Reporter Jan. 20 2012

Protein repairs esophageal DNA damage

A protein involved in repairing DNA damage associated with gastric reflux may play a tumor suppressor role in the esophagus and could represent a target for therapies to combat esophageal cancer.

Alcohol’s molecular mediators

Therapeutic agents focusing on the brain region involved in stress-induced relapse may be effective in preventing relapse in patients with alcohol use disorders.

Pumping up the pancreas in pregnancy

A strain of mutant mice provide a novel model for studying glucose intolerance and gestational diabetes during pregnancy and suggest that certain molecules may be useful for therapeutic applications.

Obesity genes linked to uterine cancer

In addition to body mass index, genetic markers of obesity may provide value in predicting endometrial cancer risk.