St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators have identified a protein that plays a pivotal role in protecting the intestinal tract from colitis. The Nlrp3 protein helps maintain healthy colon function by triggering production of epithelial cells to compensate for damage caused by colitis.
A multicenter trial found that pegfilgrastim and filgrastim were similarly safe and effective at restoring neutrophils following chemotherapy, requiring fewer injections. The study's results may transform treatment for all childhood cancer patients, easing the burdens of therapy for them.
Statins may protect individuals from serious illness following bacterial infection, including pneumococcal infections that threaten those with sickle cell disease. The cholesterol-lowering drugs employ methods to dampen inflammation and block bacterial toxins, prolonging the lives of mice with sickle cell disease.
Scientists discover GM1-ganglioside builds up in brain cells of patients with GM1-gangliosidosis, disrupting calcium balance and leading to programmed cell death. The study suggests a two-step process and identifies key proteins involved in the disease.
Arthur Nienhuis, M.D., of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, received the 2009 ASH Mentor Award for his dedication to mentoring trainees and colleagues. His expertise in bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy paved the way for many advances in hematological disorders.
A new study aims to prevent brain complications in children with sickle cell disease by comparing two treatments: standard therapy of monthly blood transfusions and chelation vs. a daily dose of hydroxyurea and monthly phlebotomy. The goal is to reduce the risk of first strokes in high-risk patients with sickle cell anemia.
Researchers have discovered a new chromosomal abnormality in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that is particularly common in children with Down syndrome. The finding has led to the development of new diagnostic tests and potential treatments, including an experimental medication targeting one of the altered genes.
Researchers discovered that T cells recognize a specific marker on insulin-producing cells to gain access to the islets, triggering inflammation and destruction. The findings suggest new approaches to halt or prevent type I diabetes by blocking T cell entry into the islets.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists identify inherited genes ARID5B and IKZF1 associated with childhood ALL, including a gene that may predict drug response. The study offers the first proof-based evidence of inheritance playing a role in childhood ALL.
Researchers found that H5N1 flu infection causes a 17% loss of dopamine-producing cells and accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein, key findings linked to Parkinson's disease. The study suggests the virus primes the brain for further damage from environmental toxins or other infections.
A comprehensive analysis of childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) found only a few genetic mistakes contributing to the disease. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the need for more detailed examination of AML's complete genome.
Research led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists shows that switching off a key DNA repair system in the developing nervous system is linked to smaller brain size and problems with movement, memory, and emotion. The study provides new insights into the role of DNA damage response in preventing neurological disease.
Researchers identified three cases of likely HIV transmission to infants via pre-chewed food, suggesting caution for HIV-positive caregivers. The study highlights the need for more data and education on culturally sensitive issues related to infant feeding practices.
Researchers identified the Myosin II-actin machinery powering neuronal migration, revealing how glial cells guide neurons to their correct place in the developing brain. This finding offers new insights into brain organization and could lead to better understanding of disorders like epilepsy and mental retardation.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that personalized chemotherapy regimens can effectively treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) without cranial radiation. The study, conducted by researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, found a cure rate of 90% for all patients, with impro...
Researchers have pinpointed a new class of gene mutations that identify cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia with a high risk of relapse and death. The discovery suggests specific drugs could treat this subtype, building on previous studies hinting at kinases' role in the disease.
Researchers discovered that only minor differences in cell proliferation timing explain the anatomical differences between owl and capuchin monkey eyes. This finding sheds light on how complex structures like the eye evolve gradually through evolution without compromising function.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found that cells isolated from the eye are not retinal stem cells, contradicting previous findings. Instead, they suggest that re-engineering stem cells to develop photoreceptor cells could be a promising approach to restore vision in people with retinal degeneration.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered 102 inherited genetic variations that affect chemotherapy response in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These variations can help predict early treatment success and identify potential targets for novel drugs.
Researchers discovered how defective DNA repair in ATLD and NBS causes distinct pathologies, including neurodegeneration and microcephaly. The study provides insights into the links between brain disease and cancer vulnerability in people carrying these diseases.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a more effective treatment for secondary pneumonia following influenza, using antibiotics like clindamycin and azithromycin. These treatments inhibit protein synthesis, reducing inflammation and improving survival rates in mice infected with both conditions.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered that normal stem cells can give rise to tumors in mature solid tissues, including the intestine. The study identifies Prominin1 as a molecular marker for normal stem cells, which can act as the source of cancerous tumors.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a gene therapy that alleviates sickle cell disease pathology by introducing a corrective gene into mouse blood cells. The treated mice showed essentially no difference from normal mice, with improved red blood cell production and organ function.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that a specific differentiated cell type requires constant expression of the Prox1 gene to maintain its identity. In its absence, lymphatic endothelial cells reprogram into blood endothelial cells, gaining new characteristics.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified distinctive genetic changes in cancer cells of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that cause relapse. The study found that the majority of ALL relapse cases arise from a cell already present at diagnosis, providing a potential target for treatments.
Researchers have gained new insights into the regulation of calpains, enzymes involved in cellular processes and linked to disorders such as muscular dystrophy and Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals how calpastatin attaches to calpain with precise specificity, providing potential targets for drug development.
St. Jude researchers discover how intracellular pathogens use biochemical machinery to block nitric oxide production, a key chemical weapon against them. The findings offer hints for fighting bacteria and suggest the development of targeted drugs to inhibit such diseases as tuberculosis and toxoplasmosis.
Researchers have gained insight into how cells accessorize their proteins to regulate function, a process critical for life. By studying the attachment of NEDD8 to cullin-RING, scientists have found that it transforms the enzyme into an activated form that can attach ubiquitin to target proteins.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered a new drug that can temporarily disable the ATM protein, making tumor cells more susceptible to irradiation and chemotherapy. The treatment, CP466722, has no significant side effects, according to the study published in Cancer Research.
The study sheds light on the complex interactions between genes and environmental factors that cause holoprosencephaly, a developmental malformation affecting the anterior brain and face. Researchers found that a gene called Six3 plays a crucial role in regulating fetal brain development.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that the loss of NEU1 triggers a catastrophic fall in biochemical dominos leading to disrupted hematopoietic stem cell formation and enlarged spleens. The study sheds new light on the cause of sialidosis and its link to bone marrow transplantation failure.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that children under 3 years old with diffuse pontine glioma (DPG) tend to respond better to treatment than older children. The study suggests that distinct biological characteristics of DPG in young patients may account for their improved survival rates.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered T cells use molecular controls to modulate development and avoid autoimmunity. Subtle defects in these controls may explain the delayed onset of autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that the prestin protein embedded in outer hair cell membranes plays a critical role in amplifying sound signals. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind acute hearing loss due to genetic mutations or drug overdoses.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study identified genes involved in DNA synthesis and repair that contribute to methotrexate resistance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study found distinct gene expression profiles among patients who responded well or poorly to methotrexate, predicting treatment response and diseas...
The study found that a combination of genetic mutations, including the deletion of gene IKZF1, can initiate most cases of an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The researchers also identified cooperation between these genetic lesions and BCR-ABL1 expression.
A new surgical approach, called bilateral nephron-sparing surgery, has shown promise in saving both kidneys of children with bilateral Wilms tumor. This procedure involves removing the malignant tumor while sparing as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are investigating two areas of molecular science that hold promise for improving the survival and quality of life of ALL patients, including adolescents and adults. Gene-expression profiling and pharmacogenetics may help identify targets for future therapy and reduce toxicity.
Researchers found that proteins BMP2, BMP4 and BMP7 inhibit medulloblastoma tumor growth while inducing malignant cells to develop into normal neurons, offering a potential new treatment for the cancer.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a crucial role of the Hax1 protein in protecting cells from apoptosis. The findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical interactions that control programmed cell death, which may lead to new treatments for diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers identified children under 2 years old with very low lymphocyte levels as at high risk for severe RSV infection. The study found that 28% of infected children developed lower respiratory tract infections, with a mortality rate of 8.6%.
Researchers found that the N-myc gene coordinates retina growth to ensure proper thickness, a crucial process for converting light into images. The study provides new insights into retinoblastoma, a rare pediatric eye cancer, and may lead to improved understanding of eye formation.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found a connection between two cellular defense mechanisms, phagocytosis and autophagy, that help the body fight infections and resist chemotherapy drugs. The study suggests that these mechanisms work together to destroy germs and cancer cells, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers identify key cellular components that carry out protein disposal and shed light on how proteasome inhibitors interfere with this process. The discovery could lead to novel cancer drugs targeting the protein disposal mechanism.
Researchers found that the N-Myc gene triggers cancer when paired with growth-promoting protein IL-3 and causes cell suicide without it. The study also shows that immortalized cells overexpressing N-Myc become more aggressive and produce fewer growth-inhibiting proteins.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a new signaling molecule IL-35 that prevents immune responses from running amok. The finding could lead to the development of new treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases.
A community-based weight control program, Girls Health Enrichment Multisite Studies (GEMS), demonstrated a significant reduction in the prevalence of obesity among 8-10 year old African-American girls for up to two years. The program's success was attributed to changes in dietary intake and education.
Dexamethasone treatment disrupts sleep and causes profound fatigue in children with ALL, according to a new St. Jude study. The research suggests that altering timing or dosing of the drug could lessen these side effects and improve quality of life.
Researchers identified the specific horizontal interneuron cell that gives rise to eye cancer retinoblastoma, challenging a long-standing principle of nerve growth and development. This finding suggests it may be possible to induce fully developed neurons to multiply and repair injured brains.
The study found that the lymphatic vasculature arises directly and solely from the embryonic veins in mammals, contradicting a competing theory. This discovery holds promise for developing new therapies for lymphatic system disorders and promoting the growth of new lymphatic vessels.