Showing papers by "Boston Children's Hospital published in 2010"
Northern Illinois University1, Children's Memorial Hospital2, University of Melbourne3, Western Infirmary4, Boston Children's Hospital5, UCL Institute of Child Health6, Bosch7, University of California, Los Angeles8, New York University9, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center10, Albert Einstein College of Medicine11, University of Paris12
TL;DR: The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Classification and Terminology has revised concepts, terminology, and approaches for classifying seizures and forms of epilepsy.
Abstract: The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Commission on Classification and Terminology has revised concepts, terminology, and approaches for classifying seizures and forms of epilepsy. Generalized and focal are redefined for seizures as occurring in and rapidly engaging bilaterally distributed networks (generalized) and within networks limited to one hemisphere and either discretely localized or more widely distributed (focal). Classification of generalized seizures is simplified. No natural classification for focal seizures exists; focal seizures should be described according to their manifestations (e. g., dyscognitive, focal motor). The concepts of generalized and focal do not apply to electroclinical syndromes. Genetic, structural-metabolic, and unknown represent modified concepts to replace idiopathic, symptomatic, and cryptogenic. Not all epilepsies are recognized as electroclinical syndromes. Organization of forms of epilepsy is first by specificity: electroclinical syndromes, nonsyndromic epilepsies with structural-metabolic causes, and epilepsies of unknown cause. Further organization within these divisions can be accomplished in a flexible manner depending on purpose. Natural classes (e. g., specific underlying cause, age at onset, associated seizure type), or pragmatic groupings (e. g., epileptic encephalopathies, self-limited electroclinical syndromes) may serve as the basis for organizing knowledge about recognized forms of epilepsy and facilitate identification of new forms.
3,775 citations
Broad Institute1, Harvard University2, Novartis3, Brigham and Women's Hospital4, Jikei University School of Medicine5, Boston Children's Hospital6, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill7, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center8, Nagoya City University9, Autonomous University of Barcelona10, University Health Network11, Cornell University12, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center13, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center14, University of Pennsylvania15, University of Michigan16, University of Washington Medical Center17, Howard Hughes Medical Institute18, Massachusetts Institute of Technology19
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that cancer cells containing amplifications surrounding the MCL1 and BCL2L1 anti-apoptotic genes depend on the expression of these genes for survival, and a large majority of SCNAs identified in individual cancer types are present in several cancer types.
Abstract: A powerful way to discover key genes with causal roles in oncogenesis is to identify genomic regions that undergo frequent alteration in human cancers. Here we present high-resolution analyses of somatic copy-number alterations (SCNAs) from 3,131 cancer specimens, belonging largely to 26 histological types. We identify 158 regions of focal SCNA that are altered at significant frequency across several cancer types, of which 122 cannot be explained by the presence of a known cancer target gene located within these regions. Several gene families are enriched among these regions of focal SCNA, including the BCL2 family of apoptosis regulators and the NF-kappaBeta pathway. We show that cancer cells containing amplifications surrounding the MCL1 and BCL2L1 anti-apoptotic genes depend on the expression of these genes for survival. Finally, we demonstrate that a large majority of SCNAs identified in individual cancer types are present in several cancer types.
3,375 citations
TL;DR: Mechanically active “organ-on-a-chip” microdevices that reconstitute tissue-tissue interfaces critical to organ function may expand the capabilities of cell culture models and provide low-cost alternatives to animal and clinical studies for drug screening and toxicology applications.
Abstract: Here, we describe a biomimetic microsystem that reconstitutes the critical functional alveolar-capillary interface of the human lung. This bioinspired microdevice reproduces complex integrated organ-level responses to bacteria and inflammatory cytokines introduced into the alveolar space. In nanotoxicology studies, this lung mimic revealed that cyclic mechanical strain accentuates toxic and inflammatory responses of the lung to silica nanoparticles. Mechanical strain also enhances epithelial and endothelial uptake of nanoparticulates and stimulates their transport into the underlying microvascular channel. Similar effects of physiological breathing on nanoparticle absorption are observed in whole mouse lung. Mechanically active "organ-on-a-chip" microdevices that reconstitute tissue-tissue interfaces critical to organ function may therefore expand the capabilities of cell culture models and provide low-cost alternatives to animal and clinical studies for drug screening and toxicology applications.
3,081 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that lincRNAs may serve as scaffolds by providing binding surfaces to assemble select histone modification enzymes, thereby specifying the pattern of histone modifications on target genes.
Abstract: Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) regulate chromatin states and epigenetic inheritance. Here, we show that the lincRNA HOTAIR serves as a scaffold for at least two distinct histone modification complexes. A 5' domain of HOTAIR binds polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2), whereas a 3' domain of HOTAIR binds the LSD1/CoREST/REST complex. The ability to tether two distinct complexes enables RNA-mediated assembly of PRC2 and LSD1 and coordinates targeting of PRC2 and LSD1 to chromatin for coupled histone H3 lysine 27 methylation and lysine 4 demethylation. Our results suggest that lincRNAs may serve as scaffolds by providing binding surfaces to assemble select histone modification enzymes, thereby specifying the pattern of histone modifications on target genes.
2,946 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that this approach can reprogram multiple human cell types to pluripotency with efficiencies that greatly surpass established protocols and represents a safe, efficient strategy for somatic cell reprogramming and directing cell fate that has broad applicability for basic research, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.
2,627 citations
Boston Children's Hospital1, University of Washington2, Emory University3, GeneDx4, National Institutes of Health5, University of Utah6, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute7, Salisbury University8, University of California, San Francisco9, Uppsala University10, University of British Columbia11, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine12, Drexel University13, University of Groningen14, University of Pennsylvania15, University of California, Santa Cruz16, Brigham and Women's Hospital17, The Centre for Applied Genomics18, Research Triangle Park19, Mayo Clinic20, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven21, University of Chicago22, American College of Medical Genetics23
TL;DR: Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is increasingly utilized for genetic testing of individuals with unexplained developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), or multiple congenital anomalies (MCA).
Abstract: Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is increasingly utilized for genetic testing of individuals with unexplained developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID), autism spectrum disorders (ASD), or multiple congenital anomalies (MCA). Performing CMA and G-banded karyotyping on every patient substantially increases the total cost of genetic testing. The International Standard Cytogenomic Array (ISCA) Consortium held two international workshops and conducted a literature review of 33 studies, including 21,698 patients tested by CMA. We provide an evidence-based summary of clinical cytogenetic testing comparing CMA to G-banded karyotyping with respect to technical advantages and limitations, diagnostic yield for various types of chromosomal aberrations, and issues that affect test interpretation. CMA offers a much higher diagnostic yield (15%–20%) for genetic testing of individuals with unexplained DD/ID, ASD, or MCA than a G-banded karyotype (~3%, excluding Down syndrome and other recognizable chromosomal syndromes), primarily because of its higher sensitivity for submicroscopic deletions and duplications. Truly balanced rearrangements and low-level mosaicism are generally not detectable by arrays, but these are relatively infrequent causes of abnormal phenotypes in this population (<1%). Available evidence strongly supports the use of CMA in place of G-banded karyotyping as the first-tier cytogenetic diagnostic test for patients with DD/ID, ASD, or MCA. G-banded karyotype analysis should be reserved for patients with obvious chromosomal syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome), a family history of chromosomal rearrangement, or a history of multiple miscarriages.
2,294 citations
TL;DR: Exome sequencing of a small number of unrelated affected individuals is a powerful, efficient strategy for identifying the genes underlying rare mendelian disorders and will likely transform the genetic analysis of monogenic traits.
Abstract: We demonstrate the first successful application of exome sequencing to discover the gene for a rare mendelian disorder of unknown cause, Miller syndrome (MIM%263750). For four affected individuals in three independent kindreds, we captured and sequenced coding regions to a mean coverage of 40x and sufficient depth to call variants at approximately 97% of each targeted exome. Filtering against public SNP databases and eight HapMap exomes for genes with two previously unknown variants in each of the four individuals identified a single candidate gene, DHODH, which encodes a key enzyme in the pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis pathway. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of DHODH mutations in three additional families with Miller syndrome. Exome sequencing of a small number of unrelated affected individuals is a powerful, efficient strategy for identifying the genes underlying rare mendelian disorders and will likely transform the genetic analysis of monogenic traits.
1,980 citations
Hennepin County Medical Center1, Heidelberg University2, Westmead Hospital3, Children's Hospital at Westmead4, Lund University5, University of Minnesota6, Boston Children's Hospital7, University of Chicago8, Dalhousie University9, Paris Descartes University10, University of Washington11, Panamerican University12, University of California, San Francisco13, National Kidney Foundation14, Tufts Medical Center15
TL;DR: The guideline makes recommendations for immunosuppression and graft monitoring, as well as prevention and treatment of infection, cardiovascular disease, malignancy, and other complications that are common in kidney transplant recipients, including hematological and bone disorders.
1,908 citations
Queen Mary University of London1, National Health Service2, University of Toronto3, Manchester Royal Infirmary4, NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital5, University of New South Wales6, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania7, University of Washington8, Boston Children's Hospital9, Hull York Medical School10, King's College London11, St James's University Hospital12, Scripps Research Institute13, Harvard University14
TL;DR: This consensus document aims to report on new data and provide consensus-based recommendations relating to diagnosis and treatment of ITP in adults, in children, and during pregnancy.
1,902 citations
Newcastle University1, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia2, Case Western Reserve University3, Duke University4, Veterans Health Administration5, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center6, University of California, Davis7, University of Rochester8, Baylor College of Medicine9, Boston Children's Hospital10, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention11
TL;DR: These recommendations provide a framework for recognising the multisystem primary manifestations and secondary complications of DMD and for providing coordinated multidisciplinary care.
Abstract: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe, progressive disease that aff ects 1 in 3600–6000 live male births. Although guidelines are available for various aspects of DMD, comprehensive clinical care recommendations do not exist. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention selected 84 clinicians to develop care recommendations using the RAND Corporation–University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method. The DMD Care Considerations Working Group evaluated assessments and interventions used in the management of diagnostics, gastroenterology and nutrition, rehabilitation, and neuromuscular, psychosocial, cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopaedic, and surgical aspects of DMD. These recommendations, presented in two parts, are intended for the wide range of practitioners who care for individuals with DMD. They provide a framework for recognising the multisystem primary manifestations and secondary complications of DMD and for providing coordinated multidisciplinary care. In part 1 of this Review, we describe the methods used to generate the recommendations, and the overall perspective on care, pharmacological treatment, and psychosocial management.
1,664 citations
TL;DR: A revised Ghent nosology is established, which puts more weight on the cardiovascular manifestations and in which aortic root aneurysm and ectopia lentis are the cardinal clinical features and may delay a definitive diagnosis of MFS but will decrease the risk of premature or misdiagnosis.
Abstract: The diagnosis of Marfan syndrome (MFS) relies on defined clinical criteria (Ghent nosology), outlined by international expert opinion to facilitate accurate recognition of this genetic aneurysm syndrome and to improve patient management and counselling. These Ghent criteria, comprising a set of major and minor manifestations in different body systems, have proven to work well since with improving molecular techniques, confirmation of the diagnosis is possible in over 95% of patients. However, concerns with the current nosology are that some of the diagnostic criteria have not been sufficiently validated, are not applicable in children or necessitate expensive and specialised investigations. The recognition of variable clinical expression and the recently extended differential diagnosis further confound accurate diagnostic decision making. Moreover, the diagnosis of MFS—whether or not established correctly—can be stigmatising, hamper career aspirations, restrict life insurance opportunities, and cause psychosocial burden. An international expert panel has established a revised Ghent nosology, which puts more weight on the cardiovascular manifestations and in which aortic root aneurysm and ectopia lentis are the cardinal clinical features. In the absence of any family history, the presence of these two manifestations is sufficient for the unequivocal diagnosis of MFS. In absence of either of these two, the presence of a bonafide FBN1 mutation or a combination of systemic manifestations is required. For the latter a new scoring system has been designed. In this revised nosology, FBN1 testing, although not mandatory, has greater weight in the diagnostic assessment. Special considerations are given to the diagnosis of MFS in children and alternative diagnoses in adults. We anticipate that these new guidelines may delay a definitive diagnosis of MFS but will decrease the risk of premature or misdiagnosis and facilitate worldwide discussion of risk and follow-up/management guidelines.
TL;DR: The mitochondrial metabolism of cancer cells is deregulated owing to the use of glycolytic intermediates, which are normally destined for oxidative phosphorylation, in anabolic reactions and activation of the cell death machinery by stimulating mitochondrial membrane permeabilization could therefore be promising therapeutic approaches.
Abstract: Mitochondria are the cells' powerhouse, but also their suicidal weapon store. Dozens of lethal signal transduction pathways converge on mitochondria to cause the permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane, leading to the cytosolic release of pro-apoptotic proteins and to the impairment of the bioenergetic functions of mitochondria. The mitochondrial metabolism of cancer cells is deregulated owing to the use of glycolytic intermediates, which are normally destined for oxidative phosphorylation, in anabolic reactions. Activation of the cell death machinery in cancer cells by inhibiting tumour-specific alterations of the mitochondrial metabolism or by stimulating mitochondrial membrane permeabilization could therefore be promising therapeutic approaches.
University of Cincinnati1, Washington University in St. Louis2, Boston Children's Hospital3, University of Illinois at Chicago4, University of California, Los Angeles5, Stanford University6, University of British Columbia7, University of Washington8, Cornell University9, Tufts University10, Veterans Health Administration11, University of Toronto12, University of Virginia13, Johns Hopkins University14
TL;DR: These updated guidelines replace those previously published in 2002 and 2003 and add recommendations for managing intra-abdominal infection in children, particularly where such management differs from that of adults; for appendicitis in patients of all ages; and for necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates.
Abstract: Evidence-based guidelines for managing patients with intra-abdominal infection were prepared by an Expert Panel of the Surgical Infection Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. These updated guidelines replace those previously published in 2002 and 2003. The guidelines are intended for treating patients who either have these infections or may be at risk for them. New information, based on publications from the period 2003-2008, is incorporated into this guideline document. The panel has also added recommendations for managing intra-abdominal infection in children, particularly where such management differs from that of adults; for appendicitis in patients of all ages; and for necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates.
TL;DR: The results strongly suggest that mutations in MLL2, which encodes a Trithorax-group histone methyltransferase, are a major cause of Kabuki syndrome.
Abstract: We demonstrate the successful application of exome sequencing to discover a gene for an autosomal dominant disorder, Kabuki syndrome (OMIM%147920). We subjected the exomes of ten unrelated probands to massively parallel sequencing. After filtering against existing SNP databases, there was no compelling candidate gene containing previously unknown variants in all affected individuals. Less stringent filtering criteria allowed for the presence of modest genetic heterogeneity or missing data but also identified multiple candidate genes. However, genotypic and phenotypic stratification highlighted MLL2, which encodes a Trithorax-group histone methyltransferase: seven probands had newly identified nonsense or frameshift mutations in this gene. Follow-up Sanger sequencing detected MLL2 mutations in two of the three remaining individuals with Kabuki syndrome (cases) and in 26 of 43 additional cases. In families where parental DNA was available, the mutation was confirmed to be de novo (n = 12) or transmitted (n = 2) in concordance with phenotype. Our results strongly suggest that mutations in MLL2 are a major cause of Kabuki syndrome.
TL;DR: The results demonstrate that Tet2 is important for normal myelopoiesis, and suggest that disruption of TET2 enzymatic activity favours myeloid tumorigenesis, which may prove valuable as a diagnostic and prognostic tool to tailor therapies and assess responses to anticancer drugs.
Abstract: TET2 is a close relative of TET1, an enzyme that converts 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in DNA. The gene encoding TET2 resides at chromosome 4q24, in a region showing recurrent microdeletions and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) in patients with diverse myeloid malignancies. Somatic TET2 mutations are frequently observed in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), MDS/MPN overlap syndromes including chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML), acute myeloid leukaemias (AML) and secondary AML (sAML). We show here that TET2 mutations associated with myeloid malignancies compromise catalytic activity. Bone marrow samples from patients with TET2 mutations displayed uniformly low levels of 5hmC in genomic DNA compared to bone marrow samples from healthy controls. Moreover, small hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated depletion of Tet2 in mouse haematopoietic precursors skewed their differentiation towards monocyte/macrophage lineages in culture. There was no significant difference in DNA methylation between bone marrow samples from patients with high 5hmC versus healthy controls, but samples from patients with low 5hmC showed hypomethylation relative to controls at the majority of differentially methylated CpG sites. Our results demonstrate that Tet2 is important for normal myelopoiesis, and suggest that disruption of TET2 enzymatic activity favours myeloid tumorigenesis. Measurement of 5hmC levels in myeloid malignancies may prove valuable as a diagnostic and prognostic tool, to tailor therapies and assess responses to anticancer drugs.
TL;DR: This educational activity is designed for all cardiovascular physicians and cardiac sonographers with erest and knowledge base in the field of echocardiography; in addition, reschers, clinicians, intensivists, and other medical professionals with a cardiac ultrasound will find this activity beneficial.
Abstract: n Society of Echocardiography designates this educational activity for of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits Physicians should only claim credit te with the extent of their participation in the activity CCI recognize the ASE’s certificates and have agreed to honor the credit their registry requirements for sonographers n Society of Echocardiography is committed to ensuring that its educan and all sponsored educational programs are not influenced by the special y corporation or individual, and itsmandate is to retain only those authors ial interests can be effectively resolved to maintain the goals and educaty of the activity Although amonetary or professional affiliationwith a cors not necessarily influence an author’s presentation, the Essential Areas and e ACCME require that any relationships that could possibly conflict with al value of the activity be resolved prior to publication and disclosed to Disclosures of faculty and commercial support relationships, if any, dicated ience: is designed for all cardiovascular physicians and cardiac sonographers with erest and knowledge base in the field of echocardiography; in addition, reschers, clinicians, intensivists, and other medical professionals with a spein cardiac ultrasound will find this activity beneficial
TL;DR: The implications of cellular stress responses to human physiology and diseases are manifold and will be discussed in this review in the context of some major world health issues such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, myocardial infarction, and cancer.
Abstract: Cells can respond to stress in various ways ranging from the activation of survival pathways to the initiation of cell death that eventually eliminates damaged cells. Whether cells mount a protective or destructive stress response depends to a large extent on the nature and duration of the stress as well as the cell type. Also, there is often the interplay between these responses that ultimately determines the fate of the stressed cell. The mechanism by which a cell dies (i.e., apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, or autophagic cell death) depends on various exogenous factors as well as the cell's ability to handle the stress to which it is exposed. The implications of cellular stress responses to human physiology and diseases are manifold and will be discussed in this review in the context of some major world health issues such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, myocardial infarction, and cancer.
TL;DR: Intended for use by physicians, these recommendations suggest preferred approaches to the diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative aspects of care that are intended to be flexible, in contrast to standards of care, which are inflexible policies to be followed in every case.
Newcastle University1, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia2, Case Western Reserve University3, Duke University4, Veterans Health Administration5, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center6, University of California, Davis7, University of Rochester8, Baylor College of Medicine9, Boston Children's Hospital10, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention11
TL;DR: A comprehensive set of DMD care recommendations for management of rehabilitation, orthopaedic, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastroenterology/nutrition, and pain issues, as well as general surgical and emergency-room precautions are presented.
Abstract: Optimum management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) requires a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on anticipatory and preventive measures as well as active interventions to address the primary and secondary aspects of the disorder. Implementing comprehensive management strategies can favourably alter the natural history of the disease and improve function, quality of life, and longevity. Standardised care can also facilitate planning for multicentre trials and help with the identification of areas in which care can be improved. Here, we present a comprehensive set of DMD care recommendations for management of rehabilitation, orthopaedic, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastroenterology/nutrition, and pain issues, as well as general surgical and emergency-room precautions. Together with part 1 of this Review, which focuses on diagnosis, pharmacological treatment, and psychosocial care, these recommendations allow diagnosis and management to occur in a coordinated multidisciplinary fashion.
TL;DR: A previously unappreciated role for platelets and their activation-induced microparticles in inflammatory joint diseases is demonstrated and the collagen receptor glycoprotein VI is identified as a key trigger for platelet microparticle generation in arthritis pathophysiology.
Abstract: In addition to their pivotal role in thrombosis and wound repair, platelets participate in inflammatory responses. We investigated the role of platelets in the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis. We identified platelet microparticles—submicrometer vesicles elaborated by activated platelets—in joint fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis, but not in joint fluid from patients with osteoarthritis. Platelet microparticles were proinflammatory, eliciting cytokine responses from synovial fibroblasts via interleukin-1. Consistent with these findings, depletion of platelets attenuated murine inflammatory arthritis. Using both pharmacologic and genetic approaches, we identified the collagen receptor glycoprotein VI as a key trigger for platelet microparticle generation in arthritis pathophysiology. Thus, these findings demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for platelets and their activation-induced microparticles in inflammatory joint diseases.
TL;DR: It is shown that bacteria-driven innate colitis is associated with an increased production of IL-17 and interferon-γ in the colon, and IL-23-responsive innate intestinal cells are identified, which may represent a target in inflammatory bowel disease.
Abstract: The key role of interleukin (IL)-23 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders is supported by the identification of IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) susceptibility alleles associated with inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. IL-23-driven inflammation has primarily been linked to the actions of T-helper type 17 (TH17) cells. Somewhat overlooked, IL-23 also has inflammatory effects on innate immune cells and can drive T-cell-independent colitis. However, the downstream cellular and molecular pathways involved in this innate intestinal inflammatory response are poorly characterized. Here we show that bacteria-driven innate colitis is associated with an increased production of IL-17 and interferon-gamma in the colon. Stimulation of colonic leukocytes with IL-23 induced the production of IL-17 and interferon-gamma exclusively by innate lymphoid cells expressing Thy1, stem cell antigen 1 (SCA-1), retinoic-acid-related orphan receptor (ROR)-gammat and IL-23R, and these cells markedly accumulated in the inflamed colon. IL-23-responsive innate intestinal cells are also a feature of T-cell-dependent models of colitis. The transcription factor ROR-gammat, which controls IL-23R expression, has a functional role, because Rag-/-Rorc-/- mice failed to develop innate colitis. Last, depletion of Thy1+ innate lymphoid cells completely abrogated acute and chronic innate colitis. These results identify a previously unrecognized IL-23-responsive innate lymphoid population that mediates intestinal immune pathology and may therefore represent a target in inflammatory bowel disease.
TL;DR: High prevalence, recurrent BRAF mutations in LCH indicate that it is a neoplastic disease that may respond to RAF pathway inhibitors, and the oncogenic BRAF V600E mutation is identified.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong1, University of Pittsburgh2, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul3, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences4, University of Queensland5, Leiden University Medical Center6, University of Missouri7, Boston Children's Hospital8, University of Amsterdam9
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented the results of a study at the University of Medicine and Therapeutics of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Abstract: Department of Medicine and Therapeutics,1 Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,2 Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Faculdade de Enfermagem, Nutrição e Fisioterapia,3 Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences,4 Lucknow, India; Department of Nephrology,5 Princess Alexandra Hospital, and School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Medical Microbiology,6 Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Centre for Kidney Diseases,7 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore; Section of Infectious Disease,8 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, USA; Pediatric Nephrology Division,9 University Children’s Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Dianet Dialysis Centers,10 Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors characterized the transcriptional reorganization of large intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) that occurs upon derivation of human iPSCs and identified numerous lincRNA whose expression is linked to pluripotency.
Abstract: The conversion of lineage-committed cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by reprogramming is accompanied by a global remodeling of the epigenome, resulting in altered patterns of gene expression. Here we characterize the transcriptional reorganization of large intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) that occurs upon derivation of human iPSCs and identify numerous lincRNAs whose expression is linked to pluripotency. Among these, we defined ten lincRNAs whose expression was elevated in iPSCs compared with embryonic stem cells, suggesting that their activation may promote the emergence of iPSCs. Supporting this, our results indicate that these lincRNAs are direct targets of key pluripotency transcription factors. Using loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches, we found that one such lincRNA (lincRNA-RoR) modulates reprogramming, thus providing a first demonstration for critical functions of lincRNAs in the derivation of pluripotent stem cells.
TL;DR: i2b2 software may be used by an enterprise's research community to find sets of interesting patients from electronic patient medical record data, while preserving patient privacy through a query tool interface.
Journal Article•
Harvard University1, Brigham and Women's Hospital2, Rutgers University3, University of California, Berkeley4, Washington University in St. Louis5, Broad Institute6, Massachusetts Institute of Technology7, University of Washington8, Brown University9, Boston Children's Hospital10, Boston University11, Duke University12
TL;DR: It is found that active genes display distinct chromatin signatures that are correlated with disparate gene lengths, exon patterns, regulatory functions and genomic contexts, and a diversity of signatures among Polycomb targets that include a subset with paused polymerase.
Abstract: Chromatin is composed of DNA and a variety of modified histones and non-histone proteins, which have an impact on cell differentiation, gene regulation and other key cellular processes. Here we present a genome-wide chromatin landscape for Drosophila melanogaster based on eighteen histone modifications, summarized by nine prevalent combinatorial patterns. Integrative analysis with other data (non-histone chromatin proteins, DNase I hypersensitivity, GRO-Seq reads produced by engaged polymerase, short/long RNA products) reveals discrete characteristics of chromosomes, genes, regulatory elements and other functional domains. We find that active genes display distinct chromatin signatures that are correlated with disparate gene lengths, exon patterns, regulatory functions and genomic contexts. We also demonstrate a diversity of signatures among Polycomb targets that include a subset with paused polymerase. This systematic profiling and integrative analysis of chromatin signatures provides insights into how genomic elements are regulated, and will serve as a resource for future experimental investigations of genome structure and function.
01 Nov 2010
TL;DR: It is found that one such lincRNA (lincRNA-RoR) modulates reprogramming, thus providing a first demonstration for critical functions of lincRNAs in the derivation of pluripotent stem cells.
Abstract: The conversion of lineage-committed cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by reprogramming is accompanied by a global remodeling of the epigenome, resulting in altered patterns of gene expression. Here we characterize the transcriptional reorganization of large intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) that occurs upon derivation of human iPSCs and identify numerous lincRNAs whose expression is linked to pluripotency. Among these, we defined ten lincRNAs whose expression was elevated in iPSCs compared with embryonic stem cells, suggesting that their activation may promote the emergence of iPSCs. Supporting this, our results indicate that these lincRNAs are direct targets of key pluripotency transcription factors. Using loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches, we found that one such lincRNA (lincRNA-RoR) modulates reprogramming, thus providing a first demonstration for critical functions of lincRNAs in the derivation of pluripotent stem cells.
University of Michigan1, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center2, Harvard University3, National Institutes of Health4, University of Pennsylvania5, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin6, East Carolina University7, Duke University8, Wake Forest University9, University of Southern California10, University of Toronto11, Boston Children's Hospital12, Medical University of South Carolina13, University of Utah14, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children15, Emory University16, Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital17
TL;DR: In children undergoing the Norwood procedure, transplantation-free survival at 12 months was better with the RVPA shunt than with the MBT shunt, and the rate of nonfatal serious adverse events at the age of 12 months were similar in the two groups.
Abstract: Background The Norwood procedure with a modified Blalock–Taussig (MBT) shunt, the first palliative stage for single-ventricle lesions with systemic outflow obstruction, is associated with high mortality. The right ventricle–pulmonary artery (RVPA) shunt may improve coronary flow but requires a ventriculotomy. We compared the two shunts in infants with hypoplastic heart syndrome or related anomalies. Methods Infants undergoing the Norwood procedure were randomly assigned to the MBT shunt (275 infants) or the RVPA shunt (274 infants) at 15 North American centers. The primary outcome was death or cardiac transplantation 12 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes included unintended cardiovascular interventions and right ventricular size and function at 14 months and transplantation-free survival until the last subject reached 14 months of age. Results Transplantation-free survival 12 months after randomization was higher with the RVPA shunt than with the MBT shunt (74% vs. 64%, P=0.01). However, the R...
TL;DR: It is reported that the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) adaptor protein MAVS is located on peroxisomes and mitochondria and it is found thatperoxisomal and mitochondrial MAVS act sequentially to create an antiviral cellular state.
TL;DR: T-cell immunotherapy that takes advantage of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-stimulated immunity has the potential to fill an important niche in targeted therapy for EBV-related cancers and the manufacturing methodology is robust and can be transferred readily from one institution to another without loss of reproducibility.