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The human IRGM gene has been linked to inflammatory diseases including sepsis and Crohn’s disease. Decreased expression of human IRGM, or the mouse orthologues Irgm1 and Irgm2, leads to increased production of a number of inflammatory chemokines and cytokines in vivo and/or in cultured macrophages. Prior work has indicated that increased cytokine production is instigated by metabolic alterations and changes in mitochondrial homeostasis; however, a comprehensive mechanism has not been elucidated.

In this month’s spotlight, second-year medical student Samuel Ndukwe discusses his work as founder and president of Duke’s chapter of Black Men in White Coats. He shares how the organization is giving hope and inspiration to young Black men and his desire for the organization to help address the disparity in the number of Black men enrolling in medical school.

Katharine A. Sublett, SPT, has been accepted into the highly esteemed 2024-2025 NC Medical Society (NCMS) Academy for Future Healthcare Leaders cohort. This prestigious program is designed to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and provide them with the tools and resources needed to become leaders in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Victor Dzau, MD, has thrown his weight behind the approach taken by Hong Kong authorities to adopt the American model in developing a third medical school, citing successful examples in Singapore.

When thinking seriously about occupational therapy schools, I knew I wanted to go to a program out of state. I lived in Seattle for 15 years and felt I needed a change. It was the best choice! I have gained many transformative experiences that led to personal growth in the past year. I am confident in my abilities as a mature adult to handle errands and even purchase home insurance. Freedom has been abundant compared to living with my parents, and I can feel the shift in my mental health.

This fall, Duke University faculty launched the inaugural Alpine Genomics Institute Unconference, a three-day meeting, held in the mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) annual meeting is the largest human genetics and genomics meeting and exposition in the world. It provides a forum for presenting and discussing cutting-edge science in all areas of human genetics. The meeting was held November 5-9 in Denver, Colorado. Several Duke faculty and trainees participated:

Spinocerebellar ataxias are a family of neurodegenerative disorders affecting muscle coordination and control. Duke researchers are using single cell RNA sequencing technologies to better understand how these diseases form.

Katherine Johnston is a first-year Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student with a rich heritage that includes the Caddo, Creek, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Pawnee, and Delaware tribes. She grew up in Oklahoma City, surrounded by a vibrant Native American community. Some of her favorite memories are of attending Caddo Dances and Stomp Dances with her cousins, where her family taught her about their traditions and history. 

David Carlson, PhD, has assumed the role of director of graduate studies for the PhD Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics.