Introduction to the MBL supplement: A tribute to Gerald Marti

Abstract

Cytometry Part B: Clinical CytometryVolume 78B, Issue S1 p. S1-S1 IntroductionFree Access Introduction to the MBL supplement: A tribute to Gerald Marti First published: 14 December 2010 https://doi.org/10.1002/cyto.b.20558AboutSectionsPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Illustration 1Open in figure viewerPowerPoint Gerald E. Marti. Photograph courtesy of Dannie C. Middleton, M.D. This special supplement of Clinical Cytometry, focusing entirely on monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), comprises 13 articles that collectively cover a broad scope of topics ranging from population-based epidemiology to the focused interrogation region of the flow cytometer. Whether by fate or coincidence, its publication coincides with a milestone in the career of Gerald E. Marti, MD, PhD, who has long been a seminal presence in the MBL research community. Jerry retired this summer from the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. An epitome of the classic physician-scientist, Jerry's focus on chronic lymphocytic leukemia has been central to his interests in laboratory science, biomedical research, and clinical practice. His tireless efforts toward a unifying nomenclature for MBL reached frution in 2005 when he led a group of international investigators who forged the terminology, established a case definition, and consolidated the observations available at that time (1). Following that notable achievement, Jerry has continued his leadership role among the global group of physicians and scientists, self-titled the “International MBL Consortium,” that meets periodically to discuss MBL and its implications for B-cell biology. Each gathering has seen its share of historical perspective, new findings, incremental progress, and complete surprises. This issue of Clinical Cytometry, the second compendium of journal articles to emerge from those meetings (2), is primarily based on the Atlanta rendezvous in June 2009. In keeping with tradition, the articles it contains reflect some things old, some things new, some things borrowed (but referenced, of course), and everything in multicolor. As this issue goes to press, a quiet conspiracy is in place: Jerry is not aware that it contains these words of tribute. In fact, the issue itself is the real tribute, its articles reflecting his full range of interests in laboratory science, biomedical research, and clinical practice. The compilation begins with a systematic review of MBL prevalence that delineates the impact of different study populations and different laboratory methods on prevalence estimates. The reports that follow look in detail at the diverse range of molecular, cellular, and clinical features seen in MBL. Other articles review B-cell trafficking and responses to infectious agents and vaccines. Reaching a little outside the clinical realm, the issue includes reports on a computer simulation of MBL detection and on an NZB mouse model of B-cell proliferative disorders. Finally, in keeping with Jerry's dedication to patient care, it concludes at the bedside with an overview of clinical considerations based on the experience of multiple centers across many years. We trust that this compilation will be a valuable resource that serves as a reminder of Jerry's contributions to the field of cytometry, to our understanding of B-cell biology, and to many colleagues and patients whose lives he has enriched. LITERATURE CITED 1 Marti GE, Rawstron AC, Ghia P, Hillmen P, Houlston RS, Kay N, Aurran-Schleinitz T, Caporaso N; for The International Familial CLL Consortium. Diagnostic criteria for monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). Br J Haematol 2005; 130: 325– 332. Wiley Online LibraryPubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar 2 Shim YK, Silver SR, Caporaso NE, Marti GE, Middleton DC, Linet MS, Vogt RF. B-cells behaving badly. Br J Haematol 2007; 139: 658– 662. Wiley Online LibraryPubMedWeb of Science®Google Scholar Volume78B, IssueS1Supplement: Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis: Our evolving perspective of a prevalent biomarker2010Pages S1-S1 FiguresReferencesRelatedInformation