- Tandemly repeated DNA sequences, previously labeled as "junk-DNA," can actually influence human traits by regulating gene transcription through structures like variable number tandem repeats (VNTR).
- A study identified somatically variable VNTRs with enhancer-like characteristics located near the gene IFNAR1, revealing genetic diversity among cells from the same individual, particularly in breast cancer patients.
- The findings suggest that these VNTRs might play a role in controlling gene expression within a group of related cytokine receptors and could be linked to diseases such as autoimmune disorders and cancer, highlighting their biological importance.
The results of combined interferon alfacon-1 and ribavirin therapy of 94 patients with chronic hepatitis C were analyzed. Complete data, including sustained viral response (SVR), were obtained in 88 patients. 46.