Alligator stem cell study gives clues to tooth regeneration

By Alison Trinidad

Alligators may help scientists learn how to stimulate tooth regeneration in people, according to new research led by the Keck School of Medicine of USC.

For the first time, a global team of researchers led by USC pathology professor Cheng-Ming Chuong, has uncovered unique cellular and molecular mechanisms behind tooth renewal in American alligators. Their study, titled “Specialized stem cell niche enables repetitive renewal of alligator teeth,” appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. … Read More »

May 16th, 2013|Announcements|

Cinical trial examines natural alternatives to estrogen

By Molly Rugg

Physicians and neuroscientists at USC are enrolling female volunteers into a National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trial studying the effects of soy supplements on menopause-related hot flashes and memory loss. Sponsored by the Keck School of Medicine of USC and USC School of Pharmacy, the clinical trial will examine how healthy peri- and post-menopausal women tolerate a nutritional supplement called phytoSERM.

PhytoSERMs are a food supplement that contain three different phytoestrogens: daidzen, genistein and equol. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds derived from plants and function like the primary female sex hormone—estrogen.

… Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

Cutting-edge surgery

The USC Institute of Urology hosted “L.A. Live—International Robotic and Open Live Surgery Symposium,” which attracted more than more than 240 physicians to the Aresty Auditorium from May 1-2. A roster of 40 renowned international surgeons served as speakers and moderators for the event, which featured 10 live robot-assisted and open surgeries. The event was designed to help improve robotic skills for all levels of surgeons. … Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

USC researchers reveal cellular process that thwarts viruses

By Robin Heffler

The human body has the ability to ward off viruses by activating a naturally occurring protein at the cellular level, setting off a chain reaction that disrupts the levels of cholesterol required in cell membranes to enable viruses to enter cells.

The findings, discovered by researchers in molecular microbiology and immunology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, hold promise for the development of therapies to fight a variety of viral infections.

“Previous studies have shown that our bodies are already equipped to block viruses such as Ebola, influenza, West Nile and SARS,” said Jae U. Jung, principal investigator and distinguished professor and chair of the Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Department.

The study, “The antiviral effector IFITM3 disrupts intracellular cholesterol homeostasis to block viral entry,” was published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe on April 17. … Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|

Laboratory of Neuro Imaging Moves to USC

Arthur Toga Arthur Toga

By Suzanne Wu

USC is about to get even brainier. Already a leading center for research on the neurological basis of emotion, the university announced today a major cluster hire of an institute with 110 faculty, researchers and multidisciplinary staff in the field of brain mapping and neuroimaging—the critical work that allows us to actually see the physical structure and circuitry that generates our mind, behavior and consciousness.Headlining the move are Arthur W. Toga, professor of neurology and co-director of the Division of Brain Mapping in the Neuropsychiatric Institute at UCLA, and Paul Thompson, professor of neurology and psychiatry at UCLA. Toga is director of the Laboratory of Neuro Imaging (LONI), which will come to USC in the fall, bringing with it a full faculty contingent and international research collaborations.

“USC prides itself on recruiting transformative faculty who excel in their own fields of interest and whose affinity for collaboration helps erase the boundaries between disciplines,” said USC President C. L. Max Nikias. “This cluster hire will help us move one step closer to understanding the structure and function of the human brain. Professors Toga and Thompson—and their talented team—will enhance the quality of this research at USC and improve the lives of people around the world.”

… Read More »

May 10th, 2013|Announcements|