNA replication, particularly in anticancer therapy, but most produce severe side effects and are hampered by drug resistance,... (Science Daily)
Computational detection of significant variation in binding affinity across two sets of sequences with application to the analysis of replication origins in yeast Sep 12, 2008
In analyzing the stability of DNA replication origins in Saccharomyces cerevisiae we faced the question whether one set of sequences is significantly enriched in the number and/or the quality of the matches of a particular position weight matrix relative to another set. Results. (BioMed Central)
Nature Reviews Cancer Aug 29, 2008
What are the consequences for DNA replication and genomic stability. Current Issue. (Nature News Service)
Replidyne cuts more jobs Aug 28, 2008
Replidyne also said Wednesday it will suspend further development of two drug candidates: REP 3123, which is intended to treat Clostidium difficile, and anti-infective compounds based on its DNA replication inhibition technology. Kenneth Collins, president and CEO, said Replidyne is considering selling the company or merging with another business, as well as possibly selling its drug programs. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Cancer Survival Secrets Uncovered Aug 13, 2008
" Assoc Professor Tiganis said all cells routinely divide and duplicate during growth. An entire genome is replicated and divides equally into two daughter cells. Sometimes things go wrong. To try to prevent this, nature has installed key cell surveillance checkpoints where molecular 'wardens' slow down DNA replication to try and correct mistakes to get the cell duplication back on track. Normally, PTKs are turned off in the face of compromised DNA replication, but when PTK pathways remain on,... (Science Daily)
New Biochemical Pathway That Triggers Critical Repairs In DNA Replication Process Discovered Aug 9, 2008
8, 2008) A Scripps Research team has unraveled a new biochemical pathway that triggers a critical repair response to correct errors in the DNA replication process that could otherwise lead to harmful or fatal mutations in cells ... However, if a problem arises in the DNA replication process during the S phase, the entire process stalls ... The researchers were able to tease out Nrm1's specific activities through experiments where they intentionally blocked the cell cycle in yeast cells by... (Science Daily)
A fragmented metazoan organellar genome: the two mitochondrial chromosomes of Hydra magnipapillata Jul 27, 2008
In H. magnipapillata, the arrangement of ITR and 5' IOS and 3' IOS suggest that these regions are crucial for mt DNA replication and/or transcription initiation. An analogous organization occurs in a highly fragmented ichthyosporean mt genome. (BioMed Central)
Mechanism That Explains How Cancer Enzyme Winds Up On Ends Of Chromosomes Found Jul 14, 2008
They are "recruited" to telomeres during what is called the "S phase" (for synthesis) of the cell cycle when DNA replication or synthesis occurs. "What we have found is that during the remainder of the cell cycle, telomerase RNA is found primarily in rather mysterious and, until recently, little-understood structures called Cajal bodies," said Rebecca Terns. (Science Daily)
Death, Division Or Cancer? Newly Discovered Checkpoint Process Holds The Line In Cell Division Jul 5, 2008
The identities of the proteins involved in MCF2 remain to be determined, however, their findings offer insight into a fundamental question of biology, which may also help to increase the efficiency of cancer drugs that disrupt DNA replication, like gemcitabine, or drugs that prevent mitosis, like paclitaxel. They published their findings July 1 online in the Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. (Science Daily)
Replidyne Terminates Faropenem Agreements Jun 24, 2008
"We have decided to terminate this program in order to preserve cash and focus our attention on our previously discussed strategic initiatives and our C. difficile Infection (CDI) program and novel anti-infective programs based on DNA replication inhibition technology." At May 31, 2008 Replidyne had cash and short term investments totaling $71 ... Replidyne is pursuing the development of other novel anti-infective programs based on its DNA replication inhibition technology and its in-house... (PR Newswire)
Gene Therapy Increases Survival For End-stage Head And Neck Cancer May 30, 2008
"Surgery and radiation are limited to the local tumor and once given, it's very hard to repeat those therapies. Chemotherapy inhibits DNA replication, but it also interferes with normal cells.". From idea to Phase I Trial at M. D. Anderson. (Science Daily)
Arsenic-based Therapy Shown To Help Eradicate Leukemia-initiating Cells May 13, 2008
Consequently, while the majority of leukemic cells are vulnerable to any cancer therapies -- including chemotherapy and targeted cancer treatments -- that destroy cells during active DNA replication, LICs, with their unique quiescent properties, resemble an automobile with an endless supply of fuel and a sturdy set of brakes: They sit quietly idling in place, waiting to reinitiate malignancy after a period of remission. Pandolfi's laboratory has been working to develop new therapeutic approaches... (Science Daily)
Herpes Infection and Reactivation Jan 21, 2008
Once inside the cell, the nucleocapsid (virus protein coat and genetic material) is transported to the host cell nucleus where viral DNA replication and nucleocapsid assembly occurs. The nucleocapsid is then released form the cell through the nuclear membrane. (Suite101.com)
Health Highlights: Jan. 15, 2008 Jan 16, 2008
The gene plays a role in DNA replication. Changes in the TOP2A gene in breast cancer cells indicate increased risk that a tumor will recur or decreased survival. (U.S. News & World Report)
Epigenetics: New Discoveries About The Protein That Oversees DNA Replication Jan 14, 2008
13, 2008) At the Institut Curie, the CNRS team of Genevi;ve Almouzni(1) has just discovered how the protein Asf1 ensures the correct (re)organization of duplicated DNA. During DNA replication, all the information in the mother cell must be transmitted to the daughter cells ... Once the so-called replication fork (the structure that forms during DNA replication) has passed, both the DNA and the epigenetic factors must be repositioned ... 30, 2005) Since the discovery of the structure of DNA, the... (Science Daily)
Genetic hotspot for autism found Jan 10, 2008
Having large repeated sequences around raises the likelihood that a region will be either duplicated or deleted during DNA replication, which in turn can cause problems ... The benefit of having these repetitious bits of DNA must somehow outweigh the risks of autism and other diseases caused by accidental deletions and duplications in DNA replication, he adds. (Nature News Service)
Arthur Kornberg Oct 29, 2007
American biochemist and Nobel laureate, he discovered the enzyme that 'switches on' DNA replication ... Until Kornberg's discovery of the enzyme that "switches on" the DNA replication process - that is triggers the assembly of nature's chemical bases in the sequence needed to produce exact copies of the template revealed by the unwinding of the DNA double helix - the masterful proposal for the structure of genetic material put forward by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 remained only a... (Guardian Unlimited -- Life)
Histone acetyltransferase acts in DNA replication Oct 11, 2007
Histone modifications have been implicated in the regulation of transcription and, more recently, in DNA replication and repair ... While mutational inactivation of HAT1 alone does not compromise origin firing or initiation of DNA replication, a deletion in HAT1 (or HAT2) exacerbates the growth defects of conditional orc-ts mutants ... Thus, the ORC-associated Hat1p-dependent histone acetyltransferase activity suggests a novel linkage between histone modification and DNA replication. (BioMed Central)
Giardia Genome Unlocked Oct 3, 2007
But the Giardia genome is compact compared to other eukaryotes, with simplified machinery for several basic processes, such as DNA replication and RNA processing. If the Giardia genome had originally been complex and experienced gene loss over evolutionary time, Morrison says, one would expect to see parts of the machinery intact and parts missing. (Science Daily)
Postdoctoral Scientist Positions Sep 25, 2007
We aim to understand the roles and regulation of Replisome Progression Complexes that are built around the MCM helicase at DNA replication forks (Gambus A. et al, (2006), Nature Cell Biology, 8, 358-366; Labib and Gambus, Trends in Cell Biology (2007), 17, 271- 278). A strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology would be an advantage. (Nature News Service)
Alcohol a cancer risk for women Sep 19, 2007
The exact mechanism is unknown, but alcohol raises estrogen levels, and it is well established that prolonged exposure to estrogen increases mutations and DNA replication errors, predecessors of cancerous growths. "Relatively few studies have examined the relationship between endometrial cancer and drinking," said Veronica Wendy Setiawan, the lead researcher and an assistant professor of research at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. (International Herald Tribune)
Parasitic Battles Can Involve Gene Transfer That Aids Evolution Sep 9, 2007
Another unusual occurrence is that the viral genome contains genes transferred from bacterial hosts that encode energy-producing proteins, including photosynthesis genes that cyanobacteria need for metabolism and DNA replication ... This leads the researchers to surmise that the virus is trying to keep its host alive longer so that the host continues to provide the energy needed for the virus's own DNA replication. (Science Daily)
Soon, drugs to combat 'super bugs' Sep 9, 2007
Currently, three classes of bactericidal antibiotics are used to target different bacterial functions, inhibiting DNA replication, blocking protein-building; or halting construction of cell walls. Researchers found three classes more alike than earlier realised and this might be the downfall of the bug. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Antibiotics share killing mechanism Sep 7, 2007
One class inhibits DNA replication and repair, another inhibits protein synthesis, and the third prevents cell-wall turnover. "Prior thinking was that cell death arose principally from those interactions and that each [class] acted differently," said senior author of Boston University. (The Scientist)
Boston University biomedical engineers find chink in bacteria's armor Sep 7, 2007
Currently, three classes of bactericidal antibiotics are used to target different bacterial functions: inhibiting DNA replication; blocking protein-building; or halting construction of cell walls ... In studying bacterial response to a quinolone, an antibiotic that inhibits DNA replication, they noted a surprising change in genes responsible for energy production and iron uptake. (EurekAlert!)
A Nobel art form Sep 1, 2007
"In science, there is such a thing as the law of gravity, the laws of DNA replication, and so on, whereas in art, there are no laws." Instead of picking up the paintbrush of his youth, Guillemin chose the computers that had aided his scientific career as vehicles for artistic expression. In 1991, after creating several digital drawings, from impressionist landscapes to more abstract, interwoven streaks of color, on an ancient Macintosh 2CX computer, Guillemin took his work to in Santa Fe. (The Scientist)
DNA Replication Behavior In Complex Organisms May Foreshadow Leaps In Genomic Discoveries Aug 18, 2007
GIS Group Leader and the corresponding author of the publication, Dr Liu Jianhua, said, "Our evidence strongly supports the stochastic model for the regulation of DNA replication in high eukaryotes (organisms whose cells are organised into complex structures by internal membranes and a cytoskeleton) such as humans. We have shown that replication efficiency can be directly determined on a genomic scale. More significantly, our study provides for a novel methodology for the analysis of replication... (Science Daily)
NIEHS researchers identify enzyme critical in DNA replication Jul 6, 2007
According to Pursell, a researcher in the DNA Replication Fidelity Group at NIEHS and first author on the paper the studys findings advance the fundamental understanding of how the genomes of many higher organisms are replicated ... Participates in Leading-Strand DNA Replication. (EurekAlert!)
Pregnancy Nausea and Vomiting May Indicate Lower Risk Of Breast Cancer Jun 26, 2007
"Jaworowicz noted that the presence or absence of these pregnancy-related conditions may indicate a different course or extent of hormone-regulated breast tissue proliferation and differentiation during pregnancy, but also may indicate distinct hormonal profiles that persist following pregnancy.Although pregnancy conditions other than nausea and vomiting were not associated statistically with breast cancer risk, these were only preliminary findings, he added, based mainly upon whether women... (Science Daily)
Targeting key proteins of carcinogenesis Jun 23, 2007
This includes fundamental cellular programs such as protein degradation, DNA replication, signal transduction or protein trafficking. Up to now it was believed that the cooperation of three enzymes is needed to attach Ub to another protein: E1, E2 and E3. (EurekAlert!)
Carbon Metabolism And DNA Replication Tightly Linked, Study Finds May 18, 2007
Janni;re L, Canceill D, Suski C, Kanga S, Dalmais B, et al. (2007) Genetic Evidence for a Link Between Glycolysis and DNA Replication. PLoS ONE 2(5): e447. (Science Daily)
Unstable Leukemia Stem Cells May Predispose Patients To Drug Resistance May 9, 2007
"Although this study was not designed to identify mutations that would contribute to disease progression, our results suggest that these would also be found. These considerations highlight the importance of gaining further understanding of the control of DNA replication and repair in the leukemic stem cells from patients with chronic phase [chronic myeloid leukemia] in future efforts to devise therapies with curative potential," the authors write. In an accompanying editorial, Margret Rodrigues,... (Science Daily)
Deletion of the cruciform binding domain in CBP/14-3-3 displays reduced origin binding and initiation of DNA replication in budding yeast Apr 13, 2007
Initiation of eukaryotic DNA replication involves many protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions ... 14-3-3, a cruciform DNA binding protein, associates with yeast origins of replication and functions as an initiator of DNA replication, presumably through binding to cruciform DNA forming at yeast replicators. (BioMed Central)
Far-Out Physics Books Mar 24, 2007
Black Holes & Time Warps by Kip S. Thorne. Real physics is often weirder than science fiction. (Suite101.com)
My life as an advisor to TV and film Mar 17, 2007
Sometimes I am contacted by a screenwriter who has only a germ of an idea he wishes to flesh out, sometimes by a producer or director for edits on a script already in production, and sometimes by the production's Visual Effects Department asking how best to depict DNA replication by (CGI) on the screen. For an episode of I got a writing credit for a story on Munchausen syndrome (a patient feigning pheochromocytoma). (The Scientist)
