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AAS Quarterly E-Newsletter
March 2007
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Hello and welcome to the second AAS e-Newsletter for
2007. In this edition we highlight the work of the Macrophage Biology Group
and the Cellular Membrane Biology Group at the Centre for Vascular Research,
University of New South Wales. Also we have news of a great opportunity for
AAS members who work or research in the area of lipidology as well as an
update about the AAS Annual Scientific Meeting coming up in October. |
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President's
Report It is
with great pride that I announce to members that our Society has won the bid
to host the International Society of Atherosclerosis Symposium for 2012 in
Sydney. This is a great achievement that will allow us, and related
societies, to showcase our high quality research in cardiovascular disease.
Special thanks go to Kerry-Anne Rye, Philip Barter and Richard O’Brien who,
with the assistance of Meetings First and the Sydney Convention and Visitors
Bureau, helped compile and present the bid in Rome last year. Organisational
plans are swiftly afoot with the first meeting of the Steering Committee was
held at Sydney’s Heart Research Institute in late February. We will keep you
informed of progress and hope to involve each and every one of our members in
developing a first-rate scientific program, including satellites. The
Executive has been hotly planning how to diversify the activities of our
Society. One major unmet demand is education and with this in mind is looking
at working with the National Lipid Association (NLA) in the US. The mission
of the NLA, consistent with our society’s overall aims, is to enhance the
practice of lipid management in clinical medicine. Its stated goals are
professionalism, public service, multidisciplinary activities, business
ethics and collaboration with other organisations with common purposes and
values. To commence consultation with the NLA, as to how the AAS could
collaborate with that association, we have invited Professor Peter Jones,
past-president of the NLA, to our ASM in Perth, October 2007. The executive
is looking forward to hearing in more detail how to establish a highly
successful national education program aimed at clinicians, scientists and
allied health professionals, including dieticians and pharmacists. This could
also significantly widen the membership of the AAS, but the concept is still
in embryo. The
ASM program is making good progress, with the international invited speakers
including Keith Frayn (Oxford), Frank Sacks (Harvard) and Peter Jones (Houston).
Phillip Barter (Sydney) will also be delivering the annual Paul Nestel
Lecture. The faculty is very distinguished and fitting for a meeting in part
commemorating the work of Trevor Redgrave (Perth). A full program will be
circulated shortly. Finally,
congratulations are due to Paul Nestel on being recently elected D With all good wishes and well
done again AAS on ISA 2012! |
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Feature Article The Macrophage Biology Group and the
Cellular Membrane Biology Group at the Centre for Vascular Research,
University of New South Wales The Macrophage Biology group is
headed by Professor Wendy Jessup and Associate Professor Len Kritharides at
the Centre for Vascular Research, (CVR), UNSW. The group is closely linked
with that of the Cellular Membrane Biology group headed by Dr Katharina Gaus,
previously a postdoctoral research fellow with Wendy Jessup. Kat is now an NHF/NHMRC RD Wright Fellow and leads
her own group. The CVR provides a welcoming, well-resourced, dynamic
environment in which both groups are able to thrive. Atherosclerosis
is the disease process of primary interest to the Macrophage Biology group.
The major research objective is to develop knowledge of the mechanism, nature
and impact of sterol accumulation in human disease, with particular emphasis
on the generation and biology of the macrophage foam cell in atherosclerosis.
In working toward this goal, the Macrophage Biology group has several specific
areas of interest which currently include studying the transporters necessary
for the export of excess cellular cholesterol, the proteins which regulate
foam cell lipid accumulation and regulation of Apolipoprotein E secretion
from macrophages, all discussed further below.
Mechanisms for
cholesterol export A current major focus of the Macrophage Biology
group is the study of transporters necessary for the export of excess
cellular cholesterol from macrophages. Recently the group has shown that when
the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 transfers lipid to Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo
A-I) this generates a particle that becomes an acceptor of cholesterol from
another cholesterol transporter, ABCG1 (and potentially, SR-B1). There is
ongoing interest in the relative contributions of these proteins in overall
cholesterol export and in addition, efforts are underway to identify novel
cholesterol transporters using microarray and expression cloning approaches. Control of lipid
storage A more recent interest of the Macrophage Biology
group is the identification and characterization of lipid-droplet associated
proteins within foam cells. Foam cell development is fundamental in early
atherogenesis and the formation of lipid-droplets within the cell is key to
this process. However, very little is known about the proteins associated
with these droplets and any regulatory roles they may have in the formation
and regression of droplets and as a consequence, of the foam cell itself. The
approaches employed are two-fold, firstly looking at ‘candidate’ proteins,
both hydrolytic enzymes and ‘accessory’ proteins which have a proven role in
lipid droplet biology in adipocytes and steroidogenic cells; secondly a foam
cell lipid-droplet proteomics study using mass spectrometry is underway to
identify novel proteins with a potential role in lipid droplet biology. Apolipoprotein E
secretion A long term interest of the group is how the
secretion of the anti-atherogenic Apolipoprotein E (Apo E) from macrophages
is regulated and can be stimulated. Recently, the group reported that Apo E
secretion from macrophages can be stimulated by Apo A-I. Since then studies
have centred around how basal and Apo A-I stimulated apoE secretion is
controlled, specifically with regard to Apo E trafficking and which signaling
pathways may be involved. Clinical and Applied research The
Macrophage Biology group has recently extended into more applied research.
Studying patients undergoing bypass surgery as a model of acute inflammation,
the group has defined in vivo markers of bone marrow neutrophil release and
of neutrophil activation. CT angiography has allowed the study of the early
natural history of bypass graft disease, a process which is very relevant to
atherosclerosis and its treatment. It is hoped that these studies will
provide the foundation for the in vivo study of atherosclerosis-related
inflammation and disease progression. The Cellular
Membrane Biology group investigates membrane organization (lipid
raft domains) in signal transduction processes. The research focuses on the structure of cellular
membranes, particularly the plasma membrane and how cell lipids contribute to
the formation of functional microdomains. Specifically, the group has
developed a sophisticated light microscopy method to visualize and quantify
membrane order. Structurally highly ordered microdomains or 'lipid rafts' are
found in the plasma membrane of cells. These domains have been generally
viewed as lipid clusters that float, like rafts, in a sea of more fluid
lipids. It is increasingly recognised that such domains play important roles
in many cellular functions, including signal transduction and membrane
trafficking. In developing this light microscopy technique, the Cellular
Membrane Biology group can visualize lipid domains in live cells and in real
time. The imaging of membrane fluidity and consequently the characterization
of the biophysical properties of lipid domains is now possible and as such
this powerful technique is in demand from collaborators across the globe. Current
research in the group focuses on macrophages, T lymphocytes and endothelial
cells: T lymphocyte activation T
lymphocytes become activated via the engagement of the T cell antigen
receptor (TCR) to fulfill their functions in immune responses. The group has
recently shown that TCR triggering, rather than lipid clusters leads to the
formation of ordered domains. They would like to understand how the assembly
TCR machinery creates highly ordered lipid domains in the plasma membrane,
how membrane order affects T cell signaling and whether dietary lipid affects
membrane order and T cell activation. The latter could explain the
compromised T cell-mediated immunity in obese patients. Macrophage biology Together
with the Macrophage Biology group, current studies include how lipid raft
composition, abundance and function are controlled in the macrophage,
particularly in response to development of the foam cell phenotype and during
phagocytosis (engulfment of foreign particles) by macrophages. Cell adhesion and
migration Cell migration requires the spatial and temporal
segregation of membrane components to define the front and back of the cell.
Using model surfaces to pinpoint the location of focal adhesions (anchoring
points of the cell) allows the study of membrane structure at these sites.
Live cell microscopy experiments are also underway to visualise raft domains
in migration cells. The Macrophage Biology and Cellular Membrane Biology groups are comprised of individuals with a breadth of experience in techniques within cell biology and biochemistry, lipid analysis, mass spectrometry, molecular biology and microscopy, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach to each research project. In addition, the use of cell culture (both immortalised and primary cells) as well as whole animal systems adds to the list of tools available to those undertaking research in these groups. |
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Australian
Atherosclerosis Society 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting Maritime Museum, Fremantle, Western
Australia The 2007 Annual Scientific Meeting
of the AAS will be held at the new Maritime Museum in Fremantle, WA, from the
23rd to 26th October. The conference is being put
together with the help of the local organising committee comprising: Trevor
Mori, Gerald Watts, Anne Barden, Hugh Barrett, John Burnet, Dick Chan and
Kevin Croft. Sessions will include
nutrition/lifestyle, genetics, vascular biology, lipoprotein metabolism,
diabetes/metabolic syndrome, oxidation/antioxidants, cholesterol transport,
women’s health and clinical trials. Invited international speakers
will include: -
Professor Frank Sacks from Boston, USA. Prof Sacks
is involved in research and public policy in nutrition, cholesterol
disorders, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. He also is an attending
physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he has a specialty clinic in
hyperlipidaemia. -
Prof Keith Frayn who is Professor of Human
Metabolism in the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism.
His expertise is in integrative aspects of metabolism and he has a particular
interest in adipose tissue. -
Professor Peter Jones of the National Lipid
Association, USA. Prof Jones works in Atherosclerosis and Lipid Research at
the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He also serves as Co-director of
the Lipid Metabolism and Atherosclerosis Clinic and Medical Director of the
Weight Management Program for The Methodist Hospital Wellness Services, both
in Houston. The meeting will also host a
session highlighting the career of Professor Trevor Redgrave and his contribution
to atherosclerosis research. A number of national speakers have been invited
to present aspects of their research related to Trevor’s interests that
include chylomicrons and postprandial lipoproteins. More details will follow
in the next newsletter. The Paul Nestel Lecture will be
presented by Professor Philip Barter from the Heart Research Institute, NSW. We look forward to seeing you in
October. Chairman of the Local
Organising Committee |
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International
Society of Atherosclerosis Symposium 2012 As mentioned above in the President’s Report
the International Society of Atherosclerosis Symposium for 2012 will be
held in Sydney. This is a call
for expressions of interest to hold satellite workshops. Please click here to
download the form and once completed email to aas@meetingsfirst.com.au.
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Announcing
ACCL: The Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology The Accreditation Council for
Clinical Lipidology (ACCL) of the National Lipid Association (NLA) is pleased
to be able to offer an examination to advanced level non-physicians who are
actively engaged in the management of patients with lipid disorders. This
exam is open to nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants,
pharmacists, dietitians, clinical exercise physiologists/specialists and
other related healthprofessionals who meet qualifying criteria are actively
engaged in the management of patients with lipid disorders. The ACCL will
grant Board Certification as a Clinical Lipid Specialist (CLS) to all
individuals who successfully meet the criteria and complete this exam. Dates, venues and details of
study resources for the exam can be accessed via the ACCL webpage http://www.lipidspecialist.org/. |
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Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) Corner Studies of groups of patients
who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are very valuable
because the high rate of clinical events provides greater confidence in terms
of statistical significance. This type of study was exemplified by trials of
agents such as statins in patients with established CVD (so-called secondary
prevention trials). Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) also
have far greater risk of CVD. Two recent studies of FH patients provide an
interesting insight into the role of time in the evolution of CVD. A Japanese study (Journal of
Atherosclerosis and Thrombosis 13:323-8) showed that the development of
aortic stenosis was determined in part by the “cholesterol years score”,
which Conversely, the second study
examined smoking as a time-dependent variable in FH patients (BMC Public
Health 6:262). Smoking increased risk by a factor of 2.1, but cessation of
smoking led to a linear decline in excess risk that abated over the next 6 to
9 years. These studies confirm the
importance of tobacco avoidance and early detection and treatment in FH. They
also illustrate the instructive value of conditions that increase CVD risk. P.S. Please note: The program
for the next CV Genetics Working Group Meeting to be held in Brisbane on
April 12, 2007 is currently being put together. They are planning a
‘15-minute research update' session for the morning. The organizer is Ms Jodie Ingles
Ph: 07 3636 3244 |
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Membership
News Please be reminded that membership
subscriptions are due by 31 March 2007. If you have not renewed your
membership, please click here to
visit the Meetings First website and renew online. Alternatively, please click here to download a copy of the
paper registration form. New members who joined the Australian
Atherosclerosis Society in 2006 |
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Mr Timothy Bates, Royal Perth Hospital Dr Doris Chan, Royal Perth Hospital Mr Michael Ditiatkovski, Baker Heart Research
Institute Mr Ximing Du, University of New South Wales Ms Ling Li, The Heart Research Institute Ms Sarah Molyneux, Canterbury Health
Laboratories Mr Nenad Naumovski, University of Newcastle Ms Minh Nguyen, University of Western
Australia Dr Philip Norrie, Pendarves Estate Vineyard |
Mr Andrew Pengelly, University of Newcastle Ms Kavitha Rangaraj, University of Queensland Ms Tharani Sabaretnam, Anzac Research
Institute Dr Conrad Sernia, University of Queensland Dr Rosealee Smith, Baker Heart Research
Institute Ms Kelly To, Baker Heart Research Institute Ms Kim Tran, The Heart Research Institute Dr Bu Yeap, University of Western Australia |
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The Australian Atherosclerosis
Society always welcomes new members. Please encourage your students and work
colleagues to join the AAS. Remember, that members receive thew following: -
A monthly email that includes, job
opportunities, information on meetings relating to atherosclerosis and
regular updates on similar interests. -
A new quarterly newsletter that will
feature different articles each quarter. -
Discounted rates to attend AAS Annual
Scientific Meetings. -
Networking opportunities and
involvement. -
Opportunity to receive student travel
grants and present your research at the Annual Scientific Meeting. -
Opportunity to apply for AAS Trust
travel grants |
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Forthcoming
Meetings European
Atherosclerosis Society Congress 10-13 June 2007,
Helsinki Please click here
for more information on this meeting. Japan Atherosclerosis Society 39th Annual
Meeting 13-14 July 2007, Osaka, Japan Website to be launched shortly. XVI International Symposium on Drugs Affecting
Lipid Metabolism 4-7 October 2007, New York Please click here
for more information on this meeting. IAS Workshop on HDL 2007 9-12 October, Santorini, Greece Please click here
for more information on this meeting. Future APSAVD Congresses The 6th APSAVD Congress will be hosted in Hong
Kong in 2008. It will be held at the beginning of October coinciding with
Chinese National Day and a fantastic fireworks show on the Harbour near the
Convention. The 7th APSAVD Congress will be
hosted in Australia in 2010. |
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E-News The next E-News will be sent out on 16 April 2007.
If there is information you would like to include, please email it to aas@meetingsfirst.com.au
by Wednesday 11 April 2007. Please
do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries. Kind
Regards, AAS Secretariat 4/184
Main Street Lilydale
VIC 3140 Phone +61 3 9739 7697 Fax +61 3 9739 7076 Email aas@meetingsfirst.com.au |
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