Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a new class of antibiotics called spectinamides that are active against difficult-to-treat tuberculosis and show promise in treating drug-resistant strains. The drugs work by disrupting the function of a part of the cell known as the ribosome.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that childhood cancer patients are no more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than their healthy peers. Despite a life-threatening diagnosis, young cancer patients reported benefits from the experience, including greater empathy and closer relationships with fa...
A protein complex named mTORC1 is essential for jumpstarting the immune response during the first 24 hours of an infection. It helps ensure that newly activated T cells have the energy needed to launch proliferation and produce specialized T cells.
A new gene sequencing project identifies a family of drugs that enhance oxidative stress to kill rhabdomyosarcoma tumor cells and boost chemotherapy effectiveness. The study offers hope for treating this aggressive childhood cancer, particularly for patients with recurrent disease.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found avian H2N2 influenza A viruses from the 1957-1958 pandemic can infect human cells and spread among ferrets, posing a risk to those under 50 who lack immunity to the virus
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have identified an enzyme that can halt or reverse the build-up of toxic protein fragments in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Gene therapy increased activity of the enzyme neuraminidase 1, reducing plaques in the brain involved in learning and memory.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study found that young adult childhood cancer survivors are more likely to be frail than their peers, increasing their risk of death and chronic disease. Frailty is associated with advanced age in the general population but was not linked to lifestyle factors in female survivors.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that combining gemtuzumab ozogamicin with conventional chemotherapy improves the outcome of bone marrow transplantation for some children with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia. The treatment helped eliminate minimal residual disease, leading to better patient survival rates.
Researchers have discovered a novel way to generate antibodies that target multiple flu viruses, offering new hope for developing a single vaccine against all strains. The study used the immune suppressant rapamycin to shift the immune response and favor production of broadly specific antibodies.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital finds that an inherited gene variation in the GATA3 gene is tied to a nearly four-fold increased risk of developing high-risk pediatric leukemia and a greater risk of relapse, particularly among Hispanic Americans.
A national study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital suggests that reducing risk factors such as hypertension can lower the risk of heart disease in childhood cancer survivors as they age. The study found that survivors with normal blood pressure were at a five-fold increased risk of coronary artery disease, highlighting the impor...
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that patients with donor bone marrow carrying a specific KIR protein variation had improved survival and reduced disease progression after bone marrow transplantation. The study identified a 60% decrease in death risk and 62% reduction in disease progression using this approach.
Researchers identified a gene mutation that predisposes children to the most common form of childhood leukemia. The PAX5 mutation was found in multiple generations of two families, leading to a marked reduction of normal PAX5 activity in leukemia cells.
A new study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a proven drug effective for adults and children with sickle cell anemia reduced hospitalizations and medical costs for young children by 21% annually.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have identified a protein that blocks death of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, leading to a new two-drug combination therapy approach. The study shows promise for treating Ph-positive ALL, a high-risk cancer with limited treatment options.
Researchers have identified a link between VCP gene mutations and toxic protein buildup in ALS patients, providing a new approach for developing treatments against the devastating disease. The study suggests that activating autophagy to clear stress granules could offer a new strategy for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a way to target the immune system to shrink or eliminate tumors in mice without causing autoimmune problems. The mechanism focuses on regulatory T cells and proteins semaphorin-4a (Sema4a) and neuropilin-1 (Nrp1).
The Donald Pinkel Endowed Chair supports the hospital's CEO, Dr. William E. Evans, in his research and academic programs. This endowment honors St. Jude's first director, who developed a revolutionary approach to treating childhood cancer.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that protein MCL1 is essential for normal cardiac function, complicating cancer drug development efforts. The study suggests that targeting MCL1 expression in target cells may be beneficial for treating heart muscle damage following heart attacks or other insults.
Researchers found that mTORC1 serves as a rheostat to control regulatory T cells, which suppress the immune system's inflammatory response. The study challenges prior understanding of the mTOR pathway's role in regulating specialized T cells.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that 98% of childhood cancer survivors have at least one chronic health condition, with 80% developing a life-threatening condition by age 45. Regular medical checkups and healthy lifestyle choices can help mitigate risk.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that epigenetic changes, such as cytosine methylation, are unique to each child with ALL and may be as important as genetic alterations in causing the disease. The research suggests that epigenetic targeted therapies could be developed for patients with ALL.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a 'rheostat' mechanism in T cell receptors that regulates the immune response, enabling cells to scale their response according to the threat. This finding offers insights into advancing understanding and treatment of problems like autoimmune disorders and cancer.
A gene sequencing project has identified mutations responsible for more than half of a subtype of childhood brain tumor that takes a high toll on patients. The study found that the tumors are susceptible to drugs already in development, offering new hope for treatment.
A national survey of health professionals found that cancer drug shortages disrupt chemotherapy administration, increase costs, and add to the risk of adverse patient outcomes. The survey, conducted by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, reports that 98% of respondents experienced a shortage in the previous year.
A new study from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that inherited genetic variations in four genes increase the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. The research also showed ethnic differences in the cancer's incidence, with higher rates among Hispanic and African American patients.
Researchers discovered mutations in two genes, hnRNPA2B1 and hnRNPA1, that lead to the death of nerve cells in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. The study found these proteins play a crucial role in normal RNA functioning and have been linked to cancer.
A new approach to analyzing repetitive DNA at chromosome ends has revealed potential cancer clues, including a link between telomere length and genetic mutations. The study found that 32% of pediatric solid tumors carried extra DNA for telomeres, compared to brain tumors and leukemia samples.
Researchers have identified distinct genetic defects in two childhood leukemia subtypes known for dramatic chromosome loss, providing a possible lead for treatment. The study found that patients with these subtypes have an inherited cancer syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which affects the TP53 tumor suppressor gene.
A national study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a drug shortage led to a significant increase in cancer relapse rates among pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. The study revealed an estimated two-year cancer-free survival rate of 88% for patients treated with mechlorethamine, compared to 75% for those treated...
A recent study has identified a fusion gene responsible for almost 30% of a rare subtype of childhood leukemia with an extremely poor prognosis. The finding offers new insights into the disease and paves the way for more effective therapeutic interventions.
The Legacy Bead program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital uses glass beads to mark treatment milestones, such as losing hair or completing chemotherapy. Patients and family members can use the beads to express their feelings and create a tangible way to share their experiences.
A new diagnostic test has been identified as the most effective method for measuring treatment response in young patients with acute myeloid leukemia, which could lead to a higher cure rate. The test uses flow cytometry to identify minimal residual disease in patient bone marrow, allowing for more intensive therapy to be guided.
A targeted educational approach teaches young patients to remain motionless during MRI scans, making the process safer for children with sickle cell disease. The study found that children who completed a brief preparation program were eight times more likely to undergo successful MRI tests without sedation.
Scientists have identified genetic alterations underlying a high-risk subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that can be effectively targeted with existing leukemia therapies. The study suggests patients with Ph-like ALL may benefit from the addition of imatinib and dasatinib to current chemotherapy regimens.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a new mechanism for eliminating unneeded proteins in cells, which could lead to new treatments for rare blood vessel disorders. The study reveals how a protein called Glomulin disrupts the ubiquitin system, marking potentially thousands of proteins for destruction.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a universal enzyme essential for influenza virus replication, paving the way for the development of new antiviral drugs that can effectively treat and prevent drug-resistant strains. The discovery may lead to the creation of drugs that not only target influenza but als...
A new study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified an innate immune system component that suppresses inflammation, which in turn dampens the immune response to infections. The findings suggest that targeting this protein could block bacterial infection and offer a completely new approach to fighting infections.
A multicenter trial showed that nearly half of young patients with early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma can be cured without radiation or intensive chemotherapy, maintaining excellent long-term survival. The study's findings suggest that patients with favorable-risk disease may benefit from minimal treatment approaches.
Researchers have discovered genes that cooperate in tumor development and identified potential new drug targets for the most aggressive subtype of medulloblastoma. The study found alterations linked to subtypes with the best and worst prognosis, offering new direction for understanding what drives these tumors.
The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has released the world's largest comprehensive human cancer genome data, exceeding volume of all other sources combined. This valuable information is available for free access by researchers, accelerating disease research and potentially leading to new treatment options for childhood cancers.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found no significant difference in survival rates between African-American and white children treated for virtually all cancers during a 15-year period. The study suggests equal access to comprehensive treatment translates into equally good outcomes, closing the racial survival gap.
Researchers have identified a second form of the MCL1 protein, which works in a different location and performs a different function. The newly discovered version is shorter and located inside mitochondria, where it promotes mitochondrial energy production and may aid in cancer treatment.
Researchers discovered that TopBP1 is crucial for preventing DNA damage early in brain formation and may act as a tumor suppressor. The study found that cells in the developing brain require TopBP1 to prevent DNA strands from breaking during cell division.
A large international study found that chemotherapy is an effective alternative to bone marrow transplants for young leukemia patients who fail induction therapy. The study identified a subset of patients with high cure rates after additional chemotherapy, improving overall survival rates.
Researchers identified a gene mutation associated with chronic neuroblastoma that typically affects adolescents and young adults. The discovery provides clues about the genetic basis of treatment outcome and age at diagnosis.
Researchers determined the mechanism by which sulfa drugs kill bacteria, revealing a chemical reaction known as an Sn1 reaction. This discovery provides a basis for developing new antibiotics that are harder to resist and cause fewer side effects.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that Hispanic children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and die from the disease due to inherited risk factors, particularly ARID5B gene variants. These variants were found to be up to two times more common in Hispanic children than in white children.
Researchers have discovered nearly 80% of childhood brainstem tumors with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) harbor mutations in genes involved in DNA organization. The mutations may play a unique role in other aggressive pediatric brain tumors, providing hope for new therapeutic targets.
Researchers have discovered a genetic connection between two cancers, one with poor prognosis and the other with better outcomes. The study suggests that patients with the more aggressive cancer may benefit from treatment developed for acute myeloid leukemia.