Study details regulation of vital tumor suppressor gene p53

lewis submitted, created time 1 year 4 months (www.eurekalert.org)

So vital is the p53 tumor suppressor gene in controlling cancer that its dysfunction is linked to more than half of human cancers. Now, a just-published study reveals new levels of subtlety in the body's management of this all-important tumor suppressor gene and the protein it produces.

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Researchers witness natural selection at work in dramatic comeback of male butterflies

bianjie submitted, created time 1 year 5 months (www.eurekalert.org)

When an invasive bacteria ravaged the male embryos of the Blue Moon butterfly, it left populations that were nearly entirely female. But the males made an extraordinary comeback, going from 1 percent to 39 percent of the population in less than a year. Researchers at UC Berkeley and elsewhere witnessed this resurgence, and credited it to the rise of a suppressor gene that stopped the male-killing bacteria in its tracks.

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Mailman School of Public Health researchers report blood DNA can be early predictor of liver cancer

alpha submitted, created time 1 year 8 months (www.biologynews.net)

"Researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health have discovered a means for early detection of liver cancer. Using DNA isolated from serum samples as a baseline biomarker, the scientists examined changes in certain tumor suppressor genes that have been associated with the development of liver carcinomas. This is the first study to prospectively examine potential biomarkers for early detection of liver cancer in high-risk populations, including those with chronic hepatitis B and C virus infections."

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