Lessons From the Mouse

A reminder of the role of the laboratory mouse in aging research: “Aging, which affects all organ systems, is one of the most complex phenotypes. Recent discoveries in long-lived mutant mice have revealed molecular mechanisms of longevity in mammals which may contribute to our understanding of why humans age. These mutations include naturally-occurring spontaneous mutations, and those of mice genetically modified by modern genomic technologies. It is generally believed that the most fundamental mechanisms of aging are evolutionarily conserved across species. The following types of longevity mechanisms have been intensively studied: suppression of the somatotropic (growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1) axis, decreased metabolism and increased resistance of oxidative stress, reduced insulin secretion and increased insulin sensitivity, and delayed reproductive maturation and reduced fertility. In addition, many of the mutations have a sex-dependent effect on lifespan, and when present in different genetic backgrounds, the effects of the same gene mutation can vary considerably. … We anticipate that these mouse studies will ultimately provide clues about how to delay the aging and prolong lifespan, and help to develop therapies for healthier human aging.”

View the Article Under Discussion: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20667513

Read More Longevity Meme Commentary: http://www.longevitymeme.org/news/

Aging of the Innate Immune System

The innate immune system declines with age, just like the adaptive immune system. The details are different: “The innate immune system is composed of a network of cells including neutrophils, NK and NKT cells, monocytes/macrophages, and dendritic cells that mediate the earliest interactions with pathogens. Age-associated defects are observed in the activation of all of these cell types, linked to compromised signal transduction pathways including the Toll-like Receptors. However, aging is also characterized by a constitutive pro-inflammatory environment (inflamm-aging) with persistent low-grade innate immune activation that may augment tissue damage caused by infections in elderly individuals. Thus, immunosenescence in the innate immune system appears to reflect dysregulation, rather than exclusively impaired function.” Understanding the cause of the problem steers the search for solutions. Dysregulation means that the focus is on fixing errant signaling mechanisms, or on finding ways to directly instruct cells to act or not act. Cell transplants or repairs are not much use if the problem actually lies in the control systems.

View the Article Under Discussion: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20667703

Read More Longevity Meme Commentary: http://www.longevitymeme.org/news/

Resveratrol Found to Suppress Inflammation, Free Radicals

Resveratrol, a popular anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant extract, appears also to suppress inflammation in humans, based on results from the first prospective human trial of the extract conducted by University at Buffalo endocrinologists.

PREVIEW CALENDAR

EventsEAST BAY East Bay SPCA — “Fanciful Bunny,” 11 a.m. Aug. 7 adoptions, 4-5 p.m. art reception. Buy a work of art and adopt a bunny. 4651 Gleason Drive, Dublin.

SynCo Bio Partners extends collaboration with Versartis

SynCo Bio Partners today announced an extension of its successful collaboration with Versartis, Inc. following the recent initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with monthly dosing of VRS-859. This news comes less than 12 months since the parties entered into a strategic partnership to manufacture Versartis’ lead product VRS-859 (exenatide-XTEN).

Competitive Technologies’ Calmare(R) Pain Therapy Device Treating Patients at Commonwealth Pain Specialists

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Competitive Technologies, Inc. announced today that Commonwealth Pain Specialists, the premier pain management center in Richmond and Central Virginia, is treating patients suffering from chronic, intense neuropathic pain using CTT’s Calmare Pain Therapy medical device.

Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy may protect women against brain aneurysms

Results from a new study suggest that oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may yield additional benefit of protecting against the formation and rupture of brain aneurysms in women. The findings from this first-of-its-kind study by a neurointerventional expert from Rush University Medical Center were presented at the Society of Neurointerventional Surgery (SNIS) 7th annual …

New adenovirus induces response

Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology 7, 422 (2010). doi:10.1038/nrclinonc.2010.109

Author: Lisa Hutchinson
The antitumor efficacy of oncolytic viruses can be influenced by the immune system. Adenoviruses are among the most advanced cancer gene therapy approaches; however, despite evidence of activity of these agents in clinical trials, single-agent efficacy has been disappointing. Researchers from Helsinki generated an oncolytic (Source: Nature Clinical Practice Oncology)

Adeno-associated virus gene transfer in Morquio A disease – effect of promoters and sulfatase-modifying factor 1

Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IVA is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme N-acetylgalatosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS), which leads to the accumulation of keratan sulfate and chondroitin 6-sulfate, mainly in bone. To explore the possibility of gene therapy for Morquio A disease, we transduced the GALNS gene into HEK293 cells, human MPS IVA fibroblasts and murine MPS IVA chondrocytes by using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors, which carry human GALNS cDNA. The effects of the promoter and the cotransduction with the sulfatase-modifying factor 1 gene (SUMF1) on GALNS activity levels was evaluated. Downregulation of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early enhancer/promoter was not observed for 10 days post-transduction. The eukaryotic promot…

Naked DNA expressing two isoforms of hepatocyte growth factor induces collateral artery augmentation in a rabbit model of limb ischemia

Authors: W-B Pyun, W Hahn, D-S Kim, W-S Yoo, S-D Lee, J-H Won, B-S Rho, Z-Y Park, J-M Kim
& S Kim (Source: Gene Therapy)

Clearance and characterization of residual HSV DNA in recombinant adeno-associated virus produced by an HSV complementation system

Authors: G-J Ye, M M Scotti, J Liu, L Wang, D R Knop
& G Veres (Source: Gene Therapy)

Efficient delivery of DNA vaccines using human papillomavirus pseudovirions

Authors: S Peng, A Monie, T H Kang, C-F Hung, R Roden
& T-C Wu (Source: Gene Therapy)

Carving the CAR

Authors: S R Riddell
& U Protzer (Source: Gene Therapy)

Winners and losers and oncolytic adenoviruses: who should be down in the mouth?

Winners and losers and oncolytic adenoviruses: who should be down in the mouth?

Gene Therapy advance online publication, July 29, 2010. doi:10.1038/gt.2010.98

Author: K J Harrington (Source: Gene Therapy)

Internet Explorer 9 Beta is Due in September

According to Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner, Microsoft is getting ready to roll out IE version 9 in September. As per some leaked report, Microsoft is expected to release the Beta version in August. The Beta is supposed to feature more user interfaces. The Web Developers are keenly waiting for the new browser. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Internet Explorer 9 Beta is Due in September.

Top 5 Cheapest 3G Mobile Phones in India 2010

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3G technology is fast changing the cellular landscape of India with high-speed transmission, advanced multimedia access and worldwide roaming. With government owned mobile service provider BSNL’s 3G service India’s mobile phone market is pepped up with lightning speed 3G technology. The arrival of 3G Spectrum auction opens up a new road map for next-generation …. Original source  : Top 5 Cheapest 3G Mobile Phones in India 2010.

Google has spent $1.1 billion snapping up 22 companies through first half of year

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Google’s 2010 shopping spree has cost $1.1B so far
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Google Inc. has spent $1.1 billion during the first half of the year buying up 22 companies, with more than half of the amount going toward its recently completed acquisition of mobile ad service AdMob.
The financial breakdown was part of a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Google has spent $1.1 billion snapping up 22 companies through first half of year.

Dish Network to file complaint with FCC that Comcast is blocking access to Philly sports

Dish to FCC: Comcast blocking Philly sports access

PHILADELPHIA — Dish Network Corp. said Friday it’s planning to file a complaint soon with federal regulators against Comcast Corp. for its refusal to provide access to a sports channel that airs games by the Philadelphia 76ers, Phillies and Flyers.
The satellite TV company asked Comcast last month to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Dish Network to file complaint with FCC that Comcast is blocking access to Philly sports.

Motorola spent $880,000 in second quarter to lobby government on minerals, patents

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Motorola spent $880,000 lobbying in second quarter
WASHINGTON — Motorola Inc., the maker of cell phones and other telecommunications equipment, spent $880,000 in the first quarter to lobby the federal government on laws such as those that sought to discourage electronics manufacturers from using minerals from rebel-held mines in the Congo, according to a … Original article on : Motorola spent $880,000 in second quarter to lobby government on minerals, patents.

Nokia spent $150,000 in second quarter to lobby US government on patents and other issues

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Nokia spent $150,000 on lobbying in second quarter
WASHINGTON — Nokia Inc., the world’s largest maker of cell phones, spent $150,000 in the second quarter to lobby the U.S. federal government on patents, the use of minerals from rebel-held mines in the Congo and other issues, according to a disclosure report.
That’s slightly less than … Read more »»».