Project description:Inherited mutations of calcium ion channels exhibit neurological defects, such as epilepsy, ataxia, and migraine, and these phenotypes are shared among humans and mouse models. Absence epilepsy and ataxic phenotypes are present in the calcium channelopathy mutants stargazer (stg-gamma2 subunit), tottering (tg-alpha1 subunit), and lethargic (lh-beta4 subunit). These mutations of high-voltage-activated (HVA) calcium channel subunits initiate increases in membrane excitability of low-voltage-activated (LVA) calcium channels in thalamic neurons, thus enhancing LVA currents. Elevated LVA currents, produced from T-type calcium channels, induce rhythmic thalamocortical burst firing and spike-wave seizures. The changes in gene expression originating from the different mutations result in similar T-type channel function; however, the network of gene modifications causing altered molecular plasticity and the emergence of pathological phenotypes remain unknown. We would like to understand how loss of 3 different subunits of a calcium ion channel differentially alter gene expression in the brain. Characterizing the gene expression profiles of the mutant stg, tg, and lh mice will provide evidence of the epileptic and ataxic mechanisms, which may identify potential therapeutic targets. We will compare the gene expression profiles among adult mutant stg, tg, and lh mice, which display the ataxic and epileptic phenotypes, along with their wildtype, litter-mate controls, in the cerebellum and brain (without cerebellum). We propose that the neuronal dysfunction associated with the ataxic and epileptic phenotypes develops from a common network of interacting gene alterations within the mutant stg, tg, and lh brain. The changes dictated by the initial mutations leading to the ataxic and epileptic phenotypes are hypothesized to be localized to the cerebellum and the remaining areas of the brain, including the thalamus and cortex, respectively. Adult mutant stg, tg, and lh mice, between 2 and 5 months of age, along with wildtype, litter-mate controls, will be sacrificed. Two brain regions responsible for two phenotypes will be examined. The cerebellum (ataxia) will be dissected from remainder of the forebrain (generalized epilepsy). Each tissue set will be collected in triplicate (3 separate mice per set) to account for biological variance, and total RNA isolated via standard Trizol procedure (Invitrogen) and purified with the RNeasy cleanup kit (Qiagen). RNA samples will be stored at -80 C until sent for analysis using the Affymetrix GeneChip Mouse Genome 430 2.0 whole genome array. Keywords: other
Project description:Introduction The early geneticist and psychiatrist Ernst Rüdin (1874-1952) became one of the key figures in the eugenics movement and in the German health system of the Nazi era. His connections in the international eugenics network have played an important role in the history of eugenics. Objective To discuss the connections between Ernst Rüdin's scientific group in Munich and Otmar von Verschuer's group in Frankfurt during the Nazi era. Methods Otorhinolaryngological materials from Ernst Rüdin's former private library are presented, and they show Rüdin's deep involvement in the international eugenics network. These materials provide insights into early medical genetics in otorhinolaryngology. Results One result of the present study is that eugenics groups from Munich, Frankfurt, and New York certainly influenced one another in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Karlheinz Idelberger and Josef Mengele were two scientists who performed hereditary research on orofacial clefts. Later, Mengele became deeply involved in Nazi medical crimes. His former work on orofacial clefts clearly had, to some extent, an influence on subsequent studies. Conclusion An international eugenics network already existed before 1933. However, it becomes clear that the weaknesses of many early genetic studies did not enable its authors to draw firm scientific conclusions, suggesting that scientists lacked an accurate concept of the genetic causes of most illnesses.
Project description:The COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of interventions to provide emotional and psychological support to healthcare workers in many countries. This ecological study aims to describe the strategies implemented in different countries to support healthcare professionals during the outbreak. Data were collected through an online survey about the measures to address the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers. Healthcare professionals, researchers, and academics were invited to respond to the survey. Fifty-six professionals from 35 countries contributed data to this study. Ten countries (28.6%) reported that they did not launch any national interventions. Both developed and developing countries launched similar initiatives. There was no relationship between the existence of any type of initiative in a country with the incidence, lethality, and mortality rates of the country due to COVID-19, and per capita income in 2020. The 24 h hotline for psychological support was the most frequent intervention. Tools for self-rescue by using apps or websites were extensively used, too. Other common interventions were the development of action protocols, availability of regular and updated information, implantation of distance learning systems, early detection of infection programs for professionals, economic reinforcements, hiring of staff reinforcement, and modification of leave and vacation dates.
Project description:To development our gene expression approach, we have employed whole genome microarray expression profiling as a discovery platform to identify genes potentialy regulated by the transcription factor MAX.Human SCLC cell lines waere analyzed for mutations at the MAX locus. Those cell lines that were found mutated in MAX and showed no MAX protein expression were used as a models to restore the expression of MAX transcription factor, and Identify MAX signature on Human SCLC. Human SCLC cell lines were hybridyzed in the following manner according for different conditions (Mock -Ø, MAX, shBRG1, MAX-shBRG1): 3 different biological samples for Mock, 3 different biological samples for MAX, 3 different samples for shBRG1 and 3 replicates of the same sample for MAX-shBRG1.
Project description:Background:Genomic studies have revealed that multiple genes are mutated at varying frequency in endometrial cancer (EC); however, the relevance of many of these mutations is poorly understood. An EC-specific recurrent mutation in the MAX transcription factor p.His28Arg was recently discovered. We sought to assess the functional consequences of this hotspot mutation and determine its association with cancer-relevant phenotypes. Methods:MAX was sequenced in 509 endometrioid ECs, and associations between mutation status and clinicopathologic features were assessed. EC cell lines stably expressing MAXH28R were established and used for functional experiments. DNA binding was examined using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Transcriptional profiling was performed with microarrays. Murine flank (six to 11 mice per group) and intraperitoneal tumor models were used for in vivo studies. Vascularity of xenografts was assessed by MECA-32 immunohistochemistry. The paracrine pro-angiogenic nature of MAXH28R-expressing EC cells was tested using microfluidic HUVEC sprouting assays and VEGFA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results:Twenty-two of 509 tumors harbored mutations in MAX, including 12 tumors with the p.His28Arg mutation. Patients with a MAX mutation had statistically significantly reduced recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio = 4.00, 95% confidence interval = 1.15 to 13.91, P = .03). MAXH28R increased affinity for canonical E-box sequences, and MAXH28R-expressing EC cells dramatically altered transcriptional profiles. MAXH28R-derived xenografts statistically significantly increased vascular area compared with MAXWT and empty vector tumors (P = .003 and P = .008, respectively). MAXH28R-expressing EC cells secreted nearly double the levels of VEGFA compared with MAXWT cells (P = .03, .005, and .005 at 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively), and conditioned media from MAXH28R cells increased sprouting when applied to HUVECs. Conclusion:These data highlight the importance of MAX mutations in EC and point to increased vascularity as one mechanism contributing to clinical aggressiveness of EC.
Project description:Berlin neurologist and neurohistologist Max Bielschowsky counts among the most innovative microanatomical researchers at the beginning of the twentieth century. Although being quite underrated in the history of neurology today, Bielschowsky contributed substantially to the understanding of neurohereditary pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinsonism, and Huntington's chorea, as well as the assessment of structural changes in several movement disorders. Working with other leading research neurologists, such as Oskar and Cecile Vogt or Korbinian Brodmann at the newly founded Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Brain Research in Berlin-Buch, he also pioneered neurohistological work on de- and regeneration processes in the Central Nervous System along with new morphological definitions of "nervous trauma."
Project description:To development our gene expression approach, we have employed whole genome microarray expression profiling as a discovery platform to identify genes potentialy regulated by the transcription factor MAX.Human SCLC cell lines waere analyzed for mutations at the MAX locus. Those cell lines that were found mutated in MAX and showed no MAX protein expression were used as a models to restore the expression of MAX transcription factor, and Identify MAX signature on Human SCLC.