Switch off the alarm

Although most scientists regard immune cells as the culprit in asthma, a new study suggests that resident airway cells might be at fault. These cells contain an anti-virus alarm system which, if not turned off, triggers persistent inflammation.

"I think this will change the way people think about asthma," said Michael J. Holtzman, M.D., head of the research team. "And it suggests therapeutic strategies that have not previously been considered."

Holtzman is the Selma and Herman Seldin Professor of Medicine, director of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and associate professor of cell biology and physiology.

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Steven Miller named chief medical officer of Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Steven B. Miller, M.D., associate professor of medicine, has been named chief medical officer of Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

The appointment, effective June 1, was announced by Peter L. Slavin, M.D., president of Barnes-Jewish.

"Steve is a well-known and respected clinician and investigator at Washington University Medical Center, where he currently is an associate professor of medicine and director of the hypertension clinic in the School of Medicine's Division of Nephrology," Slavin said. "Steve also has demonstrated remarkable management skills in his role as medical director of the BJC/WUSM Renal Network.

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Team receives $8.7 million for heart research

A research team led by Arnold W. Strauss, M.D., professor of pediatrics and of molecular biology and pharmacology, has received a five-year $8.7 million Specialized Center for Research (SCOR) grant. The SCOR grant, from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, will fund six studies at three institutions on the genetic basis of heart disease in children.

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