| Featured Research Stems Cells, Genes, and Diseases Many people have variations in their DNA sequences that are associated with coronary artery disease, diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, clotting disorders, and other conditions. But how can we best study the connection between these gene variants and physical manifestations of diseases without subjecting individuals to invasive procedures, such as sampling their heart, kidneys, lungs, or liver? One solution may lie tucked inside pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, which are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell–like state. Researchers are now able to collect a small tissue sample from a person with minimal discomfort. The sample can be used to grow iPS cells that are coaxed to develop into heart, lung, or other cell types. The cells, which contain the individual’s genetic variants, represent “diseases in a dish” and can be studied to see how they react to drugs or other therapies, with no risk to individuals. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), along with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), is supporting a number of exciting new research projects across the country to develop improved technologies to uncover the clues to several diseases and conditions that lie tucked inside these cells. “These studies will illuminate how specific genes behave in different tissues and should clarify the mechanisms by which a gene associated with a disease affects the biology of different tissues," said Susan B. Shurin, M.D., acting director of the NHLBI. “Understanding the cellular and tissue biology will allow us to develop and test new therapies and prevention methods.” Learn more about the stem cell projects Learn more about the role of genes in the risk of heart disease
Image: Induced pluripotent stem cells. Credit: James Thomson, University of Wisconsin-Madison New NHLBI Resources Sarcoidosis Video (shown)
Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown cause that leads to inflammation. It can affect any organ in the body, but it’s likely to affect some organs more than others. Sarcoidosis usually starts in the lungs, skin, and/or lymph nodes. Sarcoidosis affects people of all ages and races. However, it’s more common among African Americans and Northern Europeans. In the United States, the disease affects African Americans somewhat more often and more severely than Whites. Treatment varies depending on which organs are affected and may include topical treatments and/or medicines. View the video on sarcoidosis Clinical Research Career Guidance
Are you interested in developing a clinical research career in pediatric cardiology or another area of clinical medicine? A new article from the Pediatric Heart Network (PHN), published January 2011 in American Heart Journal, is a compilation of talks given at the 2009 PHN Clinical Research Skills Development Seminar. The article discusses types of clinical research, important clinical research skills, career development strategies, funding, and career management. Explore the article on clinical research careers (PDF) News and Events
News From NHLBI-Funded Institutions - From Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, and the University of Oxford, England: "Researchers create the world’s most advanced genetic map; new biological atlas focuses on African American genomics."
- From the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY: "RPCI researchers share in NIH Program of Excellence Award in Glycosciences."
Upcoming Events - NHLBI Symposium: Genomics: Gene Discovery and Clinical Applications for Cardiovascular, Lung, and Blood Diseases, September 12–13, 2011, Bethesda, MD
- NHLBI Symposium: NIH State of the Science Symposium on Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS), September 7–8, 2011, Bethesda, MD
- NHLBI Meeting:Symposium on Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, October 4–5, 2011, Bethesda, MD
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) 2011 National Conference, October 27–30, 2011, San Jose, CA.
|
