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IMPACT OF S-PHASE KINASE PROTIEN 2 BLOCKADES ON HEMATOPOETIC STEM CELL METABOLISM
Get PDFHematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) quiescence is vital for the success of bone marrow transplantation, as it preserves long term self- renewal and prevents premature exhaustion (Takubo et al., 2013; Wilson et al., 2008). However, bone marrow transplant (BMT) failure remains a clinical challenge, often due to lack of long-term engraftment and insufficient stress reliance. Both of these characteristics are tightly linked to disrupted stem cell quiescence and metabolic imbalance (Anso et al., 2017; Vannini et al., 2016). One key player is S-phase kinase protein (SKP2), an E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets cell cycle inhibitors, like p27, for proteosome degradation (Carrano et al., 1999). SKP2 is overexpressed in HSCs in response to hematopoietic stress and SKP2 deletion increases HSC pool size and enhances quiescence, making it a viable therapeutic target for improving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes (Rodriquez et al., 2011).
Given SKP2’s regulatory role in the cell cycle and key metabolic pathways through target proteins such as AKT and LKB1 (Gao et al., 2009; Lin et al., 2009), and its interplay between metabolism and aging by cell cycle exhaustion in HSCs (Ito et al., 2012; Mohrin et al., 2015), we hypothesized SKP2 inhibition may allow HSPCs to have a metabolically resilient and quiescent state. Using both genetic (SKP2 knockout) and pharmacological (DT204) inhibition, we found that inhibition of SKP2 increased ATP production and spare respiratory capacity, indicating a metabolically “primed” state, even in quiescence. MitoTracker imaging showed reduced mitochondrial membrane
potential when SKP2 was inhibited, a phenotype that is associated with stem cell quiescence and long-term potency.
Together, these findings support a model where SKP2 inhibition promotes HSPC stress resilience, preserves quiescence, and enhanced metabolic readiness. These traits are essential for long term engraftment and HSCT efficiency. Our results support targeting SKP2 as a promising and novel strategy to rejuvenate aging HSCs and improve outcomes in regenerative therapies
BURNOUT AMONG MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY
Get PDFBurnout, characterized by prolonged emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, is a widespread issue affecting millions of professionals in the United States and globally. Previous research has not adequately addressed the phenomenon of burnout, particularly in California. This study took a mixed-methods approach to determine the scope of, contributing factors to, and coping strategies for burnout among mental health professionals in Northern California. A sample of 93 mental health professionals completed a survey that contained both closed-ended and open-ended questions on burnout. Descriptive statistics indicated that 89.2% of participants experienced a moderate to severe level of burnout at work. Meanwhile, thematic analysis results identified the following five themes: personal factors of burnout, organizational factors of burnout, limited personal coping strategies for mental health professionals, ineffective organizational coping strategies, and burnout as an organization-generated problem. The findings of this study have implications for theory, research, and social work practice. In particular, the findings call upon mental health professionals and stakeholders to reflect on the significance of burnout as a serious problem. The findings also call on human services organizations to take reasonable steps toward making the workplace a less stressful environment
EXAMINING SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR YOUTH WITH TYPE-1 DIABETES IN FOSTER CARE
Get PDFChronic illnesses such as type 1 diabetes can be hard diagnoses for children to understand and are a detriment to their mental and physical health. Evaluating current support systems for this interest group is necessary to make sure that they are receiving the best resources possible. Questioning type 1 diabetics who have grown out of the system, adults involved with T1D care, and social workers are included in the research design. Reviewing the ratings for each question allowed researchers to see where resources are lacking and what needs to be improved or implemented. Social workers should see the importance of research like this to point out areas that may need more support. Understanding things from the client’s perspective was also necessary to see the efficacy of resources that are already in place. Adequate resources were supported by participants for medical and financial support but noted a lack of resources for mental health and educational support. Participants also advocated for more preparation within the child welfare system and the importance of collaboration among caring adults. The importance of this study is discovering what supports need improving in the foster system and understanding this demographic better. By looking closer into these issues, social workers can begin to provide improvements to the support system surrounding this population
EXPLORING FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO POVERTY AMONG SINGLEPARENT HOUSEHOLDS HEADED BY LATINAS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Get PDFBackground: Despite the new strategies and programs being developed and implemented, poverty still finds itself at a continuous increase yearly (Banovcinova et al., 2014). Families have been found to be the most susceptible group compared to everyone else due to the many factors they face that can affect them. By using the information provided by other articles, gaps identified is there are lack of studies on the factors that contribute to poverty among singleparent households headed by Latinas. Objective: This exploratory study aims to identify contributing factors to poverty among single-parent households headed by Latinas. Method: Qualitative data will be collected from a sample size of 5 and 10 participants recruited using a nonprobability method from single-parent Latina heads of households. We will be using a semi-structured interview guide to identify further contributing factors to poverty among single-parent households headed by Latina