Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have created a comprehensive library of clones covering most of the Drosophila melanogaster genome using the P[acman] tool. This new resource enables scientists to study large chunks of DNA in living flies, facilitating genetic research and discovery.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1 and ERK2) are essential for ovulation, oocyte maturation, and other key activities in ovarian function. Disrupting the activity of both enzymes was necessary to block fertility in female mammals.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Tufts University found that four units of beta-carotene from Golden Rice convert to one unit of vitamin A in humans. This could help address vitamin A deficiency, a common problem worldwide where rice is a staple food, leading to vision problems or blindness.
A team of scientists has identified the molecular structure of hemocyanin, a protein complex involved in skin and hair coloring. The study reveals how hemocyanin is activated, leading to an understanding of both albinism and melanoma.
Researchers identify protein-protein interaction as a key factor in vision loss among people with genetic diseases, including Bardet-Biedl Syndrome. The study provides a blueprint for unraveling variations in other genetic diseases.
Researchers advocate for investing in practical application of comparative-effectiveness research, citing low adoption rates of life-saving treatments like balloon technique after heart attacks.
Identifying a transcription factor that regulates blood stem cells, researchers found ELF4 activates an inhibitor that stops naive T cells from proliferating. This discovery could lead to better vaccines and more effective cancer immunotherapy by controlling T cell growth and production.
A 20-center study of 402 patients with poorly controlled asthma found that proton pump inhibitors did not improve asthma control, despite previous beliefs about their role. In fact, half the patients showed excess acid in their gastrointestinal tract, but heartburn medications had no effect.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine discovered a molecular switch involving nuclear hormone receptors and microRNAs that coordinates stage transitions in Caenorhabditis elegans. This finding may provide insights into cancer development, particularly hormone-dependent cancers. The study suggests a link between development and en...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified a proteinase called MMP7 that activates an allergic response in the lung. A form of vitamin A made in the lung also plays a critical role in dampening inflammation, and suppressing its production restores asthmatic symptoms.
The protein LMO4 helps maintain a critical balance between two types of neurons, preventing motor dysfunction in mammals. Inhibitory neurons promote calm activity, while excitatory neurons encourage activity. LMO4 promotes inhibitory neurons by forming a complex that binds to DNA and blocks the development of excitatory neurons.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have made a significant discovery in the fight against type 1 diabetes, using adult stem cells to induce liver cells to produce insulin. The study found that a specific gene called neurogenin3 is critical for this process.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified three small molecules that block the activity of Stat 3, a key enzyme in cancer cell survival. The compounds showed promise in inducing programmed cell death in breast cancer cells, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that visual information from a person's face and lip movements significantly improves understanding of spoken words, especially in moderately noisy settings. This benefit increases when sound quality rises, allowing people to recognize up to 60% of words correctly.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified two critical genes, Scl and Lyl1, that work together to maintain a pool of hematopoietic stem cells. These 'sister' genes are essential for the survival and function of blood-system stem cells, and their dysfunction can lead to severe consequences.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that the COUP-TFII protein helps control fat cells and energy metabolism. Breeding mice with only one copy of the gene led to smaller fat cells and increased sensitivity to insulin, making it a potential target for diabetes treatment.
Researchers found that testing two inflammation biomarkers, Lp-PLA2 and hs-CRP, improved the prediction of ischemic stroke in patients. Adding both biomarkers to traditional risk factors provided the most accurate picture of stroke risk.
A recent study published in Genome Research has mapped genomic translocations to base pair resolution, revealing a heavily rearranged genetic blueprint in breast cancer cells. The research highlights the importance of DNA repair machinery and identifies potential prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Decreasing FKBP12 gene activity in mice disrupted neuron-to-neuron communication, leading to enhanced long-term potentiation and repetitive behaviors. The study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and obsessive-compulsive disease.
Two proteins, CUGBP and MBNL1, play crucial roles in switching alternative splicing patterns during heart development. The study provides insights into normal heart development and has implications for understanding myotonic dystrophy.
Researchers from Baylor College of Medicine found that prostate cancer promotes the growth of new nerves and axons, a phenomenon associated with more aggressive tumors. This discovery could lead to new targets for treatment, as neurogenesis is present in more aggressive cancers.
A new study reveals that the master gene SRC-2 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Mice lacking SRC-2 develop severe hypoglycemia and die within two days without food. The findings have significant implications for treating genetic diseases like Von Gierke's disease and adult-onset diabetes.
Researchers found that social amoebae, such as Dictyostelium discoideum, aggregate based on genetic similarity to minimize conflict and increase chances of gene reproduction. This self/non-self mechanism is similar to immune systems in higher organisms.
A new microarray analysis technique improved prenatal diagnosis for detecting chromosomal abnormalities in 300 cases at Baylor College of Medicine. The test identified 58 copy number variations, including 15 significant findings that would have been missed otherwise.
A study published at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions reveals a common genetic variation associated with an increased risk of heart events. The discovery enables better prediction of individual risk and informs more targeted treatment approaches.
Researchers used ultrasound imaging to view carotid intima media thickness, revealing those in the higher end of low-risk group had intermediate risk for coronary heart disease. The study found that about 4% of individuals with estimated 0-5% risk had a heart attack, while over 13% of those with 5-10% risk suffered from coronary events.
A Baylor College of Medicine neuroscientist has identified a single molecule that can affect memory, with findings showing that reducing activity of a key protein increases the expression of genes and proteins needed for long-lasting memories. The study also reveals that short exposure to experiences creates long-term memories.
A protein in H5N1 avian flu virus forms tiny tubules hiding double-stranded RNA from the immune system, allowing the virus to evade an antiviral response. The discovery could lead to drug development to block this action and potentially fight influenza worldwide.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a new treatment approach for neuroblastoma using T-lymphocytes with an artificial receptor that targets cancer cells. The treatment showed promise in early clinical trials, with one patient achieving complete remission and others experiencing stable disease for over a year.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a new high throughput microscopy technique that enables analysis of hormone receptors on a cell-by-cell basis. This allows for personalized medicine applications, such as identifying the most effective drug treatments for mutated cells.
Synaptotagmin-1 catalyzes membrane fusion at the synapse, allowing for rapid neurotransmitter release. The protein's C2B domain binds to calcium ions and interacts with both membranes to facilitate fast transmission.
A study of 188 patients revealed 26 genes involved in the development of lung adenocarcinoma and its sub-types, including those in non-smokers. The findings could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for this deadliest form of lung cancer.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found a solution to the high cost of commercial media for 3D cell cultures using chicken egg whites. The process enables normal and cancer cells to be grown in three dimensions, allowing scientists to study cell signaling and tumor microenvironments.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered three phosphatases that deactivate cancer-promoting molecule SRC-3. This finding provides a new target for cancer treatment and may lead to more effective drugs with fewer side effects.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers reveals a critical function of the MeCP2 protein in regulating neuronal behavior, particularly in relation to stress, aggression, and obesity. The findings demonstrate that MeCP2 is essential for tempering neural responses, enabling appropriate behavior in novel social situations.
Studies in mice reveal that women who have children young have fewer mammary stem cells, which could contribute to lower breast cancer risk. Researchers plan to investigate further to determine the mechanism behind this protective effect and explore potential treatments.
The study identifies frequently mutated genes, including ERBB2 and NF1, which were previously underestimated in their role in glioblastoma. The analysis also provides a wide view of how cell pathways are altered during the initiation and growth of glioblastoma, offering insights into strategies to diagnose and treat the disease.
Researchers found that IGF-I stimulates aggressive tumor growth and DNA repair regulation, leading to poor outcomes. The study identifies a gene signature linked to patient responses to breast cancer treatments, offering potential biomarkers for targeted therapies.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that reducing uric acid levels in teens with high blood pressure lowered blood pressure to normal in most cases. Allopurinol, a medication typically used for gout, showed promise as a potential treatment for high blood pressure.
A new study has discovered a specific brain association in people with borderline personality disorder, linked to difficulties in understanding others' actions. The findings suggest a potential diagnostic tool and treatment approach using functional MRI technology.
A Russian study found that the drug Dimebon continued to improve patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease over a year, showing improvement in all five outcomes. Researchers believe it works by stabilizing mitochondria and inhibiting brain cell death.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that maternal obesity can amplify obesity in successive generations through epigenetic changes. The study found that genetically identical mice on a standard diet gained weight with each generation, while those on a methyl-supplemented diet remained lean.
Eco1 and its human homologue maintain sister chromatid cohesion by affecting Smc3, a key component of the cohesion protein complex. This process is critical for genome stability and cell survival.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that mothers' brains respond uniquely to their own infants' faces, particularly when smiling. This finding could help scientists understand the neural basis of mother-infant attachment and how it sometimes goes wrong.
A federally funded consortium of researchers led by Baylor College of Medicine found that children treated for HIV are at higher risk of developing asthma. CD4 cells increase in these children, leading to inflammation in lung tissue and worsening asthma symptoms.
Researchers have identified two integrin receptors on intestinal cells that are used by rotavirus to cause diarrhea. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of rotavirus infection and may lead to the development of treatments to block this interaction.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that mice deficient in fragile X and related genes have disrupted sleep-wake cycles, leading to a lack of rhythm. This finding provides new insights into the causes of fragile X syndrome and its impact on patients.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a novel cellular regulator called Ronin, which maintains embryonic stem cells in their undifferentiated state. This finding suggests an alternative control mechanism to the previously identified proteins Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog.
Researchers found that increasing pro-resolution signals can cool down inflammation and slow down atherosclerosis. However, clamping down on these signals would fan the fire of inflammation and speed up its progression.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a key molecule linked to the progression of ALS. The protein VAPB plays a crucial role in regulating nerve-cell interactions and protein folding, with abnormal function contributing to the disease.