Add BrightSurf on Google Email

CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences


Organs age at different speeds: a blood test might soon tell which ones

Researchers developed AI-powered 'tissue clocks' that estimate biological age from histological images, revealing organs age at different rates throughout life. The study identifies strong links between tissue-specific aging and medical conditions or lifestyle-associated factors.

Invisible threads: how our environment quietly shapes disease

A new study mapped nearly 10,000 environmental exposures to human genes, revealing clusters of chemicals that disrupt common biological functions. The researchers found that exposures targeting central proteins tend to be more damaging, and that the 'distance' between an exposure and a disease can predict health outcomes.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 2, 2026

One drug, two cleanup crews: A built-in backup for targeted protein degradation

Researchers discovered a small molecule that degrades SMARCA2/4 by engaging two distinct E3 ligase systems, creating a molecular backup for targeted protein degradation. This dual-engagement effectively increases the robustness of cancer therapies by making it harder for cells to escape treatment.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2026

The tumor microbiota: A new frontier in cancer biology

The tumor microbiota is now considered a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment, influencing cancer development and modulating immunotherapy effectiveness. Researchers have identified ways microbes can remodel tumors' microenvironments, directly interacting with tumor tissue and immune cells.

From pathology image to biological discovery: A journey with LazySlide

LazySlide enables systematic whole-slide image analysis using AI models and links visual patterns to text concepts. The study demonstrates its potential in analyzing tissue samples, identifying biological pathways, and reducing the barrier for applying advanced image analysis methods.

Molecular glue discovery: large scale instead of lucky strike

Researchers developed a new method to discover molecular glues through large-scale chemistry and cell-based screening. They identified compounds that selectively degrade ENL in leukemia cells, demonstrating the potential of this approach for targeting previously undruggable proteins.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2026

Boosting the cell’s own cleanup

Researchers have identified a new class of small molecules that boost the cell's natural recycling machinery to destroy an immune-modulating enzyme called IDO1. This approach takes a bolder approach than traditional drug design, eliminating disease-causing proteins altogether and opening up new possibilities for cancer treatment.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2026

From inhibition to destruction – kinase drugs found to trigger protein degradation

A new study reveals that kinase inhibitors can accelerate the degradation of targeted proteins, which is not a rare quirk but a common mechanism. This discovery could help design better drugs that remove kinases altogether or explain unexpected effects of existing therapies.

How a faulty transport protein in the brain can trigger severe epilepsy

Scientists have comprehensively studied the function and structure of SLC13A5 membrane transporter, revealing molecular mechanisms linked to severe epilepsy. The study analyzed nearly ten thousand genetic mutations and identified disease-causing variants, shedding new light on the mechanisms of this disease.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2025

Applied precision medicine: High-tech microscopy enables tailored rheumatology therapies

Researchers developed a precision medicine approach that uses high-tech microscopy to analyze individual immune cells and identify cellular phenotypes correlated with disease activity and therapeutic response. This study represents a major step forward in tailoring therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

A new geometric machine learning method promises to accelerate precision drug development

Researchers have developed a new geometric machine learning method called MaSIF, which enables the design of proteins that bind specifically to desired molecular structures. This approach accelerates precision drug development by allowing for precise dosing and control of biological drugs.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 15, 2025

Double strike against blood cancer

Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism that eliminates defective cells during faulty cell division, shedding new light on the fundamental processes involved. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments for blood cancer by targeting cells with multiple centrosomes, which are a hallmark of disrupted division.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Targeted protein degradation: new adapter molecule expands therapeutic potential around the cell's waste disposal system

A new adapter molecule recruits a previously unknown E3 ligase for targeted protein degradation, expanding therapeutic options for cancer and rare diseases. The discovery offers advantages in development due to the molecule's smaller size and potential for tissue-specific application.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Clarissa Campbell and Barbara Maier at CeMM receive ERC Starting Grants

Clarissa Campbell and Barbara Maier receive prestigious ERC Starting Grants for their research on the interplay between the immune system and metabolism, as well as the role of lymph nodes in cancer. The grants will support their work on understanding immune cells in the gut and the crosstalk between tumors and lymph nodes.

Network-based approaches open a new avenue to classify and treat rare diseases

Scientists at CeMM and Max Perutz Labs have reclassified approximately 200 rare immune system disorders using a network-based approach. The study reveals strong similarities between rare diseases and autoimmune conditions, enabling the prediction of treatment efficacy and personalized approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

From octopus to elephant: a molecular zoo of epigenetics

Scientists have mapped and analyzed DNA methylation profiles in 580 different animal species, providing insights into the evolutionary conservation of epigenetic mechanisms. The study reveals that DNA methylation constitutes a cancer-protective mechanism in large animals with long lifespans, contradicting Peto's paradox.

New methods for network visualizations enable change of perspectives and views

Researchers developed a new method for generating network layouts that allow for visualizing different information in two- and three-dimensional virtual space. This facilitates the exploration of complex protein interactions and provides more versatile, comprehensible representations of networks.

Advancing genome editing through studying DNA repair mechanisms

Researchers at CeMM Research Center discovered that the DNA mismatch repair process plays a crucial role in prime editing. By eliminating mismatch repair, they increased prime editing efficiency by 2-17-fold and improved its accuracy. This fundamental understanding brings the technology closer to clinical applications.

Specific metabolic dependencies of cancer cells revealed by perturbation with tailored chemical library offer new therapeutic possibilities

Researchers identified specific metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemia cell lines, including sensitivity to PI3K and fatty acid synthase inhibitors. The study highlights the potential for targeted cancer therapy by exploiting these dependencies.

Multiplex network improves diagnosis and analysis of rare diseases

A new multiplex network developed by Jörg Menche's research group maps all genes and their interactions, improving the identification of genetic defects and assessing their consequences. The network increases the probability of finding the crucial gene aberration threefold compared to separate networks.

First worldwide personalized-medicine study using a functional test demonstrates clinical feasibility and efficacy of individualized therapy in leukemia and lymphoma patients

Researchers conducted a functional test to identify effective therapies for advanced hematological cancers, achieving significant positive outcomes with 56 patients receiving individually tailored treatment. The study demonstrates the clinical feasibility and efficacy of personalized medicine in breaking resistance to prior therapies.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 12, 2021

Cachexia: How do immune responses contribute to weight loss?

Cachexia is characterized by weight loss and muscle tissue shrinkage, driven by the immune system's response to chronic infections and diseases. Researchers from CeMM emphasize the need for more research into cachexia, highlighting the importance of interplay between the immune system and metabolism.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 5, 2021

Eco-friendly process for synthesizing organic materials developed for high-performance materials industry

Researchers at CeMM have developed an eco-friendly process to synthesize organic materials using water instead of toxic solvents, achieving cost savings of up to 25% and improving material properties. The process involves heating molecules in water under pressure to create high-performance materials with unique structures and properties.