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Sanford Burnham Prebys


Breaking down barriers to cardiac regeneration

Scientists have uncovered a new mechanism used by heart cells to resist reprogramming and found that carbohydrate sulfotransferase 7 (CHST7) is the most potent preventer of reprogramming in mouse and human cells. By targeting CHST7, researchers may develop treatments to help the heart fix itself after injury.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

Improving protein folding may lead to new diabetes treatments

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that enhancing protein-folding processes can help prevent harm to insulin-producing cells. The study revealed the importance of a chaperone protein called binding immunoglobulin protein and its cochaperone protein p58 IPK in maintaining proper proinsulin folding.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2026

Using patient-derived research models to study deadly DNA loops

Researchers used patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to study deadly DNA loops in cancer cells. They found significant similarities between human tumor samples and PDX models, including consistent presence of extra copies of oncogenes. These findings suggest that ecDNA-positive tumor cells may drive tumor growth and recurrence.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026

Cholesterol-craving cancers need lipid enzymes to use metabolites for growth

Researchers discover that kinases play a crucial role in moving cholesterol to activate a growth pathway in aggressive cancers. Without these enzymes, cancer cells are blocked from fueling tumor growth. The study highlights the importance of targeting lipid enzymes as a potential treatment strategy for cancers with TP53 mutations.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2026

Researchers identify new genetic disease that interferes with brain development

Scientists have discovered a new rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the RPN1 gene, which affects glycosylation and leads to protein instability. The disease, now termed RPN1-CDG, is characterized by neurodevelopmental issues and has expanded the number of genes associated with OST complex diseases.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalHuman Genetics and Genomics Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026

New computational biology tool automates and standardizes genome sequencing analysis

A new tool, metapipeline-DNA, automates and standardizes genome sequencing analysis, reducing the complexity of large and complicated data. The open-access resource, developed by Sanford Burnham Prebys and the University of California Los Angeles, aims to improve collaboration and reproducibility across research labs.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Overcoming ovarian cancer’s resistance to immunotherapy

A new study demonstrates that blocking a signaling protein called FAK helps mobilize an anti-tumor immune response, allowing tumor-fighting cells to approach tumors and shift the behavior of other immune cells to work against them. This approach achieved the best effects on immune cell recruitment, tumor size reduction, and survival ti...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2026

Computational deep dive surfaces unexplored world of cancer drug targets

A new computational tool called DeepTarget predicts direct and indirect targets of cancer drugs, revealing that small molecules can have different targets and effects depending on the disease and cell type. The study demonstrates the tool's superior performance in real-world scenarios, highlighting its potential to accelerate drug deve...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 14, 2025

Evolving antibiotic resistance under pressure

Researchers used an experimental evolution approach to map genetic mutations in A. baumannii treated with tigecycline and colistin, confirming and extending existing knowledge on major mechanisms of resistance. The study's findings aim to develop genomics-based predictions of drug resistance and susceptibility.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2025

Making more supply to meet the demands of muscle cell therapy

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have developed a new method to generate more and potent skeletal muscle progenitor cells. The study found that blocking the activity of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) yields a twofold increase in cell yield, while also delivering more mature and effective cells for regenerative medicine treatment.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Bias can lead to better therapies

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered a new mechanism to confer signaling bias in predictable ways, permitting rational design of new drugs. This breakthrough could lead to better therapies for addiction and psychiatric disorders by targeting the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) with biased modulators.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2025

Sizing up a weakness in synovial sarcoma’s genes

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that using a drug as a blocker to outcompete the SUMO2 protein may be a winning strategy against synovial sarcoma. This approach aims to reverse aberrant epigenetic rewiring driven by the SS18::SSX fusion oncoproteins and impair sarcomagenesis.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2025

Bacterial genomes hold clues for creating personalized probiotics

Researchers created an 'encyclopedia of sugar utilization pathways' in 263 Bifidobacterium genomes. This resource helps predict which strains thrive in different conditions, enabling personalized probiotics to match children's lifestyles and dietary needs. The study suggests a potential solution to improving outcomes for preterm infants.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2025

Rediscovering the first known cellular receptor

Researchers have reexamined the Ashwell-Morell receptor's functions using innovative glycoengineering techniques, clarifying its roles in sepsis and inflammation control. The study reveals that the receptor can bind to a specific type of protein glycan chain, which was previously thought to be incompatible with binding.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Engineering antibodies with a novel fusion protein

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys developed a new method of generating antibodies by fusing two immune system proteins, enabling the creation of stable monoclonal antibodies. This breakthrough has potential applications in diagnosing and monitoring diseases such as lupus and cancers.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalJournal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025