Researchers have successfully mapped the cells and genes that regulate bone formation and loss, revealing blood vessel cells play a critical role in bone health. The discovery has the potential to enable the development of new therapies to reverse bone loss and improve treatments for osteoporosis and other skeletal conditions.
Scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research captured 'housekeeping' immune cells actively attacking and engulfing live melanoma cells. These macrophages patrol the edges of melanoma tumours, steadily engulfing cancer cells and slowing tumour growth. The discovery has big implications for immunotherapy.
Researchers have identified a hidden mechanism explaining why breast cancer can return years after successful treatment. Slow-growing breast cancer cells can form microscopic tumours that silently tick away in distant organs, evading detection for decades.
Researchers mapped over 1.25 million cells to reveal sex-specific differences in the human immune system. Female immune cells exhibit higher levels of B cells and regulatory T cells, but also a greater predisposition to autoimmune diseases like lupus due to their highly reactive profile.
Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research discovered key immune cells malfunction in mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a rare but devastating autoinflammatory disorder. Current treatments targeting inflammatory signals produced by macrophages fail in half of patients, but JAK inhibitors may provide relief.
Scientists have identified a new cell type and discovered that many normal-looking prostate cells harbor cancer-related changes. The study's findings could lead to new risk factors, earlier detection methods, and more targeted therapies for patients at high risk of aggressive disease.
The ACRF MATRIX Centre will enable researchers to study cancer cells and their surrounding environment with unprecedented molecular resolution. This will help develop combination therapies targeting both cancer cells and the microenvironment.
Australian researchers have discovered a drug combination that can bypass the cellular defenses developed by neuroblastoma tumors, making it more effective against relapsed cases. The combination reduces tumor growth and extends survival time compared to standard treatment alone.
A Garvan-led clinical trial has found that using metformin, a common type 2 diabetes medication, reduces the amount of insulin needed to maintain blood sugar levels in type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that metformin may serve as an affordable treatment option for people with type 1 diabetes.
A study at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that inactivation of a stress pathway makes ER+ breast cancer cells ignore stress signals, allowing them to evade treatment. The JNK pathway acts as a cellular alarm system, and its disruption leads to treatment resistance.
Researchers developed an AI tool called AAnet to characterize cancer cell diversity, identifying five distinct cell groups with different gene expression profiles. This could lead to more targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered that certain immune cells in the gut of refractory coeliac disease patients carry genetic mutations, driving ongoing intestinal inflammation and symptoms. The study's findings suggest a new way to diagnose and potentially treat the most severe form of coeliac disease.
Scientists discovered that receiving a booster vaccine in the same arm as the first dose generates a more effective immune response quickly. Memory B cells interact with 'primed' macrophages in lymph nodes to produce high-quality antibodies.
A national study in Australia aims to understand the genetic cause of rare diseases, improving diagnoses and treatment options for those affected. The study is recruiting Australians with a known or suspected rare genetic disease to gather information and connect them with future research opportunities.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer by identifying the molecule Neuropeptide Y (NPY) as a key driver of its spread. Blocking NPY's function has been shown to reduce cancer cell movement and metastatic outgrowth, potentially limiting disease progression.
A new study highlights the need for more diversity in genomics research, as a commonly found gene variant was mistakenly linked to heart disease in people from Oceanian communities. The researchers found that the variant is actually common among healthy individuals from these regions.
Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research discovered how chronic hepatitis C infection leads to autoimmune disease by identifying 'rogue clone' B cells with harmful autoantibodies. The study found that a triad of genetic mutations is required for the autoimmune disease to develop, opening new paths for treatments.
Researchers found impaired PD-1 activity can significantly reduce antibody diversity and quality in memory B cells. This may explain the increased rates of infection reported in patients with cancer receiving checkpoint inhibitor therapy.
Scientists have discovered over 50,000 unusual DNA structures called i-motifs in the human genome, which are concentrated in key functional areas and may play a role in regulating gene activity. This finding offers new possibilities for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to diseases such as cancer.
Researchers identified nidogen-2 as a key driver of pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis. Blocking this molecule enhanced chemotherapy effectiveness and reduced spread in mouse models, suggesting a promising new treatment approach.
A new study has identified potential cancer drivers hidden in so-called 'junk' regions of DNA, which could lead to early diagnosis and new treatments. The discovery reveals mutations in previously overlooked regions of the genome that may contribute to the formation and progression of at least 12 different cancers.
Researchers have discovered how softer tumor environments prime cancer cells to better survive metastasis. The study found that soft environments alter the cancer cells' preference for 'fuel', equipping them with a more resilient energy pathway.
Scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have identified unique DNA methylation patterns in phyllodes tumours, allowing for accurate diagnosis and distinction from other cancers. The discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with this rare disease.
Researchers found that one in five adults reported difficulty walking a kilometre, and those with more limitations had significantly higher fracture risks. The study suggests asking about walking ability could help identify individuals needing further screening and prescribe interventions to prevent fractures.
Researchers at the Garvan Institute discovered that epigenetic changes called DNA methylation underpin endocrine resistance in breast cancers. By reversing this methylation, they successfully reduced cancer growth in patient-derived animal models using a low dose of the epigenetic therapy drug decitabine.
Researchers developed an innovative imaging technique to study cells in bones of mice, revealing distinct pockets of bone resorption activity. This knowledge could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis and dormant cancer cells.
A new Australian drug, PXS-5505, has shown promise in treating aggressive pancreatic cancer by targeting fibrotic tissue within tumours. The drug combination therapy significantly reduced fibrosis and improved chemotherapy effectiveness, increasing survival time by over 35%.
A recent study published in Diabetologia has uncovered a crucial gene called RELA that plays a vital role in maintaining normal blood-sugar levels. The researchers found that when the RELA gene is removed, it leads to impaired insulin secretion and pre-diabetic conditions.
A powerful new stem cell technique has enabled large-scale studies of the relationship between human genetics and biology, accelerating research and potential personalized treatments.
Research found that chronic stress overrides natural satiety signals, promoting eating of highly palatable foods. Mice stressed with a high-fat diet gained twice as much weight as those not stressed, highlighting the importance of a healthy diet during stressful times.
A team of researchers has discovered a group of brain cells that boosts appetite during obesity by producing the appetite-stimulating molecule NPY and making the brain more sensitive to it. These findings have the potential to take the development of anti-obesity medication into a new direction.
A research tool developed at the Garvan Institute has uncovered unprecedented detail about pancreatic cancer drug response and resistance. The molecule AKT, a key driver of cancer growth and spread, is activated in distinct parts of the tumour, including areas of low oxygen supply where it forms pockets of resistance to therapy.
Researchers found a genetic variant of TNFAIP3, which regulates inflammation, can paradoxically protect the kidneys from damage in the short term. The study could lead to simple genetic tests for predicting kidney disease risk and personalized treatment approaches.
A protein called PI3K plays a crucial role in immune cell function, and genetic variations disrupting its signalling have been identified as the root cause of two immunodeficiency disorders. The study reveals how minor disruptions in immune cell signalling can lead to immune deficiency or dysfunction.
Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that introducing bacteria to a tumor's microenvironment triggers an immune response, activating neutrophils to destroy tumors in animal models. This breakthrough therapy targets neutrophils to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
Tumour cells exhibit an innate randomness in their ability to respond to chemotherapy, which can lead to resistance. Researchers identified a marker for resistance and propose combining chemotherapy with drugs targeting this 'noise' to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers tracked the lifecycle and function of tingible body macrophages, specialized cells that clean up the immune system's waste, in a significant breakthrough. The study sheds light on autoimmune disorders like lupus by understanding the role of these cells in triggering autoimmunity.
A new class of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies has been shown to neutralise multiple variants of the virus, providing hope for a better antiviral medication. The antibodies work by attaching to a partially hidden part of the virus' spike protein that would be difficult for it to mutate.
New research reveals that children's immune systems have a strong initial reaction to coronavirus but don't develop long-lasting memory T cells like adults do. This means they are at risk of getting sick when reinfected and may experience an immune over-reaction, leading to severe symptoms.
Researchers have created a genetic map to identify important genes causing sarcoma, a common childhood cancer. The study found that one in 14 individuals with sarcoma carries a clinically significant gene, offering hope for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Patients with high fracture risk and complex medical conditions are less likely to receive osteoporosis treatment and have poorer health outcomes. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive treatment approach that considers the patient as a whole, rather than just focusing on individual diseases and treatments.
Gene variants associated with leukaemia produce 'rogue' killer T cells that drive autoimmune diseases, according to a new study. These rogue cells can cause autoimmune disease even at low levels, highlighting the connection between leukaemia and autoimmunity.
Researchers identified molecular profiles of tumor matrices around squamous cell lung cancers, finding that altered matrices promote tumour growth and chemotherapy resistance. The study sheds light on why some patients progress well and others don't, and how personalized treatment can be developed.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to track breast cancer cells over time, finding that some cells can suppress killer T-cells and reduce MHC1 expression to evade the immune system. This study suggests epigenetic mechanisms may play a role in cancer cell adaptation and provides potential targets for therapies.
A study of over 300,000 Danish adults found that fractures closer to the centre of the body were associated with higher mortality rates. The presence of certain clusters of health conditions compounded this risk, suggesting a new way of identifying patients at high risk of poor outcomes.
A new study reveals that higher body temperature can alter key proteins in individuals with mevalonate kinase deficiency, a devastating genetic disorder. The research provides insights into the underlying physiology of the condition and suggests potential new treatment approaches.
Scientists have identified two new epigenetic biomarkers that can predict the development of aggressive prostate cancer, enabling clinicians to develop more personalized treatment plans. The study used comprehensive molecular analysis of 185 biopsies from men with prostate cancer diagnosed between 1990 and 2000.
Researchers discovered that high levels of collagen type XII can trigger breast cancer cells to spread from the tumour to other parts of the body. The study suggests that measuring collagen XII levels in a patient's tumour biopsy could be used as an additional screening tool to identify aggressive breast cancers.
Scientists reprogrammed stem cells to create models of diseased eye cells, analyzing DNA, RNA, and proteins to pinpoint genetic signatures. The study identified 439 molecular signatures associated with AMD, including potential new gene variants that target mitochondrial proteins.
Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have identified key molecules linked to the mammalian-meat allergy caused by tick bites. The study reveals that a particular antibody type has a natural pocket into which a sugar molecule, galactose-α-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), snugly fits.