"Excellence in Nutrition" The DNA Diet Weight Control System
Attended a 2 day conference on the Future of Genomic Medicine at Scripps. The Keynote speaker was J Craig Venter who blew my mind as usual. He expanded our awareness of genomics to the vast numbers of microbial genes that live in and on us. Estimated at 10 million – most in our mouth and digestive tract. – the human microbiome.
Human Microbiome
A huge and growing database of DNA in bar code format is being compiled at www.barcodinglife.org. There are currently over 700,000 different entries of all life forms including plants. The Third International Barcoding of Life conference formally unveiled Version 2.5 of this database that now includes very short genetic sequences enabling scanning using the black stripes of a Universal Product Code. The DNA of Life or the ultimate taxonomy tool.
Stan Nelson a genetics researcher and director of UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, senior author of PLOS article identifying a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This is the first time a GBM cell line has had its whole genome sequenced. They used U87MG, a well studied line derived from a grade IV gliomaBy comparing SNPs in the cell line genome with those found in dbSNP and two previously published genomes — the Watson genome and first Asian genome — they found that the prevalence of SNPs in the U87MG genome was comparable to that in normal genomes. “Most of the variation is still dominated by the inherited polymorphisms,” Nelson explained. Even so, the team detected mutations affecting 512 protein-coding genes, including PTEN, a gene previously implicated in brain cancer. Many of these involve small insertions and deletions. As the brain is encased in a rigid skull structure, speed and accuracy of treatment decisions is crucial and this research will significantly add to the personalization of future treatments of those with this aggressive brain tumor.
A new technique of identifying distinctive signals in the genome that track natural selection is described by Harvard researchers and the Broad Institute. It is called Composite of Multiple Signals and allows a more specific identification of genetic changes teasing out needles from the haystack even further.
Certificate in Preventing Childhood Obesity: an Ecological Approach from Cornell University, Division of Nutritional Sciences, 2009
A member of the American Cancer Society California Division Board of Directors and Los Angeles Regional Council and representative of the Society for the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Ms Katzin serves on the UCLA School of Public Health Dean's Advisory Board (Chair 1999-2005) and the Wellness Community West Los Angeles Medical and Scientific Advisory Board.
