Papers by Ashlin Kanawaty
BioEssays, 2009
The phenomenal proliferation of scientific studies into the nature o nduced pluripotent stem (iPS... more The phenomenal proliferation of scientific studies into the nature o nduced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells following publication of the findings of Takahashi and Yamanaka little more than 2 years ago, have significantly expanded our understanding of cellular mechanisms relating to cell lineage, di erentiation, and proliferation. While the full potential o PS cell lineages for both scientific tool and therapeutic applications is as yet unclear, findings from several lines o nvestigation suggests that multipotential and terminally di erentiated cells from an array of cell types are competent to undergo epigenetic reprogramming to a pluripotential state. The nature of this pluripotential state appears to be similar to, but not identical with that previously described for embryonic stem (ES) cells. Understanding the nature of this induced reprogrammed state will be critical to determining the full potential o PS cells. Recently, this issue has been examined through an integrated analysis of the genome in fully and partially reprogrammed iPS cell lineages. These results provide a window onto the temporal components of reprogramming and suggest mechanisms by which the efficacy of reprogramming can be enhanced.
Pediatric …, Jan 1, 2009
Infantile spasms is a catastrophic childhood seizure disorder for which few animal models exist. ... more Infantile spasms is a catastrophic childhood seizure disorder for which few animal models exist. Children with Down syndrome are highly susceptible to infantile spasms. The Ts65Dn mouse is a valid model for Down syndrome; therefore, we tested the hypothesis that the Ts65Dn mouse represents a substrate for an animal model of infantile spasms. The baseline of naïve Ts65Dn mice showed spontaneous spike-and-wave discharges, a pattern that worsened with baclofen and ␥-butyrolactone, which induced acute epileptic extensor spasms (AEES) associated with epileptiform polyspike bursts and an electrodecremental response on the EEG. GABA B R-agonist-induced AEES were significantly reduced with vigabatrin, rodent ACTH fragment, valproic acid, ethosuximide, and CGP 35348. Porcine ACTH had no effect. GABA B R protein expression was significantly increased in the thalamus and medulla oblongata of Ts65D mice in comparison with wild-type controls. The GABA B R agonist-treated Ts65Dn mouse shows the unique clinical, electrographic, and pharmacologic signature of infantile spasms and represents a valid, acute model of this disorder. GABA B R-mediated mechanisms may contribute to the increased susceptibility of children with Down syndrome to infantile spasms.
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Papers by Ashlin Kanawaty