Vanderbilt University

About: Vanderbilt University is a education organization based out in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 45066 authors who have published 106528 publications receiving 5435039 citations. The organization is also known as: Vandy.

Mouse Models of Diabetic Nephropathy

Abstract: Mice provide an experimental model of unparalleled flexibility for studying mammalian diseases. Inbred strains of mice exhibit substantial differences in their susceptibility to the renal complications of diabetes. Much remains to be established regarding the course of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in mice as well as defining those strains and/or mutants that are most susceptible to renal injury from diabetes. Through the use of the unique genetic reagents available in mice (including knockouts and transgenics), the validation of a mouse model reproducing human DN should significantly facilitate the understanding of the underlying genetic mechanisms that contribute to the development of DN. Establishment of an authentic mouse model of DN will undoubtedly facilitate testing of translational diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in mice before testing in humans.

Guidelines for the medical management of osteoarthritis

Abstract: Treatment of patients with OA of the knee should be individualized and tailored to the severity of the symptoms. In individuals with mild symptomatic OA, treatment may be limited to patient education, physical and occupational therapy and other nonpharmacologic modalities, and pharmacologic therapy including non-opioid oral and topical analgesics. In patients who are unresponsive to this treatment regimen, the use of NSAIDs in addition to nonpharmacologic therapy is appropriate unless medically contraindicated. Judicious use of intraarticular steroid injections has a role either as monotherapy or an adjunct to systemic therapy in patients with knee OA who have symptomatic effusions. The role of joint lavage and arthroscopic debridement in patients with OA of the knee who are unresponsive to conservative medical therapy needs further study, and these procedures cannot be routinely recommended for all patients at this time. Patients with severe symptomatic OA of the knee require an aggressive approach to decreasing pain, increasing mobility, and decreasing functional impairment; such patients may benefit from orthopedic consultation and evaluation for osteotomy or total joint arthroplasty.

Comparison of the consensus sequence flanking translational start sites in Drosophila and vertebrates

Abstract: The previously presented consensus sequence for eukaryotic translation initiation sites by Kozak was derived substantially from vertebrate mRNA sequences. Drosophila nuclear genes exhibit a significantly different translation start consensus sequence. These differences probably do not represent mechanistic differences in translation initiation inasmuch as both taxa exhibit identical preferences and restrictions at the crucial -3 position. Using more conservative criteria for the assignment of consensus the following consensus sequences were derived: vertebrate--CANCAUG and Drosophila--CAAAACAUG.

Altered Telomeres in Tumors with ATRX and DAXX Mutations

Abstract: The proteins encoded by ATRX and DAXX participate in chromatin remodeling at telomeres and other genomic sites Because inactivating mutations of these genes are common in human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs), we examined the telomere status of these tumors We found that 61% of PanNETs displayed abnormal telomeres that are characteristic of a telomerase-independent telomere maintenance mechanism termed ALT (alternative lengthening of telomeres) All of the PanNETs exhibiting these abnormal telomeres had ATRX or DAXX mutations or loss of nuclear ATRX or DAXX protein ATRX mutations also correlate with abnormal telomeres in tumors of the central nervous system These data suggest that an alternative telomere maintenance function may operate in human tumors with alterations in the ATRX or DAXX genes