A large-scale study by German Cancer Research Center found 40 previously unknown nidoviruses in various vertebrates, including coronaviruses. The new method enables the systematic search for virus variants that are potentially dangerous for humans.
A 5:2 diet has been shown to protect against chronic liver inflammation and liver cancer in mice. The study identified two proteins, PPARα and PCK1, that are jointly responsible for the protective effect of fasting.
Researchers at DKFZ and UMM found that NK cells can impair the effect of cancer therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors by controlling activated T cells. They identified B7H6 as a recognition molecule for NK cell attacks, which could limit excessive activation and expansion of T cells.
Scientists at German Cancer Research Center have discovered a combination therapy that improves treatment response and delays resistance in lung cancer cells. The therapy, which combines ALK and SRC inhibitors, blocks key protein expression changes that lead to resistance.
A team at the German Cancer Research Center has developed a new method for precise localization of miniature robots and surgical instruments, enabling real-time tracking and control. This breakthrough could advance many medical procedures, including nanorobots for drug transport, tissue measurements, and surgical procedures.
A machine learning classifier developed by German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) scientists has accelerated the development of personalized T cell therapies for cancer patients. The technology, called predicTCR, can identify tumor-reactive T cell receptors with 90% accuracy in a matter of days, regardless of tumor type.
A comprehensive online tool, Metrics Reloaded, has been developed to select suitable metrics for AI-assisted image analysis. The tool helps physicians and scientists identify relevant variables for their specific task, increasing understanding of key problems in AI-assisted image analysis.
Research from the German Cancer Research Center reveals that repetitive changes in female reproductive organs over time lead to chronic inflammation and fibrosis, which may contribute to increased uterine cancer risk. The study mapped the effects of estrous cycle, pregnancy, and aging on the reproductive tract.
Research in mice reveals that epigenetic status controls cancer cells' behavior at metastasis sites, with some cells entering dormancy while others grow into tumors. The study identifies DNA methylation as a key factor in this decision.
The Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg has launched a development cooperation to establish modern molecular cancer diagnostics for children in low-income countries. Scientists from partner countries have received training and laboratory equipment to use an AI-based methylation analysis algorithm developed in Heidelberg.
Researchers have discovered that cancer cells in certain brain tumors, such as medulloblastoma with extensive nodularity (MBEN), undergo a process of maturation as they migrate within the tumor. This leads to a reduction in aggression and a more favorable course for the disease.
Researchers found that p53-mutated breast cancer cells reprogram fat cells to create an inflammatory microenvironment, impairing the immune response against the tumor. This interaction drives cancer growth and is a key driver of tumor-promoting reprogramming of fat cells.
Scientists have discovered that epigenetically active cancer drugs can create new proteins on the surface of cancer cells, making them recognizable to the immune system. Treatment with these drugs induced thousands of new transcripts in lung cancer cells, including peptides that could be used to activate cytotoxic T cells.
Researchers found that children's nasal mucosa has a more active and alert immune system than adults, which helps fight SARS-CoV-2. This innate strong protective mechanism is thought to also defend against other viruses.
Scientists from German Cancer Research Center successfully tested transgenic T cells against glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain tumor. The T cells were engineered to recognize and kill cancer cells, showing a greater than 40% response rate in treated mice.
Researchers have developed a peptide vaccine targeting a specific mutation in the histone protein H3K27M, common in diffuse midline gliomas. The vaccine induced immune responses in patients and led to tumor regression in some cases.
Scientists have identified a DNA methylation pattern that can accurately diagnose pancreatic cancer, distinguishing it from chronic pancreatitis. The marker, which involves six specific methylation positions in the PRKCB gene, has been validated on tissue and blood samples, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers discovered a membrane protein, CMTM6, that stabilizes CD58 and PD-L1, enhancing T cell activation and improving immune response against tumors. The findings suggest CMTM6 could be a key player in shaping the response to immunotherapies.
Scientists developed an AI algorithm to recognize and characterize white and red blood cells in microscopic images of blood samples. The Haemorasis algorithm can suggest diagnoses of blood disorders and distinguish genetic subtypes, revealing correlations between certain cell morphologies and diseases.
Researchers found that mast cells act as sensors to avoid allergens in mice, protecting against health-threatening inflammatory reactions. The study suggests that both mast cells and IgE are necessary for antigen avoidance.
Researchers have identified potential targets for COPD treatment through high-resolution epigenetic profiling of lung fibroblasts. Early epigenetic changes in the genome of COPD fibroblasts may trigger aberrant signaling pathways leading to impaired functions, suggesting new therapeutic avenues.
Researchers found that B cells in the gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in promoting liver cancer by activating autoaggressive T cells and producing IgA antibodies. When B cells are turned off, inflammation and fibrosis regress in mice, suggesting new ways to prevent NASH and liver cancer.
A systematic review of 14 high-quality studies found that daily vitamin D3 supplementation was associated with a 12% reduction in cancer mortality. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread, particularly among cancer patients, and regular intake at low doses may help prevent cancer deaths.
A recent study has shown that obesity is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer, with overweight individuals having a one-third higher risk of developing the disease. The study also found that unintentional weight loss in the years leading up to diagnosis may be an early indicator of colorectal cancer.
Scientists discover that cancer cells use an alternative sugar breakdown pathway when GAPDH is inactivated by oxidative stress, enabling them to tolerate high levels of oxidants. This mechanism also protects cancer cells from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Scientists at DKFZ developed a new detection method that analyzes epigenetic fingerprints to determine animal origin. The method uses DNA sequencing to identify chemical markers on the genome, allowing researchers to distinguish between free-range organic chicken, factory-farmed chicken, and other species.
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center have developed a marker that predicts which patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) will respond to the new therapy. The marker, known as the MAC score, measures the ratio of specific proteins in leukemia stem cells and can be used to determine treatment success.
Researchers found that a healthy gut microbiome can predict the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in patients with B-cell lymphomas. The study identified specific microbiome features associated with improved treatment outcomes, but highlights the need for further investigation into the causal nature of this relationship.
Researchers from German Cancer Research Center developed an AI-powered method to monitor kidney tumor resection using multispectral imaging, eliminating the need for contrast agents. This technology enables real-time visualization of tissue perfusion, reducing procedure duration and minimizing patient risks.
A new drug has shown promising results in reversing autism-associated behaviors in mice by blocking sodium channels. The study, conducted at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), found that a specific drug was able to alleviate functional and behavioral abnormalities in mice with MYT1L-deficient nerve cells.
In an emergency situation like infections or blood loss, the body needs to quickly compensate for the loss of blood cells. Scientists have found that progenitor cells in mice are responsible for regenerating mature blood cells, not hematopoietic stem cells.
Researchers identified an enzyme controlling osteoblast activity, finding that inhibiting it reduces cancer-related bone loss and metastases. A small-molecule agent R992 boosts bone formation, reducing bone loss and metastases in mouse models.
Scientists at German Cancer Research Center have discovered an epigenetic switch in blood stem cells that improves defense against infections. The switch triggers the immune system's emergency response, increasing the production of immune cells and enhancing its ability to clear infections.
Researchers have identified a messenger substance called ANGPLT4 that promotes tumor growth locally but suppresses metastasis when released into the bloodstream. This discovery sheds light on why metastases often appear after the original tumor has been surgically removed.
Scientists have synthesized a highly selective HDAC10 inhibitor that can be used to study the function of this enigmatic enzyme. The compound, DKFZ-748, suppresses the functions of HDAC10 in tumor cells, suggesting that it may remove acetyl groups from polyamines, making them usable by cancer cells for growth.
A team of researchers from the German Cancer Research Center discovered that iron deficiency suppresses an important arm of the innate immune system, including neutrophils. The study found that a lack of iron in cells impairs their ability to fight off bacteria and other pathogens.
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center have found that persulfides, small molecules produced by cells, efficiently suppress membrane damage and ferroptosis. Persulfides act as radical scavengers, interrupting the destructive chain reaction threatening cell integrity.
Researchers discovered a protein LYSET that enables cancer cells to digest extracellular proteins as an alternative food source under nutrient starvation conditions. This finding provides insight into the molecular pathways underlying cancer cell adaptation and could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Scientists have identified interleukin 6 as the driver of a rare form of liver cancer that develops from degenerate liver cell precursors. Blocking IL-6 reduced both tumor number and size in mice, offering potential treatment approaches against this aggressive type of cancer.
A recent study published by the German Cancer Research Center found that inflammation in early life leads to a permanent decline in functional blood stem cells, suppressing their ability to regenerate. Mice exposed to inflammatory challenges developed clinically relevant features of aging, including anemia and decreased number of cells...
Cancer cells with high mitochondrial RNA modifications have increased protein synthesis in mitochondria, supporting their invasive spread. A specific enzyme, NSUN3, is responsible for these modifications and serves as a biomarker for metastatic tumours.
A study of 64 vaccinated and 26 unvaccinated cancer patients found that COVID-19 vaccination frequently triggers cytokine release syndrome-associated cytokines, but rarely causes symptoms. Vaccination appears to improve overall survival in vaccinated patients.
A study found that malaria vaccines elicit a weak and limited immune response against the naturally occurring Plasmodium falciparum pathogen, resulting in short-lived protection. The researchers suggest that inducing a broader spectrum of T helper cells could generate longer-lasting immunity.
Researchers discovered that neuroblastoma cells with high MYCN activity need cysteine, an amino acid crucial for protein production. Depriving these cells of cysteine triggers ferroptosis, a form of cell death, causing tumors to shrink. The study provides new insights into the treatment of aggressive neuroblastoma in children.
A team of scientists from the German Cancer Research Center discovered that reprogrammed macrophages produce a cocktail of metastasis-promoting proteins that support the growth of breast cancer cells in distant organs. The study identified new targets for therapy to restrain the spread of breast cancer.
Scientists from German Cancer Research Center show that blocking a cytokine slows down the immune system and exhausts T cells, leading to a more severe course of leukemia. The study suggests that a moderate activation of immune cells may be key to success in cancer immunotherapies.
Researchers identified a new growth factor produced by blood vessels that enables tumor cells to metastasize. The study, led by Hellmut Augustin, found that the production of LRG1 promotes the formation of a microenvironment that stimulates cancer cell growth and colonization.
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center successfully tested a protective vaccination against hereditary colorectal cancer in mice, achieving a significant delay in tumor development. Combining the vaccine with an anti-inflammatory drug further increased its effectiveness, showing promise for future clinical applications.
Scientists discovered that cells from different organs are differentially susceptible to activating mutations in cancer drivers, leading to distinct outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of understanding tissue-specific genetic networks and interactions to develop precise molecular interventions.
Researchers discovered that colorectal cancer cells exploit an innate immune system activator to fuel their own growth and eliminate surrounding healthy cells. This feedback loop disrupts the balance of cell growth and differentiation, allowing tumors to expand and spread.