Microbes control intestinal genes, study finds

A paper in the Feb. 2 issue of Science reports the use of new molecular technologies for unraveling the age-old mystery of the relationships between ourselves and the microbes that live in our body.

The study reveals that microorganisms in the gut influence the expression of a number of genes that are important to intestinal development and function.

"We live in a world predominated by microbes," said Jeffrey I. Gordon, M.D. , who led the study. "These organisms have co-evolved with their mammalian hosts over millions of years. During this time, they have been forced to become master physiologic chemists --they have had to develop strategies for satisfying their own nutritional needs and various needs of their hosts. We wanted to figure out some of the lessons that they have learned about us and how they contribute to our health."

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Gordon: Study's senior author

Robyn Roth receives third annual Dean's Distinguished Service Award

By Diane Duke Williams

Robyn Roth, senior electron microscopy technician in the laboratory of John E. Heuser, M.D., equates coming to work with visiting an art museum.

"The images are humbling," Roth said. "I'm always struck by how intricate cells are."

Roth, winner of the third annual Dean's Distinguished Service Award, produces electron micrographs of deep-etched cells and molecules. "Our goal is to become the 'eyes' of the cell biology community," she said.

Deep-etch electron micrographs are used in many modern cell and molecular biology textbooks as well as in presentations at scientific meetings.

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Infertile women could benefit from new treatment

By Gila Reckess

There may be new hope for women who are infertile due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

A study published in the February issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility reveals that the drug metformin, when combined with the commonly used fertility drug clomiphene citrate, increases ovulation and the likelihood of pregnancy in patients who are unresponsive to clomiphene alone. The study was a joint effort among researchers from four medical centers, including the School of Medicine.

Four to 6 percent of reproductive-age women suffer from PCOS, a condition that prevents regular ovulation. Many of these women ovulate so infrequently that conception is extremely challenging.

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Exploring health careers At the Feb. 13 Health Professions Fair, Lisa Cracchiolo, clinical instructor of respiratory care at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, uses a simulator to show Duy Bui, a student at Soldan International Studies High School, how to open the airway of an unconscious person. The annual Health Professions Fair for high school students is sponsored by the School of Medicine's Office of Diversity Programs and the Community Based Resource Office of the St. Louis Public Schools.