A functional genomics screen identifying blood cell development genes in Drosophila by undergraduates participating in a course-based research experience.

Undergraduate students participating in the UCLA Undergraduate Research Consortium for Functional Genomics (URCFG) have conducted a two-phased screen using RNA interference (RNAi) in combination with fluorescent reporter proteins to identify genes important for hematopoiesis in Drosophila. This screen disrupted the function of approximately 3500 genes and identified 137 candidate genes for which loss of function leads to observable changes in the hematopoietic development. Targeting RNAi to maturing, progenitor, and regulatory cell types identified key subsets that either limit or promote blood cell maturation. Bioinformatic analysis reveals gene enrichment in several previously uncharacterized areas, including RNA processing and export and vesicular trafficking. Lastly, the participation of students in this course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) correlated with increased learning gains across several areas, as well as increased STEM retention, indicating that authentic, student-driven research in the form of a CURE represents an impactful and enriching pedagogical approach.

Interleukin-1ß, calcium-sensing receptor, and urokinase gene polymorphisms in korean patients with urolithiasis.

PURPOSE: There are various causes of ureter calculi, and genetic factors are known to play a role. Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) genes are related to hypercalciuria, and urokinase is related to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. This study investigated polymorphisms in IL-1ß, CaSR, and urokinase in patients with urolithiasis and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urolithiasis patients treated at Chung-Ang University Hospital were enrolled from January 2007 to December 2008. The control group of volunteers displayed normal urinalysis findings in the health screening, no stones identified by ultrasonography, and no history of urolithiasis. DNA extracted from peripheral blood was analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction. Patients were genetically screened for mutations in IL-1ß (484 urolithiasis patients, 208 controls), CaSR (433 urolithiasis patients, 197 controls), and urokinase (370 urolithiasis patients, 167 controls). Stone metabolic study was done to see the differences between the metabolic factors and to discern normal genes from polymorphic genes. RESULTS: According to the genotype frequency and allele frequency analysis, there were no statistically significant differences between IL-1ß, CaSR, and urokinase genes. Also, the analysis between genotypes and metabolic factors did not show statistically significant differences between the three genes. CONCLUSIONS: In Korean urolithiasis patients, IL-1ß, CaSR, and urokinase gene polymorphisms do not differ from those of healthy individuals. A larger-scale study is needed to confirm the need for other genetic markers of urolithiasis.