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.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a new site on the androgen receptor that interacts with activity-enhancing coactivators, driving prostate cancer growth. The study's findings provide insights into the design of future treatments for this devastating condition.
Researchers developed a noninvasive method to assess the effect of cellular immunotherapies on the tumor microenvironment, which inhibits the immune response and evades cancer treatments. Nano-radiomics combines imaging technology with radiomics to analyze changes in the TME that conventional methods cannot detect.
Researchers discovered a novel testicular luminal protein, NELL2, that triggers a chain of events maturing sperm and enabling motility in females. Sperm production occurs in the testis, then moves through the epididymis for maturation and storage.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers integrates whole-exome sequencing with untargeted metabolomics to identify genetic causes of undiagnosed conditions. The integrated analysis informed 44% of cases, reclassifying variants as likely benign or disease-causing and confirming clinical diagnoses in 21 cases.
Researchers developed a new set of computational tools to identify cell-type specific methylation patterns, known as molecular barcodes, in complex cell mixtures. These new methods can distinguish between different cell types in tissues made up of multiple cell types.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers reveals that defective CLN6 causes toxic waste accumulation in cells, leading to progressive degeneration and cell death. The researchers found that CLN6 works together with CLN8 to transport enzymes to lysosomes, and when CLN6 is defective, this process is impaired.
A slow-growing rotavirus mutant has allowed researchers to observe the early steps of viral assembly, providing new insights into the formation of viroplasms. The study found that NSP2 phosphorylation plays a crucial role in triggering lipid droplet formation, a key step in viroplasm formation.
Researchers found that brief exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during liver development can prematurely age the epigenome, leading to accelerated aging and increased susceptibility to metabolic disorders. This study highlights the long-term effects of environmental exposures on health and disease susceptibility.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine propose a novel mechanism that directs the immune response toward a cellular type, involving Major Histocompatibility Complex proteins. This mechanism may offer a valuable opportunity to design vaccines for more effective and durable cell-based immunity against viral diseases and cancers.
A study found that more than half of COVID-19 ICU patients developed clinically significant blood clots undetected by routine screenings. Researchers recommend using thromboelastography (TEG) tests to identify these patients and administer additional blood thinners.
Researchers found that parenteral oil infusions can prevent cholestasis and restore bile flow in preterm piglets, accompanied by changes in gut bile acids and the gut microbiome. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of lipid emulsions and their impact on liver health.
Research reveals that cancer clusters exhibit higher metastatic potential than single cells due to increased resistance to natural killer cell-mediated destruction. The study suggests enhancing the ability of activated NK cells to eliminate cluster metastasis could provide a complementary cancer therapy approach.
Researchers found that children with birth defects are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, including neuroblastoma and hepatoblastoma, and are diagnosed earlier in life. The study compared data from nearly 14,000 children with cancer to those with cancer and one or more birth defects.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that CBD significantly reduces inflammatory molecules and immune cells associated with arthritis in dogs. The study showed that CBD treatment improved quality of life in 90% of the dogs, supporting future scientific evaluation of CBD for human arthritis.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that endosalpingiosis (ES) and other gynecological lesions occur at a higher rate than previously thought, even among women without cancer. The researchers suggest that ES is not directly linked to cancer development, contrary to initial suspicions.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Princeton University have discovered the 3D structure and mode of action of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1), a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis and fat absorption. This finding opens opportunities for designing novel strategies to manage obesity and other metabolic diseases.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are developing coronavirus vaccines using their years of experience in tropical diseases. They highlight experimental evidence showing the challenges and critical points for vaccine development, including the need for a robust antibody response and balanced cellular immunity.
A group of neurons in the ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus sense fluctuations in blood sugar levels and respond by rapidly decreasing or increasing their firing activities. This response can trigger changes in behavior to increase glucose levels, forming a feedback system that keeps blood glucose balance.
Researchers found a 25% increase in ACE2 expression in lung tissues from ever-smokers compared to nonsmokers, suggesting an increased risk for viral binding and entry. Smoking also remodelled gene expression, making it easier for the virus to infect human cells.
A new form of local chemotherapy using a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel has been shown to be effective in treating low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer, allowing patients to keep their kidney. The treatment has a high complete response rate and is associated with manageable side effects.
Researchers develop novel approach to deliver CAR T cell therapy directly into cerebrospinal fluid, effectively treating medulloblastoma and ependymoma in mouse models. Combining immunotherapy with azacytidine significantly enhances treatment efficacy.
Researchers found that astrocytes lacking the NFIA gene had defective shapes, altered functions, and impaired ability to detect neurotransmitters. This led to defects in learning and memory, providing evidence that astrocytes control neuronal circuits mediating these processes.
Scientists identified a mutation in the ACOX1 gene as the cause of Mitchell disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. The discovery was made using a combination of human genetics and fruit fly studies, which revealed a previously unknown role for peroxisomes in glial cells.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered the unique structure and function of rotavirus VP3, a protein that integrates five enzymatic activities for capping mRNA. This breakthrough enables the design of antiviral drugs to counter rotavirus infection, which causes diarrhea in children worldwide.
Researchers found that specific odors can dynamically regulate fat mobilization by interacting with olfactory neurons, promoting the loss or gain of fat storage. This discovery may help understand why some people are more resistant to metabolic problems while others are more vulnerable.
Researchers compared reusable elastomeric half-mask respirators with disposable N95 respirators, finding that healthcare personnel learned to use the reusable respirator quickly and with no additional time needed for fit testing.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a genetic signature combining certain maternal and fetal gene variants that are associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia. This genetic signature could be used to identify women at risk and prepare in advance to manage their condition.
Researchers discovered a new neurodegenerative disorder, Mitchell disease, caused by hyperactive ACOX1 enzyme. A study in fruit flies identified therapeutic strategies to reverse damages specific to each condition.
Researchers found that interferon triggers a cascade of inflammatory reactions leading to synapse loss and neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. The study also suggests that blocking the IFN-triggered cascade could potentially reduce microglia activation and synapse loss.
Researchers discovered a new function of neurofibromatin, directly repressing estrogen receptor-alpha expression and causing treatment resistance in ER+ breast cancer. A combination therapy of SERD and MEK inhibitor was shown to be effective in animal models and is being tested in clinical trials.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that brain tumors remodel neighboring neurons to promote tumor growth and seizure activity. Two variants of the PIK3CA gene drive this process, altering synaptic gene expression and inducing hyperexcitability in surrounding neurons.
A study found that individual mammalian cells in a population fail to respond synchronously to estrogen stimulation, neither do individual gene copies. However, a small molecule inhibitor increased the response of individual alleles to hormone, establishing a previously unrecognized mode of regulation at the single cell level.
Researchers found that protein AKAP8 inhibits breast cancer metastasis by interfering with proteins that promote metastatic behavior. AKAP8 also predicts metastatic breast cancer outcomes in patients and can inhibit progression in animal models.
Researchers developed a new method that combines genomic and proteomic analysis to provide more detailed insights into cancer biology, tumor type, and response to therapy. The study showed promise for future clinical application and highlights the potential for precision medicine.
A new study reveals that human noroviruses infect small intestine cells by piggybacking on endocytosis, a normal process used to acquire materials from the environment. Bile acids and ceramide play a crucial role in this process.
Researchers found significant epigenetic changes in DNA, specifically reduced methyl chemical tags, between two forms of acute childhood malnutrition. This led to complex gene expression changes and enhanced expression of genes related to metabolic problems like blood sugar regulation and fatty liver disease.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report no link between increased levels of herpes virus and Alzheimer's disease, contrary to a previous study. The team also provides a new statistical and computational framework for analyzing large-scale sequencing data.
A new assay developed by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine can study six different cellular pathways simultaneously, providing a deeper understanding of cancer and other complex diseases. The multiplexed hextuple luciferase assaying saves time and expense compared to traditional approaches.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine classified over 500 cancers into 10 subtypes based on protein analysis, revealing novel molecular pathways and potential new players in cancer. Four subtypes were found to be linked to the tumor microenvironment, while three others were associated with previously unknown cellular components.
Hyperactive FOXA1 signaling triggers genome-wide reprogramming in endocrine-resistant breast cancer cells, leading to enhanced resistance to treatment and metastatic behaviors. An inhibitor of HIF-2a reduces migration and invasion of these cells, providing a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have identified a new mechanism that contributes to adult bone maintenance and repair. Periosteal stem cells, previously poorly understood, play a major role in bone healing and respond to mechanical injury and inflammatory molecules, offering potential therapeutic applications for conditions l...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that immune checkpoint genes are more actively expressed in resistant tumors, which could be targeted with immunotherapy. This finding highlights the importance of personalized medicine and proper stratification of patients before treatment.
Researchers found that epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, play a key role in determining an individual's innate drive to exercise. The study revealed that mice with disrupted DNA methylation in hypothalamic neurons exhibited decreased voluntary physical exercise behavior.