The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded $6 million in comprehensive grants to the Burnham Institute for Medical Research to support long-range stem cell studies aimed at developing new treatments for heart disease and brain repair. The funds will enable researchers to develop a supply of nerve cells for brain rep...
Researchers used human embryonic stem cells to treat a degenerative disease in mice, demonstrating the first successful use of hESCs in a diseased brain. The treatment not only replaced damaged nerve cells but also boosted the brain's supply of an enzyme and reduced inflammation.
A collaborative study by Sanford Burnham Prebys and UC San Diego found that mutations in a molecular channel in fly hearts caused arrhythmias similar to those found in humans. The researchers believe that understanding the regulation of this channel could lead to new treatments for age-related heart disease.
Researchers found that Gab-2 is essential for breast cancer metastasis but not initial tumor growth. The study suggests a novel mechanism for breast cancer metastasis and identifies Gab-2 as a possible new target for therapies.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded $5.9 million to the Burnham Institute for Medical Research to launch innovative stem cell research projects. The funding will support studies in heart disease, Parkinson's, cancer, and neural development, among other areas.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that home in on tumors by mimicking the clotting action of platelets, blocking up to 20% of tumor blood vessels. This system enables self-amplification of tumor targeting, leading to enhanced imaging and therapeutic delivery.
The Burnham Institute for Medical Research will create a world-class neuroscience research center with a $12.7 million NIH grant. The center will bring together nearly 100 scientists from four San Diego institutions to study the nervous system and develop treatments for nervous system diseases.
Researchers have found that a class of cancer drugs can restore skeletal muscle mass and prevent decline in muscular dystrophy. Treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors like Trichostatin A improved muscle function and resistance to degeneration in dystrophic mice.
Researchers discovered a key component in the insulin pathway that contributes to metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. The study found that reducing this gene's function can lower glucose and lipid levels and even extend lifespan.
A team of researchers has designed tools to accelerate interpretation and potential use of human genome project information. The Joint Center for Molecular Modeling will support scientists in developing innovative software for improving protein structure prediction quality.
A study identifies Protein Disulphide Isomerase as a marker for neurodegenerative diseases, while also showing its potential as a therapeutic target. The research reveals that NO attacks PDI via S-nitrosylation, altering its function and leading to nerve cell injury.
A new way to stimulate the brain to release antioxidants has been discovered by researchers, potentially treating ischemic stroke, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegenerative disorders. The NEPPs compound activates the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway to regulate antioxidant production, offering a promising approach for neuroprotection.
Researchers studied early heart development using Drosophila genetics, finding that Slit and Robo proteins play a critical role in proper alignment of heart tube cells. This misalignment can lead to observed heart defects, and the study may soon be applied to develop diagnostic tests for congenital heart defects.
Researchers at the Burnham Institute, along with partners from six institutions, are working on a NCI-funded project to develop an accurate early-stage diagnosis method for prostate cancer. The goal is to identify specific gene products indicative of the disease's clinical behavior.
A team of scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys found that an antibody produced in reaction to a naturally-occurring sugar chain curbs intestinal inflammation induced in mice, reversing early symptoms and halting disease progression. The research holds promise for treating Crohn's disease and other inflammatory disorders.
The Burnham Institute will collaborate with a team of researchers to develop nano-devices that target tumor cells, improve diagnostics and tracking of cancer cells. The project aims to deliver imaging agents and therapeutics directly to cancer cells using 'nano-homing' devices.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have visualized the 3D representation of myosin V 'walking' along actin filament, a key protein involved in motility and muscle contraction. This study provides detailed molecular knowledge of how myosin interacts with actin through the hydrolysis cycle.
Researchers discover Chk1 protein plays natural defense against therapeutic damage in cancer cells, making treatment less effective. Combining chemotherapy agents with Chk1 inhibitors may increase efficacy and overcome clinical resistance.
The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) and the Prostate Cancer Foundation have partnered with the Burnham Institute to develop a 3D culture system that simulates tumor microenvironments. This technology enables rapid testing of candidate drugs and has potential applications beyond cancer research.
The Burnham Institute was selected by NIH to receive a $3M grant for exploratory center in hESC research. The center will support pilot projects, core facilities, and training for scientists.
A new study has identified a protein called DOCK180 that senses chemicals inducing cell migration. This finding may lead to treatments halting cancer metastasis and immune disorders like arthritis and asthma by inhibiting inappropriate cell movement.
Researchers have developed a novel inhibitor, SB-3CT, that protects against brain damage in mice undergoing a stroke. The treatment reduces brain damage to 30% and preserves neurological function, offering potential for new stroke treatments.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Institute have identified three lead compounds that inhibit anthrax lethal factor (LF) with high potency and selectivity. The compounds, when combined with antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin, showed a two-fold increase in survival rate for mice infected with anthrax spores.
The Burnham Institute will screen 2 million compounds against 20 disease targets per year, revealing specific compounds that interact with and inhibit disease-causing proteins. The new capabilities will accelerate the discovery of novel medicines for various diseases.
The Burnham Institute has been awarded $13 million by the NIH to develop novel nanotechnology solutions for diagnosing and treating heart disease. The program aims to target vulnerable plaque, which can rupture and cause cardiac issues, with innovative nano-devices and self-assembling polymers.
Scientists found a new role for protein ATF2 in DNA repair, which may pave the way to cancer treatments. The study reveals that ATF2's dual function in regulating cell cycle and programmed cell death can be uncoupled from its DNA repair function.
A new mouse model has shown reduced blood glucose levels and lower serum insulin, indicating improved glucose tolerance in the liver. The study found that Gab1 acts as a negative regulator on insulin signal strength in the liver, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that ephrin subtype EphrinB activates the EphB receptor, triggering a chemical pathway that stimulates synaptojanin-1 enzyme, essential for cellular endocytosis. This process is crucial for neurotransmitter regulation and nerve cell function.
Dr. Erkki Ruoslahti's pioneering work on cell adhesion has led to significant discoveries in cancer biology and its applications to various diseases. His contributions have elucidated the etiology and developed therapy for serious conditions like malignant tumors, heart attack, stroke, and osteoporosis.
Researchers discovered that Shp-2, a tyrosine phosphatase, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and increasing sensitivity to leptin. The study found that mice with early-onset obesity had increased levels of leptin, insulin, glucose, and triglycerides.
The center aims to consolidate knowledge on protein behavior and develop a platform for screening small molecular libraries against proteases. The technology will help define the role of human proteases in physiology and pathology, enabling the development of new therapies.
Researchers found that a specific glycoprotein, O-glycans capped with alpha 1,4-linked N-acetylglucosamine, blocks H. pylori's ability to synthesize cholesterol, leading to cell death and potential treatment for stomach ulcers and cancer. The study suggests a natural defense mechanism against H. pylori infection.
Researchers at The Burnham Institute have determined the crystal structure of the anthrax-cell binding complex, offering new leads for the discovery of antitoxins. This breakthrough also provides insights into using anthrax toxin as an anti-tumor agent, with potential applications in treating cancer.
Researchers have identified orlistat as an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase, a key enzyme in cancer cell metabolism. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for prostate, breast, and colon cancers by inhibiting the enzyme's activity with orlistat.
Researchers discovered that humanin binds to Bax, preventing its targeting to mitochondria and blocking apoptosis. This finding suggests novel therapeutic approaches to prevent diseases associated with Bax activation.
Scientists have identified a new enzyme pathway that leads to nerve cell death outside of the cells, which can be targeted by new drugs. This discovery could lead to novel treatments for stroke and several neurodegenerative diseases.