Project description:We report sequential binding but unique functions of different Sox transcription factors during distinct stages of neural differentiation We used microarray to examine the molecular function of Sox3 in neural progenitor cells. Over-expression of Sox3 under Nestin-promoter in neural progenitor cells. Cells are transgenic for GFP in Sox1 locus and were FACS sorted to obtain pure populations.
Project description:Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune skin blistering disease characterized by autoimmunity against the hemidesmosomal proteins BP180, type XVII collagen, and BP230. To elucidate the genetic basis of susceptibility to BP, we performed the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) in Germans. This GWAS was combined with HLA locus targeted sequencing in an additional independent BP cohort. The strongest association with BP in Germans tested in this study was observed in the two HLA loci, HLA-DQA1*05:05 and HLA-DRB1*07:01. Further studies with increased sample sizes and complex studies integrating multiple pathogenic drivers will be conducted.
Project description:To identify the potential functions of SRSF10 in neural progenitor cells and neocortex development, we constructed SRSF10 flox/flox mice, and conditionally knock out the SRSF10 in the neural progenitor cells by breeding with Nestin-Cre mice.
Project description:BackgroundAlthough current human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype screening tests identify genotypes 16 and 18 and do not specifically identify other high-risk types, a new extended genotyping test identifies additional individual (31, 45, 51, and 52) and groups (33/58, 35/39/68, and 56/59/66) of high-risk genotypes.MethodsWe developed a Markov model of the HPV disease course and evaluated the clinical and economic value of HPV primary screening with Onclarity (BD Diagnostics, Franklin Lakes, NJ) capable of extended genotyping in a cohort of women 30 years or older. Women with certain genotypes were later rescreened instead of undergoing immediate colposcopy and varied which genotypes were rescreened, disease progression rate, and test cost.ResultsAssuming 100% compliance with screening, HPV primary screening using current tests resulted in 25,194 invasive procedures and 48 invasive cervical cancer (ICC) cases per 100,000 women. Screening with extended genotyping (100% compliance) and later rescreening women with certain genotypes averted 903 to 3163 invasive procedures and resulted in 0 to 3 more ICC cases compared with current HPV primary screening tests. Extended genotyping was cost-effective ($2298-$7236/quality-adjusted life year) when costing $75 and cost saving (median, $0.3-$1.0 million) when costing $43. When the probabilities of disease progression increased (2-4 times), extended genotyping was not cost-effective because it resulted in more ICC cases and accrued fewer quality-adjusted life years.ConclusionsOur study identified the conditions under which extended genotyping was cost-effective and even cost saving compared with current tests. A key driver of cost-effectiveness is the risk of disease progression, which emphasizes the need to better understand such risks in different populations.
Project description:We have developed spontaneous genetically engineered GBM mouse models from two distinct cells of origin: subventricular zone neural stem cells (SVZ; Nestin-creERT2) and oligodendrocyte lineage progenitor cells (OPC; NG2-creERTM). These tumors are biologically separable and are reflective of their lineage of origin.