Re-evaluation of the linkage relationship between chromosome 11p loci and the gene for bipolar affective disorder in the Old Order Amish
Article Abstract:
Manic depression is a psychiatric illness in which patients alternate between periods of extreme excitement (mania) and depression. Scientists who recently reported they had located the genetic markers for manic depression now conclude that their evidence is weak. They have reevaluated their discovery based on new information from additional subjects. The original study was conducted among the Amish people of Pennsylvania, a group chosen because there is less genetic variation among the individuals than in most other communities. The Amish tend to marry other Amish people, and have done so for many generations; they usually also stay in the community for life. Thus they are genetically isolated and the advantage for researchers is that it is less likely that several different genes would be present that all predispose for the same illness. Researchers originally found a consistent trend of genetic markers appearing on a certain chromosome in individuals strongly predisposed to manic depression. This exciting development was reevaluated when more members of the large Amish family being studied were included. Two family members who did not have the genetic markers developed manic depression. Other relatives were also evaluated and their genetic makeup did not fit the original theory. Two explanations for the new data could be valid. Several different genes for manic depression could be operating within the community, and thus all affected individuals would not share one genetic pattern. Another possibility is that the original genetic markers could be unrelated to the disease altogether, and the proposed connection could be a coincidence. The authors emphasize the need to follow-up any genetic theory with repeated evaluations of the families studied so that any inconsistency will be found.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1989
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Histone deacetylase inhibitors arrest polyglutamine-dependent neurodegeneration in Drosophila
Article Abstract:
It has been established that the polyglutamine-containing domain of the abnormal protein huntingtin (Htt), Htt exon 1 protein, directly binds the acetyltransferase domains of CREB-binding protein (CBP) and p300/CBP-associated factor. It is concluded that treatments that boost global levels of acetylation may be useful in limit the effects of Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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Identification of an angiogenic factor that when mutated causes susceptibility to Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome
Article Abstract:
VG5Q protein is detected mostly in the cytoplasm and around the nuclei of human microvascular endothelial (HMVECs). It is suggested that VG5Q is secreted during angiogenesis, when endothelial cell tube formation is initiated.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2004
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