Complex genetic disorders

Series edited by Richard Mayeux

The remarkable achievements in human genetics over the years have been due to technological advances in gene mapping and in statistical methods that relate genetic variants to disease. Nearly every Mendelian genetic disorder has now been mapped to a specific gene or set of genes, but these discoveries have been limited to high-risk, variant alleles that segregate in rare families. With a working draft of the human genome now in hand, the availability of high-throughput genotyping, a plethora of genetic markers, and the development of new analytical methods, scientists are now turning their attention to common, complex disorders such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and Alzheimer disease. In this series, the JCI provides readers with reviews dedicated to complex genetic disorders, offering a view of genetic medicine in the 21st century.

Published June 2005

Heart failure

Series edited by Michael D. Schneider and Ivor J. Benjamin

Substantial progress has been made in the treatment of heart failure, as scientists have determined the underlying etiology, pathogenesis and mechanisms behind the disease. This review series delves into the interrelated triggers that culminate in heart failure and the therapeutic avenues available to patients.

Published March 2005

Regulatory T cells

Series edited by Leonard Chess

Immune protection is achieved by the elaboration of many molecules that together can not only destroy invading organisms, pathogenic cells, and tumors but also injure normal cells. This review series focuses on recent advances indicating that distinct subsets of regulatory T cells and natural killer T cells control potentially pathogenic antigen-reactive T cells. These suppressor cells may play important roles in transplantation, allergic disease, vaccination, and the prevention and treatment of autoimmune disease.

Published November 2004

Emerging infectious diseases

Series edited by Andrew R. Marks

This series examines six different pathogens in order to illustrate the selective forces that drive the emergence of new infectious diseases and the implications for public health and our survival.

Published March 2004

Cellular senescence

Series edited by Pier Giuseppe Pelicci

Cellular life span is restrained by signaling pathways activated by DNA damage, telomere dysfunction, and environmental stresses. Cells entering a state of senescence undergo a permanent cell cycle arrest, and functional and morphological changes. This series investigates the molecular pathways associated with execution of the senescence program and how it contributes to aging and tumor suppression.

Published January 2004

Quorum sensing

Series edited by E. Peter Greenberg

Researchers have only recently realized that bacteria use cell-to-cell communication in order to orchestrate gene expression during infection - a phenomenon known as quorum sensing. This series explores the role of these signaling mechanisms and bacterial group behavior in evading host defenses and antibiotics.

Published November 2003

Genetic repair

Series edited by Bruce Sullenger

This series examines the inspired techniques utilized in targeted gene repair for the simple correction of genetic defects and the hurdles that must be overcome in order to make clinical use of molecular therapeutics in the treatment of diseases such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy, and ß-thalassemia.

Published August 2003

Medical imaging

Series edited by Joy Hirsch

Advances in medical imaging have allowed for further understanding of human diseases. This series covers new developments in imaging from novel techniques to the ethics of whole body scans.

Published May 2003

Redox signaling in biology and disease

Series edited by Roy Soberman

This series discusses various mechanisms by which oxygen and reducing equivalents create cellular damage and how they have been adapted to transmit information within cells.

Published March 2003

Neurodegeneration

Series edited by Serge Przedborski

Articles in this series review selected genetic and molecular advances relevant to the biology of neurodegeneration. Readers obtain a comprehensive update on prominent neurodegenerative conditions from both a clinical and a molecular viewpoint.

Published January 2003