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Baylor College of Medicine


Molecular profiling of meningioma can lead to improved prognosis and therapy

A team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine has developed a new approach to classify meningiomas into three biologically distinct groups, one of which is reliably malignant. This classification system, which integrates multiple molecular profiling approaches, provides better prognosis and reveals tumors that require more aggres...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Researchers identify estrogen-regulated brain circuit that helps females control obesity

Researchers identified an estrogen-activated neurocircuit that stimulates thermogenesis and physical activity, increasing energy expenditure and preventing obesity. The circuit responds to changes in ambient temperature and nutritional status, and its conservation in males suggests a potential role in weight regulation.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

The circadian clock in heart failure

A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that Rev-erbα/β in cardiomyocytes mediates a normal metabolic rhythm, enabling the cells to use lipids as energy during resting time. Removing Rev-erbα/β disrupts this rhythm, leading to progressive dilated cardiomyopathy and lethal heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Innovative approach brings cell-reprograming therapy for heart failure closer to reality

Researchers have developed a novel strategy to enhance the reprogramming efficiency of human fibroblasts, significantly increasing their ability to become functional heart muscle. This approach uses endothelial cell plasticity to facilitate the desired change, offering new hope for patients with congestive heart failure.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Identifying rare disease-associated genetic variants in patients with severe schizophrenia

Researchers have found that individuals with extremely treatment-resistant schizophrenia carry a higher burden of rare, damaging genetic variants than those with typical schizophrenia. This study suggests that focusing on patients with severe forms of the illness could improve the detection of disease-associated genetic variants.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2021

Study highlights role of disordered protein interactions in gene expression

Researchers have identified a novel mechanism that coordinates the assembly of components inside cells that control gene expression, revealing a widespread role for disordered protein interactions. The findings suggest that disrupting these interactions can lead to impaired gene expression, providing potential new targets for treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

New method allows for a closer look at the effect of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gene expression

Researchers developed a new live cell quantitative analysis of ER dynamics using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to study the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gene expression. The method enables faster and more accurate testing of larger numbers of compounds, revealing complex dynamics between receptor mob...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Genomic alterations in advanced cancers reveal interactions with therapy

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified over 300 genes with altered expression in advanced cancers due to genomic structural variations. The study found associations between tumor genomic rearrangements and altered metabolism-associated gene expression, suggesting potential mechanisms for therapy resistance. These findings...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2021

It takes cellular teamwork to heal the intestine

Researchers uncover intricate cellular response to rotavirus damage in intestinal epithelium, finding tuft cells contribute to repair process through production of immature enterocytes. The study provides new understanding of gut healing mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Restoring normal sleep reduces amyloid-beta accumulation in mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

In a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease, researchers found that restoring normal sleep reduced amyloid-beta plaque accumulation. The thalamic reticular nucleus played a previously unsuspected role in symptoms associated with Alzheimer's, and its restoration could be a potential therapeutic approach.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2021

Novel technology makes studying gene function easier, faster and more efficient

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a novel technology that enables scientists to track genetic manipulations in fruit flies more efficiently. The system uses drug-based markers for selection or counter-selection of genes, reducing the need for manual screening and increasing productivity by at least 10 times.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Innovative, faster and more cost-effective technology identifies drug that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 growth in lab setting

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new drug discovery technology to screen billions of compounds for potential treatments against viruses. They identified an inhibitor of the viral protein Mpro, which is needed for virus propagation, and demonstrated its potential in preventing SARS-CoV-2 replication.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Novel assessment of platelet-rich plasma treatment shows efficacy in patients with osteoarthritis

A pilot study found that a single injection of leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (PRP) significantly improved functional mobility, pain, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The study supports the use of this combined approach to evaluate emerging biological therapies for musculoskeletal disorders.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalRegenerative Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2021

A machine learning approach for predicting risk of schizophrenia using a blood test

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a machine learning algorithm that analyzes DNA methylation patterns in blood samples to identify individuals with schizophrenia. The study achieved an 80% accuracy rate and identified epigenetic markers that differ between people diagnosed with the condition and those without it.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Eating for hunger or pleasure? Regulating these feeding behaviors involves different brain circuits

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered two distinct brain circuits that regulate hunger-driven and non-hunger driven feeding behaviors. The study identified serotonin receptors and ion channels as potential molecular targets to suppress overeating and improve treatment options for obesity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Understanding the cause of joint and tendon dysfunction in osteogenesis imperfecta

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discover a protein signaling mechanism driving joint and tendon dysfunction in OI, finding that inhibiting this pathway can prevent tendinopathy problems. The study used mouse models with deleted Fkpb10 gene, leading to contracture, joint inflammation, and cartilage piece formation.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2021