Dr. Musser studies how certain proteins and chemical modifications affect gene activity, which is crucial for understanding various diseases, especially those related to cancer. He also works on developing practical solutions for managing rheumatoid arthritis, including an online program that helps patients enhance their self-management skills and improve their quality of life. By combining molecular research with patient-centered interventions, Dr. Musser aims to bridge the gap between basic science and real-world health outcomes.
Key findings
The RAHelp program significantly improved participants' self-efficacy in managing rheumatoid arthritis, with an effect size of 0.92, indicating a large positive change.
Participants also reported a moderate increase in overall quality of life during and after the RAHelp program, with an effect size of 0.66.
Manganese (III) mesotetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine accumulated in mouse tumors at a ratio of 1.5 to 3.6 times more than in the liver, which could inform better cancer targeting strategies.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Musser study rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, he has researched an online intervention called RAHelp designed to help individuals with rheumatoid arthritis manage their condition more effectively.
What treatments has Dr. Musser researched?
He has focused on developing online programs to support rheumatoid arthritis patients as well as studying molecular mechanisms that could improve cancer treatments.
Is Dr. Musser's work relevant to cancer patients?
Absolutely. His research on how certain compounds behave in tumors could lead to advancements in cancer-targeting therapies.
How does Dr. Musser's research help in understanding gene regulation?
His studies examine how specific chemical modifications to proteins impact gene activity, which is vital for understanding various diseases linked to gene regulation.
What are the practical applications of Dr. Musser's research?
His work is aimed at improving treatment modalities for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and enhancing cancer therapies through better understanding of gene regulation.
Publications in plain English
Mass Spectrometry-Based Protein Footprinting Defines the Binding Pocket of Crotonylated H3K14 in the PHD1 Domain of BAF45D within the BAF Chromatin Remodeling Complex.
2024
ACS bio & med chem Au
Martinez MR, Kiselar J, Wang B, Sadalge D, Zawadzke L +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how a specific chemical modification (crotonylation) on a histone protein interacts with a part of the BAF chromatin remodeling complex, which is important for regulating gene activity. Researchers found that this modified histone bound to the BAF45D subunit of the complex and also influenced how another component, BRM, interacted with it. This research helps clarify the molecular details of how gene expression is regulated, which is crucial for understanding many diseases linked to gene control.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and clinicians working on gene regulation and related disorders.
RAHelp: an online intervention for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
2013
Arthritis care & research
Shigaki CL, Smarr KL, Siva C, Ge B, Musser D +1 more
Plain English This study tested an online program called RAHelp designed to help people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) better manage their condition. The program lasted 10 weeks and included lessons and support over the phone. Participants showed significant improvements in their confidence in managing RA and overall quality of life, with a large increase in self-efficacy (effect size of 0.92) and a moderate increase in quality of life (effect size of 0.66) right after the program, which continued even nine months later.
Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis seeking better management of their symptoms and overall well-being.
Mechanism of the localization of manganese (III) mesotetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine in mice bearing L1210 tumors.
1988
Cancer letters
Fiel RJ, Mark E, Button T, Gilani S, Musser D
Plain English This study looked at how a specific compound, manganese (III) mesotetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine (TPPS4), gathers in tumors in mice with L1210 leukemia. The researchers found that the compound accumulated in the tumors more than in the liver, with a tumor to liver ratio ranging from 1.5 to 3.6. Understanding how this compound behaves in tumors is important because it could lead to better treatments or diagnostic methods for cancer.
Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and their doctors by potentially improving cancer-targeting treatments.