Multiplexed approaches correlating mitochondrial health to cell health using microcapillary cytometry.

Mitochondria are critical cellular organelles that play a fundamental role in cellular metabolism and oxidative stress and are well known to trigger multiple cell death pathways. The study of sequence of mitochondrial events as it relates to apoptotic/cell death events can provide critical insights into mechanism of cellular homeostasis, stress and death. Availability of rapid and simplified cytometric testing methods for evaluating mitochondrial changes, apoptosis and cell death in parallel can greatly enhance our understanding of mechanism of compound action.

Simplified evaluation of apoptosis using the Muse cell analyzer.

The degree of apoptosis in a cell population is an important parameter of cell health and is characterized by distinct morphological changes. Current methods of accurate detection and measurement of cellular apoptosis require expensive and complicated instrument platforms and expertise. The Muse Cell Analyzer is a unique instrument that enables multidimensional cell health analysis on a single platform.

The mutation ROR2W749X, linked to human BDB, is a recessive mutation in the mouse, causing brachydactyly, mediating patterning of joints and modeling recessive Robinow syndrome.

Mutations in ROR2 result in a spectrum of genetic disorders in humans that are classified, depending on the nature of the mutation and the clinical phenotype, as either autosomal dominant brachydactyly type B (BDB, MIM 113000) or recessive Robinow syndrome (RRS, MIM 268310). In an attempt to model BDB in mice, the mutation W749X was engineered into the mouse Ror2 gene. In contrast to the human situation, mice heterozygous for Ror2(W749FLAG) are normal and do not develop brachydactyly, whereas homozygous mice exhibit features resembling RRS.

Growth hormone enhances thymic function in HIV-1-infected adults.

Growth hormone (GH) is an underappreciated but important regulator of T cell development that can reverse age-related declines in thymopoiesis in rodents. Here, we report findings of a prospective randomized study examining the effects of GH on the immune system of HIV-1-infected adults. GH treatment was associated with increased thymic mass.