Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered structural similarities between SARS-CoV-2 and a pangolin coronavirus, suggesting that a pangolin coronavirus could infect humans. The study found that the pangolin virus was able to bind to receptors from both pangolins and humans.
Researchers identified genetic and gene expression changes that can predict tumor response to immunotherapy, with higher mutation rates linked to better outcomes. The study's findings aim to improve treatment decisions and identify alternative options for patients who don't respond to current treatments.
Researchers developed a new imaging method to track antibiotic distribution in infected tissues, revealing that some antibiotics only partially penetrate infected cells. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments and reduced risk of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute discovered that dendritic cells present proteins from dead cells to T-cells by bursting phagosomes, a process involving receptor DNGR-1. This mechanism is fundamental to the immune system and could lead to new ways to exploit natural defenses against infection and cancer.
A study published in Molecular Cell found that blocking ALC1 enzyme can selectively kill cancer cells with homologous recombination deficiency, offering a potential new treatment option for certain types of breast and ovarian cancers. The researchers also identified ALC1 as a key factor in determining patient survival rates.
Researchers successfully rebuilt a whole functioning human thymus from human stem cells and bioengineered scaffolds. The breakthrough could lead to new techniques for growing artificial organs and treating severe immune deficiencies.
A new study by Crick researchers reveals that stem cells protect their chromosome ends through a unique t-loop structure, distinct from the TRF2-dependent mechanism in somatic cells. This discovery opens up new questions about the evolution of telomere protection and its implications for premature aging and cancer.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute discovered that some children have pre-existing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, which may offer protection. The study found that these antibodies are more common in children than adults and target a specific part of the virus, suggesting potential for vaccine development.
A global study of ancient dog DNA found at least five different types of dogs more than 11,000 years ago in Europe, the Near East, and Siberia. The research team sequenced DNA from 27 dogs, showing that canine diversity originated when humans were still hunters and gatherers.
Researchers found that placenta cells start to develop shortly after fertilization, triggering a cascade of molecular events. This discovery could lead to improvements in fertility treatments and a better understanding of placental-related diseases during pregnancy.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute found the clock that sets the speed of embryonic development, discovering it's based on protein breakdown and replacement. Human motor neurons take twice as long to form as mouse motor neurons due to slower protein turnover.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have characterized ten distinct structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its interaction with human cells. The study provides new insight into the virus's ability to infect human cells and informs the development of vaccines and treatments.
Researchers have successfully grown human intestinal grafts using stem cells from patient tissue, paving the way for personalized transplants for children with intestinal failure. The mini-organs can digest and absorb nutrients, reducing the risk of complications associated with parenteral nutrition.
Researchers characterised the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in high resolution and compared it to a bat coronavirus. The study found significant differences at receptor-binding sites, making the SARS-CoV-2 spike more stable and bind to human cells around 1,000 times tighter.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a protein used by the malaria parasite to protect itself from toxic compounds in red blood cells. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that block this process, potentially providing valuable insights for treating malaria.
Two genes, MTG8 and MTG16, regulate stem cell differentiation in the small intestine, supporting its fast replacement process. This discovery could help understand how the body maintains a healthy gut and inform research on stem cell differentiation outside of the small intestine.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute found that a protein which helps fight viruses can later interfere with lung tissue repair. This could prolong lung damage and increase risk of subsequent bacterial infections.
Researchers found that cancer cells activate an inflammatory response when in contact with fibroblasts, making it harder for viruses to infect them. By blocking this signaling pathway, oncolytic viruses can more effectively target cancer cells, offering a potential treatment option.
Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute identified a genetic cause of testicular tissue developing in people with female chromosomes. They found that mutations affecting the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) gene lead to an imbalance that favors male testis development.
A new tumour sampling method, representative sequencing, accurately detects genetic alterations in tumours by collecting data from a well-mixed representation of the whole tumour. This method has been shown to be more consistent and accurate than current methods, with implications for personalized cancer treatment.
A team of researchers at the Francis Crick Institute identified early-commitment genes that trigger irreversible cell specialization in human embryos. These genes, which include GATA3, activate a positive feedback loop, ensuring cells remain differentiated and do not reverse back to a stem cell state.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute identified an experimental drug that prevents cancer from returning in mice. The drug, Quisinostat, works by increasing a protein called histone H1.0 within tumour cells, stopping them from replicating and growing.
Researchers have identified how a deadly malaria parasite controls its stickiness in red blood cells, evading the immune system. By targeting this mechanism, potentially more effective therapies may be developed to combat the disease.
Researchers developed a new method to accurately record brain activity at scale, enabling the creation of brain-computer interface systems. The technology overcomes challenges in recording brain activity across large areas and minimizes tissue damage.
Researchers found that a key TB antibiotic can't irreversibly inhibit an enzyme, instead allowing it to function again through hydrolysis. This discovery could lead to the development of improved versions of the drug and new treatments for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers found that inhibiting apoptosis in fruit fly neurons led to the development of 'zombie' cells that formed new olfactory neuron networks with distinct properties. These neurons expressed different receptors, including those for carbon dioxide detection, giving the flies enhanced odor perception.
Researchers discovered that healthy lung cells support the survival of breast cancer cells, allowing them to form secondary tumours. Targeting the growth of cell protrusions on breast cancer cells can prevent secondary tumour formation.
Astrocytes, a type of cell that supports motor neurons, play an important protective role in the early-stages of sporadic motor neuron disease. When close to motor neurons, these cells help rescue them from misfolded protein TDP-43.
Research from The Francis Crick Institute found that gut bacteria activate a specific gene called Ahr in intestinal nerves, promoting healthy digestion and peristalsis. This relationship can be disrupted in cases of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.
Scientists discovered that over 20% of mutations occur in early stages of tumor development, with some changes taking place years or even decades before cancer is diagnosed. These early genetic alterations can be identified using a new method developed by researchers at the Francis Crick Institute.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered the mechanism behind HIV's resistance to a widely-prescribed group of drugs. By exploring the structure of integrase using cryo-electron microscopy, they found that the virus can weaken the bond between the drug and its target, enabling its key enzyme to work again.
New research found that after recovery from a respiratory infection, particular cells in the innate immune system in the lung are more effective, offering extra protection against new infections. This heightened immunity is due to the production of cytokines by lung macrophages, which cause inflammation and help fight pathogens.
A new open-source software framework simulates genetic diversity in tumour samples and evaluates the accuracy of computer prediction algorithms. The tool provides a benchmarking approach for clinicians to make informed decisions about treatment options, helping them match patients with personalized medicines more effectively.
New study from the Francis Crick Institute reveals that telomere t-loops are crucial for protecting chromosomes from damage by adopting a lasso-like structure. The research also uncovered the mechanism that regulates the winding and unwinding of these t-loops, essential for maintaining chromosome integrity.
A study published in Nature Cell Biology has identified a protein called CD9 that drives growth of pancreatic cancer and could be a target for new treatments. The researchers found that CD9 is present on the surface of cancer stem cells, which are a driving force behind cancer growth.
Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute identified a key mechanism controlling tissue structure, which could help identify drugs that make it harder for cancer cells to spread. The study found that collisions between cells help create different tissue structures, some of which aid cancer progression and can be targeted by drugs.
Researchers identified gamma delta T cells in breast tissue, which are associated with remission and higher survival rates. The study suggests that these cells may be used to develop new treatments for breast cancer.
A new study found that combining a G12C KRAS inhibitor with two other compounds can significantly shrink lung tumours in mice and human cancer cells. This combination block the mTOR and IGF1R pathways, making it a promising avenue for treating lung adenocarcinomas with the deadly G12C KRAS mutation.
Researchers found that non-cancerous cells in tumor microenvironment regress into stem cell-like state, supporting cancer growth. This 'corruption' of neighboring cells enables cancer to thrive and spread.
Scientists at MSD and Francis Crick Institute are working together to better understand Motor Neurone Disease, a devastating disease with no current treatments. The collaboration aims to identify key mechanisms that can kill motor neurons and build scientific understanding for future treatments.
A new study by the Francis Crick Institute found that antibiotics can wipe out early flu resistance and leave the lung vulnerable to viral infections. Gut bacteria help maintain a first line of defense in the lining of the lung, but antibiotics can destroy this defense.
Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute created a comprehensive database of gene activity in mice with ten diseases, allowing researchers to study immune responses without needing actual mice. The database uses next-generation sequencing technology and shows the activity of over 45,000 genes across different diseases.
Researchers developed a new technique to visualise the distribution of TB drugs in human macrophages at high resolution. The study found that bedaquiline accumulates in lipid droplets inside host cells, forming a reservoir that supplies the drug to Mtb over time.
A study has characterised two distinct populations of gut immune cells, which could help scientists develop treatments targeting inflammation while preserving healthy gut function. The 'good' cell population helps keep the gut lining healthy, while the 'bad' cells cause excessive inflammation and are associated with inflammatory diseases.
A recent study found that climate change can lead to a loss of genetic diversity in species like the alpine marmot. The animal's low genetic diversity makes it vulnerable to adapting to environmental changes.
Scientists at the Francis Crick Institute and Imperial College London have identified novel compounds that target a different part of the malaria parasite's enzyme, evading the same resistance mechanism. This study aimed to prevent malaria treatment resistance by studying how it evolves during drug development.
Researchers developed 'Autonomouse' system, allowing for up to 18 months of minimally disturbed mouse behavioral research. The 'smart house' combines animal welfare and efficient research findings, published in PLOS ONE.
A new 3D imaging technique has revealed that pancreatic cancers can develop in two distinct types - 'endophytic' and 'exophytic' - depending on the size of the duct. This breakthrough may lead to improved treatments for pancreatic cancers by better understanding how cancer grows.
Cells maintaining their shape and proportions are crucial for successful reproduction through cell division. Fission yeast cells, studied in the research, found that a cell's shape determines where it will divide, highlighting the fundamental biological basis of scaling.
A class of breast cancer drugs could potentially benefit patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancers that have become resistant to treatment. Lung tumours in mice caused by mutations in a gene called EGFR shrunk significantly when a protein called p110α was blocked.