Layer cake: the first bite at gene expression diversity in the human brain

Philipp Khaitovich highlights research by Allan Jones and colleagues that assesses regional gene expression in the human brain neocortex

New insights into the role and mechanism of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in steroid-resistant patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) may play a role in the mechanism of steroid resistance in systemic lupus erythematosus by affecting the NF-κB/IκB signaling cascade, and is a potential therapeutic target.

Generation of disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with different karyotypes of Down syndrome

The derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from two patients with different karyotypes of Down syndrome offers opportunities for disease modeling, drug discovery and potential future cell replacement therapies.

miR-146a, an IL-1β responsive miRNA, induces vascular endothelial growth factor and chondrocyte apoptosis by targeting Smad4

The microRNA miR-146a may reduce cellular response to transforming growth factor-beta through targeted inhibition of Smad4 in cartilage, thus increasing vascular endothelial growth factor levels, and increasing chondrocyte apoptosis.

Progress on stem cell research towards the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Sanbing Shen and colleagues provide an overview of recent progress towards a combined approach of drugs, cell replacement, and gene therapy to halt disease progression and improve treatment of Parkinson's disease.