Researchers will investigate how impaired cellular waste-clearing systems contribute to Parkinson's disease. The collaboration aims to uncover mechanisms that could guide future therapeutic strategies, with a focus on understanding the role of lysosomes in disease development.
A TGen-led study reveals that different dementia-related protein pathologies interact with each other in complex ways. The study found that inducing alpha-synuclein and tau before amyloid plaque deposition led to increased levels of defective proteins and exacerbated behavioral impairments.
JAYseq, a whole-genome sequencing assay, provides detailed information on genetic changes and cell surface proteins to guide personalized treatment strategies. The test enables the identification of high-risk markers and assesses the presence of specific cell surface proteins targeted by advanced immunotherapies.
A study by TGen and City of Hope found a significant correlation between tumor splicing burden and clinical response to treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients with high splicing burden showed signs of robust immune activation, suggesting the body may be primed to attack cancer cells.
A study found 65 distinct protein fragments from SARS-CoV-2 inside extracellular vesicles of patients with long COVID, but not in uninfected human cells. This could be a specific and quantifiable indicator for confirming long COVID diagnosis.
Researchers mapped expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) across 38 cell types in the lung, revealing cell-type-specific and disease-associated genetic control of gene regulation. This understanding will aid in developing therapeutics targeting PF mechanisms.
Researchers from HonorHealth Research Institute, City of Hope, and TGen have developed a biomarker panel that detects small amounts of RNA genetic material in the bloodstream, enabling early detection of pancreatic cancer. The test has shown robust diagnostic accuracy and offers promise for improving survival rates.
A new equation and 3D imaging technology have been developed to score pancreatic cancer patients for surgical removal of their tumor. The method provides a precise way to determine which patients are eligible for surgery, with the potential to improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers have developed a massive platform called PepSeq for analyzing antibody responses, which can track hundreds of thousands of protein building blocks. The technology has been used to analyze COVID-19 antibodies and shows promise as a surveillance tool for detecting animal viruses in humans.
Even normal weight individuals are susceptible to severe fatty liver disease due to various risk factors including diet, genetics, and ethnicity. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis if left undiagnosed or untreated.
A ketogenic diet has been shown to starve pancreatic cancer cells and enhance the effectiveness of a triple-drug therapy. The study, led by TGen, found that the diet reduced glucose levels in tumors and elevated ketone bodies, leading to increased stress on cancer cells.
A new clinical trial, named after Dr. Nate Nieto, aims to test the efficacy of a Vemurafenib and Sorafenib combination against advanced pancreatic cancer. The trial will involve about 10 patients with specific KRAS gene mutations, using liquid biopsy blood tests to identify different types of mutations.
A comprehensive review highlights recently discovered associations between lncRNAs and specific diseases, including fatty liver disease and liver cancer. The study suggests that a diverse group of molecules known as long noncoding RNAs could emerge as biomarkers for liver disease.
A global study led by TGen found five genes linked to brain regions that may help prevent suicidal behavior. The research could inform predictive models of suicide risk in patients with mental disorders.
A new nomogram tool helps predict patient-level survival probabilities, accounting for sex differences in glioblastoma. The study analyzed over 1,300 patients and recommends further research on biological mechanisms underlying these differences.
A sixth-grader with a rare disorder, Emma, was diagnosed through TGen's genetic sequencing, providing validation to her family. The diagnosis led to awareness of the disorder and hope for treatments, thanks to TGen's Center for Rare Childhood Disorders.
A $500,000 CZI grant enables TGen's international team to create a genetic biobank for Indonesia, increasing ethnic diversity in human genomics research. The project aims to characterize healthy immune systems among urban and rural communities, providing benefits for Indonesian doctors and patients.
Researchers from TGen matched the exact strain of coronavirus shared among a Phoenix-area owner, his cat and his dog, marking the first reported US transmission of COVID-19 from a pet to pets. The study found that the virus spread from the pet parent to either the dog or cat, or both.
A new TGen study is exploring the use of checkpoint inhibitors to treat pancreatic cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment and rendering it vulnerable to immunotherapies. The study, funded with a $1 million grant, aims to overcome the resistance of pancreatic cancer to treatments, including immune therapies.
A new interactive US county map shows that ticks carrying disease-causing bacteria have been found in 116 counties not previously identified by the CDC. Lyme disease was detected in 293 counties, while tick-borne relapsing fever and anaplasmosis were found in 80 and 128 counties respectively.
A 10-year study led by TGen and the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium found that refractory or relapsed tumors had a higher number of genetic mutations than tumors at diagnosis. The study suggests that deeper genomic analysis and therapies targeting the immune system may offer greater patient benefit.
A nationwide study of 295,000 brain cancer patients reveals significant differences in survival and incidence based on sex and age. The findings suggest that males have higher incidence rates, while females have longer survival rates at almost every age group, except among children aged 0-9 years.
Researchers found that DNA methylation patterns at specific genomic sites correlated with levels of fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study suggests that these patterns could be used to diagnose the severity of this condition, potentially leading to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.
A nationwide study suggests that a family's socio-economic status can shape the health of young children by influencing the diversity of their gut microbiome. The study found that parents with higher education levels had children with a higher abundance of certain beneficial microbes, which could have long-term implications for health.
A TGen-led international study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 takes advantage of genetic changes in patients with pre-existing lung diseases, leading to more severe symptoms and poorer outcomes. The research identifies molecular characteristics associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted treatments.
TGen will accelerate its efforts to track variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with the grant, enabling the identification of specific variants and improving biomedical technology. The funds will also enable TGen to provide a genomic sequence for every new COVID-19 infection in Arizona.
A TGen-led study of 70,000 individuals found that both smoking and cardiovascular disease impair verbal learning and memory in adulthood, with sex differences observed. The study suggests that quitting smoking can improve brain function and maintaining cardiovascular health is crucial for preventing cognitive decline.
A study by TGen suggests that increasing ABCC1 expression could reduce Abeta production, preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's. The gene modulates cellular processes involving amyloid precursor protein, potentially reducing plaque formation and cognitive decline.
A review of studies links excessive fructose intake to NAFLD in children, suggesting restricting added sugars may reduce risk; current diagnosis methods are inadequate, and better tools are needed.
A new study suggests that Lyme disease habitats may be more widespread in California, Oregon, and Washington than previously thought. Citizen scientists collected over 18,000 ticks for analysis, producing valuable data for researchers.
Researchers are conducting a pilot study to investigate SARS-CoV-2 in animals. Four pets have tested positive for COVID-19 in Arizona so far, and the project aims to better understand the risk factors leading to transmission between humans and animals.
Researchers have found that short strands of cell-free DNA in urine can indicate a difference between healthy individuals and those with cancer. The DNA fragments are protected from degradation and can provide meaningful information about disease complexity like cancer.
A TGen-led study has developed a test to detect infinitesimally small breast cancer biomarkers in blood samples, improving detection accuracy. The test uses a highly specific protein signature to identify the earliest stages of breast cancer with no false positives.
A study suggests that COVID-19 may awaken an antibody response to existing human immunity against prior coronavirus infections. Researchers used a tool called PepSeq to map antibody responses to coronaviruses and found cross-reactivity at two sites in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein.
Researchers at TGen have identified the miR1307 gene as a potential dimmer switch that regulates SARS-CoV-2's replication speed, influencing disease severity. The study suggests this gene could be exploited to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19.
A recent study published in Oncogenesis suggests that a compound derived from the thunder god vine can attack 'super-enhancers' in the DNA of cancer cells, as well as the stroma surrounding the tumor. This disruption leads to accelerated cancer cell death and improved clinical outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Researchers propose endotracheal aspirates as an attractive alternative to invasive bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia. The study revealed that ETA is functionally diverse and highly enriched in proteins involved in immunity, suggesting its potential to detect lung infection earlier and more accurately.
Researchers used single-cell sequencing to genetically identify cell types and subtypes in pancreatic tumors and surrounding stroma. The study identified distinct cell populations, including tumor cells, immune cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts, which correlated with patient clinical outcomes.
The Arizona COVID-19 Genomics Union tracked SARS-CoV-2 strains in the state, finding that no widespread community transmission occurred until mid-February. The union's efforts helped prevent an outbreak and provided valuable time for preparedness efforts.
A team of researchers identified specific therapeutic targets for adenosquamous cancer of the pancreas (ASCP), a deadly form of pancreatic cancer. The study used multiple analysis methods to identify mutations and genomic variants, including FGFR signaling and RORC, which could be targeted by existing drugs.
A review article suggests postmenopausal women are at higher risk for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to the decline in estrogen levels. Normal-weight women with normal lipid, glucose, and insulin levels are at low risk for NAFLD.
The COMBAT trial, a phase IIa clinical trial, has shown promising results with pembrolizumab and BL-8040 combination therapy, achieving a 32% meaningful tumor shrinkage in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. This response rate is double that of traditional chemotherapy, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes.
A UArizona-TGen led team identified robust biomarkers through proteomics and metabolomic analysis that could help guide treatment for tens of millions of patients who sustain traumatic brain injuries. The study found that RIC (Remote Ischemic Conditioning) can be an effective intervention in preventing severe long-term disabilities.
A study by TGen has identified a drug, SP-2577, which can enable the immune system to attack ovarian cancer. The drug, also known as Seclidemstat, was developed to inhibit LSD1, a protein that is abundant in SCCOHT ovarian cancer.
A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances has identified five unique cell types associated with lung fibrosis, including a pro-fibrotic epithelial cell that drives the disease. The research also reveals high plasticity in lung cells, allowing them to transform into different types under certain conditions.
PATRIOT analysis uses organoids to identify potential therapeutic targets in tumor cells, providing a holistic assessment of patient tumors. This allows for improved therapy recommendations and expanded personalized therapy options for cancer patients.
An international study has characterized genes in ancient DNA from isolated Indonesian villagers, revealing potential immune-boosting properties. The research, led by TGen, aims to better understand how genetics drives disease-risk across diverse populations and could lead to new treatments for infectious diseases.
Ashion Analytics has been certified for the National Cancer Institute's MATCH program, offering a comprehensive genomic analysis of all possible cancer mutations in DNA and RNA. This allows for personalized treatment options and potentially life-changing outcomes.
The combination of atovaquone and azithromycin has been previously studied in other infectious conditions and may represent a well-tolerated option for patients infected with COVID-19. The study will analyze interval nasopharyngeal swabs and genomic sequencing to gain a better understanding of the COVID-19 virus.
Goblet cells in nasal passages highly express ACE2 receptor, allowing COVID-19 virus to enter airway cells. Researchers suggest these cells may serve as viral reservoir, helping to disseminate the disease.