A cDNA clone for human p53 cellular tumor antigen has been isolated and characterized. This clone contains the complete 3′‐untranslated region and most of the open reading frame for the protein. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that p53 mRNA contains an Alu repeat in the 3′‐untranslated region. Hybridization selection experiments showed this clone was capable of selectively binding p53 mRNA. In vitro translation of SV80 mRNA resulted in the synthesis of two immunoreactive p53 polypeptide species. Northern blot analysis showed that human p53 mRNA was 2.8 kb in length and was present in cell lines containing high and low levels of p53 protein. There appears to be only a single p53 gene in human cells and Southern blot analysis demonstrated no major genomic rearrangements or amplification of the p53 gene in the transformed cell lines examined.

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The human gene for the transformation-associated p53 phosphoprotein (P53) was assigned to the short arm of chromosome 17 using human-rodent somatic cell hybrids and Southern filter hybridization of cell hybrid DNA. The filters were hybridized to radiolabeled DNA from a genomic clone which contained P53 nucleotide sequences. Hybridization of the probe to a 2.5-kb human DNA fragment in HindIII-digested DNA was used to identify the human P53 gene.

As the public debate in Europe about genetically modified (GM) crops heats up and the trade row between the United States and the European Union over GM food escalates, what better time to examine the issues with an international group of experts (Box 1). Their views are diverse, but they all agree that we need more impartial communication, less propaganda and an effective regulatory regime that is based on a careful case-by-case consideration of GM technology. It seems that GM crops are here to stay, so let us hope that these requirements are met and that the developing nations that perhaps have the most to gain from this technology can start to reap its benefits.

On 8 August 2013, vandals destroyed a Philippine “Golden Rice” Field Trial. Officials and staff of the Philippine Department of Agriculture that conduct rice tests for the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) had gathered for a peaceful dialogue. They were taken by surprise when protesters invaded the compound, overwhelmed police and village security, and trampled the rice. Billed as an uprising of farmers, the destruction was actually carried out by protesters trucked in overnight in a dozen jeepneys.

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