Stowers researchers find genes causing spinal mutations in animal models also play role in human vertebral abnormalities
Stowers Institute researchers Karen Staehling-Hampton, Ph.D., Managing Director of Molecular Biology, and Olivier Pourquié, Ph.D., Investigator, collaborated with colleagues from around the world to show that genes known to cause spinal mutations in chick and mouse model systems also play an important role in human patients with congenital vertebral abnormalities. The discovery was published on the Web site of the American Journal of Human Genetics.
Working with samples from 31 patients at Boston Children’s Hospital with various congenital vertebral defects, the team sequenced five genes thought to be involved in the malformations. In a patient of Puerto Rican descent, the team discovered a mutation in the MESP2 gene – a mutation that completely disrupted the function of the gene.
The affected patient had Spondylothoracic Dysostosis, also known as Jarcho-Levin Syndrome. Spondylothoracic Dysostosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by distinctive malformations of the vertebrae and ribs, respiratory problems, and other abnormalities. Infants born with Spondylothoracic Dysostosis have short necks, limited neck motion, and are short in stature. Spondylothoracic Dysostosis is prevalent in the Puerto Rican population.
MU Scientist finds mechanism in mold
that ‘silences’ unmatched genes
A University of Missouri scientist, along with a collaborative research team, has examined a new mechanism in the reproductive cycle of a certain species of mold. This mechanism protects the organism from genetic abnormalities by “silencing” unmatched genes during meiosis (sexual reproduction). The finding could have implications for higher organisms and may lead to precise “targeting” of unwanted genes, such as those from the HIV virus.
“Meiotic silencing also occurs in worms, mice and human beings,” said Patrick Shiu, assistant professor of biological sciences in the MU College of Arts and Science. “It’s unlikely that all share the same mechanism, but the principle of targeting unpaired DNA for silencing seems to be found in both simple and complex organisms. Knowing the process of how mold DNA is targeted for silencing could be important for silencing genes you don’t want to be expressed, like disease-causing genes.”
Shiu and his colleagues discovered that each sexual cell in mold has an internal mechanism that “scans” paired chromosomes for anomalies. The researchers found that when one chromosome in a pair carries an extra copy of a gene not found in its partner chromosome, it is a good indication of an intruder and the fungus will “turn off” all copies of that gene during meiosis. The researchers call this process "meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA,” or MSUD.
Shiu’s research enhances understanding of how to “shut off” undesirable genes, sheds light on the genetic components of the MSUD pathway, and may have applications in a number of industries, including pharmaceuticals and agriculture. Shiu’s latest study, funded by the National Science Foundation, was published as the cover feature in the journal Fungal Genetics and Biology. Read the full story.
Missouri receives $146 million
from tobacco settlement
Missouri received an additional $146 million from tobacco companies as the state's payment from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement. The state of Missouri provided tobacco settlement funds. Missouri General Assembly appropriate $21M of those funds to support statewide life sciences initiatives for the coming year.
KU Hospital cancer program earns
outstanding achievement award
The cancer program at The University of Kansas Hospital has been awarded the Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award from the American College of Surgeons for the second consecutive time. The award is among the most prestigious for cancer centers with only about 15 percent of 1,345 cancers programs surveyed in 2007 receiving the award. Only 5 percent of those surveyed in 2007 received a second consecutive award. It is the first time any hospital in the metropolitan area has qualified in two consecutive periods.
The award recognizes cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients, in such areas as cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical services, research, community outreach, and quality improvement. It comes after a detailed site survey of the cancer program.The hospital’s cancer program is part of the University of Kansas Cancer Center’s campaign to bring National Cancer Institute designation to the area. For more information, contact: Dennis Minich at 913-588-5246.
K-State’s Wefald announces retirement
Kansas State University President Jon Wefald announced his plans to retire at the end of the 2008-09 academic year. Wefald is credited with transforming an institution with declining enrollments, low faculty morale, limited research and graduate programs, and a losing football program into a nationally ranked top 10 land grant university. Because of his leadership, K-State leads among peer institutions with significant research and graduate programs and a highly competitive athletic program in the prestigious Big 12 Conference. Wefald has served as the 12th president of K-State since being appointed by the Kansas Board of Regents in July 1986. Upon his retirement, Wefald will be a part-time professor of leadership studies and history. For more information, contact Cheryl May at 785-532-6415.
Missouri Department of Economic Development
certifies incubator in NKC
Missouri Department of Economic Development has certified Avvio Center as a new small business incubator center and approved $150,000 in tax credits for the nonprofit organization. Located at 1600 Swift, the organization has partnered with University of Central Missouri’s Innovation Center and the Small Business Technology Development Center and will provide startups with space and access to business resources. “Avvio” means “start” in Italian.
Missouri Western State University dedicates
Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Science and Technology Incubator
St. Joseph's new incubator housed on the Missouri Western State University campus was dedicated by namesake, Senator Christopher S. "Kit" Bond. The incubator's first tentant, the Institute of Applied Sciences, was recently named an "innovation center" by the Missouri Technology Corporation. The incubator includes a laboratory, conference room, operation offices and tenant spaces. Senator Bond was instrumental in helping to secure the $2.5 million grant from the Economic Development Administration for the construction of the incubator. More info
Grant available for Math, Engineering,
Technology, Science initiative
The Kansas City Regional METS Leadership Coalition (a group of regional leaders dedicated to supporting METS achievement), One KC Voice and Public Agenda are leading a multi-year public engagement initiative to improve opportunities for young people and support economic growth through math, engineering, technology and science. Together, they invite interested parties to apply for support to hold a Ready for 21st Century Careers Community Conversation. These community events bring together parents, students, educators, employers and the broader community in a carefully-designed dialogue that identifies ways to improve METS education so that all students have great opportunities.
Application deadline is 5 PM, Tuesday, July 1, 2008.
For information, contact: Karen Henry, Life Span Institute, at 785- 864-0756, kahenry@ku.edu.
NIH gives MU $1.84 million to attract minority students in Biomed research
The National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity (IMSD) recently awarded a $1.84 million grant to the University of Missouri. The grant will provide opportunities for minority students to earn doctoral degrees and become scientific leaders in biomedical research.
Through the Nexus Minority Science Network (NMSN) at MU, the grant will provide support for 40 undergraduate and six graduate students to participate in mentored research projects with MU faculty members. Students in this program will be eligible for career development activities, Graduate Record Exam preparatory classes, and travel funds to present their research at scientific conferences.
The NMSN, established in 2007 by representatives of the Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center and the Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, unites undergraduate, graduate, postdoctoral and faculty researchers for the purpose of training young scientists.
UMKC names interim dean of Bloch School
UMKC has named Lee Bolman as interim dean of the Henry W. Bloch School of Business and Public Administration. Bolman is a professor at the Bloch School and its Marion Bloch/Missouri Chair in Leadership.
Kansas announces 2008 Bioscience Big Thinkers
As part of Kansas' strategy to showcase its historical strengths and new innovation in biosciences, KansasBio has named seven industry and policy leaders as Kansas Bioscience Big Thinkers--individuals whose groundbreaking leadership in bioscience innovation has contributed to bioscience research, commercialization, policy, investment, industry growth and expansion in the state.
The 2008 Kansas Bioscience Big Thinkers are:
- Michael Beckloff, President of Beckloff
Associates, Inc.
- Trish Brasted, President & CEO of Wichita Technology Corporation
- Rick DeLuca, President of Fort Dodge Animal Health
- Bruce Ferguson, Chairman, President & CEO of Edenspace Systems Corporation
- Dr. Roy Jensen, Director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center
- Dr. Olga Koper, Vice President Technology and Technical Services and Chief Technology Officer of NanoScale Corporation
- Tracy Taylor, President & CEO of Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation
More info
CyDex Pharmaceuticals hires COO
CyDex Pharamaceuitical Inc. has hired Theron Odlaug as chief operating officer. Odlaug most recently was managing partner of EIR Healthcare Advisors LLC and has 30 years senior leadership experience with Astellas Pharma U.S. Inc, Fujisawa, Bayer AG, and Baxter International Inc.
IdentiGEN’s DNA technology showcased
in USA Today
USA Today ran a feature on Ireland-based IdentiGEN. IdentiGEN uses DNA technology to test and track meat to the original animal and prove that it's what the label promises is now targeting U.S. retailers. IdentiGEN Ltd., which has opened U.S. operations in Lawrence, Kan., wants retailers to use its DNA TraceBack technology on hamburger, steak, pork and other meats that end up in stores. Read the full story.
For more information, contact Michele Wells at
303-417-0696.
FDA approves Bayer’s injectable
for swine respiratory disease
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Bayer’s Baytril 100 Injectable Solution for use in swine. Baytril 100 is effective against all four major bacteria that cause swine respiratory disease with just one subcutaneous injection. More info
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