The frequency can be strongly increased by modification of the 5′ triphosphates and 3′ hydroxyls of the recombining RNA molecules to 5′ hydroxyl and 3′ monophosphoryl ends, respectively. Analysis of recombinants that emerged after transfection with such modified RNA molecules revealed a complete integration and efficient end-to-end joining of the recombination partner(s) in at least 80% of recombinants, while unmodified RNA molecules recombined Salubrinal exclusively at internal positions. These results are in line with the hypothesis that endoribonucleolytic cleavage and

a subsequent ligation reaction can cause RNA recombination.”
“After the conclusion of the second five-year period of

the European Science Foundation (ESF) programme on functional genomics, it is time to take stock and evaluate its accomplishments. The programme networked leading scientists from a large number of European countries for strategy discussions about the promotion of functional genomics research, and to arrange scientific meetings and exchange programmes. In brief, I believe this programme has punched above its weight, and that it has successfully contributed to the overall organisation of molecular biosciences in Europe. With a modest annual budget the programme has created several interesting new opportunities, some of which may have yet to show find more their full impact. However, these mini-reviews are intended to provide a personal perspective on this functional genomics effort, and accordingly I focus on my personal experiences from the ESF programme.”
“Background. People with Down’s syndrome (DS) are at high risk for developing dementia in middle age. The biological basis for this is unknown. It has been U0126 in vivo proposed that non-demented adults with DS may undergo accelerated brain ageing.

Method. We used volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and manual tracing

to compare brain anatomy and ageing in 39 non-demented adults with DS and 42 healthy controls.

Results. Individuals with DS had significant differences in brain anatomy. Furthermore, individuals with DS had a significantly greater age-related reduction in volume of frontal, temporal and parietal lobes, and a significantly greater age-related increase in volume of peripheral cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Conclusions. Non-demented adults with DS have differences in brain anatomy and ‘accelerated’ ageing of some brain regions. This may increase their risk for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).”
“Reovirus preferentially replicates in transformed cells and is being explored as a cancer therapy. Immunological and physical barriers to virotherapy inspired a quest for reovirus variants with enhanced oncolytic potency.