Genetic Mapping and Phenotypic Analysis of on Eye and Antennae Development in .

Genetic screens are valuable for identifying novel genes involved in the regulation of developmental processes. To identify genes associated with cell growth regulation in , a mutagenesis screen was performed. Undergraduate students participating in Fly-CURE phenotypically characterized the mutant which is associated with rough eyes and antennae overgrowth.

Role of the Gene in Development, Secondary Metabolism and Virulence.

is the leading cause of aspergillosis, associated with high mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. In search of novel genetic targets against aspergillosis, we studied the WOPR transcription factor OsaA. The deletion of the gene resulted in colony growth reduction.

Homeobox transcription factor HbxA influences expression of over one thousand genes in the model fungus Aspergillus nidulans.

In fungi, conserved homeobox-domain proteins are transcriptional regulators governing development. In Aspergillus species, several homeobox-domain transcription factor genes have been identified, among them, hbxA/hbx1. For instance, in the opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus, hbxA is involved in conidial production and germination, as well as virulence and secondary metabolism, including production of fumigaclavines, fumiquinazolines, and chaetominine.

UrdA Controls Secondary Metabolite Production and the Balance between Asexual and Sexual Development in .

The genus includes important plant pathogens, opportunistic human pathogens and mycotoxigenic fungi. In these organisms, secondary metabolism and morphogenesis are subject to a complex genetic regulation. Here we functionally characterized , a gene encoding a putative helix-loop-helix (HLH)-type regulator in the model fungus .

cpsA regulates mycotoxin production, morphogenesis and cell wall biosynthesis in the fungus Aspergillus nidulans.

The model fungus Aspergillus nidulans synthesizes numerous secondary metabolites, including sterigmatocystin (ST). The production of this toxin is positively controlled by the global regulator veA. In the absence of veA (ΔveA), ST biosynthesis is blocked.

Treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis is a common disabling condition that affects more than one-third of persons older than 65 years. Exercise, weight loss, physical therapy, intra-articular corticosteroid injections, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and braces or heel wedges decrease pain and improve function. Acetaminophen, glucosamine, ginger, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), capsaicin cream, topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acupuncture, and tai chi may offer some benefit.

Scaphoid fractures with unusual presentations: a case series.

Despite the high incidence of scaphoid fractures, their diagnosis and treatment is often delayed which can lead to complications such as non-union, avascular necrosis, and future arthritis. We present three cases with non-classical mechanisms of injury, leading to a delayed diagnosis in all three cases. Our cases serve to emphasize the importance of a high index of suspicion for the possibility of scaphoid fractures in order to avoid these potential complications.