Epigenetics is effectively the study of changes in gene function by covalent modifications. Such modifications result in a stably heritable phenotype that does not involve a change in DNA sequence. There are effectively 2 routes by which such covalent changes can be effected; first by methylation of C5 cytosine bases located 5’ to guanosines. This route is referred to as the cytosine methylation code. In addition, the histone component of chromosomes can be covalently modified at the N-terminus, the so-called histone code.
31 March, 2011
Senectus Therapeutics has signed a deal to screen a selection of AstraZeneca’s chemical compound library to identify those which trigger a key element of cancer cell ageing – called senescence. Senescent cells are those which after many rounds of cell growth and division enter a ‘sleep’ phase where the normal cell cycle is stopped. This blocks the uncontrolled growth and division of cells. It is a natural mechanism to prevent cancer. But cancer cells find ways to trick their way past this block and continue to grow and divide. Understanding the triggers to cell ageing may reveal molecular targets for completely new ways to treat cancer.
23 March, 2011
With looming patient cliffs, drying pipelines and the need for open collaboration, now more than ever the pharma sector needs a co-ordinated approach to get back on track, says a leading industry player.
18 March, 2011
Elsevier, the leading publisher of scientific, technical and medicalinformation products and services, today announced that the Anxiety andDepression: 21st Neuropharmacology Annual Conference will take place in Virginia, USA on 10-11 November 2011 as a satellite to the 2011 Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience.
11 March, 2011
It’s not known what causes the disease or how to cure it. And the stakes have never been higher. But one European neuroscientist is leading the charge to uncover new treatments for this neurodegenerative disease.
07 March, 2011
Confusing instructions on medicine bottles and packets of pills dispensed from UK pharmacies are to be replaced with simpler words and phrases from this month.
03 March, 2011
Metabolon, Inc., announces the publication of “Profiling the effects of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 mutations on the cellular metabolome”, in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS 108 (8) 3270-3275).
03 March, 2011
Women who experience depression and anxiety after a miscarriage continue to experience these symptoms even if they subsequently go on to have a healthy child.
03 March, 2011