Towards resolving the transcription factor network controlling myelin gene expression

In the central nervous system (CNS), myelin is produced from spirally-wrapped oligodendrocyte plasma membrane and, as exemplified by the debilitating effects of inherited or acquired myelin abnormalities in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, it plays a critical role in nervous system function. Myelin sheath production coincides with rapid up-regulation of numerous genes. The complexity of their subsequent expression patterns, along with recently recognized heterogeneity within the oligodendrocyte lineage, suggest that the regulatory networks controlling such genes drive multiple context-specific transcriptional programs. Conferring this nuanced level of control likely involves a large repertoire of interacting transcription factors (TFs). Here, we combined novel strategies of computational sequence analyses with in vivo functional analysis to establish a TF network model of coordinate myelin-associated gene transcription. Notably, the network model captures regulatory DNA elements and TFs known to regulate oligodendrocyte myelin gene transcription and/or oligodendrocyte development, thereby validating our approach. Further, it links to numerous TFs with previously unsuspected roles in CNS myelination and suggests collaborative relationships amongst both known and novel TFs, thus providing deeper insight into the myelin gene transcriptional network

Regulation and Genetics of Amino Acid Transport

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/75377/1/j.1749-6632.1985.tb14892.x.pd

Sequence treatment with Intragastric Balloon BIB (R)

Background: Since 1998, we adopted the BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB®) in our clinical practice for treatment of obesity and morbid obesity. Aim of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of a second balloon to continue weight loss or to produce better weight loss. Methods: Since March 1998, 522 BIB® were inserted in 480 obese and morbidly obese patients (124 male and 356 female). 38 patients (15 male and 23 female) had two balloons and four (1 male and 3 female) underwent three balloon insertions. At first insertion mean age was 40 years (21-65); mean weight was 126 kg (82-229), mean BMI was 43.2 kg/m2 (29-81.1), and mean initial % excess weight was 76% (13.3-216.3). The patients were given a balanced diet of 1000 kcal/day with temporary addition of omeprazole, vitamins and oligoelements. Results: When the first BIB was removed, the mean weight loss was 19.9 kg (8-50), the mean reduction in BMI was 6.6 kg/m2 (2.7- 15.9) and the mean %EWL was 25.7%. At the second balloon removal, the mean weight loss was 7 kg (from +11 kg to -33 kg), the mean reduction in BMI was 2.6 kg/m2 (from +3.9 to -8.6) and the mean %EWL was 10.1%. Only with second balloon we observed six cases of intolerance with removal before the due date. Conclusion: Our experience shows that second balloon insertion is less effective in terms of weight loss and %EWL than the first balloon and that the incidence of complications is greate