ASH News Daily - Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - (Page A-2)

Page A–2 ® ASH News Daily 2011 Editorial Board Editor Joseph Mikhael, MD, MEd Mayo Clinic Arizona Authors Michael R. Bishop, MD Medical College of Wisconsin Amanda M. Brandow, DO, MS Medical College of Wisconsin David Garcia, MD University of New Mexico Cancer Center Shari A. Ghanny, MD McMaster University Heather Landau, MD Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Julie A. Panepinto, MD, MSPH Medical College of Wisconsin Barbara Pro, MD Fox Chase Cancer Center PLATELETS The Plausibility of Platelets in Immunity By david GaRcia, Md, and ShaRi Ghanny, Md versity of platelets and expanding on the notion that they are more than just mediators of hemostasis. During the Scientific Committee session, “Platelets in Disease of Inflammation,” we learned about the role of platelets in the progression of vascular and inflammatory diseases. Starting today at 7:30 a.m. in Ballroom 20D, San Diego Convention Center, we will again have the opportunity to learn about the various functions of platelets during the Special Symposium on the Basic Science of Hemostasis and Thrombosis. Dr. John Semple, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada, will start the session by discussing the immune nature of platelets. In April of this year, Dr. Semple et al. published a comprehensive review outlining the production, structure, and function of platelets, in addition to detailing the properties of platelets that make them an integral part of the hosts’ defense system. From synthesizing and secreting inflammatory mediators, to expressing cell A TRAINING Translational Research Training in Hematology 2012 TRTH Participants: Michael A. Rosenzweig, MD City of Hope The information contained in ASH News Daily is provided solely for educational purposes. A diversity of opinions exists in the field of hematology, and the articles in this publication are often intended to inform readers about more than one point of view. These articles are not comprehensive and should not be used as a substitute for traditional sources of hematology information, traditional diagnostic and treatment information, or the individual judgment of health-care providers. The views expressed in ASH News Daily do not necessarily represent ASH’s views, and their inclusion in this publication should not be interpreted as an endorsement by ASH. ASH is not responsible for any inaccurate or inappropriate use of the information, publications, products, or services discussed or advertised within. ©2011 by the American Society of Hematology All materials contained in this newspaper are protected by copyright laws and may not be used, reproduced, or otherwise exploited in any manner without the express prior permission of ASH News Daily. Contributing authors have declared any financial interest in a product or in potentially competing products, regardless of the dollar amount. Any such financial interest is noted with the author byline. sponsored by ASH and the European Hematology Association (EHA), provides 20 early-career scientists from around the world a unique, yearlong training and mentoring experience focused on building successful careers in hematologic translational research. The TRTH program begins with E an intensive weeklong course held March 17 through 23 in Milan, Italy. The faculty are international leaders in hematology and translational research who cover biostatistics and biomarkers, genetics and molecular biology, ethics, and phase I clinical study design. Mornings are dedicated to didactic and interactive sessions that further trainees’ understanding of translational research methodology and regulatory requirements. Afternoons are devoted to small group sessions in which trainees meet with their TRTH mentors, peers, and faculty to refine their individual research proposals. The curriculum is specifically designed to illustrate the ach year the Translational Research Training in Hematology (TRTH) program, jointly variety of pathways to a successful career in hematology research. The two follow-up meetings provide additional opportunities for trainees to develop professional interaction with peers and mentors and refine their research proposals. The first follow-up meeting takes place during the EHA Annual Congress in June. At this meeting TRTH trainees and faculty will continue to refine projects through small group mentoring sessions. The second and final follow-up meeting is held in conjunction with the ASH annual meeting in December. During this meeting, TRTH trainees present progress reports of their research projects and careers since the conclusion of the spring course. “I see the TRTH program as an incredible opportunity to meet leaders in the field of hematology, hear how they think by asking scientific questions, and have them help you develop your own research projects. You also have the chance to learn from your peers across the globe, establishing friendships and collaborations Jennifer Amengual Mattias Carlsten Goda Choi Rita Coutinho Kara Davis Stefan Deneberg Francine Garrett-Bakelman Florian Heidel Anna Kalota Cyrus Khandanpour Olivier Kosmider Andrew Lane Luca Mazzarella Filippo Milano Anjali Mishra Narcis Popescu Raajit Rampal Nina Rolf Jessica Hoell Spitzer Huichun Zhan that last well beyond the year. I highly recommend TRTH to anyone beginning their transition to independent research,” 2011 TRTH Participant Dr. Rafael Bejar, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said. n area of focus during this year’s annual meeting has been exploring the true di- surface receptors involved in the immune response, platelets possess diverse functions that enable them to participate in immunity. Accord- Special Symposium on the Basic Science of Hemostasis and Thrombosis 7:30 a.m. Ballroom 20D, SDCC ing to Dr. Semple, “Platelets are more than just hemostatic elements. They have the ability to control many immune mechanisms and are able to act as circulating sentinels for bacteria and viruses, which they can quickly present to cells [in] the innate immune system.” Next, Dr. Robert Flaumenhaft, Harvard Medical School, Boston, will discuss his research on modulators of platelet protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1). Activation of PAR1 on the platelet surface initiates an intracellular G-protein signalling cascade, leading to a procoagulant state. “It is a great pleasure to discuss our recent results not only to describe their promise as a novel strategy for inhibition of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1), but also as an example to bring to the attention of members of the hemostasis and thrombosis community opportunities in small molecule development that can be leveraged for their own projects,” Dr. Flaumenhaft said. The symposium will end with the second abstract from Sunday’s Plenary Scientific session. Sou Nakamura, from Kyoto University’s Centre for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), will discuss his group’s research in regenerative medicine and the establishment of immortalized megakaryocyte progenitor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Don’t miss today’s symposium, chaired by Drs. Jing-Fei Dong, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, Wadie F. Bahou, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY, and Anna Falanga, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy, as it is sure to be a day filled with new discovery; attendees will learn more about newly described platelet functions in addition to recent advances in our understanding of the complex process of fibrin generation and pathologic thrombosis. Drs. Garcia and Ghanny indicated no relevant conflicts of interest. ASH NEWS DAILY Tuesday, December 13, 2011

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ASH News Daily - Tuesday, December 13, 2011

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