Childhood cancer survivors showed significant improvements in working memory, attention, and processing speed after completing computer-based cognitive training. The training program, using Cogmed, improved performance comparable to stimulant medications and showed changes in brain activity suggesting neuroplasticity.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a mechanism underlying the formation of stress granules in cells under stress, which are linked to degenerative diseases such as ALS. The study reveals that mutations in proteins involved in stress granule assembly can lead to toxic fibrils and disease progression.
The study reveals that C9ORF72 mutations block the transfer of information between the nucleus and cytoplasm, leading to neuron deterioration. The research provides insight into developing targeted therapies for ALS and FTD.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway that tumor suppressor protein p53 uses to induce apoptosis and kill cancer cells. The process involves a shape change in one of p53's amino acids, which activates the BAX protein and triggers cell death.
A targeted therapy called vismodegib is effective against the SHH subtype of medulloblastoma in adults, which accounts for about 60% of tumors. The drug blocks a key protein in the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway and has been shown to shrink or disappear tumors in four adult participants.
Researchers developed new diagnostic criteria to differentiate between malignant and benign mediastinal masses in children. The criteria use symptoms, laboratory tests, and CT scans to identify a better way to refine diagnoses, potentially leading to earlier detection of cancers like lymphomas and neuroblastomas.
Researchers used new methods to compare two stem cell types and found one superior at producing retinal cells. The study demonstrates a standardized method for quantifying effectiveness, which could advance treatments for age-related macular degeneration and other vision loss disorders.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found a way to prevent or slow progression of colorectal cancer by boosting the activity of a protective gene called AIM2 and giving patients healthy donor bacteria.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created a second-generation antibiotic that effectively combats common bacterial infections resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The spectinomycin analogs block the growth of strains and demonstrate increased antibacterial activity against various pathogens.
J. Paul Taylor has been selected as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) investigator, recognizing his expertise in cell and molecular biology, neurological diseases, and genetics. The HHMI initiative will provide Taylor with salary, benefits, and a research budget to accelerate his work on groundbreaking scientific contributions.
Researchers identified three cancer-promoting genes in choroid plexus carcinoma, a rare and often fatal brain tumor. The discovery provides hope for effective treatment with investigational drugs called ATR inhibitors.
A study published by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that childhood cancer survivors are 14% more likely to be obese than their peers, with age and treatment also contributing to the increased risk. The research identified genetic variations associated with an increased likelihood of obesity following brain irradiation.
Researchers found DDX3X mutations lead to different molecular defects, requiring tailored therapies. The study identified specific defects for one class of mutants, providing a foundation for individualized treatments.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a mechanism that helps leukemia cells resist glucocorticoids, laying the foundation for more effective treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Small molecules can reverse this resistance, potentially benefiting a wide range of patients.
Researchers developed a new algorithm called CONSERTING to identify DNA duplications and deletions in cancer genomes, improving accuracy and sensitivity. The tool helped discover genetic alterations driving various cancers, including pediatric leukemia and brain tumors.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists identified a protein called NLRP12 that helps regulate inflammation in T cells. The findings suggest how mutations in the Nlrp12 gene cause disease, paving the way for developing targeted therapies to ease symptoms of autoinflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis and c...
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified key receptors that trigger the immune system to attack tularemia-causing bacteria, potentially leading to new protective treatments and vaccines. The discovery could also shed light on autoimmune diseases and cancers.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that measuring residual leukemia cells in patient bone marrow during early weeks of chemotherapy helps identify high-risk patients who need intensive therapy. The technique improved survival rates for young leukemia patients, with 93.5% alive five years after diagnosis.
Researchers discovered that minor clones present at low levels in leukemia cells often drive relapse, contradicting the assumption that mutated cells with more mutations are more likely to survive therapy. The study's findings have implications for monitoring patients in remission and detecting signs of relapse.
Childhood adrenocortical tumors have been analyzed on a genomic scale for the first time, revealing key molecular events in pediatric cancer. The study identified TP53 and IGF2 genetic mutations that trigger tumor development and poor prognosis.
Researchers found that infants with a rare form of leukemia have surprisingly few genetic alterations beyond the MLL gene chromosomal rearrangement, suggesting targeting this abnormal protein may improve survival rates. The study also highlights the need for personalized treatments in pediatric cancer.
Researchers identified a genetic variation associated with increased risk and severity of peripheral neuropathy in young leukemia patients treated with vincristine. The high-risk CEP72 variant may allow for reduced vincristine doses without compromising cancer treatment efficacy.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a potential strategy to combat the parasitic tropical disease leishmaniasis. Neutralizing the activity of interleukin 18 (IL-18) protected mice from infection, suggesting this approach may aid in fighting the disease.
Researchers found that adult childhood cancer survivors are at risk for pituitary hormone deficiencies due to cranial irradiation, impacting health and quality of life. The study highlights the need for lifelong health screenings for this population.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified genetic variations associated with rapid hearing loss in young cancer patients treated with cisplatin, a widely used anti-cancer drug. Variations in the ACYP2 gene increased the risk of hearing damage by four times.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has linked an inherited gene variation to reduced tolerance of a key cancer drug, affecting young leukemia patients of East Asian ancestry. The NUDT15 variant requires dose reductions and increases the risk of side effects.
Research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reveals that PTEN tumor suppressor protein is essential for proper regulatory T cell function, helping to prevent autoimmune diseases. The study identified a crucial role of PTEN in controlling Tfh cells and autoantibody production, offering new focus for improving treatment.
A study found that changes in the H9N2 flu virus in chickens may have contributed to the creation of the H7N9 avian virus, which has caused outbreaks and deaths since 2013. The research suggests tracking genetic diversity of H9N2 on poultry farms could provide an early warning of emerging viruses with pandemic potential.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists has identified the population of white blood cells that tumors use to enhance growth and suppress the disease-fighting immune system. Monocytes are primarily responsible for T cell suppression around tumors.
Research from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identifies a high-risk group of young patients who may experience intellectual decline after bone marrow transplantation. The study found that those aged 3 or younger at the time of transplantation with total body irradiation were at higher risk, leading to lower IQ scores and potenti...
A promising anti-malarial compound, (+)-SJ733, has been identified that rapidly destroys malaria-infected red blood cells by recruiting the immune system. The compound's mechanism of action is expected to slow and suppress development of drug-resistant parasites, making it a potential addition to global malaria eradication efforts.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that adult survivors of retinoblastoma, particularly those diagnosed in infancy, have normal cognitive function and fulfill milestones of adult life. The brain may compensate for early visual loss by reorganizing areas responsible for processing verbal and auditory information.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that boosts Factor IX levels in men with severe hemophilia B, resulting in significant reductions of 90-94% in spontaneous bleeding episodes. The treatment has enabled patients to adopt more active lifestyles without needing frequent clotting factor injections.
A collaboration between St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-Washington University Pediatric Cancer Genome Project and Institut Curie-Inserm identified frequent mutations in genes STAG2 and TP53 that define a subtype of Ewing sarcoma associated with reduced survival. The study provides critical insights into the genetic changes that d...
A national study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that telephone counseling from advanced-practice nurses more than doubled the likelihood of adult childhood cancer survivors receiving recommended heart screenings. The study showed a significant increase in cardiomyopathy screening rates among participants who received bo...
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a promising triple-drug combination therapy that exploits DNA repair problems in Ewing sarcoma tumors, showing over 70% success rate in mice treated with the combination of chemotherapy drugs and PARP inhibitors.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that dietary changes can alter the intestinal microbiome and susceptibility to autoinflammatory bone diseases. Researchers discovered that certain gut bacteria, such as Prevotella, fuel inflammation when fed a diet high in nutrients.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that adjusting treatment based on early response to chemotherapy significantly boosts the survival of young patients with a poor-prognosis leukemia subtype associated with the Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study included 344 children and adolesc...
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that males who received high cumulative doses of chemotherapy drugs are at increased risk of reduced sperm production as adults. The research suggests offering fertility preservation methods like sperm banking to eligible patients.
A high-risk leukemia subtype known as Philadelphia chromosome-like ALL (Ph-like ALL) is becoming increasingly common in young adults, particularly with age. This subtype is associated with poor survival rates compared to other forms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Researchers found the avian H3N8 flu virus, which killed harbor seals, can spread through respiratory droplets and pose a threat to humans. Human immunity to the virus is lacking, raising concerns about possible person-to-person airborne spread.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a key enzyme that regulates toxin production in Staphylococcus aureus, a common cause of serious infections. The discovery provides a promising target for developing new antibiotics to combat multi-drug resistant staph and related bacteria.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that 73% of adult childhood cancer survivors doubled their risk of metabolic syndrome by failing to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, which also increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.
The VOICES project at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital allows HIV-infected youth to anonymously share their stories, providing a powerful tool for clinicians and students to improve patient care. The project has empowered participants and given health care providers another layer of understanding into the emotional impact of HIV.
Researchers have discovered the mechanism by which NEDD8 attaches to cells' protein machinery, enabling them to adapt to changing conditions. This breakthrough provides new understanding of how cells regulate proteins and could lead to cancer prevention strategies.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a disrupted brain circuit that may contribute to auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia. The study, published in Science, suggests that reducing information flow between two brain structures involved in processing auditory information sets the stage for stress triggers.
Leslie L. Robison, a St. Jude Children's Research Hospital researcher, has received the Pediatric Oncology Award for his contributions to childhood cancer survivorship research. Studies funded by Robison have shown that childhood cancer survivors are at an increased risk of developing new cancers and chronic health problems.
Researchers identified differences in pneumococcal genome that explain why vaccines don't protect children with sickle cell disease from infections. The study's findings will aid efforts to improve vaccine effectiveness and inform research into new protection methods.
Researchers discovered that RIPK1 acts as an umpire to make tough life-or-death calls in cells. By removing different components of two pathways, the study showed that RIPK1 helps maintain a balanced response to signals promoting either pathway. This finding resolves long-standing questions about RIPK1's role in cell survival and provi...
Detailed studies at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reveal the structural details of how p53 attaches to its regulatory protein BCL-xL, enabling scientists to design drugs that release p53 in cancer cells, triggering apoptosis. The findings have significant implications for developing new cancer-fighting treatments.