A truncating mutation of Alms1 reduces the number of hypothalamic neuronal cilia in obese mice.

Primary cilia are ubiquitous cellular antennae whose dysfunction collectively causes various disorders, including vision and hearing impairment, as well as renal, skeletal, and central nervous system anomalies. One ciliopathy, Alström syndrome, is closely related to Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), sharing amongst other phenotypic features morbid obesity. As the cellular and molecular links between weight regulation and cilia are poorly understood, we used the obese mouse strain foz/foz, bearing a truncating mutation in the Alström syndrome protein (Alms1), to help elucidate why it develops hyperphagia, leading to early onset obesity and metabolic anomalies.

Traumatic neuromas of the penis: a clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical study of 17 cases.

We present 17 penile traumatic neuromas. The mean patient age at presentation was 38 years (range 23-59 years). The most common site involved was the penile shaft.