Project description:Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) types I, II, IV, VI and VII, are inherited diseases that result from the bodies inability to break down large sugar molecules that are by-products of metabolism. MPS affects most organs of the body and causes abnormalities in the liver, spleen, bones, and brain. We are studying the central nervous system (primarily the brain) so we can better understand the nature of the problems individuals with MPS I, II, IV, VI and VII have so we can find ways of better treating these problems. We would like to find out about the changes in the brain of individuals with MPS I, II, IV, VI and VII using data from MRI and neuropsychological tests. This is a longitudinal study so patients who enroll will need to be seen 3 times over 5 years. The longitudinal nature of the study allows us to make conclusions about how changes in some structures of the brain and changes in cognitive ability are related. The research objectives are: <ol> <li>To identify abnormalities of brain (and central nervous system) structure and function in patients with MPS I, II, IV, VI and VII, regardless of how they are being treated or have been treated in the past; and to track disease progression over time.</li> <li>To examine the degree to which independent variables (e.g., age at first treatment, severity of disease, types of medical abnormalities, mutation, medical events, and sensory abnormalities) have an impact on both functional and structural outcomes as well as on quality-of-life.</li> <li>To identify, through longitudinal study, those measures that most accurately reflect the current disease state.</li> </ol> This is a longitudinal study of 75-100 individuals with either MPS I, II, IV, VI and VII. Those participating in the study will be evaluated 3 times over 5 years. The primary site for this study is the University of Minnesota but there are an additional 6 centers in the United States and Canada that are also participating and will provide data for analysis. You will need to be able to travel to Minnesota or one of the participating centers in order to be a part of this study.

Project description:Transcriptional profiling of Homo sapiens inflammatory skin diseases (whole skin biospies): Psoriasis (Pso), vs Atopic Dermatitis (AD) vs Lichen planus (Li), vs Contact Eczema (KE), vs Healthy control (KO) In recent years, different genes and proteins have been highlighted as potential biomarkers for psoriasis, one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases worldwide. However, most of these markers are not psoriasis-specific but also found in other inflammatory disorders. We performed an unsupervised cluster analysis of gene expression profiles in 150 psoriasis patients and other inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, contact eczema, and healthy controls). We identified a cluster of IL-17/TNFα-associated genes specifically expressed in psoriasis, among which IL-36γ was the most outstanding marker. In subsequent immunohistological analyses IL-36γ was confirmed to be expressed in psoriasis lesions only. IL-36γ peripheral blood serum levels were found to be closely associated with disease activity, and they decreased after anti-TNFα-treatment. Furthermore, IL-36γ immunohistochemistry was found to be a helpful marker in the histological differential diagnosis between psoriasis and eczema in diagnostically challenging cases. These features highlight IL-36γ as a valuable biomarker in psoriasis patients, both for diagnostic purposes and measurement of disease activity during the clinical course. Furthermore, IL-36γ might also provide a future drug target, due to its potential amplifier role in TNFα- and IL-17 pathways in psoriatic skin inflammation. In recent years, different genes and proteins have been highlighted as potential biomarkers for psoriasis, one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases worldwide. However, most of these markers are not psoriasis-specific but also found in other inflammatory disorders. We performed an unsupervised cluster analysis of gene expression profiles in 150 psoriasis patients and other inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, lichen planus, contact eczema, and healthy controls). We identified a cluster of IL-17/TNFα-associated genes specifically expressed in psoriasis, among which IL-36γ was the most outstanding marker. In subsequent immunohistological analyses IL-36γ was confirmed to be expressed in psoriasis lesions only. IL-36γ peripheral blood serum levels were found to be closely associated with disease activity, and they decreased after anti-TNFα-treatment. Furthermore, IL-36γ immunohistochemistry was found to be a helpful marker in the histological differential diagnosis between psoriasis and eczema in diagnostically challenging cases. These features highlight IL-36γ as a valuable biomarker in psoriasis patients, both for diagnostic purposes and measurement of disease activity during the clinical course. Furthermore, IL-36γ might also provide a future drug target, due to its potential amplifier role in TNFα- and IL-17 pathways in psoriatic skin inflammation.

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Homo sapiens

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