Category Archives: Medical School

Public release date: 16-Feb-2012
[ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Jim Fessenden
james.fessenden@umassmed.edu
508-856-2000
University of Massachusetts Medical School

WORCESTER, Mass. -- It is well understood that chromosomal translocation ? a process whereby pieces of two chromosomes break off and exchange places ? is a hallmark of many cancers including leukemia, thyroid cancer and lymphoma and play an important part in how healthy cells become cancerous. The role spatial proximity plays in why certain chromosomal translocations happen repeatedly, however, has been a long-standing area of debate among scientists.

A new study published online in the journal Cell by lead authors Job Dekker, PhD, co-director of the Program in Systems Biology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) and Frederick Alt, PhD, director of the Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at Children's Hospital Boston, offers the first conclusive evidence that the three dimensional structure of the chromosome strongly influences patterns of chromosome rearrangements and translocations. This finding sheds light on fundamental processes related to cancer and our understanding of cancer genomics.

"Understanding how chromosome translocations happen is important if we want to understand the evolution of cancer genomes," said Rachel Patton McCord, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at UMMS and co-first author of the study. "If certain individuals have changes in their chromosome structure it might indicate an increased risk for translocations that give rise to cancer. And, after precancerous changes have taken place in the genome of the cell, corresponding rearrangements in the 3D genome may dictate which translocations happen as cancer progresses."

In order to measure how all the sequences in the genome are organized relative to one another, McCord used a molecular technology developed in 2009 by Dekker called Hi-C to generate a three-dimensional model of a pro-B cell (white blood cell) from a mouse. At the same time, a high-throughput genome-wide translocation sequencing (HTGTS) technique developed by Dr. Alt's lab was used to map "hot spots" in the genome where chromosome breaks and translocations are more likely to occur. By combining the 3D model of the genome, the first for a mouse, with the sites of translocations in these cells, researchers were able to explore the role spatial proximity plays in the reassembly of these chromosome breaks.

What they observed is that for random, widespread, low-frequency DNA breaks, such as might occur after exposure to too much sun or chemotherapy, spatial proximity plays a dominant role in determining where in the genome these pieces of chromosome get reattached. Simply stated, the closer the breaks were to each other, the more likely they were to be incorrectly attached to a neighboring chromosome. Dekker and colleagues also observed that chromosome breaks were also more likely to be translocated along the whole chromosome where they resided, adding further evidence that spatial organization is a determining factor in chromosome translocations.

"We see the same chromosome rearrangements happening over and over again in certain cancers, but determining the role of spatial proximity in this process has been a hard question to answer," said Dekker, also professor of biochemistry & molecular pharmacology and molecular medicine at UMMS. "By generating a 3D model of the entire genome and mapping translocations from targeted chromosome breaks we can finally start to answer this question."

###

About the University of Massachusetts Medical School The University of Massachusetts Medical School, one of the fastest growing academic health centers in the country, has built a reputation as a world-class research institution, consistently producing noteworthy advances in clinical and basic research. The Medical School attracts more than $277 million in research funding annually, 80 percent of which comes from federal funding sources. The mission of the Medical School is to advance the health and well-being of the people of the commonwealth and the world through pioneering education, research, public service and health care delivery with its clinical partner, UMass Memorial Health Care. For more information, visit http://www.umassmed.edu.

[ | E-mail | Share ]

AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.

View post:
Spatial proximity plays important role in chromosome translocation

If student interest is any indication, Florida Atlantic University's new medical school won't suffer a sophomore slump.

FAU's College of Medicine opened on FAU's Boca Raton campus this August, and received an impressive 1,500 applications for 64 slots. This year, applications have doubled to nearly 3,000 for the same number of seats.

The increase is a "testament to the popularity and desirability of the innovative educational program we have put in place at the College of Medicine," said Robert Hinkley associate dean for admissions for the medical school. "The academic credentials and personal accomplishments of the members of our first class admitted in 2011 were competitive with those of classes admitted to older, more established medical schools and our second class promises to exceed our first class."

FAU also boasts a diverse pool of applicants, with 43 percent from out of state, 46 percent are women, 21 percent Asian, 16 percent Hispanic and 13 percent black.

The medical school has a partnership with The Scripps Research Institute, allowing some students the chance to pursue a PhD from the Scripps Kellogg School of Science at the same time they're working on their medical degree.

Medical education has greatly expanded in Florida in the past few years, with Florida International University and the University of Central Florida both opening medical schools in 2009. The University of Miami has expanded its medical offerings in recent years. And a for-profit college called Palm Beach Medical College hopes to open in the next few years.

Based on FAU's applications, it looks like there's plenty of room for more expansion.

Follow this link:
FAU med school gets surge in applications

Newswise — Four members of the South Jersey-based Schlitt family of physicians, who have dedicated their careers to caring for children in the region, have committed $300,000 to assist students and faculty at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU).

The gift by Dr. Ludwig Schlitt and his children¬–Drs. Michael, Stephanie and Mark, all of Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group in Haddon Heights¬–will be used to establish The Schlitt Family Student Lounge and The Schlitt Family Dean’s Executive Conference Room in CMSRU’s new medical school building in Camden. The building will open this summer when CMSRU welcomes its charter class of 50 students.

The medical school is the first four-year allopathic medical school in three decades in New Jersey and the first one ever in South Jersey.

“Our family has a proud, 50-year history of caring for children in South Jersey,” said Dr. Ludwig Schlitt. “We feel fortunate to help play a role in expanding health care in our state by supporting the medical school.”

“We’re excited about the partnership between Rowan and Cooper and believe in the medical school’s mission to promote the education of primary care physicians in the region,” added Dr. Michael Schlitt.

Given their connection to Cooper Health System, choosing CMSRU as the beneficiary of their generosity was a natural fit for the Schlitt family. Dr. Ludwig Schlitt, a resident of Haddonfield, began his career at Cooper University Hospital in 1960 and some of his five children were born there.

He opened Haddon Pediatrics in 1970, and, in 1998, the practice joined Children’s Health Association. In 2008, the name was changed to Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group. While based in Haddon Heights, the group has a satellite office in Mullica Hill.

Dr. Michael Schlitt joined the practice in 1990. Dr. Stephanie Schlitt joined in 1997 and Dr. Mark Schlitt joined the practice in 2002.

The gift from the Schlitts is the latest for CMSRU as it continues to attract private support from individuals who believe in the medical school’s mission to provide a humanistic education for medical school students in which inclusivity, excellence in patient care, innovative teaching, research and service to the community are valued.

“It is gratifying to see the Schlitts—a family of southern New Jersey physicians—take a leadership role in supporting CMSRU and higher education in the region,” said Paul Katz, MD, Founding Dean of CMSRU. “With our first class of students scheduled to arrive in August, we expect that more people will show their support for the medical school.”

Gifts to CMSRU give donors the chance make a difference in the future of medicine and healthcare in South Jersey and the region, according to R.J. Tallarida, assistant vice president for development and acting executive director of the Rowan University Foundation.

Among previous gifts to the Medical School are a generous contribution from Haddonfield physician Dr. Michael Renzi and his family in 2011 to establish the Renzi Family Clinical Simulation Rooms at CMRSU and a $100,000 pledge from Rowan University alumnus Dr. Marque Allen, a podiatrist in Texas, and his wife, Yvette, to establish the Dr. Richard Meagher Medical Scholarship for CMSRU students.

For information about giving to CMSRU, visit http://www.rufoundation.org and the CMSRU website at http://www.rowan.edu/coopermed.

Comment/Share

Go here to see the original:
South Jersey Family of Pediatricians Supports Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

The Medical Academy Charter School won approval Monday night from the Catasauqua Area School Board.

School directors voted 8-0 in favor of a three-year charter for the school, which will serve ninth- through 12th-graders who plan to pursue a career in the health care industry. Board member Robert Levine was absent from the meeting.
After the vote, academy founder Dr. Craig T. Haytmanek told the board, "We will make you proud."

The Fountain Hill physician and former Bethlehem Area School Board member later said, "I'm very, very pleased that we'll have the opportunity to achieve our goal. Our goal is to run a successful charter school and contribute to the Catasauqua Area School District and the health and welfare of the Lehigh Valley."

The academy is on track to open at 330 Howertown Road in Catasauqua this fall. The former Lincoln Middle School, now owned by developer Abe Atiyeh, is already home to Lehigh Valley Christian High School. The two schools will share the building, according to the academy's three-year lease agreement.

Before signing off on the charter, board President Penny Hahn said she wouldn't want her child to attend school in a shared building. District solicitor David Knerr noted that administrators from the two schools must work together to make sure religious symbols aren't displayed in their shared spaces, such as the gymnasium.

The academy, he explained, is governed by the same laws that rule public schools when it comes to religion.

Atiyeh said he was happy to get a unanimous decision from school directors, noting, "When you get full support, that's good."
The developer said nearly 150 students are pre-enrolled at the academy; he expects that number to rise quickly now that Medical Academy Charter School has the board's blessing.

The academy, Haytmanek has said, is looking to lay a foundation for the success of all future health care professionals, whether students hope to become nurses, doctors, pharmacists or physical therapists.

All of the board members acknowledged, though some reluctantly, that the academy has met state requirements governing charter schools. Knerr reviewed the regulations before the vote, and subtly warned school directors that they wouldn't have a case should the academy appeal a rejection to the state.

The solicitor noted that the board's rejection several years ago of the Thomas Paine Charter School proposal was based on the applicant's unrealistic budget. That's not an issue with the academy; the school's financial projects are sound, he said.

Like Lehigh County on lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook

Original post:
Medical Academy Charter School earns Catasauqua Area School Board approval

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) - Florida Atlantic University's new medical school has received almost 3,000 applications for 64 slots.
    
The South Florida Sun Sentinel (http://sunsent.nl/zIM3HF ) reports the school - which opened in August - has doubled the number of applications it received for its initial class.
    
The medical school has a partnership with The Scripps Research Institute. The partnership allows some students an opportunity to pursue a PhD from the Scripps Kellogg School of Science while they are completing their medical degree.
    
School officials say the pool of applicants is diverse. Forty six percent of the applicants are women, 21 percent are Asian, 16 percent Hispanic and 13 percent black.
    
___
    
Information from: South Florida Sun Sentinel, http://www.sun sentinel.com

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View post:
Number of applicants double for FAU medical school

The Catasauqua Area School Board granted approval to the Medical Academy Charter School on Monday after agreeing the proposal demonstrated community interest and the capability to provide a comprehensive learning experience among meeting other criteria.

The school plans to open in fall at a former elementary school at 330 Howertown Road in the borough. So far, 126 students have pre-enrolled. The academy plans to open to 200 students in Grades 9 and 10 eventually expand to 11 and 12.

School directors approved the charter in an 8-0 vote, however the resolution contains a statement that the criteria set by the state limits the district's ability to evaluate charter applications and can give the wrong impression that a program will provide an appropriate educational environment and experience comparable to the district. The resolution encourages parents to do their own research when considering a school.

School directors found the charter school application met the state criteria for curriculum, community support and that it may serve as a model for other public schools.

"We have a responsibility annually to make sure they are in compliance," School Director Carol Cunningham said.

Founder Dr. Craig Haytmanek said he was happy with the board's decision. Haytmanek has worked to develop relationships with institutions that can provide internship or educational opportunities for academy students. Haytmanek has said his alma mater, Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, has agreed to accept students from the school. Agreements are also in the works with Penn State, St. Luke's Health System, Alzheimer's Association, Miller Memorial Blood Center, a veterinary clinic and more.

School Director Christine Naegel asked academy organizers about any potentially controversial programs, for instance, if students would ever be interning at abortion clinics. Academy officials said no controversial partnerships are in place and offered to inform the district as new partners are added to the roster.

Resident Marge Kovacs asked what the financial impact will be on the district. Superintendent Robert Spengler said a regular education student from Catasauqua Area will cost $11,000 and a special education student will cost $23,000. Each sending district will pay the same for their students who choose to attend the academy. Catasauqua Area annually budgets about $500,000 for charter school costs.

The charter school is expected to occupy the first floor of the former school. Lehigh Valley Christian High School will lease the second floor. Developer and building owner Abe Atiyeh said the schools would share the gymnasium and two fitness rooms dedicated to weight machines.

Sarah Fulton is a freelance writer.

Original post:
Medical Academy Charter School approved in Catasauqua