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NEWS
Gene Hunting: The Power of Precision Medicine
MU researchers improve animal welfare by discovering genetic mutations that cause disease Humans and animals are made up of trillions of cells, and each cell contains DNA specific to that individual. Therefore, identifying DNA that causes genetic disorders gives researchers and clinicians a better understanding of how to treat inherited diseases and possibly prevent the diseases from being passed down to future generations. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have located a specific mutation in the gene responsible for causing Chédiak-Higashi syndrome, a rare condition that weakens the immune system and leaves the body more vulnerable to infections. In…
Researcher Receives $4 Million in Federal Grants to Study Two Debilitating Eye Conditions
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Rajiv Mohan, PhD, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, two separate grants totaling $4 million to study possible treatments for corneal scarring and diabetic retinopathy, two conditions that hinder vision for nearly 95 million Americans. One of the NIH grants will fund Mohan’s ongoing gene-based research program directed toward finding treatments for corneal scars, a common cause of blindness resulting from an injury, infection or trauma to the eye. Abnormal scarring after trauma creates haze in the cornea that disrupts vision. The current treatment for this scarring is…
Loosen up!
MU researcher finds exercise can reduce artery stiffness associated with heart failure Generally, exercise is considered good for you. However, physicians and medical doctors previously prescribed bedrest to people with heart failure, fearing exercise could potentially lead to additional health problems. Now, research from the University of Missouri has found exercise can improve the health of blood vessels in the heart for people with heart failure. The finding is based on a study looking at swine, which have very similar blood vessels and heart muscles – both structurally and functionally – as humans. Craig Emter, associate professor in the College…
Respiratory Diseases Linked With High Blood Pressure in Lungs
Pulmonary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the lungs of both animals and people. When tiny vessels in the lungs become narrowed or blocked, it becomes harder for blood to flow through and can cause the heart to weaken or fail. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri have found that identifying respiratory diseases causing pulmonary hypertension can lead to improved health outcomes. Carol Reinero, professor of small animal internal medicine in the College of Veterinary Medicine, was a member of a team that studied 47 dogs with pulmonary hypertension caused by respiratory disease. The goal…
Is Laziness a Choice or Genetic Trait?
MU researcher pinpoints gene associated with physical inactivity Regular physical activity is a crucial part of living a healthy lifestyle. However, a majority of American adults spend their waking hours sitting, which leads to a variety of health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Now, a researcher from the University of Missouri has identified a specific gene related to physical inactivity in rats that could potentially play a role in sedentary behavior in humans as well. “Previous research has shown us that genes play some role in physical inactivity,” said Frank Booth, a professor in the MU College…
VRSP Exposes Students to Potential of Careers in Research
Months of preparation and student research culminated in a trip to Worcester, Massachusetts, for 13 MU College of Veterinary Medicine students, three Mizzou students in the Pre-Vet Scholars Program, and three scholars visiting Mizzou from other universities. The group comprised this year’s Veterinary Research Scholars Program, also called the VRSP. “Our gang knocked it out of the park!” said CVM Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology Craig Franklin, DVM, PhD, DACLAM. “I heard all of our scholars either at the practice session or at the symposium, and all were so engaged and well prepared. The bar has again been raised.” The journey to…
Research Day Features Student Achievements
The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine held its 42nd annual Research Day May 10, 2019, to highlight students’ scientific discoveries. Veterinary professional students, including those who participate in the Veterinary Research Scholars Program, interns, residents, master’s and PhD students, along with postdoctoral fellows, presented their research contributions from the previous year in a poster or oral address. The day also featured a keynote presentation by University of Missouri Nobel Laureate George Smith, Curators Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biological Science. In his address, “Chemical Evolution with Phage Display,” Smith talked about some of the advances in medicine that built…
Preventing Triple Negative Breast Cancer From Spreading
Protein could be key to providing a precision medicine treatment to prevent the spread of cancer in people diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, MU study finds A breast cancer cell is like a house with three locks on the front door. Keys, or receptors, allow drugs to unlock the door and kill the cell. However, in triple-negative breast cancer, these keys are absent, thereby resulting in few options for drug therapy, until now. A protein called p53 suppresses and kills cancer in people. However, a defective, mutant form of p53 helps cancer cells grow and multiply. Researchers at the University…
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