Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Karolinska Institutet


Researchers support new strategies for HIV control

Elite controllers, a subset of HIV-positive individuals, have distinct transcriptional profiles and enhanced ribosomal function in their lymphoid tissue CD8+ T cells. This allows them to suppress HIV replication through cytokine production, presenting an alternative approach to traditional viral eradication strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 18, 2019

Free tool simplifies cancer research

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new tool that provides more reliable and precise results in identifying protein targets for cancer drugs. The tool uses a database of experimentally determined data to analyze the effects of different drugs on various types of cancer cells.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2019

New clues to the link between ALS and type 2 diabetes

A study by Karolinska Institutet researchers identifies a molecular mechanism linking ALS and type 2 diabetes, where immunoglobulin G antibodies target calcium channels in pancreatic beta cells, leading to cell death. The findings suggest altered humoral immunity may be a generalized phenomenon for other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2019

Potential drug targets for glioblastoma identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified 10 novel glioblastoma-specific endothelial cell transcripts that could represent potential tumour-targets for therapy. The study uses a new method to process human brain tissue data and identifies disease-related changes in cells lining tumour blood vessels.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 5, 2019

New diagnostic method finds aggressive tumors

Researchers have developed a new genomic method, CUTseq, that can assess the amount and type of copy number alterations in tumors, helping identify highly heterogeneous and aggressive cancers. The technique is cheaper than existing technologies and can be applied to multiple biopsies or small tissue sections.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2019

Weight-loss surgery cuts risk of birth defects

A Swedish study found that children born to women who underwent gastric bypass surgery had a lower risk of major birth defects, which could be attributed to improved blood sugar control and weight loss. The researchers recommend special antenatal care for bariatric surgery patients to ensure fetal health.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·DateOct 15, 2019

Breakthrough in sex-chromosome regulation

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have uncovered a chromosome-wide mechanism that maintains balance in sex chromosomes' gene expression. The study found that genes on the X chromosome produce waves of gene products at a faster tempo, driven by special DNA elements called enhancers.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 3, 2019

Improved mapping of Swedish genes

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet analyzed the whole genome of 1,000 Swedish individuals and identified 61,000 new DNA sequences, including 80 genes linked to diseases. These new sequences are found in all major human populations, indicating they are ancient and widespread

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 24, 2019

New method for imaging biological molecules

Researchers have created a new method for imaging biological molecules in cells or tissue samples using DNA snippets, allowing for the study of molecule abundance and distribution. The 'DNA microscopy' approach enables rapid screening and analysis of specific molecules within larger materials.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019

New pain organ discovered in the skin

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new sensory organ in the skin that detects painful mechanical damage, such as pricks and pressure. This discovery changes our understanding of the cellular mechanisms of physical sensation and may be significant in the understanding of chronic pain.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2019

New knowledge on the development of asthma

A study published in Immunity reveals that the synthesis and breakdown of fats play a crucial role in asthma-related inflammation. Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression in immune cells exposed to house dust mites, finding a unique profile of genes linked to fat metabolism.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalImmunity·DateJun 26, 2019

Bladder drug linked to atherosclerosis in mice

Researchers found that mirabegron accelerates atheroclerosis in mice by activating brown fat, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in humans. The study suggests patients with cardiovascular disease or mutations affecting LDL removal should exercise caution when using this drug.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

A new way of finding compounds that prevent aging

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a new method to identify compounds that prevent aging by analyzing the transcriptome of human cells. This approach identified several candidate substances, including Hsp90 inhibitors, which have been shown to extend lifespan and improve health in C. elegans.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 9, 2019