Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a gene therapy that induces heart cell proliferation and improves cardiac function in an animal model of advanced heart failure. The treatment also shows promise in improving liver and kidney functionality.
A new approach has improved heart failure outcomes in an animal model by targeting ERR-alpha receptors. The treatment, called SLU-PP-332 and SLU-PP-915, boosted the metabolism to match the hypertrophy providing enough energy for the heart to sustain the extra activity.
A new method has been developed to detect potential therapeutic tumor targets in human biopsies, which could lead to more effective personalized medicine. The kinase inhibitor pulldown assay (KiP) enriches and quantifies small amounts of kinases present in biopsy samples, paving the way for future clinical applications.
A Baylor College of Medicine study reveals that dietary folate enhances colon cancer risk in an animal model by accelerating epigenetic changes. The findings suggest a direct link between folate intake and increased tumor development, highlighting the need for monitoring food fortification's long-term safety.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a technology to effectively regulate gene expression, promising a safer approach to gene therapy. The system uses small molecules to interact with RNA, allowing for precise control over protein production and therapeutic window maintenance.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a community health report that analyzes the human virome in wastewater, providing valuable insights into emerging diseases. By detecting changes in viral trends in wastewater, scientists can identify outbreaks and transmission patterns, ultimately improving population health.
Researchers found that aging urinary tracts experience cellular level changes favoring UTI establishment and recurrence. D-mannose supplementation restores autophagy and mitigates ROS, suggesting a potential treatment for age-related UTI dysfunction.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a new mechanism by which rotavirus induces diarrhea, involving the degradation of DGAT1 enzyme in intestinal cells. This process leads to reduced nutrient absorption and disruption of intestinal function.
Human noroviruses cause over 684 million illnesses and 212,000 deaths annually. Researchers discovered that llama nanobodies can effectively neutralize different norovirus strains by recognizing a hidden pocket in the virus particles. This finding suggests a novel therapeutic approach against human norovirus.
Researchers have discovered that the gut bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri produces oxytocin, a hormone involved in social behavior and wound healing, in human intestinal tissue. This finding provides a novel explanation for how the microbiome affects distant organs and suggests potential treatments for autism spectrum disorders.
A study using human mini guts reveals a link between high polyp proliferation and increased serotonin production, which may lead to new treatments for Cronkhite-Canada syndrome. The findings suggest that serotonin inhibitors could improve the outcome of this disease.
Researchers have found that targeting protein eIF4A with the small molecule drug Zotatifin can suppress tumor cell proliferation and remodel the immune microenvironment in triple-negative breast cancer. The promising findings support pursuing clinical trials to assess the potential patient benefits of this approach.
A Baylor College of Medicine study analyzed metabolite data from over 4,000 adults and found no direct link between red meat consumption and markers of inflammation. The researchers suggest that body weight may be the driver of increased systemic inflammation instead.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified a small molecule named 5D4 that can suppress breast and ovarian cancer growth. 5D4 works by binding to TopBP1 protein in cancer cells, disrupting interactions with multiple pathways that promote cancer growth. Combining 5D4 with PARP inhibitors enhances anti-cancer activity.
A phase I pilot study investigates the feasibility of using potato starch as a dietary intervention to modify the gut microbiome in bone marrow transplant patients. The study found that more than 80% of participants took the supplement with no negative side effects, and butyrate levels were significantly higher in those who consumed it.
Researchers discovered how the fungus Candida albicans enters the brain, activates mechanisms to clear itself, and generates amyloid beta-like peptides, contributing to Alzheimer's disease development. The study highlights the importance of understanding fungal involvement in neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers identified new biological markers and pathways to develop improved therapies for endometrial cancer. The study found that in-frame indels in the PIK3R1-AKT pathway promote tumor growth and provide potential targets for controlling or stopping cancer progression.
A global team outlines potential ethical concerns and proposes guiding principles for safe and inclusive commercial space research. The paper emphasizes the need for adapting existing practices to minimize health risks and ensure social responsibility.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new compound called d16 that can reduce tumor growth and overcome therapeutic resistance in mutant p53-bearing cancers. The compound, which targets the DNA2 enzyme, shows promise as a potential combination therapy for difficult-to-treat cancers.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a potential treatment for Zika-associated fetal abnormalities using microRNA. They found that the antibiotic enoxacin can abolish placental Zika virus persistence and rescue associated microcephaly in mouse models.
The MasSpec Pen, a handheld probe technology, discriminates between thyroid, parathyroid, and lymph node tissues using metabolite analysis. It achieves over 90% accuracy in real-time tissue identification, reducing surgical time and complications.
Researchers developed SQUID, a computational approach to predict single-cell RNA composition from bulk analysis data. This allows for identification of chemoresistant cells and targeted therapy selection, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers developed a device to improve tissue oxygenation in breast reduction surgery, which increased oxygen levels and reduced wound breakdowns. The study showed the device was safe, easy-to-use, and well accepted by patients.
Research reveals that DNA shape features, such as stretches, twists, and tilts, underlie variations in mutation rates across the human genome. The study suggests that these structural properties are conserved across species and play a crucial role in regulating gene expression.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a novel strategy to control the growth of triple negative breast cancer and other cancers. By targeting the enzyme MAPK4, the team found that blocking both AKT and PDK1 can effectively suppress tumor growth, offering new options for treating this devastating disease.
Researchers developed a strategy to predict chemotherapy response in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) using the Kinase Inhibitor Pulldown Assay (KIPA). The study identified a seven-purine-binding protein signature that predicted chemotherapy sensitivity and favorable clinical outcomes.
Researchers analyzed genes and conducted family studies, discovering mutations in the DHX9 gene disrupting its normal function. The study supports that variations of DHX9 underlie human neurodevelopmental disorders and neuropathy.
Researchers discovered that a specific group of glucose-sensing neurons in the brain, known as GI neurons, play a crucial role in maintaining blood glucose balance. These neurons are activated when glucose levels are low and inhibited when levels are high, helping to regulate whole-body glucose levels.
Researchers created a high-resolution map of the human placenta to understand how viruses interact with it during pregnancy. The study found that the placenta has immune microenvironments that can control viral growth, and in rare cases, the virus can cause significant tissue damage.
Researchers found reduced levels of FKBP5 protein in patients with chronic AFib, leading to increased susceptibility and enhanced arrhythmogenesis. Restoring FKBP5 levels mitigated AFib propensity, revealing a causal link between reduced FKBP5 and AFib.
A study published in Nature reveals that neurons in remote brain regions promote the expression of genes from glioblastoma tumors, leading to tumor infiltration. The researchers found that callosal projection neurons play a key role in this process, and that SEMA4F is an essential factor for glioma progression.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a drug called DEQ that significantly reduces the ability of bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance. The study shows that DEQ works by slowing down genetic mutations in bacteria, thereby prolonging the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Researchers discovered that astrocytes process serotonin to regulate olfactory sensation. The study found that serotonin triggers changes in gene expression patterns, turning astrocytes into hubs of olfactory processing.
Researchers mapped aging process in 163 distinct cell types in fruit flies, revealing unique patterns. Neurons age slowly, while muscle and fat cells decline rapidly.
Researchers analyzed the genomes of 233 nonhuman primate species, revealing key features of primate evolution, human disease, and biodiversity conservation. The study identified 4.3 million common missense mutations and developed phylogenies for primate species.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that eliminating the gene SRC-3 in immune cells, specifically regulatory T cells (Tregs), triggered a lifelong anti-cancer response. This approach eradicated breast and prostate cancer tumors without negative side effects.
A Baylor team created a molecular classifier test to identify patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who may benefit from anti-HER2 therapy alone without chemotherapy. The test accurately predicts the most likely response of a tumor to specific treatment regimens, allowing for personalized de-escalation approaches.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a targetable vulnerability in ESR1 fusion-driven breast cancer. Kinase inhibitor pralsetinib suppresses the growth of cancer cells, suggesting potential for treatment.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report well-tolerated CAR-NKT cell therapy with strong antitumor activity in patients with stage 4 relapsed neuroblastoma. The treatment, which targets a molecule found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells, showed encouraging results in three patients with complete and partial responses.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that silencing gene p16 can drive colorectal cancer progression in animal models. A combined treatment strategy involving two drugs improved survival rates in tumor-bearing mice, offering new possibilities for targeted therapies.
The study identifies two patients with a novel neurodevelopmental disorder linked to MRTFB gene variants, which disrupt the protein's ability to regulate other genes. The mutations result in altered wing development in fruit flies and are associated with intellectual disability, difficulty speaking, and other symptoms.
Researchers discovered that the gene Tiam1 regulates normal synapse development but also drives structural and functional changes leading to neuropathic pain. Eliminating or blocking Tiam1 activity in animal models prevented or reversed chronic pain, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers found that GlyNAC supplementation corrected brain glutathione deficiency, improved glucose transporters, reversed mitochondrial dysfunction, and improved cognition in old mice. The study also showed reductions in oxidative stress, inflammation, and genomic damage, as well as improvements in neurotrophic factors.
Researchers found breast cancer tumors send signals to bone marrow altering its environment and suppressing anti-tumor response. After tumor removal, changes persist, reducing immunotherapy's success.
Researchers propose regulations around psychedelic medicine use, including risk evaluation and mitigation strategies, practitioner certifications, and decriminalization of psychedelics. They also emphasize the need for funding clinical trials on naturally occurring psychedelics to ensure a pathway for approval.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that neuronal activity is necessary and sufficient for astrocyte development into a bushy-shaped cell. The team discovered that neurons produce GABA, which binds to astrocytes via the GABA B receptor, promoting their maturation.
A team of researchers has created a new map of candidate extracellular RNA binding proteins and their associated RNAs in various bodily fluids. This resource was developed using computational analyses and validated experimentally, providing a foundation for understanding exRNA biology and its potential use in liquid biopsies.
Researchers found that a mutation in the SKD3 enzyme can cause 3-methylglutaconic aciduria (MGCA7), a genetic disorder associated with variable neurologic deficits and low neutrophil count. The mutation leads to protein aggregation and inactivates the enzyme, disrupting mitochondrial function.
Researchers discovered that Beclin-1 governs endometrial remodeling and pregnancy establishment by regulating autophagy, a natural process that digests and recycles cellular components. The study found that Beclin-1-driven autophagy promotes normal uterine remodeling and gland development.
Researchers developed an ASO treatment that improves bile duct development and prevents fibrosis and cell death in animal models of Alagille syndrome. The study offers a potential therapeutic option for patients with this condition, potentially bypassing the need for liver transplant.