Conclusions and Future Directions
This semester has equipped me with the tools to obtain a holistic understanding of a gene and apply that to a disease condition. From studying the MEFV gene across organisms, within protein networks, and through gene ontology, I have developed the skills to pose relevant research questions and begin filling in the remaining knowledge gaps.
In the case of fibromyalgia, the most poignant of these gaps is the efficacy of current FDA approved treatments for the average patient. Current treatments are repurposed anti-depressants and anti-convulsants, which tackle the assumed "how the brain perceives pain" etiology of fibromyalgia [1]. The prevalence of alternative treatments and unmanageable pain speaks to the fact that these drug treatments are not completely efficacious.
This would provide experimental evidence whether colchicine may be efficacious in controlling the inflammatory response in fibromyalgia relative to current approved treatments, and may suggest the need for human drug trials.
Experiment 2: Treating PSTPIP1 Symptoms through Diet
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Final Remarks
By exploring two potentially efficacious alternative treatments for fibromyalgia, I am using a multi-way approach to address the problem with the current FDA treatments for fibromyalgia. Both colchicine and vegetarian, low-fat diet have not been completely understood in their extensive network of physiological responses like those that can be measured through a 2d gel. Additionally, the usage of high-throughput proteomic techniques to identify physiological changes in disease and treatment can create a more holistic understanding of the network of downstream effectors of a focal protein. Thanks for checking out my website and research! Also please check out my final presentation (below)!
References
[1] For Consumers: Living with Fibromyalgia, Drugs Approved to Manage Pain. Food and Drug Administration. 2008. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm107802.htm [2] Feng J, Zhang Z, Li W, et al. (2009) Missense mutations in the MEFV gene are associated with fibromyalgia syndrome and correlate with elevated IL-1beta plasma levels. PLoS One 30: 8480. [3] Smith, EJ, Allantaz, F, Bennett, L, Zhang, D, Gao, X, Wood, G, Kastner, DL, Punaro, M, Aksentikevich, I, Pascaul, V, and Wise, CA. (2010) Clinical, Molecular, and Genetic Characteristics of PAPA Syndrome: A Review. Curr Genomics. 11(7): 519–527. [4] Mansfield, E, Chae, JJ, Komarow, HD, Brotz, TM, Frucht, DM, Aksentijevich, I, Kastner, DL. (2001) The familial Mediterranean fever protein, pyrin, associates with microtubules and colocalizes with actin filaments. Blood. 98(3): 851-9. [5] Dinarello, CA, Wolfe, SM, Goldfinger, SE, Dale, DC, and Alling, DW. (1974) Colchicine Therapy for Familial Mediterranean Fever — A Double-Blind Trial. N Engl J Med 291:934-937. [6] Kaartinen, K, Lammi, K, Hypen, M, Nenonen, M, Hänninen, O, and Rauma AL. (2000) Vegan diet alleviates fibromyalgia symptoms. Scandanavian Journal or Rheumatology 29(5): 308-313. |