Researchers found that rotavirus protein NSP4 is necessary and sufficient for disrupting calcium signaling in infected and uninfected cells, affecting disease severity. Manipulating NSP4 could lead to new approaches to prevent or treat rotavirus infections.
Researchers investigated how two CAR T cells kill cancer with distinct signaling domains. CD28.ζ-CAR molecules work quickly and efficiently, while 4-1BB.ζ-CAR molecules linger in lipid rafts for sustained collaborative killing of tumor cells. This study aims to design CAR molecules maximizing antitumor activity beyond B cell malignancies.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that GABA and dopamine signals work synergistically to regulate meal initiation. The study's findings have implications for developing improved therapies to manage obesity, a worldwide epidemic.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have identified liquid-like condensates as replication hubs for human norovirus. These biomolecular structures are dynamic and can merge or divide, exchanging materials with their surroundings.
A study at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital reveals that loss of MeCP2 function in adulthood causes immediate progressive dysregulation of hundreds of genes, some activated while others suppressed. Gene expression changes occur well before measurable neurological function deficiencies.
SPACe enables researchers to analyze large datasets in an efficient way, capturing the full diversity of cellular responses. The platform provides a more nuanced understanding of how drugs interact with cells, revealing insights into mechanisms beyond cell death.
The study revealed a comprehensive functional network of 10,525 genes constructed using supervised machine learning that integrates protein datasets and RNA sequencing data from 11 cancer types. The approach identified protein modules and a hierarchical modular organization linked to cancer hallmarks and clinical characteristics.
A new metabolic compound called BHB-Phe has been discovered to regulate appetite and body weight by interacting with neurons in the brain. BHB-Phe influences feeding behavior and reduces body weight in mice, while its related compound Lac-Phe also promotes weight loss.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze data from 50 CF-LVAD patients and identified six prognostic factors that predicted post-implantation stroke. Lower levels of OxPhos proteins were associated with an increased risk of new strokes after implantation.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that TYK2 transforms tau into a toxic protein contributing to Alzheimer's disease. Partially restraining TYK2 could be a strategy to reduce tau levels and toxicity.
A team of researchers has identified 30 patients with previously undiagnosed conditions, linking them to rare mutations in the FLVCR1 gene. The study reveals a range of severe developmental disorders, including anemia and bone malformations, which share similarities with mice lacking the Flvcr1 gene and Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
A study published in Nature reveals that astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells, play a crucial role in storing and retrieving memories. Researchers found that these non-neuronal cell types work closely with groups of neurons called engrams to regulate the formation and recall of memories.
A new study provides deeper understanding of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) by revealing an unexpected link between the cardiac condition and SCN5A protein. The research found that reducing fetal SCN5A expression did not correct heart defects, suggesting alternative approaches may be needed to address the condition.
The Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) has published data on over 2,700 genes curated for clinical relevance to genetic diseases. The consortium has identified 2,420 gene-disease relationships, classified 5,161 unique pathogenic variants and validated 1,557 genes for dosage sensitivity assessments.
A study published in Science Advances has identified key characteristics of multiply recurrent meningiomas (MRMs), a highly aggressive form of brain tumor. Researchers found that MRMs are more numerous, larger and more common in men than women, with increased chromosomal instability and DNA methylation.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered significant differences in bacterial metabolites between women with endometriosis and healthy controls, suggesting a non-invasive diagnostic test. A novel therapy based on the metabolite 4-hydroxyindole may also prevent endometriosis progression.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered DAPK3 as a key regulator of TNBC cell migration. The study found that eliminating DAPK3 protein leads to prevention of migration and invasion in laboratory experiments. Further studies are needed to assess its potential value as a therapeutic target.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered estrogen's fast actions are mediated by the coupling of ER-alpha with ion channel protein Clic1, controlling chloride ion flux and enabling rapid neuronal responses. This finding sheds light on estrogen's role in regulating various physiological processes.
After analyzing human immune cells and TB patients, researchers found that TCA metabolism plays a crucial role in DNA methylation. Adding an inhibitor of TCA activation reduced detrimental marks, suggesting epigenetic healing is possible. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for infectious diseases.
Scientists identified two distinct patterns of B cell abnormalities, TiBA-0, TiBA-1, and TiBA-2, which are linked to an immunosuppressive effect and poorer treatment response. These biomarkers can be detected through a simple blood draw, enabling potential stratification of patients and personalized treatment.
A new study reveals that a third of glioma cells, a type of brain tumor, fire electrical impulses. These hybrid cells combine features of neurons and glia, challenging the long-held notion that only neurons generate electric signals in the brain.
Researchers found that inflammation in the gut affects ISCs' regenerative capacity even after resolution of inflammation. The study used cellular and animal models to show that exposure to inflammation reprograms the epigenome, leading to reduced regeneration.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers reveals that Tau protein mitigates neuronal damage caused by reactive oxygen species and promotes healthy aging. The findings support a new neuroprotective role for Tau against the toxicity associated with ROS.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells rely on structures called P-bodies to isolate mRNAs that encode proteins suppressing their growth. The discovery of this mechanism may lead to new anti-cancer therapies targeting P-body formation in AML.
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals neural circuits in the mouse brain that promote hunger-driven feeding and suppress pleasure-driven eating. The discovery of a specific group of neurons called diagonal band of Broca (DBB) Penk neurons that regulates balanced feeding is promising for developing strategies to combat obesity.
Researchers discovered that serotonin-producing neurons slow tumor growth by regulating histone serotonylation, while other neural circuits promote tumor growth. Restoring neurotransmitter levels also slows down tumor progression.
Researchers discovered that OTX2 interacts with splicing factors to control alternative splicing in genes fueling medulloblastoma development. Disturbing the PPHLN1 gene splicing with an anti-PPHLN1 drug reduces tumor growth, opening possibilities for improved treatments.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discover that cattle have CoRSIVs, regions on the DNA that regulate gene expression and can predict desirable traits such as milk production and disease resistance. The study opens new possibilities for improving production efficiency in the cattle industry.
Researchers have discovered fossils of ancient chromosomes in the skin of a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth, allowing them to assemble the genomes of extinct species. The discovery provides insights into the history of life on Earth and enables scientists to study the evolution of genes and organisms.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered specific 3D genome features called TULIPs in the DNA of posterior fossa group A (PFA) ependymoma, a type of brain tumor commonly diagnosed in young children. These features are unique to PFA ependymoma and could be targeted for new treatments.
Researchers identified a population of stem-like cells that initiates and maintains Group 3 medulloblastoma (Gr3-MB) in the developing brain. Eliminating these cells led to tumor shrinkage in preclinical models, suggesting a novel approach for treating children with Gr3-MB.
Researchers have discovered that alterations in the human gene TRPC5 cause obesity and postpartum depression. Studies using cells, animal models, and humans showed TRPC5 acts on distinct neuronal populations in the hypothalamus, a brain region regulating feeding, anxiety, socialization, and maternal care.
Researchers have found that the serotonin 2C receptor plays a crucial role in regulating memory in both mice and humans. The study discovered that non-functional mutations of the receptor are associated with memory deficits in humans, and that administering a serotonin analog can improve memory in animal models of Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine reveals the molecular events leading to osteogenesis imperfecta type V, a form of brittle bone disease caused by an IFITM5 mutation. The mutation disrupts normal bone stem cell development, leading to extremely brittle bones and recurrent fractures.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified new potential therapeutic targets for cancer using a comprehensive approach that integrated proteomics, genomics, and epigenomics data from 10 cancer types. The study validated many protein and small protein or peptide targets as promising candidates for therapeutic strategies.
Researchers discovered that hnRNPM prevents errors in protein synthesis by blocking pseudo splice sites, maintaining accurate mRNA molecules. In its absence, cancer cells exhibit increased cryptic splicing, triggering interferon immune responses and potentially driving disease progression.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified PKMYT1, a protein kinase associated with resistance to endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitors in ER+ breast cancers. The study found that combining a PKMYT1 inhibitor with chemotherapy drug gemcitabine selectively reduced the viability of resistant cancer cells.
A novel, non-hormonal sperm-specific approach offers a promising option for reversible human male contraception. Researchers identified a small molecule inhibitor that targets serine/threonine kinase 33 (STK33), a protein essential for fertility in both men and mice.
Researchers identified ERR-gamma as a key gene regulating the development of parietal cells, which produce hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The study's findings have implications for understanding conditions like indigestion, heartburn, and gastric cancer.
A team at Baylor College of Medicine found that cyclophilin A helps HSCs retain their regenerative potential by supporting proteins with intrinsically disordered regions. This mechanism may contribute to the longevity of HSCs, which can maintain a relatively youthful profile throughout an organism's life.
A machine learning system called AI-MARRVEL, developed by Baylor College of Medicine, has shown promising results in diagnosing rare Mendelian disorders. The system consistently ranked diagnosed genes as the No. 1 candidate in twice as many cases than other benchmark methods.
A team of researchers has identified a key gene, Emx2, that helps explain the evolution of gliding in marsupials. The study found that accelerated evolution near this gene and its associated enhancers drives the development of patagium, the thin skin membrane allowing gliding.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine conducted a phase I clinical trial using CAR T cells engineered to target the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed on sarcoma cells. The therapy showed safety and associated with clinical benefit, with improved CAR T expansion and persistence.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new technology called tARC-seq to study SARS-CoV-2's genetic mechanism fueling its ability to generate variants. The study found that the mutation rate was higher than expected and identified hotspots in the virus's RNA where mutations occur more frequently.
Researchers developed a wearable technology system to monitor surgeons' postures during long surgical procedures, finding that 52.1% of active time was spent in static postures. The study showed potential for improving ergonomics and preventing injuries by providing objective feedback on posture correction.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered how DNA gyrase resolves DNA entanglements, revealing the first step in the mechanism. The study used advanced imaging techniques to visualize the interactions between supercoiled DNA and the enzyme, showing that gyrase is attracted to the looped structure.
Researchers analyzed exome sequencing data from 773 affected individuals and 643 unaffected relatives, discovering a correlation between increased consanguinity and complex genetic disorders. The study created a population-specific database revealing unique DNA information unseen in larger cohorts.
A study from the American College of Surgeons outlines a strategy for sustaining lifelong competency in surgeons, including neurocognitive testing and early transition planning. The goal is to maintain patient safety while preserving physician dignity.
Neuroscientists have improved understanding of how the brain creates a map of its environment by revealing the role of endocannabinoids in navigation. Activated place cells release endocannabinoids, which signal quickly and specifically, allowing animals to encode information about their location.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a novel combination therapy that produced encouraging results in animal models. The therapy, which includes an inhibitor of the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), showed significant tumor shrinkage and reduced alpha fetoprotein levels after just one week of treatment.