Using a novel methodology, the researchers successfully cloned and sequenced 89 human microRNAs, nearly doubling the number sequenced in man to date.
MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of tiny regulatory genes, comprised in the 98% of the genome that does not encode proteins, which until recently were considered 'Junk DNA'. Numerous recent studies have shown microRNA genes, far from being 'junk', are in fact of central importance, regulating at least 30% of all proteins, and involved in a wide range of diseases, including diabetes, obesity, viral diseases, and various types of cancer.
"The finding of large numbers of primate specific microRNAs is exciting because it supports the notion that microRNAs may indeed play an important role in the evolution of complexity of higher organisms," said Aaron Ciechanover, Nobel prize laureate 2004, and Chairman of Rosetta Genomics' Scientific Advisory Board. "We believe that these genes may serve as an important basis for next generation diagnostics and therapeutics."
"We are extremely pleased to report our success in nearly doubling the number of human microRNAs sequenced to date, results which we believe establish Rosetta Genomics as a leading player in discovery of microRNA genes," said Isaac Bentwich MD, founder and chairman of Rosetta Genomics and lead investigator of the study. "We are now aggressively pursuing partnerships for development of diagnostics and therapeutics based on this huge group of novel microRNAs."
MicroRNAs are a recently discovered group of non-protein-coding regulatory genes, shown to be involved in a wide range of diseases in addition to neuronal and stem-cell differentiation. MicroRNAs currently are an intensely researched area, and are believed potentially to be the basis for a new class of therapeutic and diagnostic products.
rosettagenomics/
After one year, there were no significant differences among the groups (ApoE4 positive, ApoE4 negative, or no disclosure) on the Center for Epidemiological Studies “Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Overall, 95 percent of participants reported that they would choose risk assessment again, and 82 percent would recommend risk assessment to family or friends.
As new treatments are developed to delay the onset of Alzheimer ™s, it is going to be critical to identify those at greatest risk, Green said. At the same time, it will be very important that genetic risk assessment is done carefully and communicated accurately so individuals feel empowered by the results and are able to maintain a positive outlook and a good quality of life.
Those in the study who tested positive for ApoE4 and were alerted to their genetic status were 5.8 times more likely to have altered their long-term care insurance than individuals who did not receive genotype disclosure.
The study suggests that people who are armed with useful information about their possible future healthcare needs will take steps to protect themselves financially, Green said.
alz/