A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC shows that vaping is associated with dysregulation of mitochondrial genes and immune response genes, similar to smoking. The research found that over 80% of gene dysregulation in vapers correlated with the intensity and duration of current vaping.
A new study by USC researchers uses a genetic technology to analyze gene expression signatures of individual cancer cells from patients with leukemia. The findings show that cancer cells with distinct gene expression profiles tend to grow in different organs, while those with specific genes are more resistant to chemotherapy.
A team of scientists developed a drug-like molecule that can counteract the effects of mutated epigenetic regulators, which are known to drive certain types of cancer. The molecule targets the 'reader' CBX8, which is critical for the proliferation of cancer cells, but more dispensable in healthy cells.
The USC Stevens INI is partnering with Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Miami to merge Alzheimer's disease data from over 30 datasets, producing a large-scale, standardized set of clearly defined data. This harmonization will enable large-scale machine learning analysis to better characterize the genetic basis...
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine will collect and analyze imaging data from over 1,300 children nationwide to identify biological markers predicting recovery or persistent symptoms after concussion. The study aims to develop a diagnostic protocol for clinicians caring for pediatric patients with concussion.
A new USC study reveals that gaps in income, education, and access to care contribute to poorer outcomes for people of color with multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. The review shows significant inequities in accessing healthcare, leading to diagnostic delays and underuse of services.
A new USC study found that artificial sweeteners like sucralose can trick the brain into feeling hungry, leading to increased calorie consumption. This study, one of the largest to-date on artificial sweeteners, suggests that females and people with obesity may be more sensitive to these sweeteners.
The USC Institute is launching a $3 million global consortium study to analyze brain imaging, genetics, and clinical data from 20 countries. The study aims to understand how Parkinson's disease progresses in the brain and explore genetic factors contributing to risk.
Children genetically predisposed to overproduce lymphocytes in relation to other white blood cells are at higher risk of developing ALL, according to a new USC study. The research found that the ratio of lymphocytes to other key blood cells is significant in predicting leukemia risk.
A new USC study found a link between 'forever chemicals' and changes in glucose metabolism in Latina girls, potentially increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers measured the impact of PFAS on glucose metabolism over time among adolescents and young adults.
A recent study found that fine particle pollution, specifically PM2.5, may contribute to the disproportionate number of African American women affected by dementia. Despite adjusting for various risk factors, Black women still had double the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to white women.
A USC-led study has mapped the developmental blueprint of human kidneys, shedding light on how cells interact to form filtering units. The research provides a foundation for creating synthetic mini kidneys and could lead to new treatments for kidney diseases.
Researchers created the first detailed cell-by-cell description of how the coronal suture develops, identifying new genes and cell types involved in generating stem cells that grow skull bones. The study aims to advance new interventions for patients with craniosynostosis.
Researchers found individuals with well-controlled asthma have significantly lower odds of hospitalization and ICU admission compared to those with uncontrolled asthma. Asthma patients using their medications showed a decrease in worsened COVID-19 outcomes.
A new study published in DNA Repair shows that hydroxychloroquine exhibits DNA-damaging and mutagenic effects at a clinically achievable dose. The findings suggest the possibility of additional side effects, particularly in patient populations, and emphasize the need for careful risk assessment and informed consent.
Researchers from USC Stem Cell discovered a latent regenerative potential in the inner ear's sensory cells. They found that epigenetic modifications regulate hair cell development and identified a key histone decoration, H3K4me1, that keeps supporting cells primed for transdifferentiation.
A new study from USC Stem Cell scientists reveals striking similarities between sensory cells in the inner ear and Merkel cells in the skin. The research identifies a shared mechanism involved in gene regulation or epigenetics that enables differentiation into specialized hair cells and Merkel cells.
Research led by USC investigators reveals that the ABAT enzyme helps medulloblastoma cells feed on GABA in cerebrospinal fluid, allowing them to survive and resist treatment. The study also shows that high levels of ABAT enable medulloblastoma metastases to evade treatment and spread to other parts of the central nervous system.
Researchers at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that family-based cancer clustering occurs more frequently among Latino, African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander families. The study suggests a higher inherited risk of early-onset cancer in these minority populations compared to non-Latino white families.
Researchers found that damaged proximal tubule cells can promote disease progression by showing activity in genes that support survival and programmed cell death. These cells may contribute to the transition from acute to chronic kidney disease, affecting 9.1% of the world's population.
Scientists at USC have created rudimentary kidney structures, known as organoids, that resemble the collecting duct system. These organoids can be used to study kidney disease and test potential therapeutic drugs.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC identified APOE4 as associated with the activation of an inflammatory protein that causes a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier, leading to cognitive decline and memory problems. The study suggests a potential treatment targeting this pathway could slow down or prevent cognitive decline in...
A large-scale ethnically diverse genetic study has identified more regions of the genome linked to blood glucose and insulin levels, contributing to type 2 diabetes risk. The study found that including different multi-ethnic participants yields more and better results than conducting research in Europeans alone.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine and Caltech demonstrate a new way to produce highly detailed images of the human brain using functional photoacoustic computerized tomography (fPACT). This technology has the potential to be less expensive, more portable, and accessible to patients with implants.
The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has formed partnerships with the Lazarex Cancer Foundation to create Cancer Wellness HUBs in Los Angeles, addressing health disparities through community engagement and education. The initiative aims to provide vital resources and support services for cancer patients and their families.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have identified GRP78 as a molecular chaperone that plays a crucial role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2, offering a potential new therapy to combat COVID-19. Targeting GRP78 with therapies could provide additional protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
A new study published in Cell Stem Cell reveals that neural stem cells in the nervous system age rapidly, leading to a decrease in their ability to divide and replicate. The researchers found that certain genes, including Abl1, play a key role in this process, which may contribute to cognitive decline and dementia.
A computer model has been developed to potentially improve bionic eye technology by enhancing clarity and granting color vision to future retinal prosthetic devices. The model, which replicates the shapes and positions of millions of nerve cells in the eye, identifies ways to increase signal transmission and processing efficiency.
USC Stem Cell scientist Leonardo Morsut is designing artificial genetic programs to study embryonic development using a $2.5 million NIH grant. He has developed a synthetic version of the naturally occurring Notch system, allowing him to control cell behavior and signaling networks.
A new study from USC reveals the importance of β-catenin in striking a balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation into kidney cells. High levels of β-catenin trigger a switch that directs progenitor cells to differentiate into specialized kidney cells.
A team of USC Stem Cell scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the regeneration of sensory hearing cells in fruit flies. They found that adult flies can produce new JO neurons, which compensate for damaged cells caused by chemotherapy drugs or other stimuli.
A USC-led study finds that Native Hawaiians with more Polynesian ancestry are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and obesity. The study analyzed the genomes of 3,940 Native Hawaiians and found an 11% increase in heart failure risk per 10% increase in Polynesian ancestry.
Researchers analyzed MRI data from 1203 HIV-positive individuals across 5 continents, finding smaller brain volumes associated with lower white blood cell counts. The study highlights the importance of understanding how HIV infection affects the brain, particularly in the context of aging and treatment.
A large-scale genetic analysis of over 200,000 men from diverse backgrounds identified 86 new risk factors for prostate cancer. The study found significant disparities in risk between racial and ethnic groups, with African American men inheriting twice the risk of European American counterparts.
Researchers discover new cog in the circadian clock - a genome-wide regulatory layer made up of small chains of non-coding nucleotides known as microRNAs. The study found that 110-120 miRNAs modulate circadian rhythms, with tissue-specific impacts on human health.
Research from USC's Keck School of Medicine found that financially exploited seniors show distinct brain activity patterns compared to those who have not been victimized. The study also linked hearing and vision problems to increased frailty in older adults who experienced financial exploitation.
A new USC-led study provides evidence that the endoderm also forms part of the pituitary's front lobe in some vertebrates, revising the developmental and evolutionary story of the gland. The research uses cutting-edge technology to label and track embryonic cells, revealing an unexpected contribution from the innermost embryonic layer.
A new study reveals that stem cells contribute to the formation of osteophytes, or pathological bone spurs, in arthritis patients. The researchers identified a specific type of stem cell with activity in the Sox9 gene as the major culprit behind this process.
A new USC-led study identified a critical genetic modification that enabled the emergence of gill covers in early vertebrates, allowing them to become top predators. The study found that changes in a gene called Pou3f3 led to the development of gill covers in some fish and their absence in others.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC have received a five-year, $14.6 million grant to advance gene therapy for HIV control without daily medicines. The approach is inspired by three cases of HIV cure and aims to prepare patients for stem cell transplants with little toxicity.
A small clinical trial found that higher doses of omega-3 supplements may be needed to make a difference in preventing cognitive decline. Participants with the APOE4 gene mutation showed lower increases in brain levels of omega-3s compared to those without it.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed three types of mouse cells into induced hair cell-like cells, offering a potential solution for identifying causes and treatments of hearing loss. The new cells possess characteristics similar to naturally occurring hair cells and are vulnerable to an antibiotic known to cause hearing loss.
Researchers developed a new single-cell DNA sequencing method to analyze the genetic diversity of individual cells within a tumor. The study revealed at least four major sub-populations of cells that are expected to have mutated from the original cancer cell, providing important insights into how cancer progresses and spreads.
A new study has identified environmental factors contributing to childhood obesity, including exposure to smoking and air pollution. Areas with higher walkability were found to have lower BMI levels in children.
A USC-developed COVID-19 patient self-assessment tool found that 80% of users reported mild symptoms, manageable with simple home care. The tool has been accessed by over 275,000 people worldwide, helping to ease the burden on overwhelmed health systems and gather data on pandemic spread.
Researchers have identified a variant in the genome associated with higher risk of prostate cancer in African American men. This variant is found in about 12% of men of African ancestry and increases their risk two-fold.
A new USC study proposes that a short regimen of immunosuppressant drugs applied early in the disease process may improve patient outcomes by delaying the adaptive immune response. This approach aims to prevent the interaction between the innate and adaptive immune responses, which can lead to a cytokine storm and tissue damage.
Researchers have discovered ancient monkey teeth in Peru that provide evidence of a now-extinct monkey species crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Africa. The site is dated to around 34 million years ago, and the monkeys are believed to have traveled on floating vegetation rafts.
A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence reveals that experiencing opioid withdrawal increases the likelihood of needle sharing and non-fatal overdose among individuals who inject drugs. The research also highlights the urgent need for medication-assisted treatment to address this public health issue.
A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children whose mothers ate fish 1-3 times a week during pregnancy had lower metabolic syndrome scores than those who ate fish rarely. Moderate fish consumption during pregnancy was associated with reduced inflammation and improved child metabolic health.