tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77066750124510542722024-02-19T00:54:39.257-08:00Pacific Northwest Friends of FSH ResearchSupporting research into Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy.fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-55365940387116174372012-11-12T10:15:00.003-08:002012-11-12T10:15:24.451-08:00<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mutations in genes that modify DNA
packaging result in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy type 2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Friends of
FSHD Research has helped fund another ground breaking project that has shed new
light on the mechanism of muscle damage in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular
Dystrophy, and suggests new targets for treatment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In today’s<b> </b>issue of <i>Nature Genetics</i>, Dr. Daniel G. Miller and Dr. Silvere M. van der
Maarel of Leiden University in The Netherlands, along with an international
team, report their latest findings that expand the role of epigenetic
modifications in causing the disease. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Epigenetic
s refers to mechanisms that influence how the genome is regulated and how,
where and when genes act -- all without altering the underlying DNA sequence. The flexibility of DNA packaging – its
wrapping, which can be tightened and loosened, and its chemical tags – is one
of the epigenetic forces on the genome. This packaging is called the chromatin
structure and is one way specialized cells such as those in our muscles allow
groups of genes to be shut off, or be available for expression. <o:p></o:p></div>
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People
with FSHD, usually have a deletion of genetic material that reduces the number
of copies of a repeated DNA sequence arrayed on chromosome 4. In a previous
study let by Dr. Stephen Tapscott, Friends-sponsored Scientists showed that the
genetic deletions in FSHD somehow caused an epigenetic change – an alteration
in one of the mechanisms that control a gene’s activity. The relaxation of the tightly wound chromatin
structure allowed the otherwise sealed code in the gene to be read and the
toxic DUX4 to be produced in skeletal muscle. Thus the muscle-toxic DUX4 genes
within each repeat become inappropriately activated in the wrong tissue at the
wrong time causing the symptoms of the disease.
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“Our
study builds on this model and identifies a new mechanism that allows this
relaxation and DUX4 production to occur. Production of DUX4 in muscle cells can
be viewed as a molecular switch. We’ve discovered that the switch that turns on
DUX4 expression can be activated in different ways but the mechanism of muscle
destruction by DUX4 remains the same. Identifying different ways the switch can
be activated is a crucial step toward therapy development because it allows us to
apply multiple and different strategies to prevent activation of the
switch.” Miller said. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Five
percent of FSHD-affected individuals have array lengths, longer than 10 copies
(the threshold for chromatin relaxation), of the DNA sequence in question making
them appear to lack the genetic mutation that normally causes FSHD. However, these unusual individuals lacked
repression of DUX4 code-reading in their skeletal muscle cells because of a
mechanism other than copy number.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Breakthroughs
in scientific discovery are often achieved by studying individuals with unusual
disease presentations,” Miller said. In a multi-institutional collaborative
effort the researchers identified individuals without the usual FSHD-disease
causing DNA deletion but who still lacked repression of the DUX4 code reading.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dr.
Rabi Tawil at the University of Rochester made the clinical diagnosis in these
people and established cultures of muscle cells from biopsies. Dr. Richard Lemmers working in van der
Maarel’s laboratory demonstrated that the chromatin structure was relaxed
despite a normal number of repeat units on chromosome 4. With the help of Dr.
Michael Bamshad, <span style="color: #333333;">UW professor of pediatrics, and
Dr. Deborah Nickerson, UW professor of genome sciences, Dr. Daniel Miller and
his group sequenced and analyzed the protein coding portions of the genomes of
individuals with FSHD caused by this uncommon mechanism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The researchers discovered that these individuals had causative
mutations in the Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes Hinge Domain 1 gene
located on chromosome 18. Mutations in this gene cause decreased levels of the
SMCHD1 protein and result in relaxation of the chromatin structure surrounding
the muscle cells’ DNA allowing toxic DUX4 to be generated from chromosome 4. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Understanding the FSHD-causing mechanism of SMCHD1 mutations,
Miller said, suggests ideas for therapeutic strategies to suppress the
production of the muscle-damaging DUX4 and for treatments for the more common
forms of FSHD.</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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This study would not have been possible without the support
of Friends of FSH Research. Friends of FSH Research has sponsored Dr. Daniel
Miller since he began working on FSHD in 2006. Dr Stephen Tapscott leads a
multi-institutional program project to study FSHD mechanisms and pathology. The
NIH funded project includes subprojects by Friends of FSH Research’s sponsored scientists
Dr. Silvere van der Maarel, Dr. Rabi
Tawil, Dr. Galina Filippova and Dr. Daniel Miller and the award of NIH funds
for this project can be largely attributed to preliminary data generated by
Friends of FSH Research’s sponsored projects. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Friends of FSH Research is a 501(3)(c) non-profit
organization whose mission is to
stimulate and fund FSH Muscular Dystrophy research in hopes of finding a
treatment or cure for this progressively, disabling condition. Friends of FSH
Research relies upon donations and their
annual charity gala, learn more or make a donation go to www.fshfriends.org. <o:p></o:p></div>
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fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-76936305964253107072012-07-26T17:11:00.001-07:002012-07-26T17:11:39.861-07:00Platform development for candidate drug screening for FSHD<a href="http://depts.washington.edu/millab/main2.php?page=News+Story&id=30#.UBHcodTYz3E.blogger">Platform development for candidate drug screening for FSHD</a>: Miller Lab News Story<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #838383; font-family: arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The Miller Lab has made exciting progress in the development of a platform for screening genes and compounds with activities that affect FSHD-specific pathogenic processes. This platform (developed using funds provided by The Friends of FSH Research and largely orchestrated by FSHD-Research Scholar Dr. Gregory Block) allows muscle cells to be cultured for long periods of time. Most cells when cultured outside of the body have a limited number of cell divisions before they simply stop dividing, however when expression of the CDK4 and Telomerase genes are “forced” in these cells, they continue to divide as if they had just been removed from someone’s muscle, a finding initially published by FSHD-researcher Dr. Gillian Butler-Browne. The improved longevity allows for careful study of a number of different characteristics in the same cells, and removes some of the experimental variability that is seen when comparing cells that have been allowed to divide for different lengths of time. Most significantly, we have optimized conditions that reveal FSHD-specific differences when cells from FSHD-affected individuals are compared to un-affected control individuals. While this may seem obvious, FSHD researchers have been plagued by the somewhat normal growth, differentiation, and lifespan of FSHD muscle cells, and the lack of physical differences in these cells when their growth characteristics are compared to cells derived from biopsies of normal muscles. Putting these two findings together will allow us to begin to efficiently search for genes and molecules that specifically prevent FSHD-cells from becoming sick. We are excited about the prospects for identification of drug targets that may be useful for developing treatments that slow or eliminate the muscle loss in FSHD. </span>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-62257786315722053512012-07-25T11:10:00.001-07:002012-07-25T11:10:38.348-07:00Friends of FSH Research - Better Business Bureau Approval<a href="http://www.bbb.org/western-washington/charity-reviews/charity-health/friends-of-fsh-research-in-kirkland-wa-22427040">Friends of FSH Research - Charity - Health - Better Business Bureau</a>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-53508884196812067892012-04-16T10:13:00.001-07:002012-04-16T21:00:41.327-07:00New "DNA Combing" Test for FSHDBiotech company <a href="http://www.genomicvision.com/products-diagnostic-CombiDiagFSHD.php">Genomic Vision</a> just announced the release to market of a new method of testing for FSHD. The test uses molecular combing technology that stretches DNA and affixes it to a treated glass surface. The DNA can then be analyzed using FSHD-specific software.<br />
<br />
"Current diagnostic methods are laborious and provide results that are difficult to interpret," says Dr. Pierre Walrafen, project manager at Genomic Vision. <br />
<br />
The methods Dr. Walrafen refers to are less accurate owing to the complications inherent in the causes of FSHD, and the new test will hopefully improve accuracy and effectiveness in testing for FSHD.<br />
<br />
The Timone hospital in Marseille, France, has adopted the technology for regular use--an estimated 300 to 500 patients per year. Prof. Clemens Muller-Reible at the human genetics institute in the Biology Center of the University of Wurzburg is also deploying the method as a beta test.fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-58033731209936753242012-02-03T17:23:00.000-08:002012-02-03T17:23:00.829-08:00Core Muscle Exercise For Muscular Dystrophy | LIVESTRONG.COM<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/554471-core-muscle-exercise-for-muscular-dystrophy/">Core Muscle Exercise For Muscular Dystrophy </a><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Previously, physicians advised patients with neuromuscular diseases to avoid exercise, based on the theory that it might exasperate their condition. No controlled studies have examined this theory. Although research is limited, clinical data suggests that strengthening exercises in combination with aerobic exercise is likely to benefit patients with muscular dystrophy. Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.</span><span style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; font-family: Arial, Helvetica; line-height: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/554471-core-muscle-exercise-for-muscular-dystrophy/#ixzz1lN7hf7kM" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; font-size: 13px; font: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); text-decoration: none; cursor: pointer; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; outline-color: initial; ">http://www.livestrong.com/article/554471-core-muscle-exercise-for-muscular-dystrophy/#ixzz1lN7hf7kM</a></span> </div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-68130105468637565692012-02-02T18:48:00.000-08:002012-02-02T18:48:02.150-08:00Dr. Stephen Tapscott - Podcast on the MDA's Quest<a href="http://quest.mda.org/sites/default/files/Tapscott-S-1-23-12.mp3">http://quest.mda.org/sites/default/files/Tapscott-S-1-23-12.mp3</a> <br />
<br />
Here is a link to a podcast which you might find interesting.<br />
Dr. Tapscott presents his latest information about DUX 4 and thoughts regarding the future possibilities for FSH therapy.<br />
<br />
thanks.fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-45212904544032374992012-01-30T17:28:00.000-08:002012-01-30T17:28:14.433-08:00Need muscle for a tough spot?<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120130094358.htm">Need muscle for a tough spot? Turn to fat stem cells</a><div><br /></div><div><span class="date" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-style: italic; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">ScienceDaily (Jan. 30, 2012)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; "> — Stem cells derived from fat have a surprising trick up their sleeves: Encouraged to develop on a stiff surface, they undergo a remarkable transformation toward becoming mature muscle cells. The new research appears in the journal </span><em style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">Biomaterials. </em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-size: medium; ">The new cells remain intact and fused together even when transferred to an extremely stiff, bone-like surface, which has University of California, San Diego bioengineering professor Adam Engler and colleagues intrigued. These cells, they suggest, could hint at new therapeutic possibilities for muscular dystrophy.</span> </div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-13059115330724745642012-01-30T17:20:00.000-08:002012-01-30T17:20:06.015-08:00Thanks for the Great Event - January 28th<a href="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shva=1#inbox/135312fb58eb75e3">Friends of FSH Research</a><div><p align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); font-family: Georgia, Palatino; text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(3, 133, 157); font-size: 19px; "> </span></p><table width="350" align="right" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); text-align: center; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px; "><tbody><tr><td width="350" rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><a shape="rect" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=wgzuf6cab&et=1109181066689&s=1&e=001x7AmFOSu94WR2IiFABTCN-DkeXfk5QMzZbC7k8gAOR9d36y5j5ZEGVbZ7ZvpQ2T-fWRqqSz2uXYN068yYxzLodkxdFXdwe7N1Gc1MU4j0CvSuV1c2yhG0QQBufCUkMtK" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); "><img height="248" vspace="5" border="0" width="350" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-giIq4XT5aD0/TvlB3y14xeI/AAAAAAAAdHQ/MvoAmCW3tzI/s776/FullInvite.jpg?gl=US" /></a></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="1" colspan="1" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Palatino; color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 14pt; "><span style="color: rgb(0, 77, 180); font-size: 18pt; "><strong>THANK YOU!!</strong></span><br /><br />You, the many friends of FSH research, raised $161,500 on January 28th! <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center; "><div style="text-align: left; "><span color="#666666" size="2" face="'Lucida Console', Lucida, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-family: 'Lucida Console', Lucida, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; "><i> </i></span></div></div><p style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(0, 77, 180); font-family: Georgia, Palatino; "><strong>Thank You!</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(0, 77, 180); font-family: Georgia, Palatino; "><strong> Your Generous Support Made the Difference!!</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><b style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 19px; "> </b></div><p style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(0, 77, 180); "><strong>THANK YOU!! </strong></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 14pt; ">to </span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; ">The UW All Star Jazz Quartet featuring</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; ">Michael Brockman</span></div><div align="center" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; "><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12pt; ">and </div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(0, 77, 180); "><strong>THANK YOU!</strong></span></div><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12pt; ">to</div><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12pt; ">THE OFFENDERS</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span color="#666666" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); ">for spinning the tunes of the '60s & '70s</span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span color="#666666" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); "> </span></p><div style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(0, 77, 180); "><strong> </strong></span></div><div> </div></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 14pt; color: rgb(0, 77, 180); "><strong>THANK YOU</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 14pt; "><strong>to</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; ">Our Auctioneer David Silverman and Emcee Wendy Boglioli</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; ">for making our event fun, engaging and wildly successful!</span></div><div style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); "> </div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: Georgia, Palatino; color: rgb(0, 77, 180); "><strong>THANK YOU</strong></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; ">to our fabulous volunteers</span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-align: center; font-family: Papyrus, 'Comic Sans MS', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, Palatino; ">We could not have done this without you!</span></div><p style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </p><div style="font-size: 10pt; background-color: rgb(124, 230, 255); color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Lucida Console', Lucida, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><em><br /></em></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-77225103982919713992012-01-22T17:16:00.000-08:002012-01-22T17:16:57.859-08:00Teams closing in on gene behind FSHD - FierceBiomarkers<a href="http://www.fiercebiomarkers.com/story/teams-closing-gene-behind-form-muscular-dystrophy/2012-01-18">Teams closing in on gene behind form of muscular dystrophy - FierceBiomarkers</a><div><br /></div><div><h1 class="title" style="font-size: 19px; color: rgb(42, 51, 128); line-height: 1.3em; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Teams closing in on gene behind form of muscular dystrophy</h1><div id="node-8961" class="node" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div class="meta" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 2px; margin-left: 0px; "><div class="byline" style="margin-top: 0px; color: rgb(150, 150, 150); font-size: 10px; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; ">January 18, 2012 — 6:44am ET | By <a href="http://www.fiercebiomarkers.com/author/selvidge" rel="author" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(12, 71, 144); ">Suzanne Elvidge</a><br /><div id="___plusone_0" style="height: 15px; width: 70px; display: inline-block; margin-top: 0px; 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">Contact Author</a></li><li style="list-style-type: none; display: block; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 2em; "><a class="reprinttool" href="http://www.fiercebiotech.com/pages/request-reprint?reprint_url=www.fiercebiomarkers.com%2Fstory%2Fteams-closing-gene-behind-form-muscular-dystrophy%2F2012-01-18&reprint_title=Teams+closing+in+on+gene+behind+form+of+muscular+dystrophy" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(12, 71, 144); padding-left: 20px; background-image: url(http://assets.fiercemarkets.net/sites/all/themes/fiercetheme/images/reprinticon.gif); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Reprint</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="content" style="margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.3em; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 1px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">While exactly which gene actually causes facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), the third most common inherited form of dystrophy, isn't clear, researchers at the <a href="http://www.fiercebiomarkers.com/tags/fred-hutchinson-cancer-research-center" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(12, 71, 144); ">Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center</a> are looking at the gene for the DUX4 transcription factor as a potential candidate.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">The symptoms of FSHD affect the upper body and can start with eyelid drooping and inability to whistle. People then develop arm and upper body weakness, and this can even affect walking if the symptoms are severe. Fortunately, for most people, the disability is minor.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">When the researchers looked at muscle cells, the DUX4 genes were active in the cells from people with FSHD but not in the cells from healthy people, which suggests that changes in this gene could contribute to causing the disease—the evidence of the genetic link was described by one of the researchers as "about as strong of evidence as you can get."</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">"This study is a significant step forward by solidifying that the DUX4 transcription factor causes this disease, while offering a number of viable mechanisms for why the muscle is damaged," said corresponding author Dr. Stephen Tapscott, Ph.D., a member of the Hutchinson Center's Human Biology Division.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">The identification of this biomarker could lead to possible diagnostics for FSHD, both to identify the disease and to check its progression, as well as support for the development of drugs to treat the disorder. Because DUX4 is also linked with cancer, its identification could also help the development of cancer immunotherapies and vaccines.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.3em; ">- read the <a href="http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/international-research-team-discovers-genes-and-disease-mechanisms-behind-c" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(12, 71, 144); ">press release</a></p></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 13px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /><br />Read more: <a href="http://www.fiercebiomarkers.com/story/teams-closing-gene-behind-form-muscular-dystrophy/2012-01-18#ixzz1kEvj9wbQ" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); ">Teams closing in on gene behind form of muscular dystrophy - FierceBiomarkers</a> <a href="http://www.fiercebiomarkers.com/story/teams-closing-gene-behind-form-muscular-dystrophy/2012-01-18#ixzz1kEvj9wbQ" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 51, 153); ">http://www.fiercebiomarkers.com/story/teams-closing-gene-behind-form-muscular-dystrophy/2012-01-18#ixzz1kEvj9wbQ</a><br />Subscribe: http://www.fiercebiomarkers.com/signup?sourceform=Viral-Tynt-FierceBiomarkers-FierceBiomarkers</span> </div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-38979596217144160562012-01-21T08:49:00.000-08:002012-01-21T08:49:04.529-08:00DUX4 Causes Muscle Mayhem in FSHD<a href="http://quest.mda.org/news/dux4-causes-muscle-mayhem-fshd">DUX4 Causes Muscle Mayhem in FSHD | Quest Magazine Online</a><div><br /><div><img src="http://quest.mda.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_main_image_542x309/cubes%20-%201%20red%2C%20many%20white.jpg" /> </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div id="article-highlights" style="text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(224, 231, 238); font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; color: rgb(196, 59, 12); font-size: 18px; ">Article Highlights:</div><ul style="color: rgb(41, 3, 13); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(224, 231, 238); "><li>A multicenter research team has provided specific evidence that inappropriate production of DUX4 in muscle is a major contributor to FSH dystrophy.</li><li>DUX4 disrupts numerous biochemical pathways in muscle, interfering with the ability of muscle cells to develop and thrive.</li><li>Interfering with DUX4 is a promising strategy for the treatment of FSHD.</li><li>Measuring DUX4-related biochemical changes in the body could provide researchers with new biomarkers with which to follow disease progression and response to treatment.</li></ul></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-48213762156975866742012-01-18T19:47:00.000-08:002012-01-20T15:16:19.568-08:00Kirkland Family Raises Funds for FSH Research<a href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/kirkland_weblog/">Kirkland Weblog</a><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><h3 class="entry-header" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #6699cc; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1px;"><a href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/kirkland_weblog/2012/01/kirkland-family-raises-funds-for-fsh-research.html" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;">Kirkland Family Raises Funds for FSH Research</a></h3><div class="entry-content" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; position: static;"><div class="entry-body" style="clear: both;"><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;"><a href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451975769e20162ffd0624e970d-popup" style="color: #6699cc; display: inline;"><img alt="FullInvite" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d83451975769e20162ffd0624e970d" src="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451975769e20162ffd0624e970d-120wi" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" title="FullInvite" /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/terry.colella" style="color: #6699cc;" target="_blank"><br />
Terry Colella</a> has lived in the same Kirkland home since 1980. But in 2004, everything changed when her son, Brian, was diagnosed with FSH (<a href="http://www.fshfriends.org/WhatIsFSH.html" style="color: #6699cc;" target="_blank">Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy</a>) and they turned from your typical Kirkland family looking forward to college and grandchildren, into one of fundraisers. What they discovered was that very few researchers were studying this condition due to lack of funds and its complexity. This family does not sit and ponder. Now they head up a non-profit charity,<a href="http://www.fshfriends.org/" style="color: #6699cc;" target="_blank">Friends of FSH Research</a>, and raise money for research.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">They have raised more than $1.5M from their home-based charity with a volunteer crew. Today, researchers at the <a href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/kirkland_weblog/www.fhcrc.org" style="color: #6699cc;" target="_blank">Fred Hutchinson Research Center</a> and the <a href="http://www.washington.edu/" style="color: #6699cc;" target="_blank">University of WA </a>are leaders in FSH research and are working in collaboration with researchers in the Netherlands and Rochester, NY as a result of their funding and support. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px;">Please consider joining the Colellas for the 8th annual gala auction event to benefit <a href="http://www.fshfriends.org/WhatIsFSH.html" style="color: #6699cc;" target="_blank">FSH </a>on January 28th at 5pm/Bellevue Hyatt. There will be a silent auction, champagne/appetizers, 4 course gourmet dinner with wine and a live auction led by auctioneer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Silverman-Auctioneer/126999974026200" style="color: #6699cc;" target="_blank">David Silverman</a>. 1976 Gold Medalist <a href="http://www.wendyboglioli.com/" style="color: #6699cc;" target="_blank">Wendy Boglioli </a>will be emcee for the evening. And local band The Offenders will be playing after the auction so don't forget your dancing shoes! Tickets are $110/per person and parking is free. 100% of the proceeds from the event go towards supporting FSH research. Purchase online or call 425-827-8954.</div></div></div><div class="entry-footer" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="entry-footer-info" style="margin-bottom: 2px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="post-footers">January 18, 2012 in <a href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/kirkland_weblog/kirkland_events/" style="color: #6699cc;">Kirkland Events </a>, <a href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/kirkland_weblog/kirkland_general_topics/" style="color: #6699cc;">Kirkland General Topics</a>, <a href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/kirkland_weblog/kirkland_health_and_fitness/" style="color: #6699cc;">Kirkland Health and Fitness</a> </span><span class="separator">|</span> <a class="permalink" href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/kirkland_weblog/2012/01/kirkland-family-raises-funds-for-fsh-research.html" style="color: #6699cc;">Permalink</a> <span class="separator">|</span> <a class="entry-comments" href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/kirkland_weblog/2012/01/kirkland-family-raises-funds-for-fsh-research.html#comments" style="color: #6699cc;">Comments (0)</a> <span class="separator">|</span> <a class="entry-trackbacks" href="http://kirklandweblog.typepad.com/kirkland_weblog/2012/01/kirkland-family-raises-funds-for-fsh-research.html#trackback" style="color: #6699cc;">TrackBack (0)</a></div></div></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-4259804034013825122012-01-17T18:06:00.000-08:002012-01-17T18:06:42.463-08:00Joel Chamberlain RNAi Update<a href="http://www.fshfriends.org/Education/News/news00043.html#.TxYo_ZqZk64.blogger">Joel Chamberlain RNAi Update</a> - Read about this research <a href="http://www.fshfriends.org/Education/News/news00043.html">http://www.fshfriends.org/Education/News/news00043.html</a><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.fshfriends.org/Education/News/news00043.1.jpg" alt="Cell pathway" /> </div></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-8294228715132629242012-01-17T09:11:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:15:58.300-08:002010 Collaborative Grant - An Effective Means of Utilizing Limited Funds<a href="http://www.mda.org/research/100405_fsh.html">Collaborative Grant to University of Washington </a><br />
<div><a href="http://www.mda.org/research/100405_fsh.html">Researcher to Speed Therapy Development for FSH Dystrophy</a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Although this is the news about a jointly-funded project in 2010-2012, it is out hope that more collaboration between funding groups will happen in the coming years. It is an effective way to stimulate new projects, increase awareness of a condition and maximize our funds. Here is one example of how groups can work together effectively.</div><div>T.C.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td><h3 align="center">Collaborative Grant to University of Washington Researcher to<br />
Speed Therapy Development for FSH Dystrophy</h3><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">TUCSON, Ariz., and KIRKLAND, Wash., April 5, 2010 ─ The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), headquartered in Tucson, Ariz., and Friends of FSH Research (FFSHR), based in Kirkland, Wash., today jointly awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant to Joel Chamberlain, research assistant professor of medical genetics at the University of Washington. The grant, equally funded by the two organizations, will enable the laboratory led by Dr. Chamberlain to study RNA interference as an investigative and therapeutic tool for<a href="http://www.mda.org/disease/fshd.html" style="color: #990066; text-decoration: none;">facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">“We’re delighted to be funding this cutting-edge research aimed at finding a therapy for FSH dystrophy,” says Valerie Cwik, MDA Executive Vice President – Research and Medical Director. “Not only might this project identify the precise molecular cause of FSHD — which has eluded us — but it could also rapidly suggest a viable therapeutic approach to the disease.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">Last fall, MDA and FFSHR teamed up to issue a worldwide request for applications (RFA) for projects targeting the identification, prioritization and/or validation of molecular targets for potential therapies for FSH dystrophy. The goal is to stimulate a new wave of innovative FSH dystrophy research to help people affected by the progressive neuromuscular disease, which can cause weakness in the upper body, lower leg, hip or abdominal muscles; hearing loss; and retinal eyesight, heart or respiratory muscle abnormalities.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">“Our RFA is proving to be a strong catalyst for vital research,” notes Terry Colella, FFSHR President. “We’re creating new momentum in the field of FSH dystrophy research and Dr. Chamberlain’s work should quickly bring us closer to a much needed therapy or cure.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">The Chamberlain project will focus on the recently discovered biological process, called RNA interference (RNAi), that cells normally use to fine-tune the levels of proteins that carry out body functions. “We’re developing ways to harness the potential for directed RNAi to turn off production of specific proteins in muscle that are thought to cause FSH dystrophy,” explains Chamberlain. “Thanks to funding from MDA and Friends of FSH Research, we soon should be ready to target promising therapies to attack this disease.”</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">A second notable FSH research project also was identified as a result of the joint RFA distributed by MDA and FFSH Research. That meritorious project, led by Silvere van der Maarel at Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, is being funded by MDA and will use a slightly different approach (antisense oligonucleotides) to develop potential treatments for FSH dystrophy.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;"><strong>Leveraging Prior Insights</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">The exciting new initiatives will benefit from decades of FSH dystrophy research seeking the elusive genetic cause of FSH dystrophy and defining the varied course of the disease. Notable advances made by investigators benefiting from MDA’s more than $16 million investment in FSH dystrophy research since 1987 include:</div><ul><li>mapping the genetic mutation causing FSH dystrophy to a small region near one end of chromosome 4;</li>
<li>determining that many genes are incorrectly regulated in muscles affected by FSH dystrophy;</li>
<li> finding that abnormal DNA in the disease-associated region of chromosome 4 inappropriately activates gene expression in FSH dystrophy; and</li>
<li>discovering that an unusual looping of chromosome 4, marked by an abnormally short D4Z4 region, has widespread consequences for gene regulation in FSH dystrophy.</li>
</ul><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;"><strong>About Friends of FSH Research</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;"><a href="http://www.fshfriends.org/" style="color: #990066; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Friends of FSH Research</a> was formed by the family and friends of Brian Colella, who was diagnosed with facioscapulohumeral dystrophy, or FSHD, in 2004. As an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt organization, the organization’s goal is to raise money to help fund researchers trying to decode the genetic mysteries of FSHD so that a treatment or cure can be developed. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">Friends of FSH Research was created because there is a need for additional funds for FSHD research. To stimulate new research and support for current researchers in this field, it was essential that a fundraising organization be founded. Friends of FSH Research is excited by the opportunity to help those affected by this disabling condition by funding scientists researching FSHD, and we feel very lucky to have established a partnership with the <a href="http://www.depts.washington.edu/mdcrc" style="color: #990066; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center at the University of Washington</a>.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;"><strong>About MDA</strong></div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;"><a href="http://www.mda.org/" style="color: #990066; text-decoration: none;">MDA</a> is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association, which maintains a network of more than 200 hospital-affiliated clinics nationwide, also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">Founded in 1950, MDA is the nation’s largest nongovernmental funder of research seeking treatments and cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases, including <a href="http://www.mda.org/disease/" style="color: #990066; text-decoration: none;">muscular dystrophy</a>, <a href="http://www.als-mda.org/disease/als.html" style="color: #990066; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)</a>, <a href="http://www.mda.org/publications/fa-sma.html" style="color: #990066; text-decoration: none;">spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)</a>, <a href="http://www.mda.org/disease/cmt.html" style="color: #990066; text-decoration: none;">Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT)</a>, and <a href="http://www.mda.org/disease/fa.html" style="color: #990066; text-decoration: none;">Friedreich’s ataxia (FA)</a>. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">The first nonprofit organization to be recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Medical Association (“for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity”), MDA’s annual investment in research exceeds $40 million. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px;">Thanks to decades of generous contributions from caring individuals, plus outstanding support received from local, regional and national sponsors, MDA is credited for its role in building the entire field of neuromuscular disease research, while simultaneously nurturing clinical care to significantly improve both quality and length of life for those affected by neuromuscular diseases. </div></td></tr>
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</tbody></table></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-90488522307825845902012-01-16T09:35:00.000-08:002012-01-16T09:35:11.680-08:00Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: New diagnostic strategies<a href="http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/research/news/5048_research_improves_diagnosis_of_facioscapulohumeral_muscular_dystrophy">Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: New diagnostic strategies for complicated cases</a><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: rgb(66, 70, 72); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The diagnosis of FSHD is usually straightforward because the muscle groups are affected in a very specific pattern. However, some patients may have symptoms that superficially resemble FSHD, but is actually a different condition. Even the most experienced clinician can sometimes be fooled by such 'look-alike' cases.</span> </div><div><span style="color: rgb(66, 70, 72); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span ><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Read the entire article to learn more.</span></span></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-5924200961948148702012-01-15T11:30:00.000-08:002012-01-15T11:30:49.166-08:00Friends of FSH Research Funded Project<a href="http://www.fshfriends.org/Education/News/news00042.html">Friends of FSH Research Funded Projects in Tapscott Lab at FHCRC</a><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; ">Major advances in research over the last two years have determined that FSHD is caused by the aberrant expression of the DUX4 gene in skeletal muscle. DUX4 is normally expressed in germline cells and early development, but tissues in the adult completely suppress the expression of DUX4. In FSHD the suppression is incomplete and DUX4 is expressed in mature skeletal muscle. Recent work in the Tapscott lab has shown that DUX4 normally regulates the expression of germline and stem cell genes and that the mis-expression of DUX4 in skeletal muscle activates that expression of these early developmental genes. Work recently funded by Friends of FSH Research will use these findings to develop the components necessary to identify drugs that prevent the DUX4 expression and/or DUX4-induced damage in muscle cells. The Tapscott lab plans to develop several ways to measure DUX4 expression and toxicity, and then perform tests to see how well each can be used for a large-scale screen of possible drugs. As the tests are validated it is anticipated that pharmaceutical companies might adopt them to screen their extensive libraries of drug-like compounds.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; ">— Stephen Tapscott</p></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-46367713769206516592012-01-12T09:59:00.000-08:002012-01-12T09:59:10.878-08:00Research team discovers genes and disease mechanisms behind a FSH muscular dystrophy<a href="http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-01/fhcr-rtd011212.php">Research team discovers genes and disease mechanisms behind FSHD Muscular Dystrophy</a> - Seattle Researchers!<div><br /></div><div>Support to Friends of FSH Research IS making a difference!!! Please consider making a donation today!!<br /><div><br /></div><div><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">SEATTLE – Continuing a series of groundbreaking discoveries begun in 2010 about the genetic causes of the third most common form of inherited muscular dystrophy, an international team of researchers led by a scientist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has identified the genes and proteins that damage muscle cells, as well as the mechanisms that can cause the disease. The findings are online and will be reported in the Jan. 17 print edition of the journal <i>Developmental Cell</i>.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The discovery could lead to a biomarker-based test for diagnosing facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and the findings have implications for developing future treatments as well as for cancer immunotherapies in general.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The work establishes a viable roadmap for how the expression of the DUX4 gene can cause FSHD. Whether this is the sole cause of FSHD is not known; however, the latest findings "are about as strong of evidence as you can get" of the genetic link, said corresponding author Stephen Tapscott, M.D., Ph.D., a member of the Hutchinson Center's Human Biology Division.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Tapscott and colleagues sought answers to the questions about what the DUX4 protein does both normally in the body and in the FSHD disease process. In the latest study, they identified that the DUX4 protein regulates many genes that are normally expressed in the male germ line but are abnormally expressed in FSHD muscle. Germ line cells are inherited from parents and passed down to their offspring.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">"This study is a significant step forward by solidifying that the DUX4 transcription factor causes this disease, while offering a number of viable mechanisms for why the muscle is damaged," Tapscott said. Transcription factors are tools that cells use to control gene expression. Genes that are "turned on" in the body are "transcribed," or translated, into proteins.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Now that scientists know that targets for DUX4 are expressed in skeletal muscle, an antibody- or RNA-based test could be developed to diagnose FSHD by examining muscle tissue from a biopsy, Tapscott said. Such biomarker-based tests also could be used to determine how well new treatments are working to suppress FSHD.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The study also discovered that DUX4 regulates cancer/testis antigens. Cancer/testis antigens are encoded by genes that are normally expressed only in the human germ line, but are also abnormally expressed in various tumor types, including melanoma and carcinomas of the bladder, lung and liver.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">"This knowledge now gives us a way to manipulate the expression of cancer/ testis antigens, potentially opening the opportunity to use these antigens in a cancer vaccine," Tapscott said.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">Two papers published in 2010 by the same group of researchers established the genetic basis for showing that expression of DUX4 was necessary for the disease. The previous research also identified the RNA in the FSHD muscles and showed that it was normally expressed in the germ line, which led to the hypothesis that the lack of an efficient developmental repression of this RNA caused the disease.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></p><div align="center" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">###</div><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "></p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">In addition to Tapscott and other Hutchinson Center researchers, scientists from Leiden University Medical Center in Leiden, The Netherlands; University of Washington; Genentech; and the University of Rochester contributed to the study.</p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">The research was supported by grants from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and <b>Friends of FSH Research.</b></p><p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); ">At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, our interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Our researchers, including three Nobel laureates, bring a relentless pursuit and passion for health, knowledge and hope to their work and to the world. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.fhcrc.org/" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); text-decoration: none; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">fhcrc.org</a>.</p></div></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-59116673567372879912012-01-11T17:38:00.000-08:002012-01-11T17:38:36.963-08:00Discovery Could Lead to an Exercise Pill - Technology Review<a href="http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/39449/?p1=A1">Discovery Could Lead to an Exercise Pill - Technology Review</a><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><blockquote>Researchers have discovered a natural hormone that acts like exercise on muscle tissue—burning calories, improving insulin processing, and perhaps boosting strength. The scientists hope it could eventually be used as a treatment for obesity, diabetes, and, potentially, neuromuscular diseases like muscular dystrophy.</blockquote><blockquote><br /></blockquote><blockquote>More news coming that may be of help to those with neuromuscular disorders.</blockquote><blockquote><br /></blockquote><blockquote><br /></blockquote></span> </div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-40331111209138841482012-01-01T15:02:00.000-08:002012-01-01T15:02:35.094-08:00DUX4 Activates Germline Genes - Research Supported by Friends of FSH Research<a href="http://www.cell.com/developmental-cell/abstract/S1534-5807(11)00523-5?switch=standard">Developmental Cell - DUX4 Activates Germline Genes, Retroelements, and Immune Mediators: Implications for Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy</a><div><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; ">Previous work by Tapscott's lab (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pgen.1001181" title="Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy: Incomplete Suppression of a Retrotransposed Gene" style="color: rgb(0, 160, 225); ">Snider, et al., 2010</a>) showed that the DUX4 gene is normally expressed in germline cells of the human testes and is not normally expressed in other tissues in the adult, whereas in both FSHD1 and FSHD2 small amounts of DUX4 are expressed in muscle cells. In a new study recently published in the journal Developmental Cell, the research group identified genes that are regulated by DUX4 and detected the expression of these genes in FSHD muscle, "providing direct support for the model that misexpression of DUX4 is a causal factor for FSHD." This publication demonstrates that the low levels of DUX4 expressed in FSHD muscle has a domino effect, activating many genes. This allows for the identification of several biomarkers to track the progress of FSHD, and to determine the efficacy of treatment. In addition, the genes regulated by DUX4 suggest several mechanisms for the loss of muscle strength in FSHD and these can be tested as candidate targets for new therapies. This is a major turning point, both identifying how DUX4 damages muscle in FSHD as the basis for developing therapies, and also a providing a set of biomarkers to easily determine if candidate therapies are actually working.</p><p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; ">Refer to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cell.com/developmental-cell/abstract/S1534-5807(11)00523-5" style="color: rgb(0, 160, 225); ">Developmental Cell article</a>.</p></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-17393971628363253882011-11-29T09:36:00.000-08:002011-11-29T09:36:08.671-08:00Advances in FSHD Research<a href="http://www.muscular-dystrophy.org/research/news/4875_new_advances_in_fshd_research">New advances in FSHD research | T</a>he Leaders in FSHD research Today!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(66, 70, 72); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); ">On November 7 and 8, eighty scientists met in Boston, Massachusetts, to share the latest results from their research on facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). This conference is hosted annually by the American </span><a href="http://www.fshsociety.org/" title="www.fshsociety.org. Link opens in a new window." class="popup" target="_blank" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: bold; font-size: 12px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(99, 162, 39); text-decoration: none; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); ">FSH Society</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(66, 70, 72); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); ">. Andreas Leidenroth, a Muscular Dystrophy Campaign-funded PhD student researching FSHD in Nottingham, attended the conference and here he reports on two important highlights presented at the meeting.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(66, 70, 72); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(66, 70, 72); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); ">The highlights mentioned by this researcher are those achieved by researchers Friends of FSH Research has worked closely with since 2006!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(66, 70, 72); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); ">Read this report - Dr. Tapscott and the Seattle FSH Research group has worked in collaboration with the researchers in Leiden for many years.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(66, 70, 72); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); ">Friends of FSH Research has held an annual FSH workshop bringing these groups together & urging strong collaborative efforts in order to speed up the progress of FSH research.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(66, 70, 72); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(236, 236, 236); "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Make a donation to Friends of FSH Research Today!</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b>It DOES make a difference.</b></span></span></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-9752880223569396612011-11-25T12:51:00.000-08:002011-11-25T12:51:23.713-08:00Meeting with Bill Moss<a href="http://video.theaustralian.com.au/2170398219/We-need-four-or-five-Macquaries">Video Discussion with Bill Moss</a><br />
<br />
Here is a personal look at Bill Moss - in his own words.<br />
Mr. Moss has become a leader for those with FSH Muscular Dystrophy - putting his influence to help move this research forward worldwide.fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-75617709338751670232011-11-17T13:32:00.000-08:002011-11-17T13:32:51.151-08:00Grants & Gala - Support FSH Research<img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZkrqHvFisw/TsV89xOp6jI/AAAAAAAAt3g/U-CUqRIfvsk/s320/FSH_boy.jpg" style="clear: both; float: left; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-top: 0px;" /><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: LEFT;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; border: 0px none; padding: 0px;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Friends-of-FSH-Research.html?soid=1102638114006&aid=HtVWeViRZDc">Thank You!! </a> (click here to see November news)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 13px;">Your past support has been critical to the stimulation of new interest in Facioscapulohumeral (FSH) research. You have helped to attract research scientists and to fund novel FSH projects that have expanded the world's understanding of the mechanisms at work in this form of Muscular Dystrophy. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 13px;" /><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 13px;">Our 8th annual charity gala is dedicated to YOU, our community.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 13px;">The dinner and auction will be held at the Bellevue Hyatt on January 28th. The theme of this year's gala, "<em>With a Little Help from Our Friends,</em>" honors our community and its generous support.<br />
We invite you to join with us as we celebrate our successes and your partnership. </div><br style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 13px;" /><div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Palatino; font-size: 13px;">Progress has been made! We will need your continued support to achieve our next goal, the development of an effective therapy for FSH Muscular Dystrophy.</div></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-57806907892718619022011-11-08T11:01:00.000-08:002011-11-08T11:01:55.397-08:00FSHD Europe: The European voice of people with FSHD<a href="http://www.fshd-europe.org/">FSHD Europe: The European voice of people with FSHD</a><div><br /></div><div>The European FSHD advocacy groups have joined together - here is their newly developed website.</div><div>We are pleased that the video Friends of FSH Research produced is presented on their learning about FSHD page.</div><div><br /></div><div>Working together we will find a treatment or cure for FSHD.</div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-18275104641059057092011-11-05T11:42:00.000-07:002011-11-05T11:42:34.302-07:00PLOS Research Report - FSHD<a href="http://www.fshd-europe.org/index.php/fshd/fshd-scientific-publications.html">Scientific Publications Explained</a><div><br /></div><div><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; color: rgb(69, 68, 68); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(248, 245, 245); "><strong><em>Title</em>: The FSHD Atrophic Myotube Phenotype Is Caused by DUX4 Expression</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; color: rgb(69, 68, 68); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(248, 245, 245); "><strong><em>Authors:</em> Vanderplanck C, Ansseau E, Charron S, Stricwant N, Tassin A, Laoudj-Chenivesse D, Wilton SD, Coppée F, Belayew A.</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; color: rgb(69, 68, 68); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(248, 245, 245); "><strong><em>Publication date and journal: </em>28 Oct 2011 in <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0026820" target="_blank" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 255); ">PLos One</a></strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; color: rgb(69, 68, 68); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(248, 245, 245); ">This work was done by the group of Alexandra Belayew in Mons, Belgium, in collaboration with Dalila Laoudj-Chenivesse from Montpellier, France, and Professor Steve D. Wilton from Perth, Australia, who does much work with exon skipping in Duchenne. Muscle cells of healthy individuals cultured in the laboratory in which DUX4 was introduced were much thinner (atrophic) than muscle cells without active DUX4. (Such thin muscle cells are seen in FSHD.) A number of genes characteristic for the diseased muscle were also found to be activated (Atrogin1, MuRF1, CRYM and TP53). These genes may be used to measure the effect of drugs.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; color: rgb(69, 68, 68); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(248, 245, 245); ">Next, the researcher developed siRNA molecules against DUX4 (these are molecules that cause degradation of the DUX4 messenger RNA so no more DUX4 protein is made). Muscle cells cultured in the laboratory with active DUX4 which were treated with this anti-DUX4 siRNA were less thin 8 days after treatment than untreated muscle cells. They made less DUX4 and TP53 proteins. Antisense Oligonucleotides (AOs) were then developed against DUX4. This is a different kind of anti-molecule which is used for exon skipping in Duchenne. Muscle cells from people with FSHD cultured in the laboratory and treated with a low concentration of anti-DUX4 AOs had less DUX4 and TP53, without much effect on DUX4c, a gene similar to DUX4 which probably has an important function in the human body.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; color: rgb(69, 68, 68); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(248, 245, 245); ">The group of Alexandra Belayew and other research groups worldwide are now working on developing DUX4 mouse models to test whether these anti-DUX4 molecules can slow, stop or hopefully even improve the health of diseased animals.</p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; color: rgb(69, 68, 68); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(248, 245, 245); "><br /></p><p style="margin-top: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 1.1em; color: rgb(69, 68, 68); font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; background-color: rgb(248, 245, 245); ">Click on "PLOS ONE" to read complete study report</p></div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-33457898793938266372011-11-04T20:27:00.000-07:002011-11-05T11:56:42.835-07:00Thank You for Being a Friend<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZHqG4VnXSc/TrWGl_zw-5I/AAAAAAAAtxU/TfMWJ8zb-Lw/s1600/TOK+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZHqG4VnXSc/TrWGl_zw-5I/AAAAAAAAtxU/TfMWJ8zb-Lw/s1600/TOK+photo.jpg" /></a></div>After tough voting in a facebook contest, our charity Friends of FSH Research won $5,000 from the Toyota of Kirkland dealership. Thanks to all the voters that took the time to “like” our charity, we were the top vote getters and the winners of this grant from Toyota.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 1.2em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Our charity auction’s theme this year is “With a Little Help from Our Friends.” Though it might be a song with some questionable references, for us it is a song that celebrates friends. It has taken the support of many friends to push our mission forward toward finding a treatment or cure for FSH Muscular Dystrophy. And now, our circle of friends just got bigger – thank you Toyota of Kirkland for being a friend!</div>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706675012451054272.post-66761066297588364622011-10-19T10:17:00.001-07:002011-10-19T10:21:30.907-07:00Good Search for FSH Research<a href="http://www.goodsearch.com/" target="_top"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.goodsearch.com/" target="_top"><img alt="GoodSearch: You Search...We Give!" border="0" height="60" src="http://www.goodsearch.com/_gfx/gs-cause-120x60.gif" width="120" /></a><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This is going to be the easiest thing we’ve ever asked you to do!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We just signed up with <a href="http://www.goodsearch.com/" style="color: #2c488d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">GoodSearch.com</a> and now every time you shop online or search the internet, a donation will be made to Friends of FSH Research.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Here’s how:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.goodshop.com/" style="color: #2c488d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">GoodShop.com</a> works with more than 2,500 stores (including Target, Apple, Petsmart etc..) and every time you purchase something, a percentage will be donated to us! And, even more exciting, <a href="http://www.goodshop.com/" style="color: #2c488d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">GoodShop</a> also offers over 100,000 of the most up-to-date coupons and free shipping offers so you can save money at the same time. It’s win win.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.goodsearch.com/" style="color: #2c488d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">GoodSearch</a> is a Yahoo powered search engine which makes a donation to us each time you do a search.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">“Become a Supporter” button</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Join the rest of our community in using these sites to help us easily raise money for our mission. Get started by clicking the <a href="http://www.fshfriends.org/Contribute/GoodSearch.html">Good Search</a> information </div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">on our website!</div></span>fshfriendshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01560712391186320235noreply@blogger.com0