[QUAD-L] Fw: A Pioneering New Study

[Stacy Harim]

Title: Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation: Bridging the Gap e-newsletter

Stacy   "People who hate you do not win unless you hate them. Then you destroy yourself" ----- Original Message ----- From: Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, September 27, 2004 7:20 AM Subject: A Pioneering New Study The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) announced that its Research Consortium on Spinal Cord Injury published the results of a pioneering study that used microarray technology to look at changes in gene _expression_ after contusion injury in the adult rat spinal cord. The study, involving the seven Consortium laboratories, characterized the changes in gene _expression_ at the site of, as well as above and below, a moderate contusion injury in rats. The project involved 108 GeneChips and looked at four time points, spanning from three hours after injury to a more �chronic� state 35 days later. The data analysis produced a spatial and temporal profile of spinal cord injury and also identified several promising avenues for new clinical treatments. The study, the largest of its kind published to-date in the spinal cord field, is now available in the October issue of Experimental Neurology. �Microarray technology gives us an unbiased �snapshot� of gene _expression_ in many animals, including the mouse and rat, and humans. The approach enables biologists not only to explore gene changes after injury but also to look at genes that are changed by any experimental therapy. It is a powerful research tool,� said Susan P. Howley, CRPF Executive Vice President and Director of Research. Microarray technology has emerged as an exciting and aggressive tool that enables researchers to screen thousands of genes simultaneously to see which ones are active, or expressed, and which ones are silent. Genes are arrayed on a microchip the size of a fingernail, and experiments that once took years to complete can now be done in a relatively short time. The technology eliminates a lot of the guesswork that had been involved in gene profiling. Scientists believe that by observing the patterns of gene _expression_ to see how they change after a spinal cord injury, they might identify therapeutic targets. For more on this study, click here. For the past fourteen years, CRPF's most prominent event, A Magical Evening, has showcased the mission and achievements of the Foundation while expressing gratitude for the supporters whose commitment has enabled this progress to be made. Since 1991, A Magical Evening has grossed over $16.8 million. All proceeds from the gala enable the Foundation to fund the most vital spinal repair research and Quality of Life programs, which impact millions of people around the world. CRPF is pleased to annouce that this year's theme is "The Time is Now," which, explains CRPF Chairman Christopher Reeve, "speaks to the urgent need for funding as scientists are finally moving out of the laboratory and into human trials. CRPF knows that scientists have the knowledge and plans to translate discoveries into effective treatments for paralysis - the determining factor is funding." A Magical Evening will take place on Thursday, November 18, 2004, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City. Hosted by renowned actor Nathan Lane, the event will honor Dr. John W. Rowe, Chairman and CEO of Aetna, Inc., with the Visionary Leadership Award and actor Glenn Close with the Human Spirit Award, in recognition of her generosity of spirit with which she has shared her fame and good will. Acclaimed actor William H. Macy will be a special presenter for the event, as well. CRPF looks forward to this grand opportunity to raise awareness and funds for spinal repair research. For updates on this signature event, check back here. CRPF wishes Christopher Reeve a very Happy Birthday! Christopher turned 52-years-old this past Saturday, September 25th. Our gift to him is, as always, our dedication to finding a cure and effective treatments for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. If you would like to join us in our birthday present, please donate to Christopher's birthday campaign to fund the research and Quality of Life programs of CRPF. Also, please join in supporting the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act (CRPA) by clicking here. Happy Birthday, Christopher! Quote There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere. Isaac Asimov WHAT CAN YOU DO? In life we often say that "time is money." For CRPF-funded researchers working to find cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders, it's just the reverse: money is time. Money buys time in a laboratory for a researcher working to make scientific breakthroughs that will one day help people living with spinal cord injuries walk again. And your donation today will help keep the best minds in science hard at work in their labs rather than at a standstill waiting for more funding. Click here to make a secure online donation directly to CRPF! Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation 500 Morris Avenue Springfield, NJ 07081 www.ChristopherReeve.org Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation 500 Morris Avenue, Springfield, NJ 07081 (800) 225-0292 www.ChristopherReeve.org Questions? If you have any questions about this message or any other Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation issue, please click here Policy You, or someone on your behalf, has subscribed to receive this information from Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation. To review our Privacy Policy, click here. 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