• A DNA test for race has been used in a
  homicide investigation,
• Future Brits will receive customized
  care, now that their DNA is being stored at birth in a a national databank,
• A genetic contributor to bipolar
  disorderhas been identified,
• A genetic treatment for ovarian cancer
  has had encouraging early success, and
• A way has been found to potentially accelerate a stem cell therapy.

The first use of a DNA test for race occurred recently in a homicide
investigation in Louisiana. A crime-scene DNA sample was found to have come from
“an African-American individual of average skin tone for the African-American
group,” and the man eventually arrested for the crime indeed fit the
description.

The test determines how much of a person’s ancestry comes from each of four
groups: sub-Saharan African, East Asian, Indo-European and Native American. In
the Louisiana case, it determined the crime scene DNA sample was 85 percent
sub-Saharan African and 15 percent Native American, based on which, the company
estimated the individual’s skin tone.

Reference: Associated Press (2003). “DNA
test showing ancestry may have helped La. search.” USA Today, June 5.

Custom Medicine

A British government initiative will store in a national databank the DNA of
all newborns. The DNA will be used to help doctors customize care according to
the individual’s genetic makeup.

Reference: Connor, Steve (2003). “Every
baby’s DNA may be stored for future health care.” The Independent,
June 25.

Genetic Clue to Bipolar Disorder

Scientists say they’ve identified a flawed gene that appears to promote
bipolar disorder, a finding that eventually could help guide scientists to new
treatments. Although the particular gene variant identified was associated with
only about three percent of cases in a study, this finding adds to the evidence
of genetic involvement in a disorder affecting about 2.3 million American
adults.

Reference: Associated Press (2003). “Gene Linked to
Manic Depression.” Wired News, June 16.

Genetic Answer to Ovarian Cancer

A gene called OPCML has been discovered to be a natural ovarian tumor
suppressor. It tends to be absent in women who contract the cancer, but when
inserted into ovarian cancer cells in the lab, the cells stop growing. Ovarian
cancer has no obvious symptoms in its early stages and is therefore difficult to
detect. DNA analysis of tissue samples from 118 women newly diagnosed with
ovarian cancer showed that OPMCL was completely switched off in almost 90
percent of the cancer cell samples. This is early stage work, and much remains
to be done; but eventually drugs to mimic the effects of OPMCL and prevent or
halt the progress of ovarian cancer could result.

Reference: Bhattacharya, Shaoni (2003). “Gene to halt
ovarian cancer found.” New Scientist, June 3 citing Nature
Genetics (DOI:10.1038/ng1183).

New Class of Stem Cells

Scientists have discovered a new class of human stem cells that grow rapidly
when implanted in the bone marrow of mice, as opposed to the usual method of
injecting into the bloodstream. The findings are claimed to be a major advance
in stem cell research with possible significant clinical implications for
designing more effective cancer therapies.

Reference: UNH (2003). “University
Health Network Researchers Discover New Class of Human Stem Cells.” Press
release posted at EurekAlert!, June 8.