AGI Breakthrough: Breast Cancer Gene BRCA-1 Plays Vital Role in Skin, Particularly in Repair of Sun Damaged DNA.Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers BIOWIRE2K FREEPORT, N.Y.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 20, 2002 May Lead to Drugs for Prevention of Skin Cancer That Target BRCA-1 Gene AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) A machine intelligence that resembles that of a human being. Considered impossible by many, most artificial intelligence (AI) research, projects and products deal with specific applications such as industrial robots, playing chess, Dermatics, a private biopharmaceutical company focusing on the dermatology and lifestyle enhancement market, will present breakthrough research connecting skin cancer and the BRACA-1 gene at the America Academy of Dermatology, Cutaneous cutaneous /cu·ta·ne·ous/ (ku-ta´ne-us) pertaining to the skin. cu·ta·ne·ous adj. Of, relating to, or affecting the skin. Cutaneous Pertaining to the skin. Tumor Symposium, Monday, Feb. 25, at the Moria Convention Center, New Orleans, LA. Says Daniel Yarosh, PhD, President of AGI Dermatics: "We discovered this new finding as a result of research on our lead drug, T4N T4N Thanks for Nothing 5 Liposome liposome (lī`pəsōm', lĭp`ə–), microscopic, fluid-filled pouch whose walls are made of layers of phospholipids identical to the phospholipids that make up cell membranes. Lotion, which is being developed to help reduce skin cancer by repairing the skin's DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. . When BRCA-1 genes are functioning normally, they help repair damage to DNA and suppress the growth of tumors. Since mutated BRCA-1 genes leave women at higher risk for developing breast cancer, this new link between skin cancer and breast cancer may lead to new drugs for prevention of skin cancer that target the BRCA-1 gene. Researchers at AGI Dermatics were investigating skin cell responses to solar UV when they discovered that BRCA-1 changed after UV exposure and with it the rate of DNA repair. "The role of BRCA-1 in skin is of great importance," Dr. Yarosh adds, "because we know that in breast tissue, a defect in BRCA-1 often leads to breast cancer." He continued, "A study is needed to see if breast cancer patients with mutations in BRCA-1 are at higher risk for skin cancer." In 1994, researchers discovered that women who carry mutations of BRCA-1 are at higher risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer ovarian cancer Malignant tumour of the ovaries. Risk factors include early age of first menstruation (before age 12), late onset of menopause (after age 52), absence of pregnancy, presence of specific genetic mutations, use of fertility drugs, and personal history of breast than women who do not have these genetic mutations. Currently, women with BRCA-1 mutations account for five percent of all breast cancer cases. About AGI Dermatics Applied Genetics, Inc. Dermatics is a private biopharmaceutical company focusing on the dermatology and lifestyle enhancement market. The company invents and acquires new molecular biology molecular biology, scientific study of the molecular basis of life processes, including cellular respiration, excretion, and reproduction. The term molecular biology was coined in 1938 by Warren Weaver, then director of the natural sciences program at the Rockefeller technology and applies it to products for aging and cancer prevention. These products are based on the Company's proprietary drug delivery technology centered on liposomes Liposomes Aqueous compartments enclosed by lipid bilayer membranes; liposomes are also known as lipid vesicles. Phospholipid molecules consist of an elongated nonpolar (hydrophobic) structure with a polar (hydrophilic) structure at one end. for skin. AGI is commercializing products that repair DNA and restore health damaged by age or the environment, tracking the demands of our changing demographics. Among the fields of biotechnology, AGI is a world leader in liposome dermatics, the application of liposome technology to skin, and DNA repair. http://www.agiderm.com. |
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