Researchers have discovered that the CCDC6-RET protein can activate itself, accelerating its function and making it a promising target for cancer therapy. The study also reveals a new mechanism of action, where the protein can utilize both ATP and ADP as energy sources.
A recent CNIO study has identified a key mechanism in the development of liver fibrosis by targeting bile duct cells. The research reveals that these cells regulate liver health and form a barrier that prevents bile acid leakage and fibrosis, opening new avenues for personalized treatment.
A study by the CNIO group has identified a genetic signature in precancerous breast lesions that can predict which ones will evolve into invasive tumours. This discovery could help avoid over-treatment of women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, a common precancerous lesion.
A recent study has revealed that brain tumors use a protein called MIF to reprogram immune cells, such as macrophages and microglia, to drive tumor growth. The researchers have identified a drug, ibudilast, which can block this process, slowing metastasis in animal models and fresh patient samples.
TOR protein's molecular switch regulator, SEA complex, has been structurally solved by CNIO researcher Lucas Tafur. The study reveals that SEA doesn't regulate TOR in the way previously thought, providing new insights into understanding cancer and disease prevention.
A study published in Science reveals that microglia and the protein RANK are involved in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which controls fertility. The research found that suppressing RANK expression led to distorted reproductive function, including reduced sex hormones and hypogonadism.
A team of researchers uses CRISPR gene editing to eliminate cells with amplified oncogenes, reducing tumour growth and increasing animal survival. The study offers a promising approach for precision therapies in resistant cancers.
A study published in PNAS successfully eliminated pancreatic tumours in mice completely and durably, with no significant side effects. The treatment, combining three molecular targets, induced robust regression of experimental PDACs without causing tumor resistance.
A new study by CNIO has identified two genes in the complement system that increase the risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. These genes, FCN1 and PLAT, may serve as biomarkers for screening high-risk populations.
A new consensus classifier for pancreatic cancer has been developed, enabling accurate determination of tumor subtypes and informing treatment choices. The tool also identifies risk factors for the disease, including smoking, which may be more significant in certain subtypes.
New research reveals that DNA's physical property of supercoiling is crucial for cells to respond to oestrogens. The study found that enzymes called topoisomerases regulate DNA coiling and activate target genes.
Researchers at CNIO have created a 'human repairome', a catalogue of 20,000 DNA 'scars' that reveal how genes affect DNA repair. This information can help determine the best treatment for each cancer type and overcome resistance to therapy.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the POT1 gene that prevents telomeres from repairing, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. This study highlights the importance of personalising treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.
A new algorithm developed by Núria Malats and her team can accurately predict the presence of metastasis in pancreatic cancer using medical images. The PMPD algorithm has shown promising results, classifying 56% of metastases with high accuracy and potentially avoiding unnecessary surgeries.
Researchers developed a test to detect early-stage solid tumors using a blood sample, identifying patterns in amino acid concentrations that can translate into diagnostic signals. The test achieved an 87% positive rate and showed potential for precision medicine in choosing treatments.
A new test developed by CNIO scientists can predict which patients will not respond to common chemotherapy drugs, allowing for targeted treatment and reducing side effects. The test uses biomarkers based on chromosomal instability patterns to identify resistant patients.
Researchers found that denosumab increases tumour-infiltrating immune cells in early-stage breast cancer patients, particularly in type B luminal tumours. This increase is associated with a potential boost to the anti-tumor immune response and offers a valuable avenue for clinical interest.
A recent study found that a protein called URI degrades p53, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumour formation. Researchers have identified URI as a crucial regulator of p53 levels, which may be associated with environmental factors such as poor diet.
Researchers discovered that a high-fat diet activates mechanisms facilitating breast cancer metastasis by promoting platelet activation and fibronectin expression, creating a fertile breeding ground for tumor cells to take root. This study provides new insights into the relationship between obesity and breast cancer spread.
A recent study by the CNIO Melanoma Group has discovered a mechanism by which melanomas evade immune system surveillance. The research found that melanoma cells secrete Midkine, a protein that reduces dendritic cell numbers and reprograms their function to promote tumour development.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism of liver regeneration triggered by glutamate, which accelerates liver regeneration in minutes through changes in macrophage metabolism. Hepatocytes producing glutamine synthetase play a key role in this process.
Researchers have developed a TIM-3 decoy that improves the effectiveness of CAR-T cell therapy in treating B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The decoy blocks the interaction between the tumor and immune cells, allowing CAR-T cells to persist and attack cancer cells more effectively.
A new mechanism by which brown fat is converted into heat has been identified, revealing a potential target for treating obesity and related metabolic diseases. The MCJ protein plays a crucial role in this process, protecting against health problems associated with obesity such as diabetes and increased blood lipids.
A new experimental technique has developed a molecular flashlight to monitor molecular changes in the brain caused by cancer and other neurological pathologies. The technique uses vibrational spectroscopy to illuminate nerve tissue, allowing for the analysis of molecular changes caused by tumours or injuries.
Ewing sarcoma, a rare childhood cancer, is made more aggressive by the absence of STAG2 protein. This discovery provides potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for treatment.
CNIO researchers have identified significant inaccuracies in widely used epigenetic clocks, which are now being refined by the team. The new epigenetic clock model provides more accurate measurements, reducing errors by up to 25 years for some tests.
Immunotherapy holds promise for treating breast cancer, but its effectiveness varies. Researchers Karin de Visser, Sandra Demaria, and María Casanova-Acebes discuss advances and challenges in applying immunotherapy to this common tumor. They highlight the importance of factors like diet, biorhythms, and personalized approaches to impro...
A new technique called Clonal competition assays helps understand the evolutionary advantages of multiple myeloma cells over available treatments. It allows researchers to see how each population of cells in the same myeloma reacts to treatments, getting closer to understanding heterogeneity and resistance.
Researchers at CNIO propose a new treatment for brain metastasis by targeting pro-tumour astrocytes with immunotherapy. They identified TIMP1 as a biomarker to predict when immunotherapy is effective, and a clinical trial is underway to test the therapeutic efficacy of silibinin inhibition.
Researchers confirm that fibrosis in HER2-negative breast tumors is associated with an adverse prognosis and better treatment outcomes with nintedanib. A new test, MeCo Score, analyzes gene activity related to fibrosis and indicates the effectiveness of supplementing chemotherapy with antifibrotic therapy.
CNIO researchers have discovered a 'switch' for the desire to engage in physical activity, revealing a muscle-brain pathway that controls eagerness to train more when we exercise. Two proteins, p38α and p38γ, get activated in the muscle during exercise, influencing interest in physical activity.
In animal models, increasing mTOR activity just slightly accelerates aging and shortens lifetime by up to 20%. This research provides clues on why obesity-related diseases worsen with age. A new model allows researchers to study the relationship between nutrient increase and organ aging.
Researchers identify 'junk proteins' as possible cause of ALS, a degenerative disease characterized by motor neuron death. The accumulation of these proteins is linked to the aging process, suggesting a new hypothesis for understanding ALS.
The study reveals that a gene called mTOR, which works like a GPS, directs the specialization of liver cells according to their position. After birth, the fluctuation in nutrient supply triggers the activation of this gene, completing the maturation of the liver.
Researchers at CNIO have discovered a new protein that prevents DNA triplication, reducing the risk of cancer. The RAD51 protein ensures that DNA is copied only once, preventing errors and damage.
Researchers have developed a new immunotherapy based on STAb cells that outperforms existing CAR-T treatment in laboratory trials. The new therapy recruits natural T cells to fight cancer cells and overcomes limitations of current treatments.
For the first time, scientists have visualized the process of microtubule formation in human cells at an atomic scale. The study reveals how microtubules are triggered to form during cell division, providing new insights into their role in cellular biology and potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers discover a virus, MERVL, plays a critical role in embryonic development by regulating gene expression and ensuring smooth transition from totipotency to pluripotency. This finding has significant implications for regenerative medicine and artificial embryo creation.
Researchers discovered a connection between hepatitis B and C viruses and multiple myeloma, finding that antiviral treatment can improve outcomes. The study suggests that early detection of these infections may lead to better treatment and survival rates for patients with this cancer.
A recent study published in Genome Medicine has identified 103 genes that cause inherited diseases when mutated can also increase cancer risk. The research found that individuals with these genes are more likely to develop cancer than those without them.
Researchers are exploring new ways to fight metastasis, including the use of bacteria to activate a defensive response against cancer. Stress and changes in circadian rhythms have also been linked to metastasis, suggesting that these factors may be targets for prevention or treatment.
A pioneering collection of brain metastasis living samples has been established, enabling researchers to study the response to specific drugs and identify the best therapeutic options for each patient. The RENACER network connects hospitals and patients, facilitating the rapid sharing of research findings and clinical trial data.
CNIO researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism of action for the first oncogene, c-Src. The study reveals that c-Src can autonomously activate itself through autophosphorylation, leading to cancer formation. This finding has significant implications for the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme.
A new study reveals that RANK protein suppression affects mammary gland functionality differently depending on pregnancy experience. In female mice, RANK suppression led to successful lactation only during the second pregnancy, suggesting a 'rescue action' by basal cells.
A new cell model has been created to simulate the evolution of a common form of childhood leukemia, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The model replicates the disease in children's cells, providing a crucial tool for researchers to develop new therapeutic strategies.
A pioneering study published in Cancer Cell finds that brain metastasis alters the brain's chemistry and disrupts neuronal communication. Researchers discovered a molecule, EGR1, that may play a role in this process, paving the way for potential drug development to alleviate neurocognitive effects.
Researchers have found a key role for NFIC in acinar cell maturation and limiting tumour formation in the pancreas. The molecule helps acinar cells work properly, reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism leading to resistance in luminal breast cancer and propose using the approved osteoporosis drug denosumab to block RANK protein, promoting effectiveness of CDK4/6 inhibitors. This could lead to new treatment options for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
The PanDrugs2 programme analyzes alterations in tumour genes, relates them to existing available drugs, and reports on the most suitable ones. It handles data on over 4,600 genes and 14,600 chemical compounds, generating information on around 74,000 associations between drugs and genes.
A study by CNIO Breast Cancer Clinical Research Unit shows that genomic sequencing panels are beneficial in 5% of patients, increasing treatment efficacy and patient survival. The use of these panels is recommended for patients with metastatic lung, colon, or melanoma cancer, or those participating in clinical trials.