Investigators at MUSC have identified a critical regulatory mechanism for nitric oxide production in liver endothelial cells following liver injury. The study reveals that inhibition of CAV1 or GRK2 phosphorylation compromises complex formation and reduces eNOS activity, leading to increased portal pressure.
A team of researchers identified the CD103 molecule as crucial for the long-term residence and potent anti-tumor response of T cells in the skin. This finding supplements a previous discovery that T cells residing in the skin are responsible for a strong protective response against melanoma.
A unique bleeding syndrome associated with chronic gastrointestinal bleeding has been identified by researchers at MUSC. The syndrome, characterized by acute bleeding and presence of iron deficiency anemia, is recognized as a common condition that practicing physicians should be aware of.
A collaboration created a 3D-printed phantom of a stenotic intracranial artery to standardize high-resolution MRI protocols for studying intracranial atherosclerotic disease. The phantom enables standardized vessel-wall MRI at multiple sites, facilitating multicenter trials and accelerating research.
Researchers at MUSC found that Th17 cells can be expanded outside the body without losing effectiveness, providing a promising alternative to classic T cells used in adoptive immunotherapy. This breakthrough enables longer window periods for obtaining effective T cells via expansion outside the body.
Researchers found no statistically significant differences in tPA use, administration timeliness, or complications between SCD patients and non-SCD patients. The study suggests tPA is safe for SCD patients and could be used as a complementary therapy.
Researchers found that cardiac glycosides, a class of heart failure drugs, can reduce LDL cholesterol levels in patients who don't respond to statins. The study used liver-like cells generated from patient stem cells and showed significant reductions in ApoB levels, indicating potential for a new treatment option.
A recent study by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found that nasogastric tube placement in patients with typical upper GI bleeding had no impact on outcomes. The study's results suggest that this procedure may be unnecessary for millions of patients, reducing costs and discomfort associated with it.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina found that inhibiting moesin reduces numbers of regulatory T cells, enabling the immune system to see and attack cancer. This could lead to new treatments for cancer and Treg-related immune disorders.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina have identified a brain circuit that inhibits automated behavior and is involved in smoking cessation. Smokers who successfully quit had lower BOLD responses in this circuit before attempting to quit.
In South Carolina, a two-tiered screening process identified children with autism spectrum disorder eligible for early intensive behavioral therapy, leading to a significant increase in treatment. This policy change demonstrates the importance of early intervention in improving social interaction and communication among children with ASD.
A recent study found that using a rabbit virus, myxoma virus, reduced tumor burden in preclinical studies and led to complete eradication of disease in a quarter of animals. The treatment elicited a strong immune response, suggesting its potential as a novel therapy for multiple myeloma.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina discover a peptide that reverses cardiac fibrosis and improves heart function without toxicity. The study uses a transverse aortic constriction mouse model to demonstrate the peptide's effectiveness in halting and reversing fibrotic ventricular wall thickness.
Researchers identified a genetic variant in neutrophil cystolic factor 1 (NCF1) associated with increased risk for autoimmune diseases. The study found that increased NCF1 protects against systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), while decreased NCF1 raises SLE risk.
Researchers at MUSC have identified novel potassium channel genes that correlate with drinking levels and may advance personalized medicine approaches for treating heavy drinking. A KV7 channel-positive modulator reduced heavy alcohol consumption in mouse models, suggesting these genes as promising therapeutic targets.
In mouse models, NRP2a inhibited tumor cell proliferation while NRP2b promoted metastasis and progression. Cancer stem cells were also reduced in NRP2b knockdown models, providing new insights into lung cancer progression. The study suggests that targeting NRP2b may lead to improved therapies for non-small cell lung cancer.
Recent preclinical research suggests microinfarcts can induce prolonged dysfunction in brain areas estimated 12-times larger than the visible injury site, contributing to cognitive decline and dementia. The study used a mouse model to examine the effects of individual cortical microinfarcts on surrounding tissue function in vivo.
Scientists have designed an antibody-based therapy targeting the functions of TGF-beta that cause cancer. The therapy showed promise by slowing down breast cancer tumor growth and metastasis when GARP was deleted from mice with mammary tumors.
A randomized controlled pilot trial found that N-acetylcysteine combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy reduced PTSD symptoms, cravings, and depression significantly more than CBT alone. The treatment showed promising results for a difficult-to-treat population of veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine reduced both marijuana and alcohol use in treatment-engaged adolescents. The study's results suggest NAC may generalize to other substances and be useful in decreasing adolescent alcohol use.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina discovered that pericytes contribute to capillary damage and blood leakage during ischemia, which can lead to neurological conditions involving ischemia. The study used advanced imaging techniques to track MMP-9 activity and plasma leakage in intact brains of live mice.
A neuroscientist is studying the link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol abuse to identify potential treatments. The researcher hopes to pinpoint brain areas involved in processing fear memories and develop methods to break the cycle of dependency.
Researchers at MUSC found that inhibiting prostaglandin production with indomethacin increases immune cells and reduces tumor burden in premalignant lesions. This activation of the immune system reduces the progression of lesions to HNSCC.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that home-based telemental health for depression can deliver a similar quality of life and patient satisfaction as in-person visits, overcoming barriers such as mobility issues and transportation costs. The trial enrolled 241 depressed elderly veterans who received eight ...
Researchers are testing stem cell therapy to reprogram heart cells in patients with HFpEF, a condition causing severe disability and high mortality. The trial aims to improve treatment options for this growing epidemic, which disproportionately affects women and African-Americans.
A clinical trial is testing a new device that could ease heart failure symptoms in patients with preserved ejection fraction. The Corvia Medical InterAtrial Shunt Device makes a small hole to redistribute blood and reduce pressure, allowing patients like Jimmy McMillan to breathe better and live more comfortably.
A five-year study in Tanzania aims to determine whether combining diabetes and hypertension screening with HIV screening will increase HIV testing and care. The integrated approach is expected to improve health outcomes and reduce costs, addressing growing global epidemics of HIV, diabetes, and hypertension.
A recent study published in the Obesity Journal found that participants who used Weight Watchers for one year showed significant improvements in blood sugar control and weight loss compared to those receiving standard care. The program helped participants reduce their medication needs and improve long-term diabetes management.
The ECHO Program aims to understand the early environmental origins of childhood health outcomes, including obesity and neurodevelopment. Researchers will track over 50,000 children across diverse backgrounds for seven years, analyzing existing data and combining standardized approaches.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discover a mechanism conferring resistance to AML drugs and develop a ceramide-based therapeutic that reactivates mitophagy, killing drug-resistant cancer cells. The treatment has clinical appeal due to its specificity towards cancer cells.
Researchers found that culturing T cells in N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) before infusion improved effectiveness and outcomes in a preclinical model of melanoma. Nearly 40% of NAC-cultured T cells were detectable in tumors after transfer, compared to approximately 1.2% of standard-culture T cells.
A recent study found that dolphin serum contains high levels of antioxidant protein, which may hold clues to treating aging-associated diseases in humans. Researchers also discovered 11 proteins more prevalent in dolphin serum than in human samples, including vanin-1 and adiponectin.
In a preclinical model, researchers successfully suppressed cued cocaine seeking by activating brain receptors involved in suppressing addiction relapse. The technology, called DREADDs, allows for targeted treatment of addiction with minimal side effects.
Researchers at MUSC discovered novel biomarkers that significantly improve the prediction of therapeutic efficacy in lupus nephritis. A targeted panel of urinary biomarkers, combined with machine learning modeling, provides an early decision-support tool for predicting outcomes.
A research team has devised a new method to enhance genome-wide association studies for liver disease using purified liver cells made from induced pluripotent stem cells. The approach, developed by the Medical University of South Carolina, allows for more accurate identification of genetic mutations causing liver diseases.
Neuroene Therapeutics is using the Phase I STTR grant to help further develop a novel class of compounds for treating epilepsy. The company aims to provide a new generation of anti-seizure drugs that can effectively control seizures in patients with limited success from current treatments.
A recent study by the Medical University of South Carolina found that African American women with lower socioeconomic status are at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. The study revealed a significant inverse association between SES and ovarian cancer risk, with women having a college degree or higher experiencing a 29% lower r...
Zeriscope enables comprehensive assessment of SNF patients by off-site physicians, reducing unnecessary hospital readmissions. The platform allows for high-definition real-time streaming video and physiologic sensor data, improving patient care and outcomes.
The study found that KLF12 promotes colorectal cancer (CRC) cell growth by activating early growth response protein 1 (EGR1), leading to enhanced cancer cell proliferation and survival. KLF12 and EGR1 levels synergistically correlate with poor CRC prognoses, suggesting their potential as novel therapeutic targets.
Researchers at MUSC aim to develop novel treatment options for thoracic aortic aneurysms by studying the cellular events leading to their formation. The $1.46 million NIH grant will focus on translating discoveries into potential therapeutics, including region-specific gene therapy and targeted pharmacologic treatments.
A study found significant differences in gene expression between African American and European American men with prostate cancer, highlighting racial disparities. Vitamin D supplementation reduced these disparities, suggesting a therapeutic potential for addressing racial disparities in prostate cancer outcomes.
Researchers at MUSC discovered that Dab2 is a molecular switch regulating autophagy or apoptosis in tumor cells. Maintaining Dab2 levels blocks autophagy and promotes cell death, enhancing chemotherapeutic agent efficacy. In vivo studies showed Dab2 reduces tumor metastasis and increases drug-induced cell death.
Researchers mapped brain connections after stroke to predict language deficits, finding damage beyond cortical tissue is crucial for language impairment. The study suggests connections in the parietal region play a key role in language function, with preservation of these connections linked to better recovery chances.
CuRE's dental adhesive incorporates copper iodide particles to curb infections and promote healthy tooth bonding. The technology has the potential to reduce secondary caries formation under existing restorations, a major contributor to costly restoration failures.
A new neuroendovascular technique called ADAPT has shown impressive 90-day outcomes for stroke patients with large-vessel clots. Approximately 58% of patients achieved a good outcome after thrombectomy using the direct-aspiration, first pass technique.
Researchers identified unique genetic signatures in four human breast cancer cell types, which can be used to tailor therapies using combinations of targeted drugs. The study found that targeting multiple driving oncogenes with lower doses reduces side effects and increases effectiveness.
Cells use programmed fork arrest to halt DNA replication at terminator sites, controlling life span and preserving genome stability. The process involves proteins working together to calibrate fork movement, preventing constant machinery operation.
A five-year NCI grant has been awarded to a consortium of researchers studying the impact of government policies on tobacco use behaviors and the evolving nicotine delivery market. The project aims to assess the likely impact of current and potential future policies on vaporized nicotine products.
Researchers at MUSC discovered that blood flow does not precisely follow local neural activity, challenging the long-held assumption that vascular and neural responses are tightly coupled. This finding suggests that fMRI may only reveal a blurred representation of underlying neural activity.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina discovered Myo1c's role in transporting Neph1, a protein essential for maintaining podocyte function and effective kidney filtration. Understanding this transport mechanism may lead to therapeutic targets for treating glomerular diseases.