Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815, USA.
A N Fox studies liver transplantation with an emphasis on living donor procedures, especially in patients with liver cancer. They work to expand the criteria for eligible patients who might benefit from a liver transplant, showing that even those outside traditional selection criteria can achieve good long-term survival. Additionally, they investigate innovative assessment techniques to evaluate potential living donors, which help reduce the need for invasive procedures like biopsies. Their research also includes examining treatments for severe COVID-19 in organ transplant recipients, focusing on how specific drugs impact survival and health outcomes.
Key findings
In a study of 360 living donor liver transplant patients, 10-year survival rates exceeded 60% even among those with tumors larger than traditional limits.
Vibration controlled transient elastography successfully correlated with MRI and biopsy results in assessing liver fat in 79 living donor candidates, indicating its potential to replace invasive biopsies.
Living donor liver transplant recipients in a study of 241 children experienced lower rates of acute rejection and chronic rejection, suggesting notable benefits over deceased donor transplants.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Fox study liver cancer?
Yes, Dr. Fox researches living donor liver transplants specifically for patients with liver cancer, demonstrating that many can safely receive transplants despite exceeding traditional criteria.
What treatments has Dr. Fox researched for COVID-19?
Dr. Fox studied the drug tocilizumab in solid organ transplant recipients with severe COVID-19, finding no significant survival benefit but noting the drug's safety.
Is Dr. Fox's work relevant to children needing liver transplants?
Absolutely, Dr. Fox's research shows that living donor liver transplants in children lead to better outcomes, including lower rejection rates.
Publications in plain English
Mitotic chromosomes harbor cell type- and species-specific structural features within a universal loop array conformation.
2025
Genome research
Oomen ME, Fox AN, Gonzalez I, Molliex A, Papadopoulou T +2 more
Plain English This study looked at the structure of chromosomes during cell division in different species and cell types, focusing on how certain proteins are involved in organizing these chromosomes. Researchers found that while human and mouse cells behave differently in this process, chickens have smaller chromosome loops compared to humans and mice—about 200-300 kilobases in chickens versus 1-1.5 megabases in mice. Understanding these differences is important because they can help explain how chromosomes are organized and function across different species.
Who this helps: This helps researchers studying genetics and cell biology across different species.
Mitotic chromosomes are self-entangled and disentangle through a topoisomerase-II-dependent two-stage exit from mitosis.
2024
Molecular cell
Hildebrand EM, Polovnikov K, Dekker B, Liu Y, Lafontaine DL +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how chromosomes behave during cell division, specifically focusing on how tangled chromosomes become untangled when a cell is transitioning back to its resting state. Researchers found that most tangles in chromosomes are sorted out during the later stages of cell division, with the final untangling happening shortly after division. This process relies on a specific protein called topoisomerase II, which plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy chromosome organization.
Who this helps: This finding benefits researchers and doctors working on cancer and other diseases where cell division goes awry.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Within and Outside Traditional Selection Criteria: A Multicentric North American Experience.
2024
Annals of surgery
Ivanics T, Claasen MPAW, Samstein B, Emond JC, Fox AN +23 more
Plain English This 12-center North American study followed 360 patients who received a living donor liver transplant for liver cancer, including many whose tumors exceeded the standard size and number limits (Milan criteria). Ten-year survival exceeded 60% even for patients outside the criteria, and a newer scoring tool called the NYCA score correctly identified most of these "out-of-criteria" patients as low or acceptable risk. Living donor transplant offers good long-term outcomes for a broader group of liver cancer patients than current criteria allow.
Glial TGFβ activity promotes neuron survival in peripheral nerves.
2023
The Journal of cell biology
Lassetter AP, Corty MM, Barria R, Sheehan AE, Hill JQ +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how certain molecules in supporting cells of the nervous system, known as glia, help keep nerve fibers alive. Researchers found that a specific group of molecules, called TGFβ, is crucial for the health of sensory neurons. Without these signals from glia, neurons tend to deteriorate as they age, but this can be prevented by blocking certain degeneration processes.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with nerve damage or neurodegenerative conditions, as understanding these mechanisms could lead to better treatments.
When you need to dive in the deep end-Transplanting SARS-CoV-2 PCR+ recipients.
2023
Transplant infectious disease : an official journal of the Transplantation Society
Zavala S, DeLaurentis C, Aaron JG, Miko BA, Fox AN +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how safe it is to perform organ transplants in patients who tested positive for COVID-19 at the time of their surgery. Researchers tracked 12 patients who received kidneys, livers, or a heart while positive for the virus, finding that all were vaccinated and most had mild or no symptoms. Importantly, none of the patients faced complications directly linked to COVID-19, and all survived after the transplant, demonstrating that surgery can be done safely in carefully chosen cases.
Who this helps: This information benefits transplant patients and doctors making decisions about organ transplantation during the pandemic.
Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography to Evaluate Steatosis in Candidate Living Donors for Liver Transplantation.
2023
Transplantation
Palte E, Duong JK, Remotti H, Burt J, Makkar J +5 more
Plain English Researchers tested whether a painless ultrasound-based technique called vibration controlled transient elastography could reliably screen potential living donors for liver fat without requiring a biopsy. Among 79 donor candidates, the tool showed a meaningful correlation with MRI fat measurements and liver biopsy results, with acceptable sensitivity and specificity at defined score cutoffs. Integrating this screening step could reduce the number of invasive biopsies needed during donor evaluation.
Publication rates of pharmacy residents involved in a team-based research program.
2022
American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Bennett KK, Fox AN, Miller JL, Neely S, Dennis VC +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how a program at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy helped pharmacy residents successfully publish their research projects. Out of 82 projects completed by 73 residents, 43 projects (about 52%) were published during their residency, and after graduation, 54 residents (74%) continued to publish more research. This is important because it shows that the program effectively supports residents in becoming more successful researchers, which could lead to better practices in pharmacy.
Who this helps: This benefits pharmacy residents and their future patients by promoting strong research skills and improved care.
Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Contamination in the U.S. Portion of the Tijuana River Watershed.
2022
International journal of environmental research and public health
Allsing N, Kelley ST, Fox AN, Sant KE
Plain English This study looked at water quality in the Tijuana River, which flows from Mexico into California, to understand how often it gets contaminated with harmful microbes from sewage. Researchers collected water samples after heavy rain in 2019-2020, finding a variety of disease-causing germs and signs of antibiotic resistance in all samples collected. These findings are crucial as they highlight potential health risks for nearby communities relying on this water source.
Who this helps: This information benefits local residents and health officials by informing them about water safety.
The use of nondirected donor organs in living donor liver transplantation: Perspectives and guidance.
2022
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
Fox AN, Liapakis A, Batra R, Bittermann T, Emamaullee J +13 more
Plain English This consensus guidance article reviews available evidence and draws on kidney donation experience to provide practical recommendations for evaluating anonymous living liver donors—people who donate to strangers rather than a specific recipient. The authors address donor selection criteria, allocation of nondirected grafts, and ethical considerations to ensure safe expansion of this practice. The guidance aims to standardize an emerging practice that could meaningfully increase the supply of living donor livers.
Can lightning strike twice? Wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis associated with rare liver disease.
2021
Oxford medical case reports
Bhattacharya PT, Fox AN, Marboe CC, Lagana SM, Remotti HE +5 more
Plain English This study looked at a type of heart disease called wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA), which is more common than people thought. Researchers found two patients who had heart issues along with liver problems, but their liver disease was due to a rare condition unrelated to their heart disease. This is important because it shows that doctors should consider different causes for liver problems in patients with this type of heart disease, rather than assuming the liver issues are just a result of heart failure.
Who this helps: This primarily benefits doctors and healthcare teams treating patients with ATTRwt-CA.
Altered expression of CSF3R splice variants impacts signal response and is associated with SRSF2 mutations.
2020
Leukemia
Lance A, Druhan LJ, Vestal CG, Steuerwald NM, Hamilton A +5 more
Plain English This study looked at different forms of a gene called CSF3R that play a role in blood cell production, particularly in a type of blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Researchers found that a specific form of the gene, called CSF3R-V3, is linked to mutations in another gene, SRSF2, in AML patients. In patients with these mutations, the balance of CSF3R gene forms changed, which could affect how their blood cells grow and respond to treatment.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with SRSF2-mutated AML by providing insights for potential new treatments.
Acute Liver Injury in COVID-19: Prevalence and Association with Clinical Outcomes in a Large U.S. Cohort.
2020
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
Phipps MM, Barraza LH, LaSota ED, Sobieszczyk ME, Pereira MR +4 more
Plain English Researchers studied how COVID-19 affects liver health by looking at over 3,000 patients at three hospitals in New York. They found that 45% of patients with COVID-19 showed some level of liver injury, with 6.4% experiencing severe liver damage. Patients with severe liver issues faced much worse outcomes, including a 42% death rate and higher chances of needing intensive care or other critical treatments.
Who this helps: This information helps doctors care for patients with COVID-19 and manage potential liver complications.
Possible role for acetylcysteine as a treatment for acute liver failure secondary to antitubercular medication use.
2020
American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Fox AN, Nation BE, Autry MT, Johnson PN
Plain English This study looked at how acetylcysteine, a medication typically used for acetaminophen overdose, might help treat acute liver failure caused by antitubercular drugs. The case showed that a patient who developed liver failure from these medications had improvements after switching to a safer treatment and receiving acetylcysteine. The patient's liver enzyme levels stabilized, and there were no further complications after treatment for 5 days, suggesting that acetylcysteine could be beneficial for similar patients.
Who this helps: This research helps patients with active tuberculosis who experience liver damage due to their treatment.
Tocilizumab for severe COVID-19 in solid organ transplant recipients: a matched cohort study.
2020
American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons
Pereira MR, Aversa MM, Farr MA, Miko BA, Aaron JG +11 more
Plain English A matched cohort study evaluated the drug tocilizumab — an anti-inflammatory agent — in 29 organ transplant recipients hospitalized with severe COVID-19. After matching for key risk factors, 90-day mortality did not differ significantly between those who received tocilizumab and those who did not (41% vs. 28%). The drug appeared safe but showed no clear survival benefit in this population, highlighting the need for larger trials.
Optimal Medical Therapy Prescribing Patterns and Disparities Identified in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes at an Academic Medical Center in an Area with High Coronary Heart Disease-Related Mortality.
2019
American journal of cardiovascular drugs : drugs, devices, and other interventions
Fox AN, Skrepnek GH, Miller JL, Schwier NC, Ripley TL
Plain English The study looked at how often patients with acute coronary syndromes (a serious heart condition) received the best recommended treatment when they were discharged from a hospital. Out of 331 patients analyzed, 69.8% were prescribed the optimal treatment, which is higher than the global average of 50-60%. However, older patients (75 and older), those with unstable angina, and those who underwent surgery were less likely to receive this treatment, highlighting gaps in care that could lead to higher death rates from heart disease in certain groups.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart conditions, particularly older adults and those presenting with unstable angina or undergoing surgical procedures.
Daptomycin dosing in obese patients: analysis of the use of adjusted body weightactual body weight.
2019
Therapeutic advances in infectious disease
Fox AN, Smith WJ, Kupiec KE, Harding SJ, Resman-Targoff BH +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how to dose the antibiotic daptomycin for obese patients, comparing two methods: one using their actual weight and another using a calculation based on adjusted weight. The results showed that both dosing methods had similar outcomes, with clinical failure rates around 8% for both groups and a 90-day mortality rate of 6% for actual weight and 4% for adjusted weight, meaning neither method was significantly better than the other. This matters because it helps doctors understand how to safely prescribe daptomycin to obese patients, ensuring effective treatment without increasing the risk of severe side effects.
Who this helps: This helps doctors treating obese patients who need antibiotic therapy.
A chromosome folding intermediate at the condensin-to-cohesin transition during telophase.
2019
Nature cell biology
Abramo K, Valton AL, Venev SV, Ozadam H, Fox AN +1 more
Plain English This study focused on how chromosomes change shape as cells divide. Researchers found that during the final phase of cell division, known as telophase, the structure created by one protein complex (condensin) is replaced by another protein complex (cohesin) that helps organize the chromosomes for the next phase (interphase). They discovered that this transition happens in steps, and it takes time for the new organization to be fully established.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying cell division and genetic organization, which can inform cancer treatment strategies.
Prevalence and Predictors of Patient-Reported Long-term Mental and Physical Health After Donation in the Adult-to-Adult Living-Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study.
2018
Transplantation
Dew MA, Butt Z, Liu Q, Simpson MA, Zee J +13 more
Plain English This study looked at the mental and physical health of people who donated part of their liver and found that many experience issues like anxiety and alcohol use disorder long after the donation. Specifically, while rates of major depression and pain in donors were similar to the general public, anxiety and alcohol use disorder were higher than normal, especially among men. Understanding these long-term effects is important for providing better support and care for liver donors.
Who this helps: This benefits liver donors and their healthcare providers.
Durable Clinical and Immunologic Advantage of Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Children.
2018
Transplantation
Przybyszewski EM, Verna EC, Lobritto SJ, Martinez M, Vittorio JM +5 more
Plain English Children who receive livers from living donors—usually parents—have better long-term outcomes than those receiving deceased-donor organs, but living donor transplants remain rare in the U.S. This study found that living-donor recipients also showed immunological advantages, with lower rejection rates likely tied to the partial genetic match with a parent donor. The data make a strong case for expanding living donor programs for children.
Management of amiodarone extravasation with intradermal hyaluronidase.
2017
American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Fox AN, Villanueva R, Miller JL
Plain English This study looked at a patient who had a problem called "extravasation," where a medication called amiodarone leaked from an intravenous line into the surrounding tissue, causing pain. The patient was treated with a substance called hyaluronidase, which helped reduce his pain and swelling, and he reported feeling better soon after the treatment. The findings show that using hyaluronidase after this kind of leak can significantly help patients feel less pain and limit damage to the skin, which is important for recovery.
Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing medication leaks from IV lines.
High post-transplant virological response in hepatitis C virus infected patients treated with pretransplant protease inhibitor-based triple therapy.
2015
Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
Verna EC, Shetty K, Lukose T, Terry N, Mentore K +4 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective a specific type of antiviral treatment called protease inhibitor-based triple therapy is for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who are waiting for a liver transplant. Out of 29 patients treated, 52% achieved sustained viral response 12 weeks after treatment, with even better results for those who had undetectable virus levels during their transplant (89%). These findings are significant because they show that this treatment can significantly reduce the virus in a challenging group of patients, improving their chances after transplant, although there were also serious side effects in some cases.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with hepatitis C who are awaiting liver transplants.
Fully laparoscopic left-sided donor hepatectomy is safe and associated with shorter hospital stay and earlier return to work: A comparative study.
2015
Liver transplantation : official publication of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the International Liver Transplantation Society
Samstein B, Griesemer A, Cherqui D, Mansour T, Pisa J +6 more
Plain English This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a fully laparoscopic technique for liver donation compared to traditional methods. Researchers found that while the laparoscopic method took longer to perform (almost 8 hours versus about 6.5 hours for traditional surgery), it resulted in much less blood loss (about 177 cc compared to 3753 cc), shorter hospital stays, and fewer days off work for donors. The survival rates for both the liver grafts and patients after one year were similar between the two methods, showing that laparoscopic techniques are a viable option for liver donation.
Who this helps: This benefits living liver donors looking to minimize recovery time and complications.
Exposure to ionizing radiation during liver transplantation evaluation, waitlist time, and in the postoperative period: a cause for concern.
2014
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
Lee SY, Mooney MA, Inra ML, Juluru K, Fox AN +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how much ionizing radiation patients receive during evaluations for liver transplants, while they're on the waitlist, and after surgery. It found that patients received a median of 51 mSv of radiation annually, with those who had liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) getting significantly more—137 mSv compared to 32 mSv for those without cancer. High radiation exposure raises concerns about a potential increased risk of cancer, prompting the need for safer imaging alternatives.
Who this helps: This information is important for patients undergoing liver transplant evaluations and their doctors.
Bland embolization versus chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma before transplantation.
2014
Liver transplantation : official publication of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the International Liver Transplantation Society
Kluger MD, Halazun KJ, Barroso RT, Fox AN, Olsen SK +7 more
Plain English This study compared two treatment methods, bland embolization (TAE) and chemoembolization (TACE), for patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) before they receive a transplant. The researchers found that TAE patients had a lower chance of needing two procedures (16% compared to 40% for TACE) and similar survival rates after three years (78% for TAE and 74% for TACE). These findings are important because they indicate that TAE might be a less invasive option without compromising patient outcomes.
Who this helps: Patients needing liver transplantation for cancer.
PI3K signaling and Stat92E converge to modulate glial responsiveness to axonal injury.
2014
PLoS biology
Doherty J, Sheehan AE, Bradshaw R, Fox AN, Lu TY +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how certain signals in glial cells (the support cells in the nervous system) help them respond to nerve damage. Researchers found that a signaling pathway called PI3K controls a receptor called Draper, which is crucial for glial cells to detect and react to nerve injury. After an injury, Draper levels increase due to another protein called Stat92E, not through the usual channels, indicating a unique way glial cells adapt and prepare to respond to damage.
Who this helps: This information benefits researchers and potentially patients with nerve injuries by improving our understanding of how glial cells function in nerve repair.
Acute liver failure with thyrotoxicosis treated with liver transplantation.
2013
Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Cascino MD, McNabb B, Gardner DG, Woeber KA, Fox AN +2 more
Plain English This study focuses on a young woman who developed severe liver failure due to untreated thyrotoxicosis, a condition that causes an overactive thyroid. After ruling out other causes for her liver failure, she was treated with medications and underwent a successful liver transplant. This case is important because it highlights a rare link between thyrotoxicosis and liver failure and shows that liver transplantation can effectively treat such patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid disorders and liver failure, as well as their doctors in managing these complex conditions.
Deletions within its subcellular targeting domain enhance the axon protective capacity of Nmnat2 in vivo.
2013
Scientific reports
Milde S, Fox AN, Freeman MR, Coleman MP
Plain English The researchers studied a protein called Nmnat2, which is important for protecting nerve fibers (axons). They found that removing certain parts of Nmnat2 helped it stay in the nerve cells longer and improved its ability to protect against damage—specifically, it delayed a process called Wallerian degeneration, which is when axons start to break down after injury. For example, in mice, Nmnat2 helped keep the axons intact for a longer time after injury compared to when it was not modified.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with nerve injuries, as well as doctors seeking better treatments for nerve protection.
The option of HBIG-free prophylaxis against recurrent HBV.
2012
Journal of hepatology
Fox AN, Terrault NA
Plain English This study looked at ways to prevent the recurrence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who have undergone liver transplants, focusing on alternatives to the costly hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG). Researchers found that using lower doses of HBIG along with oral antiviral medications can prevent HBV recurrence in about 90% of patients and is significantly cheaper than traditional high doses of HBIG. They also discovered that in many cases, it may be safe to stop using HBIG altogether if patients have very low HBV levels before the transplant.
Who this helps: This research benefits liver transplant patients by potentially reducing treatment costs and improving their preventative care options.
Is the patient a candidate for liver transplantation?
2012
Clinics in liver disease
Fox AN, Brown RS
Plain English This study looked at how doctors determine if a patient is suitable for a liver transplant, involving both medical assessments and social factors. It found that the criteria for who can receive a transplant are constantly evolving due to new medical knowledge, aiming to improve survival rates for individuals with serious liver conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about transplant eligibility and treatment options.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver diseases who may need a transplant, as well as their healthcare providers.
dSarm/Sarm1 is required for activation of an injury-induced axon death pathway.
2012
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Osterloh JM, Yang J, Rooney TM, Fox AN, Adalbert R +17 more
Plain English This study looked at how nerve fibers in the body (called axons) react to injury. The researchers found that a protein called Sarm1 is crucial for triggering a process that leads to the death of these nerve fibers after they are damaged. In experiments, axons without Sarm1 survived for a long time after injury, suggesting that nerve fibers can actively destroy themselves after being hurt, and that targeting this process could help protect them.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients with peripheral neuropathy and other nerve injuries by exploring ways to prevent nerve damage.
Recent successes and noteworthy future prospects in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
2012
Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
Fox AN, Jacobson IM
Plain English This study examines recent advancements in treating chronic hepatitis C, focusing on two new medications, telaprevir and boceprevir. These drugs, when used with existing treatments, can increase the chances of curing the virus and shorten treatment duration for many patients. The research also highlights ongoing developments in new antiviral drugs that may lead to even better treatment options without the need for interferon.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic hepatitis C and their healthcare providers.
Plain English Researchers studied how well liver transplants work in people with HIV. They found that many HIV-positive patients can successfully receive liver transplants, especially when specific criteria are followed for selecting candidates. This is important because liver disease is a major health issue for people living with HIV, and liver transplantation can significantly extend their lives.
Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV who are struggling with liver disease.
Systematic screening of Drosophila deficiency mutations for embryonic phenotypes and orphan receptor ligands.
2010
PloS one
Wright AP, Fox AN, Johnson KG, Zinn K
Plain English This research focused on studying Drosophila, a type of fly, to understand how certain genetic mutations affect the development of embryos, specifically in the nervous system. The researchers created two "kits" of genetic mutations, one with about 400 lines covering more than 80% of the genome and another smaller kit with 233 lines that develops relatively normally. They found new patterns of nerve development and guidance, which can help identify genes involved in important bodily functions.
Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying genetic influences on development, leading to better understanding of neurological conditions.
The heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan is an in vivo ligand for the Drosophila LAR receptor tyrosine phosphatase.
2005
Current biology : CB
Fox AN, Zinn K
Plain English Researchers studied a protein called Syndecan (Sdc) and its role in helping nerve cells guide their growth toward muscles in fruit flies. They found that Sdc can interact with a receptor called LAR, which is crucial for this guidance, and that when Sdc is present, it enhances the signaling function of LAR. This matters because understanding how these proteins work together can help us better grasp nervous system development and may inform treatments for nerve-related issues.
Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on nerve repair and regeneration.
A highly conserved candidate chemoreceptor expressed in both olfactory and gustatory tissues in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae.
2004
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Pitts RJ, Fox AN, Zwiebel LJ
Plain English This study focused on a specific gene in the malaria-carrying mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, called AgOr7, which is important for the mosquito's sense of smell and taste. Researchers found that AgOr7 is active in various parts of the mosquito, helping it detect odors and tastes, which is crucial for its ability to find hosts and transmit malaria. Understanding how this gene works could lead to new ways to control these mosquitoes and reduce malaria spread, which affects millions of people in Africa.
Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of malaria and public health officials working to manage the disease.
A cluster of candidate odorant receptors from the malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae.
2002
Chemical senses
Fox AN, Pitts RJ, Zwiebel LJ
Plain English This study focused on understanding how a specific mosquito species, Anopheles gambiae, detects odors, which is important for identifying hosts to feed on. Researchers identified a new gene called AgOr5 that is part of a group of odorant receptors and found that it is similar to receptors in fruit flies. They discovered that these genes are closely related and may have evolved from a common ancestor, which is important for understanding how these mosquitoes find their food.
Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers studying mosquito behavior and ways to control malaria transmission.
Hill CA, Fox AN, Pitts RJ, Kent LB, Tan PL +5 more
Plain English Researchers studied the genes of the Anopheles gambiae mosquito, identifying 276 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that are important for the mosquito's development and behaviors. Out of these, they focused on 79 potential smell receptors and 76 taste receptors, finding some developed specifically in mosquitoes and others remained largely unchanged over time. Understanding these receptors is important because it can lead to better strategies for controlling mosquito populations and reducing the spread of diseases they carry.
Who this helps: This helps public health officials and scientists working on mosquito control and disease prevention.
Association between variant plasmid formation and senescence in retroplasmid-containing strains of Neurospora spp.
2001
Current genetics
Fox AN, Kennell JC
Plain English This study looked at how certain strains of a fungus called Neurospora develop changes in their genetic material (called plasmids) and how these changes relate to their aging process, known as senescence. Researchers found that while the formation of these variant plasmids often occurred before the fungus showed signs of aging, there wasn’t a clear link between the type of plasmid and how quickly the fungus aged. This matters because it shows that there are different reasons a fungus might age, and understanding these can help improve our knowledge of cell aging in other organisms.
Who this helps: This helps researchers studying cellular aging and genetic stability in various organisms.
Candidate odorant receptors from the malaria vector mosquito Anopheles gambiae and evidence of down-regulation in response to blood feeding.
2001
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Fox AN, Pitts RJ, Robertson HM, Carlson JR, Zwiebel LJ
Plain English This research focused on the sense of smell in the malaria-carrying mosquito Anopheles gambiae, specifically looking at four genes that help the mosquito detect odors. The study found that one of these odorant receptors is more active in female mosquitoes and reduces its activity about 12 hours after they feed on blood, which also coincides with a decrease in their ability to sense human smells. Understanding these receptors could help create new strategies to control malaria spread.
Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of malaria and those involved in malaria prevention efforts.
Senescence associated with the over-replication of a mitochondrial retroplasmid in Neurospora crassa.
2000
Molecular & general genetics : MGG
Stevenson CB, Fox AN, Kennell JC
Plain English Researchers studied a type of fungus called Neurospora crassa to understand how certain genetic elements called retroplasmids affect aging in these organisms. They found that a specific strain, MS4416, shows signs of aging at various temperatures (37°C, 25°C, and 18°C) due to an overabundance of a variant retroplasmid, leading to slower growth and changes in protein production in the mitochondria. Interestingly, they also discovered a mutant strain that avoids aging while still carrying high levels of the retroplasmid, indicating that these fungi have ways to resist the negative impacts of the plasmid.
Who this helps: This information benefits researchers studying fungal biology and aging, which could inform broader studies in genetics and aging in other organisms.
Attitudes, opinions, and sexual development of 205 homosexual women.
1977
Journal of homosexuality
Hogan RA, Fox AN, Kirchner JH
Plain English Researchers surveyed 205 homosexual women, aged 15 to 50, to learn about their experiences and views on various topics like education, family, and personal happiness. The study found that many of these women were only children and often felt unsure about their opinions on important issues, as well as lacking understanding of themselves and others. This information matters because it highlights the unique challenges and experiences of lesbian women, which can inform better support and resources.
Who this helps: This helps doctors, counselors, and support organizations working with the LGBTQ+ community.