New research describes the regulation of skeletal size and explores how cells sense, modify, and establish a volume set point.
Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer with a PhD in microbiology/immunology from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. As a medical writer she has covered topics as diverse as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autism. Her favorite subject, however, is the role of the immune system in health and disease. Dr. Pullen is also the mother of three children, the youngest of whom has Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). She is an active member of the PWS community and a thought leader on the importance of the ketogenic diet for this patient population.
Articles by Lara C. Pullen, PhD
Large Genome Study Identifies Genetic Risk Factors for Gout
Researchers have identified 28 genome-wide significant urate concentration–associated loci, underscoring the importance of metabolic control in urate production.
Susceptibility Loci Shed Light on Fundamental Pathways of Psoriasis
Investigators have described 15 new psoriasis susceptibility loci. The loci highlight the importance of the skin in both acquired and innate host defense and identify the innate immune response as a key factor in psoriasis.
DNA Methylation Modifies Genetic Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis
A first-of-its-kind study has been published that integrates genotype and epigenotype data across the entire genome.
Aggressive Treatment of Inflammation Prevents Vision Loss in Patients with JIA-related Uveitis
A new study confirms that the use of immunosuppressive drugs is associated with a reduced risk of vision loss in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis-related uveitis.
Survivin Essential for the Maturation of Antigen Presenting Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
In patients with RA, survivin is essential for the survival of leukocytes as they differentiate and mature into dendritic cells, thereby raising it as a potential therapeutic target.
Molecular Analysis Reveals Potential Treatment Window for Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
In patients with simultaneous systemic and arthritic components of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), these components appear to be related mechanistically. Moreover, the inflammatory pathways of SJIA appear to be distinct from those seen in polyarticular JIA.
Therapies Aimed at Immune Cell Progenitors May Be Key to Reducing Post Myocardial Infarction Risk
Researchers have identified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that are liberated from bone marrow niches by a myocardial infarction.
Gadolinium Compounds Provide Insights into Pathogenesis of Fibrosing Diseases
Toll-like receptors appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders including nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and systemic sclerosis.
Neutralizing IL-23 and Its Targets May Improve Ankylosing Spondylitis
Researchers have identified a unique population of entheseal resident cells that can be activated by interleukin 23 (IL-23). This finding may be key to understanding how dysregulation of IL-23 results in precise inflammation of the entheses.