Human genetics - One gene, twenty years [Free Stuff]

Human genetics: One gene, twenty years

In the summer of 1989 scientists announced the discovery of the gene that
causes the lethal lung disease cystic fibrosis - the first gene for a human
disease discovered without the help of an already-known protein sequence or
any clue as to its whereabouts. At the time, therapy seemed to be around the
corner.

This Nature News feature asks what has happened in the two decades since the
discovery. Medical progress has been impressive: an American born with
cystic fibrosis today has a life expectancy at least ten years longer than
one born in 1989 did. But many researchers concede that relatively little of
that improvement can be laid at the door of the cystic fibrosis
transmembrane regulator gene, or CFTR.

Access the feature free online for two weeks and listen to this week's
Nature Podcast.

http://links.ealert.nature.com/ctt?kn=8&m=33545507&r=MTc3MDc3NDI0OAS2&b=0&j=NTI4MDE2MDYS1&mt=1&rt=0

Posted by
Robert Karl Stonjek


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