Fainting disorder mechanism figured out

Fainting caused by POTS is regulated by switching gene

function off. Image:  Imgur/Twoisnoe

by Anne Crawford

Central Clinical School (CCS) investigators have discovered the mechanism underlying Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), the condition famously affecting the former lead singer of The Wiggles.

POTS is a disorder characterised by orthostatic intolerance – having difficulty in becoming upright, particularly when standing up from a lying-down position, when a greatly reduced volume of blood returns to the heart. Symptoms can include feeling light-headed, fainting, fatigue and slurred speech. Interestingly, eighty per cent of those with the condition are women. 

Molecular pathways for skin formation

Michael Cangkrama, who has recently
completed his PhD on skin formation

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It forms in utero and is maintained throughout adult life. However, the womb is a more stable and regulated place than the more complex terrestrial environment, and skin function in an embryo and an adult is very different.

What are the molecular mechanisms contributing to the development, regulation and maintenance of the skin structure in utero and post-natally? Why are they different? It comes down to highly conserved genes, largely unchanged from fruit fly to human. These three genes (in mammals) are members of a family of transcription factors known as the Grainy head-like (Grhl) transcription factors that play a role in organ (including skin) development and barrier repair after tissue damage. Grhl1 and 3 are both highly expressed in skin.

Participants sought: Bipolar disorder and genetics

MAPrc research study on Bipolar Disorder and genetics is identifying endophenotypes, the expression of neurocognitive and social cognitive enhancements or deficits, which will aid in identifying specific genes. Participants must have a first-degree relative with bi-polar disorder but not have the disease, be between the ages of 18-65, not be pregnant, substance-dependent, have any vision or hearing impairment, or difficulty with spoken English.