Pathway to parasitic infection identified

By Jim Dryden

Researchers have identified a molecule that controls the ability of a tropical parasite, Leishmania, to infect humans.

"This is the first pathway we have identified that controls the virulence of this deadly pathogen," said principal investigator Stephen M. Beverley, Ph.D., the Marvin A. Brennecke Professor of Molecular Microbiology. "Remarkably, it normally acts to limit parasite virulence rather than to increase it."

In the April 13 issue of the journal Science, Beverley's team reports that the virulence of Leishmania is controlled by the levels of a substance called tetrahydrobiopterin (H4B).

The microscopic parasite infects more than 10 million people in tropical parts of the world, causing an ulcerating disease called leishmaniasis. The disease often is fatal, and no satisfactory vaccines or drug therapies exist.

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Center for Advanced Medicine will house outpatient and cancer care

The School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital have chosen Center for Advanced Medicine as the official name of the new ambulatory care center, scheduled to open in November at the corner of Forest Park and Euclid avenues. The Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center also will be housed there.

The 14-story Center for Advanced Medicine was designed more than three years ago to provide a single location in which ambulatory patients can park conveniently, see their physician and receive diagnostic testing and ancillary care services.

"More than a building, the Center for Advanced Medicine will offer a new paradigm in patient care, and the name selected for our facility communicates that promise," said Jim Crane, M.D., associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs and chief executive officer of the Faculty Practice Plan at the medical school. "Here, patients will receive outpatient care and have convenient access to the very latest medical innovations and technology."

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Peck to give address

William A. Peck, M.D., executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, will address the faculty on the "State of the Medical School" May 7. The address will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Eric P. Newman Education Center, and light refreshments will be provided.

The talk is sponsored by the Executive Committee of the Faculty Council.

Easter creations Karen Parker Davis (center), a clinical specialist in the Occupational Therapy Program, helps Maggie Niblett (left) and Adell Denton dye Easter eggs at the Mary Ryder Home. To enhance residents' quality of life, Davis directs activities at the ederly care facility three times a week.

Molecule that guides nerve cells also directs immune cells

By Gila Reckess

Scientists have the first evidence that cues that guide migrating nerve cells also direct white blood cells called leukocytes, which have to find their way to inflamed, infected or damaged areas of the body. The study, a collaboration between the School of Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine, is reported in Thursday's issue of the journal Nature.

"This similarity between the immune system and nervous system might suggest new therapeutic approaches to immune system disorders such as inflammation and autoimmune diseases," said Yi Rao, Ph.D., associate professor of anatomy and neurobiology.

Rao and Jane Y. Wu, Ph.D., associate professor of pediatrics and of molecular biology and pharmacology, led the Washington University teams. Lili Feng, Ph.D., led the Baylor team.

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