June 30, 2011
Introduction
The NIAMS Update is a monthly digest published for those interested in the latest scientific news and resources on diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, and skin. We encourage further dissemination of this resource.
In This Issue
Spotlight
News
Meetings
Publications
Funding Announcements
Read More at NIAMS
Health Information
Research
Funding
News & Events
About Us
Portal en español
Contact Us
Disclaimer
Accessibility
FOIA
Contact Information
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
niamsinfo@mail.nih.gov
Janet S. Austin, Ph.D.
Director
Melanie M. Martinez, M.P.A.
Public Liaison Officer
Trish Reynolds, R.N., M.S.
Media Liaison
Spotlight
NIH Seeks Nominations for 2011 Council of Public Representatives (COPR)
The Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking nominations to fill vacant appointments to the 2011 COPR roster. Applications are due Friday, July 29, 2011, and are available online.
New members will be notified of their conditional appointments in time for the fall 2011 COPR meeting. All applicants will be notified regarding the new appointees by fall 2011.
The NIH will host a toll-free teleconference to present information on NIH and the NIH Director’s Council of Public Representatives from the perspectives of the staff and current Council members. The date and time of the teleconference will be updated on the nomination webpage when available.
For more information about COPR, please visit the Director’s Council of Public Representativeswebpage. To request an application by mail, contact the COPR resource staff by phone at (301) 650-8660, ext. 256, by fax at (301) 650-8676, or by email at COPR1@palladianpartners.com.
News
The NIAMS Community Health Center Has Moved
After ten years of serving patients in Unity Health Care’s Upper Cardozo Health Center in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of northwest Washington, DC, the NIAMS Community Health Center (CHC) has moved to a new location in Silver Spring, Maryland. The move was precipitated by termination of the lease due to building renovations. The new CHC is located in the McCarrick Center of the Spanish Catholic Center of Catholic Charities in Silver Spring, Maryland. It is accessible by public transportation, and free parking is available. The new CHC will continue to operate three days a week and, as part of the NIAMS Natural History of Rheumatic Diseases in Minority Communities study, it will allow patients to access the NIH campus for services not available at the CHC.
Scientists Correct Genetic Defect in Blistering Skin Disease in Mouse Model
A new study supported by the NIAMS shows it may be possible to grow healthy new skin for people with a rare disfiguring skin disease called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Caused by a defect in the gene coding for a protein called type VII collagen, RDEB is characterized by painful blistering of the skin and mucous membranes that leaves people prone to infections, scarring and skin cancer. Currently, the only treatment for the disease is targeted at relieving pain and improving quality of life.
Scientists Find Clues to Role of Neutrophils in Lupus
Scientists have long suspected that immune system cells called neutrophils play a role in lupus, a disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and damages its own tissues, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, kidneys and brain. More than a half-century ago, scientists found that the blood serum from patients with lupus triggered alterations in the nuclei of these abundant immune system cells. This finding was used to diagnose patients with lupus for many years, but the role of neutrophils in the disease remained elusive. Scientists supported by the NIAMS have now found a new role for these cells in lupus. Their discovery, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, could potentially lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for the disease.
Study Shows Sustainability of Gene Transfer Therapy for Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Research supported, in part, by the NIAMS expands upon the initial success of a gene transfer study for treating limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2D (LGMD2D). The new study, reported in the Annals of Neurology, showed the expression of the protein alpha-sarcoglycan, which is deficient in people with the LGMD2D form of the disease, can be sustained for at least six months.
Blood Vessel Cells May Be Key to FOP Ossified Tissues, Say Scientists
Cells that line blood vessels are a main source of the excessive bone tissue that defines the rare inherited disease fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), say scientists at Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania, who have published new research related to the disorder. Their work, supported, in part, by the NIAMS, shows that these cells, called vascular endothelial cells, leave their blood vessel locations under conditions of inflammation and become stem-like cells that produce the problematic bone cells. The accumulation of extra bone gradually restricts movement in the bodies of people with FOP. The findings, reported in Nature Medicine, may result in new therapeutic targets to counter the disease.
Biglycan Treatment Shows Promise in Muscular Dystrophy Mouse Model
Treatment with the protein biglycan reduces muscle damage in a mouse model of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, according to new research supported, in part, by the NIAMS. Dystrophin deficient mice given systemic injections of purified biglycan were less susceptible to the loss of muscle strength that characterizes the disease. The study was reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Origins of XMRV Deciphered, Undermining Claims for a Role in Human Disease
Delineation of the origin of the retrovirus known as XMRV from the genomes of laboratory mice indicates that the virus is unlikely to be responsible for either prostate cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome in humans, as has been widely published. The virus arose because of genetic recombination of two mouse viruses. Subsequent infection of lab experiments with XMRV formed the basis of the original association.
Meetings
Video of the Lessons in Lupus Seminar Held at the NIH
The Office of Research on Women's Health, the NIAMS and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases sponsored a scientific seminar called Lessons in Lupus on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at the NIH Clinical Research Center. Leading NIH lupus researchers discussed lupus risk factors and current treatments. Advocacy and educational partners presented perspectives and insights on living with lupus.
NIH Advisory Committee to the Director
The 102nd meeting of the NIH Advisory Committee to the Director was held on Thursday, June 9, and Friday, June 10, 2011. View the agenda.
Publications
June Shorttakes
NIAMS Shorttakes is a compilation of news from the Institute that is published three times a year in conjunction with NIAMS Advisory Council meetings. Just scan these “shorttakes” for information on what’s happening at the NIAMS, or access the complete articles for viewing or use in your own newsletter or other publication.
Six New Audio Publications Available in Chinese
Audio versions of the following easy-to-read fact sheets are now available in Chinese on the NIAMS website:
- What Is Acne?
- What Is Back Pain?
- What Are Knee Problems?
- What Is Osteoarthritis?
- What Are Sprains and Strains?
- What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Two New Easy-to-Read Fact Sheets Available
The following fact sheets are part of the NIAMS’ “Fast Facts” series of publications for the public:
These fact sheets contain general information about ankylosing spondylitis. They describe what ankylosing spondylitis is, its causes and treatment options. Highlights of current research are also included.
NIH Research Matters
NIH Research Matters is a review of NIH research from the Office of Communications and Public Liaison, Office of the Director, NIH.
A drug commonly used to treat high blood pressure shows promise in mouse studies for protecting against muscle loss and rebuilding injured muscle. The finding might have implications for slowing the muscle loss that occurs with age and disuse.
NIH Public Bulletin
Read about the latest public events, activities and health information resources from NIH in the latest issue of the NIH Public Bulletin.
NIH News in Health
Read practical health information in NIH News in Health, which is reviewed by NIH’s medical experts and is based on research conducted either by NIH’s own scientists or by our grantees at universities and medical schools around the country.
Funding Announcements
NIH Common Fund Initiative Announcements
Modification of RFA-RM-10-020: Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) (U54)
(NOT-RM-11-016)
Modification of RFA-RM-10-020: Institutional Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) (U54)
(NOT-RM-11-017)
Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for a H3Africa Bioinformatics Network
(NOT-RM-11-014)
Notice of Intent to Publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement for H3Africa Repositories
(NOT-RM-11-015)
NIAMS Announcements
NIAMS Clinical Trial Implementation Cooperative Agreement (U01)
(PAR-11-219)
Letters of Intent Receipt Dates: Multiple dates, see announcement
Application Receipt Dates: Multiple dates, see announcement
Clarification to NIAMS RFA-AR-12-001, Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Centers (P60)
(NOT-AR-12-008)
Other Research Announcements
Notice of Legislative Mandates in Effect for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011
(NOT-OD-11-072)
Salary Limitation on Grants, Cooperative Agreements and Contracts
(NOT-OD-11-073)
Notice of Correction in Review Criteria for PA-10-071: NIH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (Parent R13/U13)
(NOT-OD-11-074)
Clarification of NIH Fiscal Policy for Grant Awards—FY 2011
(NOT-OD-11-077)
Consideration of Public Comments on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition
(NOT-OD-11-082)
If you would like to review information about funding opportunities more frequently than our monthly updates allow, see the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts, the primary source for information about NIH funding opportunities. You can also request a weekly Table of Contentsfrom the NIH Guide.