Researchers have identified a subset of B cells known as atypical memory cells as the primary precursors of autoantibody-producing cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection. These cells adopt a markedly different biological program, leading to increased autoantibody production. The study provides new insight into how viral infections can trigg...
Researchers Dfam and Repbase collaborate to create a unified open platform for transposable element annotation, providing decades of expertly curated data freely available. The integration will support large-scale genome annotation, evolutionary research, and biomedical applications.
A new study reveals that cancer cells may begin escaping therapy much earlier, triggered by a stress response that drives them into a temporary drug-tolerant state. Researchers identified an early molecular trigger: NF-κB, which acts as a regulator of cellular stress and survival.
A new study maps how rare mixed tumors evolve into hybrid cell states and immune-protected neighborhoods, pointing to new ways to detect and treat combined small-cell lung cancer. The findings reveal that these tumors do not arise from two separate cancers but rather from a single ancestral cell that evolves over time.
Institute for Systems Biology researchers use microbial community-scale metabolic models to simulate C. diff behavior in human gut microbiome samples. They accurately predict colonization states, susceptibility, and response to probiotics, offering a path to prevent C. diff before it starts.
Researchers at Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) have discovered a non-genetic adaptation mechanism that allows melanoma cells to evade BRAF inhibitors within hours. By blocking this early response with a combination therapy approach, the study aims to improve treatment outcomes and prolong the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) have developed a breakthrough method to track diet using stool metagenomic data. The MEDI approach detects food-derived DNA in stool samples to estimate dietary intake, offering a convenient alternative to traditional methods that suffer from misreporting and compliance issues.
Scientists at the Institute for Systems Biology have discovered how T cells respond to infections like COVID-19, revealing a predictable pattern based on genetic interactions. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments and vaccine strategies for diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders.
Large language models show promise in identifying housing instability from clinical notes, but AI interpretation can be incorrect and human review is still necessary. De-identification methods also require refinement to preserve privacy without losing important details.
Researchers found that bowel movement frequency is linked to long-term health, with younger people, women, and those with lower BMI tending to have less frequent bowel movements. The study also showed associations between bowel movement frequency and chronic disease risk, mental health history, and gut microbiome composition.
Researchers developed a novel approach to simulate personalized, microbiome-mediated responses to diet using microbial community-scale metabolic modeling. The method predicts individual-specific short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production rates in response to different dietary, prebiotic, and probiotic inputs.
A recent study led by the Institute for Systems Biology highlights the transformative power of informal STEM learning, offering practical insights into co-creating experiences with students. The research shows significant gains among high school students participating in in-person and remote informal STEM programs.
ISB researchers identify NKG2A-biased immune responses as protective against decreased inflammation and increased survival rates in various disease contexts. The study suggests potential therapeutic targets for modifying immune responses across diseases.
A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.
Researchers at Institute for Systems Biology have made a breakthrough discovery about T cells, finding that the genetically encoded T-cell receptor sequence determines a T cell's function. This fundamental discovery has huge potential for developing custom immune responses to specific antigens.
Pregnant women are urged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves and their babies. A new study suggests that COVID-19 vaccines and boosters can significantly improve maternal-fetal outcomes.
Researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology have identified a signaling system called MtrA that helps Mycobacterium tuberculosis grow in response to host signals. Disrupting this system compromises the pathogen's cell wall, making it unable to divide and ultimately compromising its survival.
ISB researchers constructed a biological body mass index that offers a more accurate representation of metabolic health. The team found that even with no weight loss, individuals can be getting healthier biologically through positive lifestyle changes.
ISB researchers found that the gut microbiome is responsible for variation in circulating blood metabolites across people. The study examined 930 blood metabolites and found that over 60% were associated with either host genetics or the gut microbiome.
A study published in Med found that the human microbiome's variation explains different patient responses to statins. The researchers discovered a Bacteroides enriched microbiome with lower diversity was associated with stronger LDL-lowering effects but greater disruption of blood glucose levels.
Researchers found that vital signs and lab results at hospital admission are key predictors of disease severity. Age groups between 18-50 and 50+ showed different risk factors for severe cases and death. The study's findings suggest a need for updated models reflecting current standard care, where physiological parameters can be more h...
Researchers have identified several factors that can predict the development of long COVID, including the presence of certain autoantibodies, pre-existing Type 2 diabetes, and low cortisol levels. The study found that administering antivirals early in the disease course may also prevent some long COVID symptoms.
A study led by the Institute for Systems Biology found that unvaccinated pregnant people with COVID-19 are more likely to have poor birth outcomes, including preterm birth and stillbirth. The risk of these outcomes is particularly high for infections during the first or second trimester.
A new study from Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) reveals that the genetic capacity of the gut microbiome is strongly associated with weight loss success or failure. Microbiomes of those who lost weight had higher bacterial growth rates and were enriched in genes that divert dietary nutrients toward bacterial cell growth. In contras...
Researchers analyzed plasma and single immune cells from nearly 200 COVID-19 patients and found metabolic changes associated with disease severity. The study's findings could lead to better therapies targeting immune-metabolic changes in severe disease cases.
A new method developed by Institute for Systems Biology allows researchers to show how fatty acids are absorbed by single cells. The study reveals that fatty acid uptake is differentially regulated by two downstream effectors of the mTOR pathway in brain cancer cells, uncovering a novel combination therapy to block tumor growth.
A new study reveals similarities between glioblastoma and melanoma, as well as unique immunosuppressive factors specific to glioblastoma microenvironment. This framework can be used to uncover pathophysiological and molecular features that determine the effectiveness of immunotherapies.
A large-scale study of 630,000 patients found significant disparities in COVID-19 outcomes between White and non-White minority groups. Hispanic patients were more likely to test positive and experience severe symptoms despite younger age.
Researchers developed a new method to detect circulating tumor cells in NSCLC patients, identifying a CK-negative CTC population associated with metastasis and drug resistance. The use of hexokinase-2 as a biomarker revealed this novel CTC population in 50% of analyzed patients.
Researchers from Institute for Systems Biology uncover evidence that mutations generate positive genetic interactions among rare microbial individuals, increasing cooperativity and enabling their persistence. The study also reveals parallel evolution underlying the co-evolution of two organisms in a mutualistic community.
Researchers analyzed gut microbiomes from over 9,000 people, finding distinct signatures linked to healthy aging and survival. The unique microbial compositions were correlated with specific metabolites in blood plasma, suggesting a direct link between the microbiome and health as we age.
Diatoms, crucial phytoplankton for marine food webs, may become more resilient in an acidified environment due to energy conservation. This study provides context for understanding climate change impacts.
The Human SRMAtlas provides highly specific mass spectrometry assays for targeted identification and reproducible quantification of any human protein. This resource enables the measurement of 99.7% of the annotated human proteins, revolutionizing systems-level understanding of physiology and disease.
Seattle researchers deciphered how tuberculosis bacteria tolerates bedaquiline by silencing regulatory genes or pairing with pretomanid, disrupting tolerance gene networks to improve efficacy. This systems-approach represents a significant advance in the fight against tuberculosis.
The Wilke Cohen Lyme Disease Project has received a $3 million pledge from the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation to support its research into potential biomarkers for Lyme disease. The project aims to develop more effective diagnostics and treatments, building on initial discoveries made by ISB researchers.
The study found that comparing the genomes of an entire family increases accuracy, identifies rare genetic variants, and helps understand disease-linked genes. This approach has the potential to revolutionize genetic research, enabling scientists to diagnose and treat individual family members more effectively.