FROM BENCH TO BEDSIDE

Like something from a horror movie, the swarm of bacteria ripples purposefully toward their prey, devours it, and moves on. University of Iowa researcher John Kirby, PhD, studies this behavior in M. xanthus, a bacterium commonly found in soil, which preys on other bacteria. Despite its deadly role in the bacterial world, M. xanthus is harmless to humans and might one day be used beneficially to destroy harmful bacteria on surfaces or in human infection

A research team that included Andrew Norris, MD, PhD, has identified an anti-obesity effect for a developmentally important protein involved in fat formation (Aug. 21, Nature ). The findings--which may suggest a new target for obesity treatments--showed that BMP7 induces precursor cells to turn into brown fat, the type that burns energy and is thought to counteract obesity.

Vitamin D is essential to good health but needs to be activated to function properly. This activation was thought to happen primarily in the kidneys but a new University of Iowa study (Nov. 15, 2008, Journal of Immunology ) finds that activation can also occur in lung airway cells. "The more scientists study vitamin D, the more we learn about new roles it plays in the human body," says lead author Sif Hansdottir, MD.

MEDICAL DISCOVERIES

Epilepsy gene discovery
A University of Iowa Health Care-led international research team has found a new gene associated with the brain disorder epilepsy (Nov. 7, 2008, American Journal of Human Genetics ). While the PRICKLE1 gene mutation was specific to a rare form of epilepsy, the study results could help lead to new ideas for overall epilepsy treatment. "The study results were surprising not only because the PRICKLE1 gene had never been associated with epilepsy but also because the gene was not associated with any other human disease," said the study's lead author, UI pediatrics specialist Alex Bassuk, MD, PhD. Additional UI-led studies could potentially lead to the development of new drugs for people with epilepsy.

Sex difference linked to brain structure
Men consistently outperform women on spatial tasks, including mental rotation, which is the ability to identify how a 3-D object would appear if rotated in space (Nov. 5, 2008, Brain and Cognition online). Now, a University of Iowa Health Care study shows a connection between this sex-linked ability and the structure of the parietal lobe, the brain region that controls this type of skill. The findings underscore the fact that not only is the brain structure different between men and women but also the way the brain performs a task is different, said Peg Nopoulos, MD, a UI study co-author.

New clues about enzyme's role
A University of Iowa study provides insight into a calcium-sensing enzyme already known to play a role in irregular heartbeats and other critical functions (Nov. 10, Circulation online). The researchers showed that the enzyme, calmodulin kinase II, contributes to arrhythmia in a rare disease called Timothy syndrome and that inhibiting the enzyme prevents irregular heartbeats. The findings could help with developing treatments for irregular heartbeat, with possible implications for understanding other conditions such as autism.

TRIALS OPEN TO PATIENTS
For other trials, click here.

Type 2 diabetes
People ages 18 to 75 with type 2 diabetes are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care research study on controlling blood sugar. The study will evaluate the effects of an investigational drug on blood sugar control, when used in combination with other approved medications for diabetes treatment.  Compensation for travel and parking expenses is available.

• UI PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Jennifer Robinson, MD
• FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call the UI Lipid Research Center toll-free at 800-887-6917 or 319-384-5046.

Asthma
The Asthma Center is conducting a research study to test the effectiveness of a new asthma medication. The study is evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of low, medium, and high doses of a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and long acting bronchodilator as compared to placebo. Individuals at least 12 years of age with a history of persistent allergic asthma and who use some form of medication to treat asthma are invited to participate. Compensation available.

• PRINCIPAL UI INVESTIGATOR: Joel Kline, MD
• FOR MORE INFORMATION: E-mail scott-lundgren@uiowa.edu or call 319-356-3240 or 877-428-0635.

Prostate enlargement (hope to finish enrollment by April 15)
Men age 45 and older with benign prostatic hyperplasia--also known as prostate enlargement--are invited to participate in a University of Iowa research study comparing the safety and effectiveness of saw palmetto (a plant extract) to placebo (inactive substance) in reducing symptoms. Participants will randomly be assigned to take increasing doses of saw palmetto or a placebo. Study medication(s) and all study tests will be provided at no cost. Compensation for parking is available.

• UI PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Karl Kreder, MD
• FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call toll-free 866-236-1432 or 319-356-1111 or email diane-meyerholz@uiowa.edu.