Researchers at National University of Singapore have identified S1P as a potent signaling molecule crucial for maintaining blood vessel integrity and function. The study highlights the importance of S1P export from blood cells and blood vessels in preventing complications and mortality related to vascular diseases.
A team of researchers has identified a promising prognostic and therapeutic target for patients with metastatic breast cancer: integrins αv and β1. These proteins are highly expressed in extracellular vesicles from tumour cells and may help develop new ways to assess, monitor, and suppress cancer metastasis.
Researchers from NUS Medicine developed a probiotic that detects antibiotic-induced microbiome imbalance and regulates bile salt metabolism to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection. The probiotic significantly reduced CDI in laboratory models, demonstrating a 100% survival rate and improved clinical outcomes.
Researchers at NUS Medicine have successfully used a plant-derived nutrient supplement to shrink breast cancer tumors in preclinical models. The treatment, which uses nanotechnology to convert the natural component into chemotherapy only at the tumor site, shows promise for reducing side effects and increasing patient lifespan.
Researchers found that CXCL9 levels were higher in pre-fracture blood samples of Chinese men with subsequent hip fractures, improving the prediction of osteoporotic hip fracture risk in men. In contrast, no association was found between CXCL10 and hip fracture risk in either gender.
Chronic kidney disease and glaucoma have been found to share common risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension, leading to a higher risk of developing both conditions. The study also reveals that patients with glaucoma are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease over time.
Researchers at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Xiamen University have developed a novel nanovaccine that achieves complete clearance of solid tumors and induces long-lasting immune memory. The vaccine stimulates anti-tumor immunity by presenting antigens in a way that traditional vaccines cannot.
A study discovered that a common gut parasite, Blastocystis ST4, has beneficial properties by stabilizing the bacteria ecosystem and promoting quicker recovery from inflammation. The parasite may potentially be translated into probiotics to treat inflammation in patients.
A study demonstrated that red blood cell vesicles can effectively carry immunotherapeutic RNA molecules to target breast cancer cells. This technology shows promise for delivering therapeutic RNA molecules to disease sites without degradation.
A group of medical students from NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine conducted a meta-analysis on the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in immunocompromised patients. They found that immunocompromised patients produced significantly lower antibodies after vaccination, with only a third achieving seroconversion after two doses.
Researchers from NUS and Monash University develop a novel vaccine platform to deliver M2e to immune cells, triggering long-lasting immune responses against multiple flu strains. The single-shot vaccine approach enhances protective immunity in pre-existing flu immunity populations.
Researchers found that genetic ancestry is associated with differences in biology of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is an independent factor contributing to treatment outcomes. Children from East Asian and South Asian backgrounds had better survival rates than Caucasian children, with Indian children having the best outcomes.
Scientists have engineered baker's yeast to produce D-lysergic acid, a medication used to treat neuro-cognitive diseases. This sustainable method could potentially produce up to five tons of DLA annually, reducing the environmental impact of industrial drug production.
A study found an antibody, P36-5D2, to decrease infectious virus load in lungs and brain, reducing lung disease in laboratory models. The discovery offers hope for developing antibody therapies against COVID-19 and its emerging variants.
The NUS Medicine team developed a series of thrombin inhibitors from tick transcriptome-derived sequences, offering potent anticoagulants with reduced bleeding risks. These next-generation anticoagulants hold promise for treating conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Researchers found that combining thiazolidinediones with histone deacetylase inhibitors elicits robust anti-tumor responses in preclinical models of triple-negative and endocrine-refractory breast cancers. Higher levels of PPAR-gamma were associated with better prognosis.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed a treatment for vision loss through the transplantation of photoreceptor precursors. This innovative approach holds great promise as an alternative to gene therapy, which has limited efficacy due to genetic heterogeneity and advanced retinal degeneration.
Research reveals that lupus patients with higher white matter free water have more severe cognitive dysfunction, related to increased cumulative dosage of medical steroids. The study suggests that reducing steroid dosage may alleviate cognitive decline in SLE patients.
Researchers from NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine have discovered that glioblastoma cells depend on biotin distribution to grow and invade. This finding suggests that targeting biotin-dependent metabolic enzymes and epigenetic pathways may be a viable approach for treating glioblastoma.
Researchers from NUS have discovered that brain cells rely on the TDP-43 protein to maintain the myelin sheath, which is crucial for neuron insulation. The study suggests that restoring cholesterol levels through drug intervention could be a novel therapeutic approach for diseases associated with TDP-43.
A study published in Psychological Medicine found that mindfulness-based therapy (MBTI) was more effective than a sleep hygiene program in reducing insomnia symptoms and improving sleep quality. MBTI participants took less time to fall asleep and spent less time awake during the night compared to those in the sleep hygiene program.
A Phase 2 trial showed that combining doxycycline with TB treatment reduces lung cavity size and increases markers of recovery in pulmonary TB patients. This discovery has promise for preventing long-term complications and improving outcomes for those affected by the disease.
Researchers identified DUSP16 as a protein that promotes chemotherapy resistance in four types of cancer. Elevated DUSP16 levels can lead to reduced treatment effectiveness, highlighting its potential use as a biomarker for sensitivity to chemotherapy.
Researchers at NUS have identified two new proteins that contribute to EV-A71's ability to invade the central nervous system, making them potential targets for treating severe HFMD cases. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments, particularly for young children affected by this illness.
Researchers have developed a lower-dose radiopharmaceutical that improves treatment efficacy for neuroendocrine cancers while reducing side effects. The new medication uses reversible binding technology to extend its half-life in the blood, providing an extended therapeutic time window and improved treatment outcomes.
The study reveals that Burkholderia pseudomallei infection sets off a series of events that provoke the host's immune system, causing infected cells to self-destruct. The researchers found that abnormal cell fusion stimulates the type 1 interferon signaling pathway, leading to autophagy and cell death.
Very young children exposed to antibiotics from birth to 12 months are at higher risk of childhood obesity and increased adiposity. The study found that early life antibiotic exposure disrupts gut microbiota development, leading to weight gain and obesity.
Researchers at National University of Singapore discovered a critical protein, MFSD7c, in blood vessel cells that controls brain growth and development. The study found that loss of this protein causes microcephaly and neuronal cell death, highlighting the need for better understanding of essential nutrients required for brain health.
A team of NUS researchers identified a novel protein S1P2 that can protect nerve cells from damage and pain when activated with a drug-like compound. This discovery holds promise for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, as well as other forms of neuropathy.
Researchers at NUS Medicine have discovered a way to induce totipotency in pluripotent embryonic stem cells, allowing for maximum cell engineering and therapeutic potential. This breakthrough provides new avenues for regenerative medicine, particularly in cell replacement therapies for debilitating diseases.
The study reveals that the rapidity with which neurons fire off affects information processing in the brain. Neurons in the hippocampus use spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) to learn and form memories, with precise timing determining the strength of connections between neurons.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding antibody-mediated rejection, a major challenge in organ transplantation. They discovered the critical amino acids and binding site of alloantibodies on HLA molecules, providing new avenues for developing therapies to prevent or treat this type of rejection.
A new study reveals that Blastocystis subtype 7 selectively kills beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the gut, leading to oxidative stress and lesions. This pathogenic microbe can contribute to inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Researchers at NUS Medicine and University of Glasgow have discovered lateral transduction, a new mode of genetic transfer that enables the transfer of large sections of bacterial chromosomes between bacteria. This highly efficient mechanism could explain the rapid evolution of antibiotic-resistant strains.
A team of researchers found that LYVE-1 macrophages protect arteries from becoming stiff by interacting with smooth muscle cells and reducing collagen production. The protein is responsible for binding to hyaluronan, facilitating the degradation of collagen.
Researchers found that Galectin-1 can lower blood pressure by reducing activity of L-type calcium channels in arteries. This discovery offers a novel approach to treating hypertension, potentially with minimal side effects.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a poor five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Researchers at the National University of Singapore identified a novel molecular pathway involving circadian clock gene SHARP1, which causes AML growth. Removing or reducing SHARP1 levels can stop leukemic cell growth.
Researchers have developed a new method to grow patient-derived xenografts (PDX) liver cancer cells in culture, which maintains their proper shape and function and grows as organoids. The success of the engineered organoids has the potential to revolutionize the screening and development of liver cancer drugs.
Researchers have engineered probiotics that can target and kill colorectal cancer cells using a substance found in broccoli. The mixture killed over 95% of colorectal cancer cells in a dish and reduced tumour numbers by 75% in mice with colorectal cancer.
A new genetic study has better predicted stomach cancer risk by analyzing intestinal metaplasia, a known risk factor for the disease. The study identified biomarkers that can be used to detect patients at high risk of progression.
Researchers found that a vaccine inducing killer T cells provides broader protection for children of vaccinated mothers. The vaccine prevents the immune system from producing antibodies specific to the virus and induces protective killer T cells that can recognize and attack the virus.
A study by NUS researchers has identified the potential role of a neuropeptide named Substance P as a mediator of social memory in area CA2 of the hippocampus. This finding suggests that Substance P may play a key role in forming social memories, including distinguishing between familiar and novel faces or objects.
Researchers develop a novel method for folding and protecting recombinant proteins using a protein-in-a-protein technology. This innovation improves functional protein yields and protects against various denaturants, offering potential applications in the biologics and pharmaceutical industries.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore have discovered a critical molecular target for sphingosine-1-phosphate production, paving the way for regulating its signalling in circulation. Low levels of S1P have been linked to various immune and vascular diseases, including multiple sclerosis and cardiovascular complications.