Research by Haifan Lin, director of the Yale Stem Cell Center, and Josephine Hoh, associate professor in the Departments of Epidemiology & Public Health and Ophthalmology, was recognized as one of the 10 most significant scientific breakthroughs of the year by the journal Science.

Among several studies cited by the journal related to macular degeneration were two led by Hoh. In those studies Hoh and her collaborators identified a gene variant that increases the risk of developing the aggressive "wet" form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This disorder causes light-sensitive cells in the retina to break down, resulting in a progressive loss of central vision. It is the most common cause of blindness in people over the age of 50.

Hoh reported that she and her colleagues found a single nucleotide polymorphism, a one-base change in the sequence, of the regulatory part of the HTRA1 gene on chromosome 10, that leads to a greatly increased risk of developing the wet form of AMD.

Lin, professor of cell biology, was among four scientists whose laboratories were listed as contributing to breakthroughs in the field of small RNA molecules -- or, more specifically, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). These molecules are abundant in the testes of several animals, including humans, and they are distinctly different from their small RNA cousins. Scientists are investigating where else in the body they might congregate.

The Lin lab first discovered the piwi/argonaute gene family in 1998. It is presently the only known family of genes essential for the self-renewal of stem cells in both animal and plant kingdoms. The scientists' studies showed that these genes also play key roles in fertility and cancers. The current discovery of piRNAs by the Lin lab and others may reveal a new way through which these genes regulate the activities of other genes. Such regulation might bear important implications to the understanding and treatment of infertility and cancers.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Yale opens PET Center

Music historian wins Mellon Award

Urry: Physics has 'transformed the way we live'

Yale studies cited among top 10 breakthroughs of 2006

Office of Business Transition to help lead transformation of . . .

ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS

• Haun Saussy appointed as Bird White Housum Professor
  
  
• Ellen Rosand is designated as George A. Saden Professor
  
  
• Katie Trumpener is appointed as Emily Sanford Professor
  
  

In Memoriam: Economic historian Henry Broude

Junior faculty member Glenn Micalizio named Eli Lilly Grantee

Conference to explore documentary films on Iraq war

Exhibit features recent work by British painter Howard Hodgkin

Saybrook College to host teas with four distinguished journalists

Malaysian artist's work in batik is featured in ISM exhibition

Reopening gala kicks off center's Black History Month events

Sterling Library exhibit showcases images of 'Disappearing Africa'

English department to present staged reading of four plays . . .

Study questions use of addictive opioids for . . . treatment of back pain

The impact of open standards to be explored

DeVane Lectures location changed

Campus Notes

---

Bulletin Home|Visiting on Campus|Calendar of Events|In the News

Bulletin Board|Classified Ads|Search Archives|Deadlines

Bulletin Staff|Public Affairs|News Releases| E-Mail Us|Yale Home

---