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University of Zurich , Centre of Experimental Rheumatology and WHO Collaborating Centre, Zurich , Switzerland
Prof. Renate E. Gay, MD Contact
The Center for Experimental Rheumatology serves as an institution for molecular research in the field of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and related autoimmune diseases. Recognized as being a leader in this field, the laboratory was, for the second consecutive term, selected to be the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Molecular Biology and Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Rheumatic Diseases from 2003 to 2007 ( www.who.int/en/ ). The laboratory continues its pursuit of discovering, investigating and understanding key molecular and cellular events in RA, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondilitis, progressive systemic sclerosis and prosthesis loosening. The center was awarded from the Societas Rheumatologica Europeae to a EULAR Center of Excellence in Rheumatology 2005-2010. The center is also part of the Research Training Networks (RTNs) Marie Curie EURO-RA with the network entitled: Functional genomic approaches targeting arthritis. Our specific project is funded for 2 PhD students exploring "In vitro and in vivo models for identification of key pathways for rheumatoid arthritis". When investigating such complex diseases as rheumatoid arthritis it is critical to combine the knowledge and ideas of basic research with those of the clinical elements of the disease. As such, the Center for Experimental Rheumatology fosters a multidisciplinary environment through collaborations with several major medical institutions where practicing Rheumatologists, Immunologists, and Orthopedic Surgeons are able to interact with research scientists to form coordinated research efforts integrating basic research and clinical investigation. To be on edge of new strategies for the treatment of rheumatic diseases the Center developed a new program entitled " Clinical and Molecular Studies on Novel Drug Therapies". New research investigations currently focus on molecular mechanisms of cartilage and bone destruction, with particular emphasis on the activation of signaling pathways in synovial fibroblasts that lead to the destructive behavior of these cells. Gene transfer experiments in murine models of RA are designed to detect and/or verify novel therapeutic targets. The aim of these experiments is to inhibit the aggressive process of destruction by activated synovial fibroblasts. This is achieved by selectively interrupting already identified signals of fibroblast activation, while not interfering with other, essential, physiological processes. A new avenue of research is the profiling of synovial fibroblast gene expression in a hypoxic environment with a focus on genes involved in cartilage and bone degradation. A selection of specific topics of research carried out at the Center for Experimental Rheumatology are listed below, and can be accessed in more detail further on the following website: http://www.rheumatologie.usz.ch/german/LehreUndForschung/Forschung/ExperimentalRheumatology/default.htm • Rheumatoid activity, intervention and quality of life • Epigenetics and rheumatoid arthritis • Role of Toll-like receptors (TLR) in the activation of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts • Microparticles inducing inflammation • Hypoxia and angiogenesis • Molecular studies of neuron-independent mechanisms in patients with chronic pain • Neuropeptides in polymyositis and dermatomyositis • Pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis • Functional analysis of novel drug interactions The high standard level of investigation that the Center for Experimental Rheumatology is pursuing requires a combination of classical molecular biology techniques and the use of the rapidly evolving realm of other modern investigation techniques. To this end, the laboratory has the core facilities to maintain the traditional methodologies, and keep up with the momentum of the new. Techniques that are employed include: tissue culture, cell culture, transgenic mouse models, PCR, Real-time PCR, flow cytometry, transfection, small interfering RNA, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and - most recently - through collaboration, the resources to do gene expression analysis using different chip technologies. Twice a year, the Center holds a 2-week Laboratory techniques training course for new research fellows. The latest course was held on October 3-26, 2006 and covered the following subjects and techniques: . How to use, clean and maintain pipettes, glassware and tissue culture facilities . Ordering chemicals . Cloning and probe generating . Western blot . Taq Man, Real time PCR + Sybr Green PCR . Amaxa . RNA-Extraction . Subtractive hybridisation . Primer design . RT-PCR . Transcription . Preparation of gels . Gel photography / Elisa reader . Histology training at the microscope . Deparaffinization . Staining procedures . Histology . Immunohistology and immunofluorescence . In-situ-hybridization . Use of the photomicroscope . Cutting frozen sections and use of the cryostat . Obtaining tissue from the clinic . Cell culture - cells from normal and diseased tissues . FACS . Refrigerator and storage organisation . Mycoplasma testing
Our next training course will take place on April 2-24, 2007 and will also cover the above mentioned subjects and techniques. Contact
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