Wellcome Trust School of Human Genomics Leena to be renamed Peltonen School of Human Genomics

November 3, 2010 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment

Wellcome Trust School of Human Genomics

New Superbug Gene Could Spell Disaster

October 29, 2010 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment

Researchers have discovered new antibiotic-resistant enteric bacteria containing the NDM-1 gene. The findings confirmed previous suspicions of the existence of microorganisms that are immune to available drugs and medication.

NDM-1 is reported to be able to jump from one strain of bacteria to another with ease, causing concern that infections from the multi-resistant strains of bacteria may be untreatable.

To read more, please go to http://www.mgrc.com.my/genomics_news/superbug.shtml

Spread of HIV Infection Linked to Smallpox Demise

August 22, 2010 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment

Researchers from the George Mason University in Virginia have discovered that the vaccine which was used to wipe out smallpox also offers some protection against HIV. They theorise that HIV has flourished now that the smallpox vaccine is no longer used. The researchers also suggest that smallpox vaccination offers cross-protection through long-term alterations in the immune system. This may include the expression of a receptor called CCR5 on the surface of white blood cells, which is recognised by both smallpox and HIV.

The CCR5 gene encodes for a member of the beta chemokine receptor family, which is predicted to be a seven transmembrane protein similar to G protein-coupled receptors. This protein is expressed by T-cells and macrophages, and is known to be an important co-receptor for macrophage-tropic viruses, including HIV, that enables pathogens to enter host cells. Defective alleles of this gene have been associated with HIV infection resistance. Two splice variants have been found for this gene, and the functional and structural characteristics of each splice variant can be analysed with SynaTate™.

SynaTate is a sequence mining tool which can be used to find putative regions of ‘importance’ or SIGNIFICANCE in a given sequence. This application analyses patterns within sequences. It subsequently associates keywords and annotations to those patterns. Using SynaTate, we are able to see that the two transcripts are coded in different reading frames. Both show a region that has the keyword ‘transmembrane receptor’ highlighting a domain which is involved in pathogen entry into host cells. With this information, researchers could design entry inhibitor drugs that disrupt this region in order to prevent interaction between CCR5 and pathogens such as HIV.

To read the full article, please visit http://www.mgrc.com.my/genomics_news/smallpox.shtml

Why Join HUGO?

March 24, 2010 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comment

By Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD, HUGO Matters Editor

In this month’s issue of The Scientist, Steven Wiley asks why we should bother paying for membership to scientific societies.

At about this time every year, I renew my memberships to several scientific societies, and every year I ask myself the same question: “Should I bother?” In years past, the answer was easy because being a member came with tangible benefits, such as inexpensive journals and the ability to submit abstracts to annual meetings. Nowadays, these perks don’t seem very important. Most society journals are freely available online, and the proliferation of scientific meetings has made it easier to find venues to present my current research. Thus, the frequency with which I ask that question—“should I bother?”—has steadily increased.

Given that this blog is the official blog of a scientific society, the Human Genome Organisation, it’s no surprise that we think it’s definitely worth it to be a member. In our membership application we list the benefits of membership:

Reduced registration fees for HUGO events, conferences and training courses
Annual voting to elect members to HUGO Council
Access to announcements and information on this website
FREE subscription to The HUGO Journal
Reduced subscription rates to two leading journals, The Annals of Human Genetics and Clinical Genetics, both published by Blackwell Publishing
Reduced subscription rates to Science and AAAS
Young scientists can apply for the HUGO Travel Award for educational visits
Rights to nominate and vote at HUGO Council Member Election

And unlike other scientific societies which are open to general membership, HUGO members are required to be active participants in in genetics and genomics research. Applicants must include a one page CV, a list of 5 most recent publications, and a brief statement of their research interests.

One of the most important reasons we should become members of scientific societies related to our areas of expertise is the opportunity to network. HUGO members have access to the membership roster and are welcome to contact other HUGO members to discuss relevant interests. And, HUGO annual meetings, such as the 14th Human Genome Meeting 2010, are important opportunities to learn about the latest research and issues as well as to network with other scientists from around the world.

Do you belong to any scientific societies? If so, which ones and why? If not, why not?