Modulation Of Mesenchymal And Metastatic Cell Growth

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the modulation of metastatic and mesenchymal cell growth and mobility via the regulation of the formation of Twist/Twist homodimers and Twist/E heterodimers. The present invention also relates to methods for screening agents and compound libraries for molecules that function to modulate the formation of Twist/Twist homodimers, Twist/E protein heterodimers or their upstream or downstream effector molecules

Erratum: Identification of responsive cells in the developing somite supports a role for β‐catenin‐dependent Wnt signaling in maintaining the DML myogenic progenitor pool

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/90355/1/23720_ftp.pd

Concept Mapping As A Tool To Promote Cognitive Integration

For 20 years there has been a push to integrate the basic and clinical sciences in medical school curricula. Recently, studies have suggested that cognitive integration by the student is best achieved when the relationships between basic science and clinical domains are explicitly demonstrated. Concept mapping in response to a prompt, which asks students to create relationships among clinical and basic science concepts, should provide explicit connections that lead to a deeper conceptual understanding of the material. We designed a study to test the hypothesis that concept mapping improves the ability of students to diagnostically discriminate between multiple endocrinopathies when compared to students who were provided with similar resources. We also looked to see if knowledge retention was correlated with concept mapping or the type of notes taken during studying.https://dune.une.edu/cetl_minigrant_posters/1001/thumbnail.jp

Conditional expression of Spry1 in neural crest causes craniofacial and cardiac defects

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Growth factors and their receptors are mediators of organogenesis and must be tightly regulated in a temporal and spatial manner for proper tissue morphogenesis. Intracellular regulators of growth factor signaling pathways provide an additional level of control. Members of the Sprouty family negatively regulate receptor tyrosine kinase pathways in several developmental contexts. To gain insight into the role of Spry1 in neural crest development, we analyzed the developmental effects of conditional expression of Spry1 in neural crest-derived tissues.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Here we report that conditional expression of Spry1 in neural crest cells causes defects in craniofacial and cardiac development in mice. <it>Spry1;Wnt1-Cre </it>embryos die perinatally and exhibit facial clefting, cleft palate, cardiac and cranial nerve defects. These defects appear to be the result of decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis of neural crest and neural crest-derived cell populations. In addition, the domains of expression of several key transcription factors important to normal craniofacial and cardiac development including <it>AP2</it>, <it>Msx2</it>, <it>Dlx5</it>, and <it>Dlx6 </it>were reduced in <it>Spry1;Wnt1-Cre </it>transgenic embryos.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Collectively, these data suggest that Spry1 is an important regulator of craniofacial and cardiac morphogenesis and perturbations in Spry1 levels may contribute to congenital disorders involving tissues of neural crest origin.</p

Student Perceptions Of Integrated Vs. Separate Basic Science And Clinical Resources

For 20 years there has been a push to integrate the basic and clinical sciences in medical school curricula. Recently, studies have suggested that cognitive integration is achieved when the relationships between basic science and clinical domains are explicitly demonstrated. In order to investigate methods that promote cognitive integration we performed a pilot study to develop and test different learning resources. We then surveyed students’ perceptions of these resources and analyzed how the resources affected their note taking. Our study suggests that the type of resources can influence the type of note-taking done by students, and that the process of taking integrated notes can enhance learning and retention. This was a pilot study and is limited by its small sample size. Additional research is planned to confirm and expand on these results.https://dune.une.edu/cetl_minigrant_posters/1000/thumbnail.jp

Medical Biochemistry Without Rote Memorization: Multi-Institution Implementation And Student Perceptions Of A Nationally Standardized Metabolic Map For Learning And Assessment

Despite the growing number of patients worldwide with metabolism-related chronic diseases, medical biochemistry education is commonly perceived as focusing on recall of facts irrelevant for patient care. The authors suggest that this focus on rote memorization of pathways creates excessive cognitive load that may interfere with learners’ development of an integrated understanding of metabolic regulation and dysregulation. This cognitive load can be minimized by providing appropriate references during learning and assessment. Biochemistry educators collaborated to develop a medically relevant Pathways of Human Metabolism map (MetMap) that is now being used at many medical schools as a nationally standardized resource during learning and assessments. To assess impact, students from three medical schools were surveyed about its benefits and disadvantages. Responses were obtained from 481 students (84%) and were examined using thematic analysis. Five main themes emerged as perceived benefits of using the MetMap: 1) aids visual and mental organization, 2) promotes deep learning and applied understanding, 3) decreases emphasis on memorization, 4) reduces anxiety on exams, and 5) aids recall. Perceived disadvantages were: 1) fear of under-preparation for licensing exams, 2) overwhelming nature of the map, and 3) reduced motivation for and time spent studying. Results affirm that students perceive use of the MetMap promotes focus on broader metabolic concepts and deep versus surface learning, supporting a shift in cognitive load toward desired goals. Although the long-term impact on learning needs to be further studied, the use of the MetMap represents a step toward open-reference exams that reflect “real world” practice

Co-operatives create worker power [Moderated Conversation]

This conversation will focus on the ways in which cooperatives create worker power in the US and Europe To cite this talk: Scholz, T., O’Brien, D., Spicer, J., Lurie, R., & Calzada, I. (2021), Can Co-operatives Build Worker Power? Platform Co-operativism Consortium RadFest, The New School. 6th April

Two novel human NUMB isoforms provide a potential link between development and cancer

We previously identified four functionally distinct human NUMB isoforms. Here, we report the identification of two additional isoforms and propose a link between the expression of these isoforms and cancer. These novel isoforms, NUMB5 and NUMB6, lack exon 10 and are expressed in cells known for polarity and migratory behavior, such as human amniotic fluid cells, glioblastoma and metastatic tumor cells. RT-PCR and luciferase assays demonstrate that NUMB5 and NUMB6 are less antagonistic to NOTCH signaling than other NUMB isoforms. Immunocytochemistry analyses show that NUMB5 and NUMB6 interact and complex with CDC42, vimentin and the CDC42 regulator IQGAP1 (IQ (motif) GTPase activating protein 1). Furthermore, the ectopic expression of NUMB5 and NUMB6 induces the formation of lamellipodia (NUMB5) and filopodia (NUMB6) in a CDC42- and RAC1-dependent manner. These results are complemented by in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrating that NUMB5 and NUMB6 alter the migratory behavior of cells. Together, these novel isoforms may play a role in further understanding the NUMB function in development and cancer