Researchers have identified a potential new treatment for aggressive breast cancer by targeting the communication channel between non-cancerous cells and tumour cells. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that disrupting this connection can slow tumour growth, increase sensitivity to chemotherapy and improve survival.
Australian researchers found that follistatin, a naturally occurring hormone, can enhance the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy and prevent kidney damage in lung cancer patients. The 'two birds, one stone' approach has shown promising results in mouse models.
Researchers have discovered a new form of DNA, called the i-motif, which forms in the nuclei of human cells. The i-motif is a four-stranded 'knot' that plays a crucial role in gene expression and cell life cycle.
Researchers at Garvan Institute of Medical Research found that a population of 'bad' antibodies, usually silenced due to harm to the body, can be activated to fight disease. The 'redeemed' antibodies become powerful weapons to combat diseases evading the immune system by disguising themselves as normal body tissue.
Researchers have demonstrated a new therapeutic approach that can re-build and strengthen bone, offering hope for individuals with the debilitating bone cancer, multiple myeloma. The treatment targets a protein called sclerostin, which halts bone formation, and found to double bone volume in some mice.
New study reveals that immune cells trained to recognize cancer can exit one tumor and move to another to attack cancerous cells. The research sheds light on how immune therapies for cancer might work and suggests new approaches to developing anti-cancer immune therapies.
Researchers have identified a key feature of mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a rare genetic condition, by finding untethered proteins in the cells of children with the disease. This discovery could help fast-track diagnosis and provide new insights into the disease process.
Australian scientists have discovered a novel strategy to treat pancreatic cancer by softening tumors with Fasudil before chemotherapy, doubling survival time and improving treatment efficacy. The sequential approach also slows cancer spread to other tissues.
Researchers discovered that Immunoglobulin D (IgD) keeps 'traitor cells' in lockdown, preventing auto-antibodies from damaging body tissues. IgD promotes the formation of germinal centres, allowing these cells to target invaders when needed.
Researchers used genetic profiling to predict osteoporosis risk in individuals with high accuracy, improving classification by 12% compared to traditional clinical risk factors. The findings have the potential to revolutionize bone disease management and treatment for Australia's 1.2 million osteoporosis sufferers.
Researchers have developed Sequins, synthetic DNA sequences that reflect the human genome, allowing for improved analysis and diagnosis of genetic diseases. The technology provides internal standards to assess the accuracy of genomic data generated during sequencing.
A landmark study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals new genetic risk factors for sarcoma, a disproportionate cause of disease-related death among children and young adults in Australia. Carrying two or more of these rare mutations increases an individual's cancer risk.
A study has found that a father's metabolic health can be passed to his children and grandchildren, increasing their risk of developing metabolic disease. The research discovered that obese fathers are putting their sons at risk of developing fatty liver disease and pre-diabetic symptoms.
The Lions Kids Cancer Genome Project will provide whole genome sequencing and analysis for 400 children with high-risk cancer in Australia, enabling personalized treatment and potentially identifying genetic risk factors. The project aims to improve outcomes for children with childhood cancers and could lead to a global initiative to e...
Researchers found that individuals with more brown fat had smaller fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Brown fat may act as a 'glucose buffer', lessening the variation in blood glucose and potentially diminishing metabolic stresses that could increase the risk of diabetes.
Researchers discovered that bone's dynamic process of building and breaking down can send signals to cancer cells to stay asleep or wake. The study showed that cancer cells are usually kept asleep by association with bone-lining cells, but can be woken by activating osteoclasts.
Australian researchers have defined key characteristics of metabolically healthy obesity, shedding light on the paradox. They found that obese individuals sensitive to insulin in muscle or liver are metabolically healthier, with lower blood pressure and less deep abdominal fat. This discovery provides significant insight into human ins...
A/Prof Shane Grey's team aims to make significant improvements in islet transplantation therapy, making it a clinically realistic option for more individuals with type 1 diabetes. They focus on calming the immune response of patients to islet transplantation, which could lead to treated individuals living drug-free in the long term.
Researchers found that neutrophils can travel to lymph nodes within 8 hours of infection and prime other immune cells for attack. This collaboration between innate and adaptive arms may improve anti-microbial responses and prevent microbial spread.
Australian researchers have discovered a group of rogue germinal centre B cells that trigger autoimmune disease. The molecular 'trigger guard' FAS prevents their development, but mutations can lead to autoantibody production and severe immune responses. High levels of IgE antibodies are found in patients with Autoimmune Lymphoprolifera...
Researchers discovered a key gene that shields us from fungal and bacterial infections, and found it affects two crucial cell types involved in our immune response. STAT3 helps regulate the development and function of natural killer T and mucosal-associated invariant T cells, which play a vital role in fighting off pathogens.
Researchers identify ways to improve recruitment and efficiency of IMPaCT trial, a personalized pancreas cancer clinical trial that used genomic sequencing to guide treatment. The trial showed promise despite initial challenges, including slow technology adoption and complex administrative processes.
Researchers identify 'Follicular Memory T cells' near lymph node entrances to screen for microbe re-entry. These cells help create potent antibodies in secondary antibody responses, outsmarting circulating memory cells. This discovery paves the way for more effective vaccines.
Australian researchers found a gene ID4 driving the most aggressive form of triple-negative breast cancer. The discovery shows that switching off ID4 may 'tame' these cancers, making them more responsive to existing treatments. Researchers plan to further study how to block the gene and test its potential in mice and humans.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is supporting research on a novel therapy for Parkinson's disease by Dr Bryce Vissel and Sandy Stayte at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The prototype drug targets kainate receptors to slow disease progression.
A new gene sequencing technology, CaptureSeq, enables accurate measurement of specific genes' activity at minute levels, improving blood cancer diagnosis. The technology has practical applications in diagnosing diseases guided by gene expression.
A study of 100 pancreatic cancer genomes identifies four subtypes, including 'stable', 'locally rearranged', 'scattered', and 'unstable' genomes. The analysis suggests that patients with 'unstable' genomes respond well to platinum-based drugs and PARP inhibitors, offering a promising lead for personalized treatment.
Millions of antibodies used in research often have unclear specificity due to lack of quality control and standardization. Experts advocate for recombinant antibodies with defined sequences, enabling worldwide reproducibility of experiments.
A new study reveals distinct methylation patterns in primary biopsy breast cancer cells, indicating better or worse prognosis. This epigenetic signature can stratify triple-negative breast cancers into two sub-groups, allowing for more precise disease management and potential improved outcomes.
The Aquaria project has created a powerful web resource that simplifies the process of gleaning insight from 3D protein structures. The tool offers around 46 million computer models, allowing users to view additional information such as genetic differences mapped onto 3D structures.
Solvanix will work with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to develop customized solutions for stability issues in therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. The new technology improves antibody stability by altering specific regions without compromising its human quality.
Researchers have solved a decades-old mystery by uncovering the formation of massive DNA molecules, dubbed 'neochromosomes', in some tumours. These giant chromosomes are formed through catastrophic chromosomal shattering and genetic amplification, ensuring the cancer's survival.
Researchers discovered that bisphosphonates can inhibit cancer spread in some women with breast cancer by attaching to calcifications in tumors and being devoured by immune cells. This finding could lead to new, more effective ways of using these drugs to treat certain cancers.
Researchers found a potential early detection window for pancreatic cancer in people with a family history of the disease. The study suggests that identifying susceptibility genes and designing risk management programs can help detect the disease earlier, improving outcomes.
A 2,330-year-old skeleton from southern Africa provides clues to early modern human prehistory and evolution. The study sequenced the man's mitochondrial DNA, revealing a unique genetic profile that sheds light on human origins.
Researchers at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have discovered that B cells participate in the development of regulatory T cells, which control how killer T cells behave. This finding has implications for treating autoimmunity and preventing transplant rejection.
A new study finds that ambient temperatures can influence brown fat growth or loss in humans. Brown fat burns energy to generate heat and improves insulin sensitivity when stimulated by cool environments.
Researchers have developed a versatile mouse that expresses a fluorescent biosensor, enabling the tracking of diseased cells and drugs in real-time. This technology has been used to monitor Rac activation in various organs in response to drug treatment, providing valuable information on cancer progression.
A study published in The Journal of Immunology found that Interleukin 21 (IL-21) contributes to fatal inflammatory disease, particularly when another cytokine is deficient. Removing IL-21 can greatly subdue the inflammatory response and may help people with chronic inflammation due to defective T cell regulation.
A new study suggests that shivering and bouts of moderate exercise can convert energy-storing 'white fat' into energy-burning 'brown fat'. This process could protect against diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver. The conversion is triggered by the hormones irisin and FGF21, which are stimulated by cold exposure and muscle activity.
Researchers discovered that mice without the Y6 gene receptor were smaller and had less lean tissue, but grew fatter as they aged on high-fat diets. The study highlights the importance of the Y6 receptor system in regulating energy use at different times of the day.
New Australian research reveals that non-hip, non-vertebral fractures can significantly increase the risk of premature death, with some fractures potentially shortening life expectancy. The study analyzed data from a large-scale epidemiological study and found that all fractures are serious, with varying levels of severity.
Researchers have identified the role of the STAT3 gene in immune system memory, revealing how it directs chemical messenger molecules to various destinations. This discovery sheds light on a rare immunodeficiency disorder and may lead to improved vaccines and treatments.
Researchers found that a specific molecular process controls B cell activation and differentiation, leading to impaired antibody production. The study highlights the importance of genes like IL-21 receptor, STAT3, and CD25 in B cell function, with mutations causing debilitating effects in patients.
Researchers found a fat recycling system within pancreatic beta cells that regulates insulin production, providing a promising target for future diabetes treatments. By preventing this system from breaking down unwanted fats, scientists were able to increase insulin secretion.
Scientists have developed a novel software tool, Molecular Control Toolkit, allowing researchers to intuitively control 3D molecular graphics using gestures and voice commands. This innovation enables life scientists to visualize complex molecule structures more easily, model behavior, and design better drugs.
A study published in Diabetologia reveals gastric banding surgery can rapidly reverse type 2 diabetes in some patients and improve glucose tolerance significantly. The surgery helps reduce inflammation and allows for consistent calorie intake, making it effective for long-term weight loss and diabetes control.
A study published in Clinical Endocrinology found a strong association between the FTO gene and hip fracture risk in women. Women with the high-risk genotype had an increased risk of hip fracture of up to 16%, whereas those with low-risk genotypes had a lower risk of about 10%.
A study published in Genome Medicine has identified a specific subtype of pancreatic cancer that expresses high levels of the HER2 gene, which could be treated with existing breast and gastric cancer therapies. The research suggests using personalized medicine strategies to target this subtype, potentially improving patient outcomes.
A study by Professor Lesley Campbell and Dr Arthur Jenkins reveals that rare genetic defects are responsible for most of the problem with obesity and type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that many genes are involved, each contributing a unique genetic story, making it difficult to develop a single anti-obesity drug or treatment.