Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a novel brain circuit that regulates satiation response in mice, suggesting potential for weight control. The circuit connects dopamine-producing neurons with downstream neurons, suppressing food intake and triggering meal termination.
A new computational approach identifies genes most likely linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and predicts patient IQ using rare mutations. Researchers analyzed de novo missense mutations in a cohort of patients with ASD and their siblings, revealing that most genes are mutated only once.
Breast cancer researchers followed the progression of cancer in an animal model and found a path that transforms slow-growing ER+/HER2+ cancer into fast-growing ER-/HER2+ cancer. The study suggests different treatments may be needed for each subtype, depending on the path the cells follow.
Researchers found that calcium ions trigger the exposure of phosphatidylserine on the surface of necrotic cells, activating an enzyme that promotes their clearance. This process is crucial for maintaining body health and preventing tissue damage caused by unremoved dead cells.
Researchers found that intermittent fasting lowers blood pressure by altering the gut microbiota composition. The study suggests that gut dysbiosis contributes to hypertension by changing bile acid signaling.
Two studies found that the bone microenvironment reduces ER expression in breast cancer cells, leading to resistance to endocrine therapy. The bone microenvironment also triggers reprogramming of cancer cells, promoting their ability to metastasize to other tissues and evade treatment.
Researchers found that female mice with glioma lacking the POT1 gene survived less than males, leading to further investigation of human glioma cells. Low POT1 expression correlated with reduced survival in females, suggesting immune response and tumor cell proliferation played a role in tumor growth.
Researchers developed a chimeric mouse model that accurately reproduces human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by combining both human and murine cells. The study reveals striking differences in liver cell behavior, metabolism, and gene expression, providing new insights into the disease's mechanisms.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed guidelines to select the best deconvolution method for RNA-seq data analysis. They evaluated 11 methods and identified their strengths and weaknesses in various scenarios, providing a benchmark for scientists to choose the optimal method for their needs.
A pilot human clinical trial found that GlyNAC improved various age-related defects, including glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The benefits were maintained for 24 weeks but declined after stopping supplementation.
Researchers identified a novel neural circuit that mediates the reciprocal control of feeding and psychological states in mouse models. Correcting this circuit eliminated anxiety, depression, and reduced body weight in obese mice.
Researchers found that mice lacking Rev-erb gene exhibit characteristics similar to dawn phenomenon in type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that altered daily rhythm of Rev-erb gene expression may underlie the condition. Further investigations may lead to therapies.
Researchers found that early intensive training improved motor and memory skills in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, delaying symptom onset. The study proposes newborn genetic testing followed by training to help girls retain milestones and improve quality of life.
Two regions of DNA required for proper MECP2 expression have been identified in mice and humans, which could lead to new treatments for Rett Syndrome and MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. These discoveries provide hope for future treatments targeting these DNA regions.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified 25 rare genetic variants associated with increased risk of lung cancer. These variants, which include insertions and deletions, lead to genomic instability and increase DNA damage, suggesting a potential role in cancer development.
New research suggests that microbes in the gut contribute to symptoms associated with complex neurological disorders, and modulating the gut microbiome improves social behavior but not hyperactivity. The study opens the possibility of treating other conditions like cancer, diabetes, and viral infections with microbiome-targeted therapies.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified proteomic signatures associated with aggressive cancer types, including altered cellular pathways and novel therapeutic targets. The study provided proof-of-concept that proteomics analysis is a valuable strategy to identify potential therapeutic targets.
A combination of deep brain stimulation and exercise has potential benefits for treating ataxia by rescuing limb coordination and stepping. The study reports that stimulating mice with early-stage ataxia showed the most dramatic improvements, suggesting that early treatment may provide the biggest benefit for patients.
Research from Baylor College of Medicine reveals that inhibiting MAPK4 can simultaneously activate and inhibit key cellular signaling pathways driving prostate cancer growth, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy. This approach may provide a more effective treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
Researchers have identified a novel phage called ES17 that can specifically locate and destroy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. The phage's ability to bind to mucins and heparan sulfate enables it to target bacteria in high-mucin environments, potentially preventing infections.
Researchers found a subpopulation of adults who don't sustain an antibody response after RSV reinfection, making them susceptible to reinfection. The 'original antigenic sin' phenomenon also emerged, where the immune system responds more to older infections than recent ones.
Researchers developed a novel Biomesh that captures positively charged cytokines, reducing inflammation and tissue adhesion in hernia repair. The new mesh effectively minimized postsurgical complications in an animal model, improving outcomes and reducing symptoms.
A new study published in Cell reveals that RNA splicing therapeutics can activate antiviral immune pathways in triple negative breast cancers, triggering tumor cell death and signaling the body's immune response. The discovery highlights a novel mechanism for turning on the immune system in aggressive cancers.
A study identifies three molecular subtypes in HNSCC, suggesting different therapy options for EGFR, CDK, and immunotherapy. Biomarkers like EGFR ligands and Rb phosphorylation status may help select patients for targeted treatments.
A new rhesus macaque reference genome has been established, identifying over 85 million genetic variants, the largest database of its kind. This will support detailed analyses of fundamental questions in molecular genetics and help find naturally occurring models of genetic disorders.
Researchers discovered SETD2 modifies actin cytoskeleton, regulating cell migration and autophagy. Defects in SETD2 lead to impaired delivery of chromosomes and separation of daughter cells during cell division.
Baylor College of Medicine researchers found that long-term exposure to IFNγ exhausts blood stem cells by triggering proliferation and excessive differentiation. Modulating BST2 expression on these cells may provide a means to regulate their activation during chronic infections.
Epileptic spasms originate from pyramidal cells in the deep layers of the neocortex, generating rhythmic slow oscillations similar to NREM sleep states. This discovery opens up new avenues for developing desperately-needed interventional therapies.
Researchers have provided a detailed characterization of brain cortical cell diversity using Patch-seq technique. The study suggests that neurons within broad genetic families exhibit extensive anatomical and physiological diversity, highlighting the complexity of the brain's neural network.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a potential treatment for heart failure after a significant heart attack. MCB-613, a small molecule stimulator, has been shown to decrease damaging remodeling and inhibit the development of heart failure in mice.
A team of researchers developed an AI model that estimates thoughts by evaluating behavior, then tested it on a trained artificial brain. The study found neural activity associated with those estimates, providing new insights into the brain's computations involved in complex behavior.
Researchers have identified the BICRA gene as a new disease gene involved in neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that mutations in the BICRA gene can cause disease in humans and flies, and may provide new insights into how to develop individualized medical plans for patients with similar conditions.
Rotavirus-infected cells release signaling molecules adenosine diphosphate (ADP) that bind to P2Y1 receptors on neighboring uninfected cells, triggering intercellular calcium waves and disrupting normal function. This discovery provides a new potential strategy for treating viral diarrhea.
Researchers found maraxilibat to be effective in reducing debilitating itching and related quality of life outcomes in children with Alagille syndrome. The treatment resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in patients who had previously shown limited efficacy with standard anti-itch medications.
Researchers applied proteogenomics to identify precise diagnostics for known treatment targets, new tumor susceptibilities, and mechanisms involved in breast cancer treatment resistance. The study provides insights into the metabolic vulnerabilities of ER+ and ER- breast cancers and suggests potential targets for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have made significant discoveries about the 3D structure of mammalian ferroportin, revealing two iron-binding sites and a unique mode of action. This new understanding has potential implications for treating iron overload diseases, such as anemia and cancer.
A Baylor College of Medicine team found nickel toxicity as the underlying cause of the devastating epidemic of Mesoamerican Nephropathy (MeN) in Nicaraguan coastal communities. The study revealed low-dose exposure to nickel causes systemic inflammation, anemia, and kidney injury, progressing to chronic kidney disease in 90% of patients.
A new study from Baylor College of Medicine found that starting genetic analysis with RNA sequencing can increase diagnostic yield by up to 17% in rare genetic diseases. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of noncoding changes and enhances confidence in diagnoses.
Research identifies commonalities in COVID-19 patients' brain activity, highlighting potential long-term effects on older males. Abnormal EEG readings suggest permanent brain damage, prompting the need for comprehensive care including brain imaging.
Researchers discovered a novel cellular mechanism for disposing of misfolded proteins in a rare condition called alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, which can also affect neurological disorders like Alzheimer's. The study identified the human enzyme Man1b1 as key to degrading these proteins.
Researchers found that supplementing people with HIV with GlyNAC, a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine, improves multiple deficits associated with premature aging. The supplement boosts glutathione levels, a natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and helps maintain cellular function.
Researchers developed CAR NKT cells to target neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. The modified cells showed safety, localization to tumors, and induced an objective response with regression of bone metastatic lesions in one patient.
Researchers have developed two new web resources to study the effects of coronavirus infection on host molecular signaling pathways. These resources, freely available through the Signaling Pathways Project and Network Data Exchange, provide valuable information for accelerating the development of novel therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.
Researchers found that certain human norovirus strains are more resistant to the body's natural defenses than others. This study highlights the importance of considering strain differences when studying norovirus biology and designing therapies.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed an improved type of PROTAC that enhances intracellular accumulation and functions, not only as a degrader but also as an inhibitor of the target protein. The study's findings suggest the possibility of applying this strategy to improve PROTACs for clinical applications.
Scientists create genetically engineered, off-the-shelf therapeutic T cells that can recognize and kill specific cancer cells without requiring personalized training. The 'off-the-shelf' approach solves limitations of original cell immunotherapy methods by avoiding time-consuming processes and resulting in more potent cells.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a novel mechanism to regulate ATXN1 levels, reducing protein accumulation and improving SCA1 symptoms. Gene therapy targeting the cerebellum showed promising results by lowering ATXN1 levels and enhancing motor coordination in animal models.
Researchers developed a computational tool called PolyA-miner to analyze alternative polyadenylation (APA) sites in RNA strands. The tool precisely identifies novel APA sites that were not detected by traditional analytical approaches, revealing new insights into gene regulation.
A team of researchers has developed a potential approach to overcome anti-VEGF resistance in patients with age-related macular degeneration. By combining apolipoprotein A-I binding protein (AIBP) with anti-VEGF, the strategy effectively suppresses choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and reduces drug resistance.
Researchers found that CAR T cells targeting the HER2 protein on cancer cells led to a sustained tumor response. The child's immune system was recruited to act against the tumor, suggesting a potential novel approach to fighting difficult-to-treat cancers.