A study revealed a path of molecular events that can lead to Alzheimer's disease, including the formation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Researchers identified genes involved in immune and synaptic regulatory mechanisms as potential therapeutic targets.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics has established a connection between the ASTN1 gene and undiagnosed human neurodevelopmental disorders. Researchers found that loss-of-function variants of the gene cause a range of developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, autism, ADHD, and epilepsy in children.
Researchers have identified a chain of events connecting genetic alterations, lipid metabolism disruptions, and Parkinson's disease manifestation. The study found that a specific gene variant increases the risk of developing Parkinson's by altering lipid functions in the brain.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that triple negative breast cancer cells produce a 'sticky coat' made of hyaluronan and CD44, which helps them form clusters and spread to other organs. The discovery opens new possibilities for developing clinical interventions to treat metastatic TNBC patients.
Scientists have successfully grown human norovirus in the lab for up to 15 consecutive passages, enabling comprehensive studies of viral structure, antiviral drug screening, and vaccine development. The breakthrough uses a drug called TAK 779 to overcome host restrictions, allowing researchers to produce stable virus stocks.
Researchers found that carrying one mutant copy of ATP13A2 and GBA1 drives a slow, progressive neurodegeneration in flies, leading to movement problems, neuron loss, and disruption in neural communication. Accumulation of glucosylceramide in glial cells is linked to the disease process.
Overactive valosin-containing protein (VCP) disrupts the nuclear pore complex, leading to abnormal TDP-43 trafficking and neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibiting VCP activity may offer new therapeutic strategies for treating these conditions.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new approach to track the most aggressive breast cancer in blood, identifying four new proteins on live circulating tumor cells. This new method offers a minimally invasive way to monitor cancer progression and could help doctors detect disease more accurately.
A phase 1/2 trial investigating autologous T cell therapy targeting multiple tumor antigens showed promising results in patients with advanced and surgically resectable disease. Patients responded well to the therapy, with high disease control rates and low adverse side effects.
Researchers found two genes, mask and clu, that regulate dopamine levels in the brain and influence behavior. Silencing these genes changed sleep patterns and response to caffeine in fruit flies, providing insights into potential treatments for neurological disorders.
Researchers developed a mouse model replicating human GI problems in DM1, uncovering a key mechanism and opening the door to new treatments. The study found that food moved slower through the intestines and colon of mice lacking MBNL proteins, suggesting constant muscle contraction.
Researchers discovered that infant nasal organoids divide faster and have different cell types than adult ones, making them more susceptible to RSV infection. The findings suggest that infants' bodies respond with a less coordinated defense against the virus, leading to severe airway blockages and mucus production.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a natural mechanism that clears amyloid plaques from the brains of mouse models with Alzheimer's disease, preserving cognitive function. Increasing Sox9 production triggered astrocytes' ability to remove toxic plaques, suggesting a potential astrocyte-based therapeutic approach.
A study published in Communications Biology reveals that certain p53 mutants can hijack the DNA replication machinery, leading to aggressive cell proliferation and triggering a strong immune response. This discovery could lead to personalized cancer treatment strategies by identifying tumors with mutant p53 variants like R273H.
Researchers found that different genetic drivers of leukemia use the same secret compartments inside the cell nucleus to keep cancer growing. The discovery points to a shared physical target that could inspire new kinds of treatments.
A new study found that selective RNA sequestration in P-bodies directs cell fate transitions by preventing translation of key cell fate-related proteins. This mechanism allows for the generation of clinically relevant cell types, such as primordial germ cells and totipotent-like cells.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers identified 50 candidate Alzheimer's disease risk genes in fruit flies, which were involved in both brain structure and function. The findings suggest that different individuals may develop Alzheimer's through distinct biological pathways, providing new insights into the disease.
Researchers used miniature human nose models to study how different bacteria interact with the lining of the nose. The study found that all three bacteria colonized the model without causing significant damage, triggering immune responses and reducing inflammation.
Human GII.4 noroviruses have evolved a uniquely potent entry mechanism with clear strain-specific differences, according to researchers at Baylor College of Medicine. The study reveals that clustering strains, such as GII.4 Sydney, cause more membrane wounding and replication in enteroids compared to non-clustering strains.
Researchers developed COOKIE-Pro, a data analysis method for covalent inhibitors, to measure binding strength and reaction speed against thousands of proteins simultaneously. The technique promises to accelerate therapeutics design by precisely measuring affinity and reactivity.
A new study reveals how exercise leads to weight loss by activating PVH neurons and inhibiting AgRP neurons, reducing appetite in mice. The findings suggest the potential for targeting this mechanism for weight management.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified a biomarker that indicates ER+ breast cancers are more likely to respond to treatment with CDK4/6 inhibitors. This marker, low levels of tumor suppressor protein NF1, could help identify patients who may benefit from these agents.
Researchers developed an AI model called DeepMVP that predicts protein modification sites and variant-induced alterations, significantly outperforming previous models. This tool has implications for developing novel therapeutics and studying genetic mutations in diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that diet and genetics interact to influence daily patterns of gene activity in the liver, particularly those related to fat metabolism. This finding has implications for individual variations in obesity-associated disease susceptibility and personalized chronotherapy.
A team of researchers identified specific genes that define neural stem and progenitor cells, which are rare and difficult to isolate from other brain cells. The study also found potential links between NPC gene mutations and human brain function and neurological conditions.
Researchers developed a computational tool to predict lncRNA-DNA interactions, revealing coordinated regulation of genes. They found that lncRNAs act as molecular chaperones controlling mRNA stability and translation, leading to tightly coupled expression profiles.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine conducted a detailed molecular analysis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer tumors to identify potential new ways to treat those cancers. The study found specific protein isoforms and pathways linked to resistance, as well as potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers discovered that Candida albicans can persist in the mouse gut for at least 58 days without causing harm, and treatment with anti-fungal medication only reduced its presence. The fungus's ability to colonize was linked to the production of candidalysin and adhesins.
Researchers discovered that metformin's ability to lower blood sugar depends on turning off a small protein called Rap1 in the brain. The study found that low doses of metformin can significantly drop blood sugar levels even with thousands of times smaller doses than typical oral administration.
The assembled genome of the soft tick Ornithodoros turicata opens up new avenues for research into tick biology and disease transmission. The findings will help researchers develop novel tools to control the pest and investigate population genetics, enabling better surveillance and control measures.
Researchers found that metastable epialleles in mice, which determine gene expression through DNA methylation, are remarkably scarce. In contrast to earlier studies, the study revealed that maternal diet had no effect on these epialleles, challenging previous findings.
A new study at Baylor College of Medicine reveals that disordered regions of proteins involved in gene regulation interact with structured beta-catenin to carry out gene activation. This discovery challenges the traditional view of disorder in biology, suggesting that interactions between disordered molecules and structured proteins gi...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that specific blood stem cell mutations may lower the risk for developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study proposed a mechanism to protect against the disease and opens new avenues for potential strategies to control its emergence and progression.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine reveals that altered genes SOX2 and CDX2 drive Barrett's esophagus formation. The team created organoids from patient tissue, showing that the balance between these genes determines cell identity. This new understanding supports earlier intervention and diagnosis for this potentially deadly cancer.
A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified six flavonoids that kill bladder cancer cells, including compounds that cause DNA damage and disrupt energy supply. The study uses Cell Painting technology to analyze large-scale drug screening data sets on a standard desktop computer.
Researchers discovered distinct systemic impacts of Aβ42 and Tau proteins on fruit flies, affecting the nervous system and peripheral tissues. The findings provide insights into brain-body communication in neurodegeneration and pave the way for novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine used a sequencing-based approach to detect measles virus in Houston wastewater samples collected in early January 2025, two weeks before any reported cases. The method's high sensitivity and specificity suggest it can inform public health preparedness for potential outbreaks.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that Let-7 is a critical gene involved in lung repair and prevention of pulmonary fibrosis. The researchers found that when Let-7 is absent, injured lungs develop scarring and inflammation, highlighting the importance of this gene in maintaining healthy lung function.
Researchers discovered a novel line of communication between metastatic medulloblastoma and leptomeningeal fibroblasts, facilitating recruitment and reprogramming to support tumor growth. Disrupting this communication may offer a potential treatment opportunity for this devastating disease.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers identifies 123 genes associated with increased AD risk in humans, including MTCH2, which shows promise as a potential therapeutic target. The team also found that reversing the alterations in these genes has a neuroprotective effect in living organisms.
Researchers discovered a natural mechanism that protects the heart from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a serious condition in need of effective treatment. Restoring this mechanism prevents progression of HFpEF and alleviates lipid overload in heart cells, providing molecular evidence for a promising therapeutic...
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals a novel mechanism connecting prolactin, estrogen, the brain, and metabolic adaptations during lactation. Hormonal changes during lactation lead to increased hunger and reduced fat-burning, which are sustained by a specific area of brain cells called ERα neurons.
A multidisciplinary team has generated an atlas to optimize gene therapy delivery, providing researchers with insights into the most effective viral vectors for specific tissues. The study identifies AAV4 as a promising vector for vascular and pancreatic applications, offering new possibilities for treating conditions like diabetes.
Researchers discovered that lipid accumulation promotes immune suppression and therapy resistance in triple negative breast cancer. Blocking Omega-6 fatty acid intake reversed treatment resistance. Disrupting lipid droplet formation also resensitized tumors to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Researchers found that gasdermin D promotes atrial arrhythmogenesis by facilitating the formation of pores in cell membranes and releasing cytokines. A mitochondrial-targeted therapy approach may prevent AF triggering, positioning gasdermin D as a promising therapeutic target.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that postpartum female mice prefer cooler temperatures due to changes in the preoptic area of the brain, particularly a decrease in estrogen receptor alpha neurons. These changes affect the animal's warmth-seeking behavior and are regulated by reproductive experience.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a brain circuit involved in motion sickness that also regulates body temperature and metabolic balance. Inhibiting this circuit may lead to increased energy expenditure and better glucose tolerance, suggesting potential benefits for obesity treatment.
Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 affects multiple organs, including the heart, and is caused by a mutation in the DMPK gene that leads to disrupted RNA processing. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine tested MBNL overexpression in a mouse model, achieving partial rescue of cardiac phenotypes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified new variants of CDKL2 and CDKL1 genes associated with developmental disorders, including epilepsy. The study proposes a mechanism by which defective variants cause neurological symptoms in affected individuals.
Researchers discovered genetic variants in ITSN1 significantly increase Parkinson's disease risk, especially among rare mutations. The study highlights ITSN1 as a promising therapeutic target and underscores the value of large-scale genetic sequencing.