Monthly Archives: June 2010

Uncovering the role of proteases in neurodegeneration

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with a progressive accumulation of senile plaques (containing β-amyloid (Aβ)) and neurofibrillary tangles, but the underlying pathology is still, to a large extent, a mystery. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), molecules produced by neurons and glial cells, may play an important, but complex, role.  In an… Read more »

Medicine
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Transcriptional regulation of miRNA-21

According to research recently published in Genome Medicine, a complex of transcription factors which includes p53, NF-kappa-B and STAT3 is responsible for regulation of miRNA-21 expression. This microRNA is significantly upregulated in stressed heart muscle and has previously been suggested as a therapeutic target in a mouse model of heart failure.   Roger Foo and… Read more »

Medicine

Professor Michael Kidd elected Wonca president

Professor Michael Kidd, Editor-in-Chief of BioMed Central’s Journal of Medical Case Reports was recently appointed the next president-elect of the World Organization of Family Doctors (Wonca). The announcement was made at last month’s World Conference of Family Doctors in Cancun, Mexico. Professor Kidd, Executive Dean of the Flinders University Faculty of Health Sciences and past… Read more »

Medicine