DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/f9cskh/molecular_imaging) has announced the addition of the "Molecular Imaging Agents: Targets, Technology, Markets, and Commercial Opportunities" report to their offering.

Driven by advances in molecular probe design and biomarker detection methodologies, new imaging agents that can improve visualization of pathologies and cellular processes are changing the practice of diagnostic medicine. The ability of this new generation of contrast agents to detect metabolic changes at the molecular level has significant potential for improving visualization and quality of care. Targetable and activatable imaging agents are gaining interest for a wide range of diagnostic applications that include cardiology, neurology and soft tissue tumor detection. The number of healthcare conditions that can be effectively imaged noninvasively is expanding as a result of these innovative detection technologies. Targeted and activatable imaging agents offer a unique capability to generate unambiguous images by exploiting specific molecular targets, pathways or cellular processes. This new wave of imaging agents signals a paradigm shift in which the reagents take on new importance.

Highlights:

- Analyzes and assesses emerging imaging diagnostic candidates, their capabilities, benefits, limitations and potential

- Profiles development-stage imaging agents and examines their clinical status and commercial prospects

- Analyzes key industry alliances and partnerships by imaging modality, and examines the impact of next-generation imaging candidates on future imaging markets

- Profiles market participants, their development activity and business strategies

- Evaluates the impact of economic, technology, and regulatory factors on the development and commercialization of emerging imaging agents

Key Topics Covered:

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Research and Markets: Molecular Imaging Agents: Targets, Technology, Markets, and Commercial Opportunities

In honor of Nuclear Medicine Week, the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging highlights four major advancements in the field.

Read more from the original source:

Florbetapir, PET/MR and Other Nuclear Medicine Highlights

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ImaginAb, Inc., a clinical-stage company developing in vivo molecular imaging agents based on antibody fragment technology, today announced that it has entered into a collaboration and commercialization agreement with H. Lundbeck A/S. Under the terms of the agreement, ImaginAb and Lundbeck will collaborate around a novel central nervous system (CNS) target in order to explore the use of re-engineered antibodies to accelerate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport of biologics.

"This collaboration represents a great opportunity for both companies to explore an increasingly important intersection between therapeutic and diagnostic medicine," said Dr.ChristianBehrenbruch, Chief Executive Officer of ImaginAb. "Given the worrying number of recent failures of late-stage biologics programs, including for neurodegenerative applications, there is a critical need to explore new ways of integrating diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to de-risk development."

Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will collaborate to concurrently develop biologics with improved BBB transport and imaging agents that are capable of quantitating kinetics and targeting efficacy. The agreement also includes an option for Lundbeck to commercialize the results of the collaboration for both diagnostic and therapeutic uses.

"Molecular imaging has become a prevalent aspect of developing new CNS products, both during product development and for clinical management of disease, and we are pleased to be working with ImaginAb to explore this exciting opportunity," commented Dr.JeffreyStavenhagen, Head of Biologics for Lundbeck.

About ImaginAb

ImaginAb is redefining therapeutic management by harnessing the power of antibody technology for in vivo imaging. The company's proprietary antibody fragment platform yields actionable molecular information to guide treatment decisions in cancer and immunology.ImaginAb also collaborates with select biopharmaceutical partners to design imaging agents as companion diagnostics for therapeutic antibodies. ImaginAb's technology is positioned to deliver on the promise of personalized medicine by improving patient outcomes and reducing the cost of healthcare.

For more information, visit http://www.imaginab.com.

About Lundbeck

H. Lundbeck A/S (LUN.CO, LUN DC, HLUYY) is an international pharmaceutical company highly committed to improving the quality of life for people suffering from brain disorders. For this purpose, Lundbeck is engaged in the research, development, production, marketing and sale of pharmaceuticals across the world. The company's products are targeted at disorders such as depression and anxiety, psychotic disorders, epilepsy and Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Lundbeck was founded in 1915 by Hans Lundbeck in Copenhagen, Denmark. Today Lundbeck employs approximately 6,000 people worldwide. Lundbeck is one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies working with brain disorders. In 2011, the company's revenue was DKK 16.0 billion (approximately EUR 2.1 billion or USD 3.0 billion). For more information, please visit http://www.lundbeck.com.

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ImaginAb and Lundbeck to Collaborate in Neurodegeneration

Dr. Evan Klass, left, talks this week with his Project ECHO sports medicine team outside the Center for Molecular Medicine on the University of Nevada, Reno campus. Left to right, the team is Carol Scott, Julie Redding and Kim Baxter.

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Reno Rebirth: Project ECHO saves patients and money in rural Nevada

05.10.2012 - (idw) Deutsches Institut fr Ernhrungsforschung Potsdam-Rehbrcke

Potsdam-Rehbruecke/Berlin A research team led by Anna Floegel of the German Institute of Human Nutrition (DIfE) and Tobias Pischon of the Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) has identified 14 novel biomarkers for type 2 diabetes. They can serve as basis for developing new methods of treatment and prevention of this metabolic disease. The biomarkers can also be used to determine diabetes risk at a very early point in time. At the same time the markers enable insight into the complex mechanisms of this disease, which still have not been completely elucidated. (Diabetes, A. Floegel et al., 2012; DOI 10.2337/db12-0495)*. Joint press release of the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE) and the Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch

The researchers studied the blood of study participants from three different studies with respect to their metabolites (metabolomics). The study was based on data and blood samples of the prospective EPIC-Potsdam** study with more than 27,500 study participants, the Tuebingen family study*** and the KORA study****. The study was conducted in collaboration with the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) and funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Metabolomics is still a young research field and serves the understanding of biological systems. It studies the dynamic network of metabolites of an organism and thus provides insight into ongoing biochemical processes. Metabolites have quite diverse functions. For instance, they play a role in cellular communication and regulation, transport energy or are building material for the cells. Changes in metabolite concentrations may therefore directly reflect alterations in metabolism and thereby, shed light on the pathogenesis or presence of disease.

The aim of the current study was to identify metabolites in blood which provide insight into the pathomechanisms of type 2 diabetes and in addition can be used as biomarkers to determine the disease risk. To this end, the researchers studied a total of 4,000 blood samples. About 3,000 of these samples came from the EPIC-Potsdam study, nearly 900 samples from the KORA study in Augsburg and 76 from the study in Tuebingen. At the time the blood sample was taken, none of the study participants suffered from type 2 diabetes: However, during the average follow-up time of seven years, 800 Potsdam study participants and 91 Augsburg participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The 76 participants in the Tuebingen study were already classified at the beginning of the study as individuals at high risk for type 2 diabetes. At the time the blood sample was taken, however, they were still healthy.

163 metabolites analyzed per blood sample Jerzy Adamski and his team at the Institute of Experimental Genetics of Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen analyzed the concentrations of 163 metabolites per blood sample. Fourteen of these metabolites exhibited a strong association with the development of type 2 diabetes.

In addition to simple sugars, the 14 identified metabolites include various protein components and choline-containing phospholipids which play a role in the structure of cell membranes and in the transport of blood lipids, said Anna Floegel, lead author of the study. Our findings particularly indicate a previously unknown role of phospholipids in type 2 diabetes development. This is a first clue which should definitely be pursued.

At the same time the metabolites can also be used as biomarkers to precisely determine the risk of diabetes at a very early stage, since the study is based on prospective data, that is data that were collected before the onset of the disease, said Tobias Pischon, who led the study. The results of the new metabolomic analysis thus provide a good basis for developing new treatment and prevention methods."

*Identification of Serum Metabolites Associated with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Using a Targeted Metabolomic Approach

From the 1Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany; the 2Department of Internal Medicine IV, Divisions of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Nephrology, Vascular Disease and Clinical Chemistry, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; the 3Research Unit of Molecular Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; the 4Department of Molecular Epidemiology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany; the 5Department of Pharmacology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany; the 6Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; the 7Institute of Epidemiology II, Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany; the 8Institute of Clinical Diabetology, German Diabetes Center, Leibniz Center for Diabetes Research at Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany; the 9Department of Metabolic Diseases, University Clinics, Duesseldorf, Germany; the 10Hannover Unified Biobank, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; the 11Molecular Epidemiology Group, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch, Berlin, Germany

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14 New Biomarkers Identified for Type 2 Diabetes -Basis for New Methods for Treatment and Prevention

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Molecular Imaging, Inc. has expanded its preclinical nuclear medicine program with the addition of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging. This decision was driven by the growing industry understanding of the value of in vivo molecular imaging throughout the entire drug development process. SPECT is an exciting preclinical modality that allows researchers to 'tag' potential treatments with a variety of radioactive labels to assess, among other things, biodistribution, and is particularly useful for larger molecules such as biologics. The robust data acquired can help provide better lead optimization, clinically translatable imaging biomarkers, and help mitigate clinical trial risk.

Molecular Imaging acquired the Bioscan NanoSPECT/CT Plus (manufactured by Mediso) four-headed dual modality unit with the assistance of a $2 million capital lease line recently secured from Trinity Capital Investment (TCI) as part of the company's efforts to broaden imaging modalities and prepare for growth. Coupled with the company's rich pharmacology expertise and broad range of imaging capabilities, the addition of SPECT/CT reinforces the company's position as the leader in providing preclinical imaging services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.

Preclinical SPECT is a very flexible method for quantitatively determining biologics biodistribution, kinetics and targeting. Key advantages over other methods to address these needs include:

"We are very excited about increasing access to cutting edge technology for our clients as they look to develop an increasing numbers of biologics in their discovery and development programs. Increased availability to a translational imaging modality that provides clinically relevant and robust data will assist a company's early understanding of a drug candidate and help them make more confident decisions. Furthermore, the challenges facing today's researchers' makes outsourcing of these imaging studies to a specialized CRO an attractive alternative to large capital investments," states Nick Ayers, VP of Sales and Marketing at Molecular Imaging.

Molecular Imaging, Inc. was the first to establish high throughput, quantitative multi-modality imaging protocols relevant to the pharmaceutical industry as a CRO. The addition of SPECT continues that innovative trend.

About Molecular Imaging, Inc. Molecular Imaging, Inc. is a specialty contract research organization (CRO) located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Molecular Imaging employs a wide array of imaging technologies, including MRI, micro-CT, micro-PET, SPECT and optical (two-dimensional and molecular fluorescence tomography) to quantitatively measure response to therapy at anatomical, functional and molecular levels. Molecular Imaging Inc. also conducts applications research to develop and optimize the use of imaging and actively seeks collaborations to further advance imaging in the field of drug discovery.

About Trinity Capital Investment, LLC (TCI) TCI provides both equipment lease and fixed asset finance to early stage and emerging growth companies. Providing flexible and cost effective capital for its customers, TCI helps minimize equity dilution and maximize leverage opportunities on specific assets. Trinity is a principal investor funding transactions ranging from $500,000 - $5,000,000. For more information contact Steve Brown at sbrown@trincapinvestment.com .

Sarah Paris-Mascicki, Marketing Director 732-763-9460 sparis@molecularimaging.com http://www.molecularimaging.com

NanoSPECT/CT Plus is a registered trademark of Bioscan

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Molecular Imaging, Inc. Adds SPECT Capabilities To Its Broad Suite Of In Vivo Imaging Tools

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

CollabRx, Inc. (CLRX) today announced a multi-year partnership agreement with Life Technologies Corporation for development and commercialization of CollabRx technology and content resources to be used in conjunction with Life Technologiesglobal cancer diagnostics development and its laboratory developed test services business. The agreement represents a major step forward by CollabRx in providing laboratories and next-generation sequencing (NGS) companies with meaningful insights into cancer.

Molecular analysis, including genetic sequencing, is increasingly becoming an important part of the clinical management of cancer patients, said James Karis, Co-CEO of CollabRx. However, the sheer volume and complexity of genetic data that is being produced, particularly in the course of therapy development, is outpacing the ability of practicing physicians to stay current, and more importantly understand how to apply this genetic data in treating their patients.

CollabRx, Inc., a data analytics company focused on genomics, bridges this knowledge gap using cloud-based expert systems to inform healthcare decision-making by aggregating and contextualizing the worlds knowledge on molecular medicine with specific insights from the nations top clinical experts.

Life Technologies will use CollabRx proprietary content and technology to pair the results of broad molecular profiling panels developed by Life Technologies with associated clinically relevant and dynamically updated knowledge on clinical trials, drugs, biologics and other information relevant for cancer treatment planning. This knowledge is supported by CollabRxs large and growing network of over 50 leading clinical practitioners in the United States. While CollabRx and its advisors do not provide specific treatment recommendations, this clinically relevant knowledge is a key part of the context engine for informing healthcare decision-making.

Its critical to contextualize the results of complex cancer panels to make them useful for interpreting and treating physicians, saidRonnie Andrews, president of Medical Sciences atLife Technologies. CollabRx has pioneered the development of a scalable platform and process to provide actionable, accessible, and credible knowledge at the point of care to aid physicians in developing a cancer treatment plan based on tumor molecular profiles. We are excited to include this key capability with our molecular diagnostic tests.

As the genomics revolution continues to unfold, successful cancer diagnostic companies will need cutting-edge technologies as well as deep, personalized analytics, said Thomas Mika, Co-CEO of CollabRx. We are thrilled to be a part of Life Technologies strategy to establish a leadership position in the clinical diagnostics market by providing ordering physicians with clinically relevant interpretation of test results, personalized for each patient, as a seamless part of the reporting process via Web-based and mobile technologies.

About CollabRx

CollabRx, Inc. (CLRX) is a recognized leader in cloud-based expert systems to inform health care decision-making. CollabRx uses information technology to aggregate and contextualize the worlds knowledge on genomics-based medicine with specific insights from the nations top cancer experts starting with the area of greatest need: advanced cancers in patients who have effectively exhausted the standard of care. More information may be obtained at http://www.collabrx.com.

CollabRx Safe Harbor Statement

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CollabRx Partners with Life Technologies in Molecular Diagnostics

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/4txk36/advances_in) has announced the addition of Elsevier Science and Technology's new book "Advances in Molecular Toxicology, Vol 5" to their offering.

Advances in Molecular Toxicology features the latest advances in all of the subspecialties of the broad area of molecular toxicology.

Toxicology is the study of poisons, and this series details the study of the molecular basis by which a vast array of agents encountered in the human environment and produced by the human body itself manifest themselves as toxins. Not strictly limited to documenting these examples, the series is also concerned with the complex web of chemical and biological events that give rise to toxin-induced symptoms and disease. The new technologies that are being harnessed to analyze and understand these events will also be reviewed by leading workers in the field.

Advances in Molecular Toxicology will report progress in all aspects of these rapidly evolving molecular aspects of toxicology with a view toward detailed elucidation of both progress on the molecular level and on advances in technological approaches employed.

Cutting-edge reviews by leading workers in the discipline

In-depth dissection of molecular aspects of interest to a broad range of scientists, physicians and any student in the allied disciplines

Leading edge applications of technological innovations in chemistry, biochemistry and molecular medicine

Key Topics Covered:

Metal-independent Pathways of Chlorinated Phenol/Quinone Toxicity

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Research and Markets: Advances in Molecular Toxicology, Vol 5

(Part III)

Primum Non NocerePrimarily, do no harm. This is the principal dictum of Dr. Samuel D. Bernal, MD, PHP, JD, MBA.

Board-certified and diplomate of the American Board of International Medicine and a fellow of Harvard Medical School, this doctor of chemistry, oncology and human biochemistry, health and regulatory law (specifically medical malpractice) holds offices in Los Angeles, Prague and Manila.

His name is synonymous with personalized molecular medicine, the heart of which evolves around stem cells.

Dr. Bernal pioneered in the analysis of the electrical energy of the cell in the living state. And thus, in his regimen, which includes 300 mixes of vitamins, minerals, proteins and essential fats, the electrical production of the mitochondria is ensured.

Here is the result of our two-hour candid discussion about rejuvenation, health and beauty. While the 120-minute immersion cant give a complete understanding of the vast and complex world of the human body, it was nevertheless enough time to begin to grasp the basic truththat all the power of life rests within us all.

Q: What exactly are stem cells?

Stem cells (SC) are merely a small component of what we call regenerative medicine. And they have the ability to heal and repair the body back to a good health.

Q: Isnt it as simple as injecting stem cells into the human body?

Definitely not. There is the matter of molecular biology. No two individuals are alike. And this makes the idea of injecting a commercially-prepared stem cell solution into your body questionable and even dangerous.

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An expert talks about stem cells

London, October 1 (ANI): Though the two proteins previously found to contribute to ALS have divergent roles, a common pathway links them.

This is according to a new study, led by researchers at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

The discovery reveals a small set of target genes that could be used to measure the health of motor neurons, and provides a useful tool for development of new pharmaceuticals to treat the devastating disorder, which currently has no treatment or cure.

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by premature degeneration of motor neurons, resulting in a progressive, fatal paralysis in patients.

The two proteins that contribute to the disease - FUS/TLS and TDP-43 - bind to ribonucleic acid (RNA), intermediate molecules that translate genetic information from DNA to proteins.

In normal cells, both TDP-43 and FUS/TLS are found in the nucleus where they help maintain proper levels of RNA. In the majority of ALS patients, however, these proteins instead accumulate in the cell's cytoplasm - the liquid that separates the nucleus from the outer membrane, and thus are excluded from the nucleus, which prevents them from performing their normal duties.

Since the proteins are in the wrong location in the cell, they are unable to perform their normal function, according to the study's lead authors, Kasey R. Hutt, Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne and Magdalini Polymenidou.

"In diseased motor neurons where TDP-43 is cleared from the nucleus and forms cytoplasmic aggregates," the researchers wrote, "we saw lower protein levels of three genes regulated by TDP-43 and FUS/TLS. We predicted that this, based on our mouse studies, and found the same results in neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells."

In 2011, this team of UC San Diego scientists discovered that more than one-third of the genes in the brains of mice are direct targets of TDP-43, affecting the functions of these genes. In the new study, they compared the impact of the FUS/TLS protein to that of TDP-43, hoping to find a large target overlap.

"Surprisingly, instead we saw a relatively small overlap, and the common RNA targets genes contained exceptionally long introns, or non-coding segments. The set is comprised of genes that are important for synapse function," said principal investigator Gene Yeo, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the Institute for Genomic Medicine at UC San Diego and a visiting professor at the Molecular Engineering Laboratory in Singapore.

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Culprits behind ALS and dementia share common pathway

Public release date: 30-Sep-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Debra Kain ddkain@ucsd.edu 619-543-6163 University of California - San Diego

Two proteins previously found to contribute to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, have divergent roles. But a new study, led by researchers at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, shows that a common pathway links them.

The discovery reveals a small set of target genes that could be used to measure the health of motor neurons, and provides a useful tool for development of new pharmaceuticals to treat the devastating disorder, which currently has no treatment or cure.

Funded in part by the National Institutes of Health and the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the study will be published in the advance online edition of Nature Neuroscience on September 30.

ALS is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder characterized by premature degeneration of motor neurons, resulting in a progressive, fatal paralysis in patients.

The two proteins that contribute to the disease FUS/TLS and TDP-43 bind to ribonucleic acid (RNA), intermediate molecules that translate genetic information from DNA to proteins. In normal cells, both TDP-43 and FUS/TLS are found in the nucleus where they help maintain proper levels of RNA. In the majority of ALS patients, however, these proteins instead accumulate in the cell's cytoplasm the liquid that separates the nucleus from the outer membrane, and thus are excluded from the nucleus, which prevents them from performing their normal duties.

Since the proteins are in the wrong location in the cell, they are unable to perform their normal function, according to the study's lead authors, Kasey R. Hutt, Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne and Magdalini Polymenidou. "In diseased motor neurons where TDP-43 is cleared from the nucleus and forms cytoplasmic aggregates," the authors wrote, "we saw lower protein levels of three genes regulated by TDP-43 and FUS/TLS. We predicted that this, based on our mouse studies, and found the same results in neurons derived from human embryonic stem cells."

In 2011, this team of UC San Diego scientists discovered that more than one-third of the genes in the brains of mice are direct targets of TDP-43, affecting the functions of these genes. In the new study, they compared the impact of the FUS/TLS protein to that of TDP-43, hoping to find a large target overlap.

"Surprisingly, instead we saw a relatively small overlap, and the common RNA targets genes contained exceptionally long introns, or non-coding segments. The set is comprised of genes that are important for synapse function," said principal investigator Gene Yeo, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and the Institute for Genomic Medicine at UC San Diego and a visiting professor at the Molecular Engineering Laboratory in Singapore. "Loss of this common overlapping set of genes is evidence of a common pathway that appears to contribute to motor neuron degeneration."

Read more from the original source:

Common RNA pathway found in ALS and dementia

This shows a colony of induced pluripotent stem cells. Blue fluorescence indicates cell nuclei; red and green are markers of pluripotency. Credit: Image: Courtesy of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Salk scientists have identified a unique molecular signature in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), "reprogrammed" cells that show great promise in regenerative medicine thanks to their ability to generate a range of body tissues.

In this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Salk scientists and their collaborators at University of California, San Diego, report that there is a consistent, signature difference between embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. The findings could help overcome hurdles to using the induced stem cells in regenerative medicine.

"We believe that iPSCs hold a great potential for the treatment of human patients," says Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, a professor in Salk's Gene Expression Laboratory and the senior author on the paper. "Yet we must thoroughly understand the molecular mechanisms governing their safety profile in order to be confident of their function in the human body. With the discovery of these small, yet apparent, epigenetic differences, we believe that we are now one step closer to that goal."

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are known for their "pluripotency," the ability to differentiate into nearly any cell in the body. Because of this ability, it has long been thought that ESCs would be ideal to customize for therapeutic uses. However, when ESCs mature into specific cell types, and are then transplanted into a patient, they may elicit immune responses, potentially causing the patient to reject the cells.

In 2006, scientists discovered how to revert mature cells, which had already differentiated into particular cell types, such as skin cells or hair cells, back into a pluripotent state. These "induced pluripotent stem cells" (iPSCs), which could be developed from the patient's own cells, would theoretically carry no risk of immune rejection.

However, scientists found that iPSCs had molecular differences from embryonic stem cells. Specifically, there were epigenetic changes, chemical modifications in DNA that might alter genetic activity. At certain points in the iPSC's genome, scientists could see the presence of different patterns of methyl groups when compared to the genomes of ESCs. It seemed these changes occurred randomly.

Izpisua Belmonte and his colleagues wanted to understand more about these differences. Were they truly random, or was there a discernable pattern?

Unlike previous studies, which had primarily analyzed iPSCs derived from only one mature type of cells (mainly connective tissue cells called fibroblasts), the Salk and UCSD researchers examined iPSCs derived from six different mature cell types to see if there were any commonalities. They discovered that while there were hundreds of unpredictable changes, there were some that remained consistent across the cell types: the same nine genes were associated with these common changes in all iPSCs.

"We knew there were differences between iPSCs and ESCs," says Sergio Ruiz, first author of the paper, "We now have an identifying mark for what they are."

More:

Discovery of reprogramming signature may help further stem cell-based regenerative medicine research

SAINT GENIS POUILLY, France, September 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Highlights

Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA), a fast growing international player in Molecular Nuclear Medicine (MNM), announces the initiation of an international Phase III clinical trial evaluating the effect of Lutathera, an investigational peptide, in patients with inoperable progressive midgut carcinoid. The study will be conducted at multiple centres in Europe and North America. The first European patient was enrolled on July 20th 2012 in Madrid, Spain. The FDA approved the trial on September 10th and the first patient is expected to be enrolled in the US during the fourth quarter of 2012.

Stefano Buono, Chief Executive Officer of AAA, commented: "We believe Lutatherarepresents a promising new treatment for patients withthisdisease and other Neuro Endocrine Tumours (NETs). Previous investigator sponsored studies in Europe, Asia and Australia have produced very encouraging data in thousands of patients and as resultLutatherahas been approved, on a named patient basis, for pre-marketing sales in selected European countries."

Study Design

The study, known as NETTER-1, is a Phase III, international, multi-center, randomised, comparator-controlled, parallel-group study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Lutathera compared to Novartis' Sandostatin LAR in patients with inoperable, progressive, somatostatin receptor positive, midgut carcinoid tumors. The primary endpoint is the assessment of Progression-Free Survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints include safety, Objective Response Rate (ORR), Time to Tumour Progression (TTP), Overall Survival (OS) and Quality of Life (QoL).

The trial, which is being managed in collaboration with Pierrel Research International, will be conducted at 28 centres across Europe and 14 centres in the USA.

About Lutathera[]

Lutathera, [177]Lutetium-DOTA[0]-Tyr[3]-Octreotate, is a radiolabeled somatostatin analog that selectively targets somatostatin receptors which are over-expressed in some tumor types.

It acts like a Trojan horse, delivering [177]Lu directly into the tumour cell. [177]Lu is an instable particle that releases an electron which, as in radiotherapy, is capable of killing the tumors. It also releases a gamma ray, which exits the body and enables physicians to image and evaluate the progress of the treatment via a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) camera. Lutathera is a true example of a Theragnostic drug, since its efficacy can be evaluated and monitored using imaging at every therapeutic injection, without additional costs.

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Start of Pivotal Phase III Trial for Lutathera® in Cancer Patients With Progressive Midgut Carcinoid

ScienceDaily (Sep. 18, 2012) Salk scientists have identified a unique molecular signature in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), "reprogrammed" cells that show great promise in regenerative medicine thanks to their ability to generate a range of body tissues.

In this week's Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Salk scientists and their collaborators at University of California, San Diego, report that there is a consistent, signature difference between embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. The findings could help overcome hurdles to using the induced stem cells in regenerative medicine.

"We believe that iPSCs hold a great potential for the treatment of human patients," says Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte, a professor in Salk's Gene Expression Laboratory and the senior author on the paper. "Yet we must thoroughly understand the molecular mechanisms governing their safety profile in order to be confident of their function in the human body. With the discovery of these small, yet apparent, epigenetic differences, we believe that we are now one step closer to that goal."

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are known for their "pluripotency," the ability to differentiate into nearly any cell in the body. Because of this ability, it has long been thought that ESCs would be ideal to customize for therapeutic uses. However, when ESCs mature into specific cell types, and are then transplanted into a patient, they may elicit immune responses, potentially causing the patient to reject the cells.

In 2006, scientists discovered how to revert mature cells, which had already differentiated into particular cell types, such as skin cells or hair cells, back into a pluripotent state. These "induced pluripotent stem cells" (iPSCs), which could be developed from the patient's own cells, would theoretically carry no risk of immune rejection.

However, scientists found that iPSCs had molecular differences from embryonic stem cells. Specifically, there were epigenetic changes, chemical modifications in DNA that might alter genetic activity. At certain points in the iPSC's genome, scientists could see the presence of different patterns of methyl groups when compared to the genomes of ESCs. It seemed these changes occurred randomly.

Izpisua Belmonte and his colleagues wanted to understand more about these differences. Were they truly random, or was there a discernable pattern?

Unlike previous studies, which had primarily analyzed iPSCs derived from only one mature type of cells (mainly connective tissue cells called fibroblasts), the Salk and UCSD researchers examined iPSCs derived from six different mature cell types to see if there were any commonalities. They discovered that while there were hundreds of unpredictable changes, there were some that remained consistent across the cell types: the same nine genes were associated with these common changes in all iPSCs.

"We knew there were differences between iPSCs and ESCs," says Sergio Ruiz, first author of the paper, "We now have an identifying mark for what they are."

The therapeutic significance of these nine genes awaits further research. The importance of the current study is that it gives stem cells researchers a new and more precise understanding of iPSCs.

See the article here:

Discovery of reprogramming signature may help overcome barriers to stem cell-based regenerative medicine

The two internationally renowned physician-scientists will help guide NexDx's development of molecular diagnostics in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.San Diego, CA (PRWEB) September 14, 2012 NexDx, Inc. (http://www.nexdx.com), a science driven molecular diagnostics company providing next generation products and services for personalized medicine in rheumatoid arthritis and ...

View post:

NexDx Appoints V. Michael Holers, M.D. and Robert Plenge, M.D., Ph.D. to Scientific Advisory Board

Health Home>>>> Written by: Dr. W. Gifford-Jones, QMI Agency Sep. 8, 2012

Several months ago I reported on a unique drug, Neo40, which has now been approved by Health Canada. To find out more about Neo40, which is available in health food stores, I interviewed Dr. Nathan Bryan, professor of Molecular Medicine at the University of Texas Health Center in Houston and creator of the formula.

G-J: What is Neo40?

NB: Neo40 is a lozenge that contains L-Citrulline, an amino acid derived from protein, vitamin C, beet root and hawthorn, a potent combination that produces nitric oxide. Early in life our bodies manufacture large amounts of nitric oxide (NO). But after age 40 production of NO decreases. This sets the stage for hypertension, kidney dysfunction, diabetes, heart attack or stroke, just to name a few major illnesses. It's called the "miracle molecule" because it helps so many diverse problems.

NB: The discovery of NO resulted in a Nobel Prize for three U.S. scientists and now over 130,000 scientific papers about this molecule have been published in medical literature. NO is produced in the inner lining of all blood vessels. Lay a single layer of these cells on a flat surface and it would occupy a soccer field. The cells cause arteries to relax, thus lowering blood pressure. But with insufficient NO, arteries constrict, resulting in hypertension, bringing increased pressure in the heart and other organs.

G-J: But there must be more to NO than the dilation of blood vessels.

NB: Experiments show that NO prevents blood platelets from sticking together, decreases plaque formation and chronic inflammation in arteries, all factors that increase the risk of heart attack. Other research shows NO lowers triglycerides, bad cholesterol, and raises good cholesterol. And it prevents bone destruction from osteoclasts.

G-J: Can N0 help the epidemic of type 2 diabetes?

NB: High blood sugar destroys the circulatory system and 50% of diabetes patients die of heart attack. Diabetes causes insulin resistance which makes it hard for glucose to enter cells. Raising NO levels helps to control these problems and also decreases the risk of diabetic ulcers and gangrene of the legs by improving blood flow.

G-J: Does NO help other conditions?

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Neo40: Is it a miracle supplement?

The section chief of molecular medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Dr. Richard Loeser Jr., has received a $1.89 million federal grant for his research.

The Method to Extend Research in Time grant comes from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

The funding will be applied to Loeser's research in osteoarthritis, providing for five years of research funding, with the potential for up to five additional years of funding.

The grants support "investigators whose research competence and productivity are distinctly superior and who are highly likely to continue to perform in an outstanding manner," according to the institute's website. Candidates are identified by program staff and members of the relevant institute's section as research grant applications are being reviewed.

"Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic disability in older adults, but treatments to slow the progression of the disease are lacking," Loeser said.

"The results from this project will provide new information about basic mechanisms relevant to cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis. We need this information in order to discover new targets and develop new therapies for slowing or stopping the progression of the disease."

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Doctor gets grant for osteoarthritis research

Public release date: 31-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: bachtler@mdc-berlin.de bachtler@mdc-berlin.de 49-309-406-3896 Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

The presence of specific autoantibodies of the immune system is associated with blood vessel damage in the brain. These findings were made by Marion Bimmler, a graduate engineer of medical laboratory diagnostics at the Max Delbrck Center for Molecular Medicine Berlin-Buch and Dr. Peter Karczewski of the biotech company E.R.D.E.-AAK-Diagnostik GmbH in studies on a rat model. The researchers' results suggest that autoimmune mechanisms play a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia (PloS ONE, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0041602)*.

Antibodies are the defense molecules of the body's immune system against foreign invaders. If the antibodies cease to distinguish between "foreign" and "self", they attack the cells of the own body, and are thus referred to as autoantibodies. These can trigger autoimmune diseases. Using MR angiography and other methods, Marion Bimmler and her colleagues have now shown that the autoantibodies bind to specific surface proteins (alpha1 andrenergic receptors) of vascular cells and thereby damage the blood vessels of the brain. The reason: The autoantibodies generate a continual stimulation of the receptor and at the same time trigger an increase in intracellular calcium ion levels. As a result, the blood vessel walls thicken, and blood flow to the brain is disturbed.

First Encouraging Results after Removal of Autoantibodies by Immunoadsorption

In earlier studies, Marion Bimmler and her research team examined blood samples of patients with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia and showed that half of them had comparable autoantibodies. A first clinical trial together with Charit Universittsmedizin Berlin is currently ongoing with a collective of patients with Alzheimer's or vascular dementia. The patients were divided into two groups a small group whose autoantibodies were removed from the blood via immunoadsorption and a control group that did not receive this treatment. Until now, over an observation period of 6 and subsequently 12 months, the patient group who had undergone immunoadsorption improved in their memory performance and in their ability to cope with their everyday lives. In contrast, the condition of the patients who did not receive immunoadsorption treatment and continued to have autoantibodies in their blood deteriorated dramatically. Now the researchers are planning further clinical trials with larger numbers of patients.

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*Antibodies to the 1-Adrenergic Receptor Cause Vascular Impairments in Rat Brain as Demonstrated by Magnetic Resonance Angiography

Peter Karczewski, E.R.D.E.-AAK-Diagnostik GmbH, Berlin, Germany Andreas Pohlmann, Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany Babette Wagenhaus, Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany Natali Wisbrun, Animal Facilities, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany Petra Hempel, E.R.D.E.-AAK-Diagnostik GmbH, Berlin, Germany Bernd Lemke, IT Department, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany Rudolf Kunze, E.R.D.E. e.V., Berlin, Germany Thoralf Niendorf, Berlin Ultrahigh Field Facility (B.U.F.F.), Max Delbrck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany Marion Bimmler, Autoimmunity and G Protein-Coupled Receptors, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany

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Autoantibodies damage blood vessels in the brain

Ottawa Rowing Clubs Morgan Jarvis is an accidental Olympic athlete.

The Winnipeg-born Jarvis retired as a high-performance rower in 2005 to focus on his university education, which led to a BSc in biology, a masters in molecular medicine and his Juris Doctor law degree, all from Queens University.

After he shifted his academic career focus to law from medicine, he earned a summer job at the Ottawa law firm of Gowlings, but continued to maintain his early-morning, late-afternoon participation in rowing.

When Gowlings lawyer Frank Mulock learned about Jarviss talents as a rower bronze medallist in lightweight quad sculls at the 2005 world championships and a bronze winner in lightweight double sculls at the 2004 and 2005 world U23 championships he wondered why there was nothing on his resume about the Summer Olympics.

Jarvis replied that striving for such a monumental goal required a huge time and financial commitment, plus he didnt want to sacrifice losing an articling opportunity at Gowlings.

Mulock tried to get Jarvis to think about chasing the Olympic dream by putting rowing articles on his desk chair during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

On the water, Jarviss training and race results at a much lower level were productive, which allowed him to think he might have a chance to make the Olympic team.

He looked at his athletic career and said: Why not? Why not be the best you can be?

The support and encouragement Jarvis received at Gowlings brought him to a career crossroads. In 2010, he approached Gowlings and asked if he could delay his articling for two years until the fall of 2012. That would give him two years to train for the Games and then allow him start his articling.

Gowlings overwhelming approved of Jarviss Olympic journey.

Link:

Cleary: For Olympic rower, the law could wait

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Today Firefly BioWorks announced the election of Victor R. Ambros, Ph.D. to the companys Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Ambros is the Silverman Professor of Natural Sciences in the Program in Molecular Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and serves as co-director of the RNA Therapeutics Institute at UMass Medical. His laboratory focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of gene regulation by microRNAs and how microRNAs function in regulatory networks affecting development and disease. The Ambros lab identified the first microRNA in 1993, while characterizing a genetic locus involved in the control of developmental timing in C. elegans. Since then, his research group has focused on the role of microRNAs in development. Dr. Ambros completed his Ph.D. at MIT, under the supervision of Prof. David Baltimore, and his postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Prof. H. Robert Horvitz. He became a faculty member at Harvard University in 1984, moved to Dartmouth College in 1992, and joined the faculty at UMass Medical School in 2008. Dr. Ambros is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and was named co-recipient of the 2008 Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research, with Dr. Gary B. Ruvkun and Dr. David C. Baulcombe, for his work on the discovery of microRNAs.

Our decision to invite Dr. Ambros to our Scientific Advisory Board emerged naturally from our desire to build an outstanding organization working at the forefront of microRNA research, said Davide Marini, Ph.D., Firefly co-founder and CEO. Our goal is to provide scientists with innovative, powerful and affordable tools for engaging those ambitious scientific questions that are currently addressable only by well-funded institutions. We believe turning this vision into reality requires learning from the pioneers in our field, so we are thrilled by the opportunity to learn from Prof. Ambros. In the long term, we plan to develop products that accelerate our understanding of biological systems, enable personalized medicine and ultimately increase our appreciation for the extraordinary complexity of life.

Over the past several months, Prof. Ambros has beta-tested and provided feedback on the companys first product, the FirePlex microRNA assay. It has been a great pleasure to interact with the brilliant minds of Professor Ambros, Rosalind Lee, and the other members of the Ambros Lab, said Daniel Pregibon, Firefly co-founder and CTO. We were impressed by how deeply and rapidly Prof. Ambros grasped the technical details and realized the long-term potential of our technology. We are thrilled to have him join the Firefly team and honored by the opportunity to learn from such an insightful and humble person.

The companys Scientific Advisory Board also includes MIT Professor Patrick Doyle, Firefly co-founder and technology co-inventor, and Dr. David Bartel, Professor of Biology at MIT, Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator and member of the Whitehead Institute. Prof. Bartel studies the biological roles of microRNAs and how microRNAs recognize their regulatory targets. His computational and experimental analyses have supported the view that microRNAs have a widespread influence on mammalian gene expression and help to define the various mammalian cell types. Experiments by Bartel and his collaborators have shown that microRNAs play important roles during brain and blood cell development and have illustrated how the microRNA regulation of a cancer gene helps prevent tumors.

Victors discovery of the first microRNA helped change the way we think of gene regulation, said Dr. Bartel, and since then he has been a thought leader in this new and exciting field. Firefly will benefit tremendously from his involvement.

Firefly BioWorks develops and manufactures universally readable assays for multiplexed biomarker detection, with applications in life sciences research and clinical diagnostics. The Firefly platform enables detection of clinically relevant biomolecules with an unprecedented combination of performance, throughput and cost. Firefly products are instrument-independent: assays can be performed on standard laboratory equipment, such as flow cytometers, microarray scanners and fluorescence microscopes. Firefly assays require less sample preparation, provide higher performance and more versatility than any existing solution for microRNA profiling. Firefly gratefully acknowledges funding from the Small Business Innovation Research Program at the National Cancer Institute and the Small Business Matching Grant Program from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center.

Prof. Ambros honoraria will be donated to Partners in Health, a Boston-based charitable organization providing quality health care to people and communities devastated by joint burdens of poverty and disease.

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Victor Ambros Joins Firefly BioWorks’ Scientific Advisory Board