Category Archives: Genetics

Genetics

Genetic risk score is effective in diagnosing type 1 diabetes in Indians – News-Medical.Net

A new way of using genetics to diagnose diabetes could pave the way for better diagnosis and treatment in Indians, new research has concluded.

Misdiagnosis of diabetes could be an issue in India because of features of diabetes in Indians which might vary from the standard western textbooks. Until recently, it was widely believed that type 1 diabetes appeared in children and adolescents, and type 2 diabetes in obese and older (typically after 45 years of age). However, recent findings have shown that type 1 diabetes can occur later in life, while type 2 diabetes is on the rise among younger and thinner Indians. Distinguishing the two types of diabetes has therefore, become more complex. The two types follow different treatment regimes with type 1 diabetes needing lifelong insulin injections but type 2 diabetes often being managed with diet or tablet treatment. Misclassification of the type of diabetes may lead to sub-standard diabetes care and possible complications.

A new publication conducted between researchers at the KEM Hospital, Pune, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, and the University of Exeter in the UK shows that a genetic risk score is effective in diagnosing type 1 diabetes in Indians.

The genetic risk score, developed by the University of Exeter, takes into account detailed genetic information known to increase the chance of developing type 1 diabetes. The score may be used at the time of diabetes diagnosis to help decide if someone has type 1 diabetes.

Up to now, the bulk of research in this field has been conducted in European populations. Now, in a paper published in Scientific Reports, researchers have analysed whether the European risk score is effective in diagnosing type 1 diabetes in Indians. The team studied people with diabetes from Pune, India. The team analysed 262 people with type 1 diabetes, 352 people with type 2 diabetes, and 334 people without diabetes. All were of Indian (Indo-European) ancestry. Outcomes from the Indian populations were compared with those of Europeans from the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium study.

The research, supported by Diabetes UK, the KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India, found that the test is effective in diagnosing the right type of diabetes in Indians, even in its current form, which is based on European data. Authors also found genetic differences between the populations which mean the test could be further improved to enhance outcomes for Indian populations.

Diagnosing the right diabetes type is an increasingly difficult challenge for clinicians, as we now know that type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. This task is even harder in India, as more cases of type 2 diabetes occur in people with low BMI. We now know that our genetic risk score is an effective tool for Indians, and can help get people on the treatment they need to avoid life threatening complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis and to achieve the best health outcomes."

Dr. Richard Oram, University of Exeter Medical School

Dr Chittaranjan Yajnik of the KEM Hospital & Research Centre, Pune agrees with Dr Oram. He said, that the escalating epidemic of diabetes in young Indians makes it imperative that we diagnose the type of diabetes correctly to avoid mistreatment and its long term biological, social and economic implications. The new genetic tool will be a great help in this. It will help decide when diabetes is mainly caused by autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells (type 1 diabetes), and when diabetes is mainly caused by reduced action of insulin due to excess fat and smaller muscle mass in the body of Indians ('thin-fat Indians'), as is the case in type 2 diabetes. He said, "we look forward to using this test in diabetic patients from different parts of India where the physical characteristics of diabetic patients differ from the standard description".

The authors found nine genetic areas (called the SNPs) that correlate with type 1 diabetes both in Indian and European populations, and can be used to predict the onset of type 1 diabetes in Indians. Dr GR Chandak, Chief Scientist leading the study at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), said: "It's interesting to note that different SNPs are more abundant among Indian and European patients. This opens up the possibility that environmental factors might be interacting with these SNPs to cause the disease."

Given the genetic diversity of the population of India, the study's results need to be validated in other ethnic groups of the country too. Dr Rakesh K Mishra, Director of the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), said: "Since more than 20 per cent of people with type 1 diabetes below the age of 15 years of age are in India, developing a genetic test kit to reliably detect type 1 from type 2 diabetes holds a lot of significance for the country."

Source:

Journal reference:

Harrison, J.W., et al. (2020) Type 1 diabetes genetic risk score is discriminative of diabetes in non-Europeans: evidence from a study in India. Scientific Reports. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-65317-1.

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Genetic risk score is effective in diagnosing type 1 diabetes in Indians - News-Medical.Net

Genetics

Genetics and Pharmacology | YourHub – The Know

Ever had a bad experience with a prescription?

Ever thought it was an allergic reaction to a medication?

In 2017 I had a significant abdominal surgery that required me to take pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. The surgery was supposed to help with a significant abdominal umbilical hernia. It occurred on a Wednesday, and by Monday, I was having a significant reaction to the pain medication, where my FACE went NUMB. Talk about scary.

Leading up to the surgery, I had taken part in 2 appointments where I discussed previous bad reactions to the pain medication and talked about my concerns. They told me it was a necessary evil in this case so that I could sleep. The morning of surgery, after long discussion with the anesthesiologist, He asked if I had testing done to look at my response to different drugs. At that time, I didnt even know that was a thing that could be done.

The news media and medical media lately has talked a lot about epigenetics and epigenomics and we are starting to hear about pharmacogenetics. Pharmacogenetics can be done through DNA testing to specifically look at your genetics and how they might react to specific types of drugs. They can allow for better dosing, better drug choice so there is less guess work, and overall better outcomes. Pharmacogenetics can also help in looking at how some people may become addicted and others not to things like marijuana, which the Prop 64 group in Colorado would have us believe is not possible.

Pharmacogenetics can also let us know when it might be time to change a drug, because the epigenetics/epigenomics, or the environmental factors that cause the genes to change may have been affected over long-term use of specific drugs. These drugs can be related to addiction treatment, pain management, mental health disorders (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression), autoimmune logical drugs including chemotherapy.

Along the line of epigenetics/epigenomics, there is a specific testing that can be done that supports your DNA sections. It looks at what will optimally support your health, and with that information we can create a supplement that is SPECIFIC to you. Repeating the test about 6 months after initial testing and consuming of those supplements is recommended due to the changes you could potentially make. Then every year.

Why would you need a DNA-specific supplement? Colorado has one of the highest levels of radiation exposure in the continental U.S. Specifically, we have a lot of naturally occurring uranium and radon. Both of those are known carcinogens. Also, think about how much and what type of sunscreen you apply every year in Colorado while enjoying the outdoor lifestyle you love. Chemical barriers are more likely to interact with the radiation from the sun to create mutation of cells. It starts at the skin level, but quickly spreads to the body as the skin is an organ that ABSORBS things you put on it.

If you have questions about how DNA testing can improve your health, life and longevity, dont hesitate to reach out!

References:

*https://dnalife.academy/dna-health/

*Recent developments in genetic/genomic medicine, Rachel H. Horton and Anneke M. Lucassen, Clin Sci (Lond). 2019 Mar 15; 133(5): 697708.Published online 2019 Mar 5. Prepublished online 2019 Feb 27. doi: 10.1042/CS20180436

*Pharmacogenomics in the treatment of mood disorders: Strategies and Opportunities for personalized psychiatry; Azmeraw T. Amare,1 Klaus Oliver Schubert,1,2 and Bernhard T. Baune1; EPMA J. 2017 Sep; 8(3): 211227.Published online 2017 Sep 5. doi: 10.1007/s13167-017-0112-8*Future Trends in the Pharmacogenomics of Brain Disorders and Dementia: Influence of APOE and CYP2D6 Variants; Ramn Cacabelos,1,2,* Luca Fernndez-Novoa,1,2 Roco Martnez-Bouza,1,2 Adam McKay,1,2 Juan C. Carril,1,2 Valter Lombardi,1,2 Lola Corzo,1,2 Ivn Carrera,1,2 Ivn Tellado,1,2 Laura Nebril,1,2 Margarita Alcaraz,1,2 Susana Rodrguez,1,2 ngela Casas,1,2 Vernica Couceiro,1,2 and Antn lvarez1,2Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010 Oct; 3(10): 30403100.Published online 2010 Sep 29. doi: 10.3390/ph3103040*Some observations on the role of environment and genetics in behaviour of wild and domestic forms of Sus scrofa (European wild boars and domestic pigs)S Robert, J Dancosse, A Dallaire Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 1987 Elsevier

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Genetics and Pharmacology | YourHub - The Know

Genetics

Online tool allows researchers to track genetic structure of SARS-CoV-2 – Drug Target Review

An artificial intelligence platform available online has been designed to help researchers track the genetics of SARS-CoV-2 as it moves from person to person.

A team of Canadian researchers has designed a new tool which they say will enable them and other scientists worldwide to track changes in the genetic structure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is causing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group, led by Dr Bo Wang, artificial intelligence (AI) Lead at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, say SARS-CoV-2 is constantly changing as it moves from person to person.

Developed by Dr Wangs PhD student, Hassaan Maan, alongside colleagues from McMaster University and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the COVID-19 Genotyping Tool(CGT) offers an online platform where researchers can compare the genome sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in their hospital against the global picture.

Before development of the CGT, analysis of the virus could take up to a week. Now, the researchers highlight that using the AI-driven platform, this analysis takes minutes. The speed of analysis and volume of data are defining characteristics of the application. The platform quickly processes user-uploaded data and offers immediate insights into the genomic evolution, generating results in less than 15 minutes.

By following these changes, scientists can learn more about how the virus is moving and evolving, which has direct implications for vaccine design, drug development and collective efforts to combat COVID-19.

Using nasal swab samples from more than 20,000 patients with COVID-19, virus genome sequences were uploaded to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) COVID-19 database. The CGT then compares the sequence of the virus in individual hospitals with virus samples obtained from around the world. Results provide researchers with insight on where transmission events likely occurred, when outbreaks happened and alert them of any key changes in the genetic makeup of the virus, which determines how infectious it is.

As AI researchers, were accustomed to working with big data, said Dr Wang, an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine.The global research community has really embraced the initiative on data sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic; our goal was to design a tool that would help make sense of it.

The team emphasise that the CGT is particularly helpful when preparing for a second wave of virus spread. By keeping track of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the CGT helps researchers prepare to handle changes that can affect the severity of disease, impact of vaccines and transmissibility of the virus.

As the virus spreads throughout the world, it picks up small mutations along the way, said Maan. We want to perform surveillance of these mutations in the event a different strain of SARS-CoV-2 arises.

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Online tool allows researchers to track genetic structure of SARS-CoV-2 - Drug Target Review

Genetics

Covid-19 impact on Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market Professional Report 2020| Roche, Thermo Fisher Scientific, PerkinElmer – Cole of…

Chicago, United States: The report comes out as an intelligent and thorough assessment tool as well as a great resource that will help you to secure a position of strength in the globalBreast Cancer Predictive Genetic TestingMarket. It includes Porters Five Forces and PESTLE analysis to equip your business with critical information and comparative data about the Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market. We have provided deep analysis of the vendor landscape to give you a complete picture of current and future competitive scenarios of the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market. Our analysts use the latest primary and secondary research techniques and tools to prepare comprehensive and accurate market research reports.

Top Key players cited in the report: Roche, Thermo Fisher Scientific, PerkinElmer, Quest Diagnostics, Myriad Genetics, Iverson Genetics, Cancer Genetics, OncoCyte Corporation, NeoGenomics, Invitae

The final report will add the analysis of the Impact of Covid-19 in this report Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market

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Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Marketreports offers important insights which help the industry experts, product managers, CEOs, and business executives to draft their policies on various parameters including expansion, acquisition, and new product launch as well as analyzing and understanding the market trends.

Each segment of the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market is extensively evaluated in the research study. The segmental analysis offered in the report pinpoints key opportunities available in the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market through leading segments. The regional study of the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market included in the report helps readers to gain a sound understanding of the development of different geographical markets in recent years and also going forth. We have provided a detailed study on the critical dynamics of the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market, which include the market influence and market effect factors, drivers, challenges, restraints, trends, and prospects. The research study also includes other types of analysis such as qualitative and quantitative.

Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market: Competitive Rivalry

The chapter on company profiles studies the various companies operating in the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market. It evaluates the financial outlooks of these companies, their research and development statuses, and their expansion strategies for the coming years. Analysts have also provided a detailed list of the strategic initiatives taken by the Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market participants in the past few years to remain ahead of the competition.

Global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market: Regional Segments

The chapter on regional segmentation details the regional aspects of the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market. This chapter explains the regulatory framework that is likely to impact the overall market. It highlights the political scenario in the market and the anticipates its influence on the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market.

The Middle East and Africa(GCC Countries and Egypt)North America(the United States, Mexico, and Canada)South America(Brazil etc.)Europe(Turkey, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.)Asia-Pacific(Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia)

Request For Customization:https://www.reporthive.com/request_customization/2324111

Report Highlights

Comprehensive pricing analysis on the basis of product, application, and regional segments

The detailed assessment of the vendor landscape and leading companies to help understand the level of competition in the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market

Deep insights about regulatory and investment scenarios of the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market

Analysis of market effect factors and their impact on the forecast and outlook of the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market

A roadmap of growth opportunities available in the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market with the identification of key factors

The exhaustive analysis of various trends of the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market to help identify market developments

Table of Contents

Report Overview:It includes six chapters, viz. research scope, major manufacturers covered, market segments by type, Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market segments by application, study objectives, and years considered.

Global Growth Trends:There are three chapters included in this section, i.e. industry trends, the growth rate of key producers, and production analysis.

Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market Share by Manufacturer:Here, production, revenue, and price analysis by the manufacturer are included along with other chapters such as expansion plans and merger and acquisition, products offered by key manufacturers, and areas served and headquarters distribution.

Market Size by Type:It includes analysis of price, production value market share, and production market share by type.

Market Size by Application:This section includes Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market consumption analysis by application.

Profiles of Manufacturers:Here, leading players of the global Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market are studied based on sales area, key products, gross margin, revenue, price, and production.

Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market Value Chain and Sales Channel Analysis:It includes customer, distributor, Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing market value chain, and sales channel analysis.

Market Forecast Production Side: In this part of the report, the authors have focused on production and production value forecast, key producers forecast, and production and production value forecast by type.

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About Us:Report Hive Research delivers strategic market research reports, statistical survey, and Industry analysis and forecast data on products and services, markets and companies. Our clientele ranges mix of United States Business Leaders, Government Organizations, SMEs, Individual and Start-ups, Management Consulting Firms, and Universities etc. Our library of 600,000+ market reports covers industries like Chemical, Healthcare, IT, Telecom, Semiconductor, etc. in the USA, Europe Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific. We help in business decision-making on aspects such as market entry strategies, market sizing, market share analysis, sales and revenue, technology trends, competitive analysis, product portfolio and application analysis etc.

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Covid-19 impact on Breast Cancer Predictive Genetic Testing Market Professional Report 2020| Roche, Thermo Fisher Scientific, PerkinElmer - Cole of...

Genetics

Global Genetic Testing Market Forecasts for Applications and Technologies 2020-2024, Updated in Light of Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic -…

The "Genetic Testing. Global Market Forecasts for Applications and Technologies. Updated for COVID-19 Pandemic impact with Executive and Consultant Guides 2020 to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This report explores how the large genetic testing cancer segment has been impacted by COVID-19. Genetic Blizzard is creating a confusing array of new tests. Will all newborns receive Whole Genomic Sequencing at birth? What has happened to Direct to Consumer?

The role of genetics in health and disease is just now being understood. This new knowledge, combined with lower pricing is driving the Genetic Testing industry to record growth. New drugs may only work for people with a certain genetic makeup, and this too is driving the Genetic Testing Industry. The traditional genetic testing market is growing in volume and growing in the breadth of tests creating a new life for the industry. The report forecasts the market size out to 2024. The report includes detailed breakouts for 14 countries and 5 regions.

Predictive Diagnostics? Pharmacogenomic Testing? Direct to Consumer? Find out about the technology in readily understood terms that explain the jargon. What are the issues? Find the opportunities and pitfalls. Understand growth expectations and the ultimate market forecasts for the next five years.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction and Market Definition

1.1 Genetic Testing Definition in This Report

1.2 The Genomics Revolution

1.3 Market Definition

1.4 U.S. Medical Market and laboratory Testing - Perspective

2. Market Overview

2.1 Market Participants Play Different Roles

2.2 Genetic Tests -Types, Examples and Discussion

2.3 Industry Structure

2.4 Market Shares of Key Genetics Players - Analysis

3. Market Trends

3.1 Factors Driving Growth

3.2 Factors Limiting Growth

3.3 Instrumentation and Automation

3.4 Diagnostic Technology Development

4. Genetic Testing Recent Developments

5. Profiles of Key Companies

6. Global Market Size

6.1 Global Market by Country

6.2 Global Market by Application

6.3 Global Market by Technology

7. Market Sizes by Application

7.1 Newborn Testing Market

7.2 NIPT Market

7.3 Predictive Testing Market

7.4 Oncology Testing Market

7.5 DTC Testing Market

7.6 Other Testing Market

8. Global Genetic Testing Market by Technology

9. The Future of Genetic Testing

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jp4uin

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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ResearchAndMarkets.comLaura Wood, Senior Press Managerpress@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

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Genetics

IGS Providing Tools to Help Ranchers With Cattle Genetics – – RFD-TV

"Beef breeds, historically, haven't always worked together so well, or so much, but IGS broke the mold on that," states the CEO of Red Angus Association of America, Tom Brink, "being able to combine these data sets, more analytical power, better EPD prediction to use for all breeds involved, IGS really facilitates that in an unprecedented way."

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IGS Providing Tools to Help Ranchers With Cattle Genetics - - RFD-TV

Genetics

When Cancer Cells Cant Make Their Own Fat, They Eat Whats Around Them – SciTechDaily

A switch in cancer fat metabolism from production to import could be exploited for therapy, researchers say. Credit: National Institutes of Healthy Public LIbrary

Cancer cells rewire their metabolism to compensate for a halt in fat production by importing more fat molecules from their environment.

Knowing what cancer will do next could lessen the likelihood of it becoming resistant to treatment. A new U of T study investigates how cancer adapts its metabolism to potentially overcome therapies still in development.

Several clinical trials have failed because metabolism is such an adaptive process by which cancer cells gain drug resistance, says Michael Aregger, a co-lead author and Research Associate working with Jason Moffat, Professor of molecular genetics in the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, who co-led the work. If you know how cells are able to adapt to perturbations, maybe we can target them more specifically to avoid resistance from developing.

If you know how cells are able to adapt to perturbations, maybe we can target them more specifically to avoid resistance from developing Michael Aregger, Research Associate

The research was also led by Brenda Andrews and Charles Boone, University Professor and Professor of molecular genetics at the Donnelly Centre, respectively, and Chad Myers, a Professor of computer science at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

The study, published this week in the journal Nature Metabolism, is the first to investigate global changes in cancerous cells as they adapt to a shortfall of critical nutrients such as fat molecules, or lipids, which make up the cells outer envelope.

When cancer cells are unable to make their own lipids, they gobble them up from their environment to ensure a steady supply of these essential building blocks, the study found. Lipids also serve as fuel and chemical signals for communication between cells, among other roles.

The switch in metabolism could be bad news for drugmakers seeking to target cancer by reducing its lipid reserves. In particular, drugs that inhibit an enzyme called FASN, for fatty acid synthase, involved in an early step of lipid synthesis, are being explored in patient trials. Fatty acids are precursors of larger lipid molecules and their production is increased in many cancers thanks to elevated FASN levels, which are also associated with poor patient prognosis.

The U of T study suggests that the effectiveness of FASN inhibitors could be short-lived owing to cancers ability to find another way to procure lipids.

Because FASN is upregulated in many cancers, fatty acid synthesis is one of the most promising metabolic pathways to target says Keith Lawson, a co-lead author and PhD student in Moffats lab enrolled in the Surgeon-Scientist Program at the Faculty of Medicine. Given that we know there is a lot of plasticity in metabolic processes, we wanted to identify and predict ways in which cancer cells can potentially overcome the inhibition of lipid synthesis.

To block fatty acid synthesis, the researchers employed a human cell line from which the FASN coding gene was removed. Using the genome editing tool CRISPR, they deleted from these cells all ~18,000 or so human genes, one by one, to find those that can compensate for the halt in lipid production. Such functional relationships are also referred to as genetic interactions.

Data analysis, performed by Maximilian Billmann, a co-lead author and a postdoctoral fellow in Myers lab at Minnesota-Twin Cities, revealed hundreds of genes that become essential when cells are starved of fat. Their protein products clustered into well-known metabolic pathways through which cells hoover up dietary cholesterol and other lipids from their surroundings.

Cells intake of cholesterol has become textbook knowledge since it was discovered half a century ago, winning a Nobel Prize and inspiring the blockbuster drug statin and many others. But the new study found that one component of this process remained overlooked all this time.

The gene encoding it was only known as C12orf49, named after its location on chromosome 12. The researchers re-named the gene LUR1, for lipid uptake regulator 1, and showed that it helps switch on a set of genes directly involved in lipid import.

This was a big surprise to us that we were able to identify a new component of the process we thought we knew everything about, says Aregger. It really highlights the power of our global genetic interaction approach that allowed us to identify a new player in lipid uptake in a completely unbiased way.

By a remarkable coincidence, two groups working independently in New York and Amsterdam also linked C12orf49 to lipid metabolism, lending further support for the genes role in this process. The New York team published their findings in the same journal issue as Moffat and colleagues.

Inhibiting LUR1, or other components of lipid import, along with FASN could lead to more effective cancer treatments. Such combination therapies are thought to be less susceptible to emerging drug resistance because the cells would have to simultaneously overcome two obstaclesblocked lipid production and importwhich has a lower probability of occurring.

Therapeutic context that comes out of our work is that you should be targeting lipid uptake in addition to targeting lipid synthesis and our work highlights some specific genes that could be candidates, says Lawson.

Reference: Systematic mapping of genetic interactions for de novo fatty acid synthesis identifies C12orf49 as a regulator of lipid metabolism by Michael Aregger, Keith A. Lawson, Maximillian Billmann, Michael Costanzo, Amy H. Y. Tong, Katherine Chan, Mahfuzur Rahman, Kevin R. Brown, Catherine Ross, Matej Usaj, Lucy Nedyalkova, Olga Sizova, Andrea Habsid, Judy Pawling, Zhen-Yuan Lin, Hala Abdouni, Cassandra J. Wong, Alexander Weiss, Patricia Mero, James W. Dennis, Anne-Claude Gingras, Chad L. Myers, Brenda J. Andrews, Charles Boone and Jason Moffat, 1 June 2020, Nature Metabolism.DOI: 10.1038/s42255-020-0211-z

The research was supported by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, Ontario Research Fund, Canada Research Chairs Program and the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

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When Cancer Cells Cant Make Their Own Fat, They Eat Whats Around Them - SciTechDaily

Genetics

Is Applied Genetic Technologies (AGTC) Stock Outpacing Its Medical Peers This Year? – Yahoo Finance

Investors focused on the Medical space have likely heard of Applied Genetic Technologies (AGTC), but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? One simple way to answer this question is to take a look at the year-to-date performance of AGTC and the rest of the Medical group's stocks.

Applied Genetic Technologies is one of 888 companies in the Medical group. The Medical group currently sits at #1 within the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the sector to gauge the strength of each group.

The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. AGTC is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Within the past quarter, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for AGTC's full-year earnings has moved 11.64% higher. This signals that analyst sentiment is improving and the stock's earnings outlook is more positive.

Our latest available data shows that AGTC has returned about 15.71% since the start of the calendar year. At the same time, Medical stocks have gained an average of 0.21%. This means that Applied Genetic Technologies is outperforming the sector as a whole this year.

Looking more specifically, AGTC belongs to the Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which includes 382 individual stocks and currently sits at #34 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 8.10% so far this year, so AGTC is performing better in this area.

AGTC will likely be looking to continue its solid performance, so investors interested in Medical stocks should continue to pay close attention to the company.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportApplied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

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Is Applied Genetic Technologies (AGTC) Stock Outpacing Its Medical Peers This Year? - Yahoo Finance

Genetics

Highlighting Cancer Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Genetics in Cancer Treatment – Pharmacy Times

The key components for cancer risk, genetics, and prevention include application of results, indications for germline testing, and testing updates, according to a session presented at the 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Virtual Scientific Program.

Providing quality of care in a field of cancer risk, genetics, and prevention revolves around 3 essential interdependent components, said presenter Erin Wysong Hofstatter, MD.

Germline TestingIn the study, the researchers wanted to assess the clinical utility of identifying germline alterations in cancer susceptibility genes for targeted therapeutic interventions in a pan-cancer patient population.

By using a subset of pan-cancer MSK-IMPACT patients who consented to additional germline testing, 88 genes were analyzed in addition to a medical record review of pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) patients to assess use of targeted treatment. Out of 11,974 patients between 2015 and 2019, 7.1% harbored a P/LP alteration in a targetable gene. Meanwhile, 44.4% of patients received targeted therapy based on germline results. Overall, 58.1% of Lynch patients received therapy irrespective of microsatellite instability status.

Our study represents the first comprehensive assessment of the clinical utility of germline variants for targeted therapeutic interventions in advanced cancer patients, Hofstatter said.

When it comes to the emerging indication for germline testing, this is equivalent to selecting cancer treatment in the advanced setting, she noted.

Know your test, Hofstatter said. Tumor sequencing is not a substitute for comprehensive germline testing.

Testing UptakeIn testing uptake, germline genetic testing among patients, both affected and unaffected, remains poor, according to Hofstatter. Only 30% of an estimated 35,0000 BRCA-positive cancer patients have been diagnosed with a genetic mutation, and up to 98% of Lynch carriers have yet to be identified, Hofstatter said.

Barriers in genetic testing uptake for the patient and provider include lack of knowledge, cost, and fear of discrimination. The next 2 abstracts detailed by Hofstatter were done to evaluate the completion of video-education (VE) or in-person pretest genetic counseling (GC) over time by a randomization arm and to test whether pre and/or post-test GC is needed to optimally deliver online accessible genetic testing.

The first abstract found that there was a high uptake of intervention in both GC and VE and a high completion of genetic testing with no difference by arm. Meanwhile, the second abstract found that the completion rate was highest in the 2 arms with no pre-test counseling, with support of the use of a genetic testing paradigm providing individualized post-test genetic counseling only for patients with positive results and for those patients who request additional counseling.

Application of ResultsMost genetic testing for cancer susceptibility is done using multigene panels, according to Hofstatter. The identification of pathogenic variants (PV) with a risk of ovarian cancer is > 5%.

Variants of uncertain significance should not be used to alter medical management recommendations, and PV in other genes are not associated with a risk of OC >5%, Hofstatter said.

The aim of the last abstract was to help describe the use of preventive, or risk-reducing, salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) among individuals with different test results and how use varies across personal and family history. The study found that the majority of patients reported that RRSO was either recommended or discussed as an option by their provider. Additionally, further data are needed on communication between patients and providers regarding the implications of genetic information and management options.

Hofstatter concluded that the 3 key components to provide quality care in the field each are important for patients with cancer and are actionable points to make. For example, in terms of germline genetics, understanding the germline component of tumor testing of choice can truly affect cancer treatment.

For pre-test video counseling, this type of testing is feasible and acceptable to patients, with the help of a local GC team.

Ask yourself: how might this enhance testing uptake in your practice? Hofstatter said.

Lastly, Hofstatter emphasized that individual management must be based on accurate risk assessment.

There is a responsibility of the provider to understand the implications of testing results, whether positive or not, Hofstatter said. Stay updated by reviewing NCCN guidelines, ASCO guidelines, and watching the ASCO Annual meeting.

REFERENCEHofstatter, EW. Cancer prevention, risk reduction, and genetics. 2020 ASCO Virtual Scientific Program.

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Highlighting Cancer Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Genetics in Cancer Treatment - Pharmacy Times

Genetics

REPEAT/Halo Labs Announces Partnership with Zkittlez Providing Award Winning Genetics in Oregon – Financial Post

All Figures in USD

Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Servicers or For Dissemination in the United States

TORONTO Halo Labs Inc. (Halo or the Company) (NEO: HALO, OTCQX: AGEEF, Germany: A9KN) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an exclusive strategic partnership with Terphogz, LLC (Zkittlez) to develop and commercialize new and unique cannabis genetics in Oregon.

Background & Partnership Highlights

Terphogz, LLC owns a genetic library that is well-known for creating the famous Zkittlez cannabis variety. Zkittlez has a unique and distinct terpene profile unlike other genetics in the market, making it distinguishable from other strains. Halo has secured a 5-year exclusive partnership with Zkittlez in Oregon to cultivate the groups strains and provide this beloved brand to the Oregon marketplace and consumers for the first time.

Halo will license and have exclusive rights to a large repertoire of genetic strains, most notably Zkittlez, Zmoothi and Z3 Kush. Focusing on the whole plant, Zkittlez has proven that THC alone cant compete with robust and unique terpene profiles. Highly awarded and recognized, the strains will allow Halo develop more brand and retail focused products aligning with the Companys long term growth strategy. With over 200,000 followers on social media and a history of excellence in cannabis genetics, Zkittlez provides extensive value to Halos already strong portfolio of cannabis consumer-centric partnerships.

We are extremely excited to join forces with Halo. With our award-winning genetics and Halos cultivation firepower, our collaboration will be a force to be reckoned with in Oregon. Stay tuned, we cant wait to get to work! comments Green R. Fieldz, CEO of Terphogz, LLC.

Kiran Sidhu CEO and Co-Founder of Halo commented, We are pleased to be partnering with Terphogz, LLC in Oregon to build a new branded product line of flower, pre-rolls and concentrates. Aligning with a beloved and Emerald Cup award winning brand such as Zkittlez to cultivate existing and develop new cannabis strains demonstrates Halos commitment to offering cannabis consumers access to some of the best genetics. We expect to do more projects with the Terphogz, LLC team and expand the partnership into additional markets.

About Halo

Halo is a leading cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution company that grows and extracts and processes quality cannabis flower, oils, and concentrates and has sold over 5 million grams of oils and concentrates since inception. Additionally, Halo has continued to evolve its business through delivering value with its products and now via verticalization in key markets in the United States and Africa with planned expansion into European and Canadian markets. With a consumer-centric focus, Halo markets innovative, branded, and private label products across multiple product categories.

Recently, the Company entered into binding agreements to acquire a dispensary in Los Angeles, 3 KushBar branded dispensaries, 5 development permits in Alberta Canada, and Canmart Limited which holds wholesale distribution and special licenses allowing the import and distribution of cannabis based products for medicinal use (CBPMs) in the United Kingdom. Halo is led by a strong, diverse management team with deep industry knowledge and blue-chip experience. The Company is currently operating in the United States in California, Oregon, and Nevada while having an international presence in Lesotho within a planned 200-hectare cultivation zone via Bophelo Bioscience & Wellness (Pty) Ltd. as well as planned importation and distribution in the United Kingdom via Canmart.

For further information regarding Halo, see Halos disclosure documents on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Halos beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Halos control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, will continue, will occur or will be achieved. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein may include, but are not limited to, statements in respect of the Companys license arrangement with Terphogz, LLC and the cultivation, sale and distribution of Zkittlez branded and other products by the Company.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Halo is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Halo has made certain assumptions. Although Halo believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Among others, the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: unexpected costs or delays in the completion of the Companys proposed dispensaries and other operation; negative results experienced by the Company as a result of general economic conditions or the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; delays in the ability of the Company to obtain certain regulatory approvals; unforeseen delays or costs in the completion of the Companys construction projects; adverse changes to demand for cannabis products; ongoing projects by competitors that may impact the relative size of the Companys growing operation; adverse changes in applicable laws; adverse changes in the application or enforcement of current laws, including those related to taxation; increasing costs of compliance with extensive government regulation; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; risks related to licensing, including the ability to obtain the requisite licenses or renew existing licenses for the Companys proposed operations; dependence upon third party service providers, skilled labor and other key inputs; and the other risks disclosed in the Companys annual information form dated April 16, 2020 and available on the Companys profile at http://www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Halo does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to Halo or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200604005237/en/

Contacts

Halo Labs Investor Relations info@halocanna.com

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REPEAT/Halo Labs Announces Partnership with Zkittlez Providing Award Winning Genetics in Oregon - Financial Post