Evidence for two independent prostate cancer risk-associated loci in the HNF1B gene at 17q12

We carried out a fine-mapping study in the HNF1B gene at 17q12 in two study populations and identified a second locus associated with prostate cancer risk, approximately 26 kb centromeric to the first known locus (rs4430796); these loci are separated by a recombination hot spot. We confirmed the association with a SNP in the second locus (rs11649743) in five additional populations, with P = 1.7 x 10(-9) for an allelic test of the seven studies combined. The association at each SNP remained significant after adjustment for the other SNP.     

A haemagglutinin in the tissue fluid of the Pacific oyster,Crassostrea gigas,with specificity for sialic acid residues in glycoproteins

Summary An agglutinin for human red cells has a specificity for sialic acid and a high affinity for bovine salivary glycoprotein. Digestion of the glycoprotein with Pronase or neuraminidase indicated that binding of sialic acid to receptors in the agglutinin is the first tepp in the mechanism of formation of a stable complex between ligand and receptor.We wish to thank Dr. P. Walne, Conwy Laboratory, MAFF, for generous supplies of Crassostrea gigas. One of us (SWH) wishes to thank the Natural Environment Research Council for financial support.     

C-reactive protein-like precipitins in lumpsucker (Cyclopterus lumpus L.) gametes

Summary A precipitin to pneumococcal and fungal C-substance, found in both ova and spermatozoa from a marine teleost fish, has similarities to mammalian C-reactive protein (CRP). This is the first demonstration of a CRP-like protein in the gametes of any species and adds further interest to the as yet unknown physiological role of CRP in vertebrates.