A new class of NIR-absorbing biodegradable organic nanoparticles has been developed for the targeting and treatment of deep-tissue tumors. These molecules can be triggered by low-power lamp light, allowing for precise tumor-targeting therapy with minimal side effects.
Scientists at UMass Chan Medical School discovered how CRISPR-Cas9 targets DNA in live cells, finding that guide RNA stability affects cleavage. The study's findings help predict off-target cuts and may improve gene editing tools.
Researchers at UMass Medical School developed a Salmonella 'nanobug' mimic to deliver the protein SipA, which naturally reduces a well-known drug-resistant molecule found in many types of cancer cells. The nanobug dramatically boosts tumor sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, shrinking colon and breast cancer tumors in mice.
A new study identifies a genetic cause of ALS in 3% of cases, with the NEK1 gene playing a crucial role in neuronal function. The discovery highlights the importance of big data in ALS research and offers new targets for therapy development.
Researchers developed a detailed model system to study the Barr body's highly organized structure, revealing two distinct lobes with smaller active DNA domains. Topologically associating domains play a significant role in gene expression within the otherwise inactive lobes.
Researchers at UMMS found that T-cells play a pivotal role in social development, with elevated IFN-γ signaling linked to social brain function. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders.
A team of scientists at UMass Medical School identified a long non-coding RNA called lincRNA-EPS, which regulates innate immunity and prevents inflammation. In mice lacking this RNA, inflammatory responses were increased, leading to toxic shock.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School used CRISPR/Cas9 screening to identify human proteins that Zika virus needs for replication, revealing potential therapeutic targets. The study highlights the importance of understanding viral dependencies on human proteins to develop effective treatments.
Researchers at UMMS found that the protein IFITM3 blocks Zika virus replication and prevents cell death, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for preventing or stopping infection. Boosting IFITM3 levels may be useful in inhibiting Zika virus and other emerging viral infections.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed a computational network model called iCEL1273, which enables the analysis of nutrient interactions in C. elegans. The study provides new insights into how different macro- and micronutrients contribute to energy generation and biomass production.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School are developing a web-based care plan for osteoarthritis patients, utilizing a national database of total joint replacement patients. The care plan aims to improve patient-clinician interaction and informed decision-making, enhancing the quality of care and outcomes.
Researchers at UMass Medical School identified a molecular pathway critical for maintaining smooth muscle tone, which may lead to new treatments for digestive disorders. The study found that genetic deletion of a specific enzyme led to loss of basal tone and fecal incontinence in mice.
Researchers have developed a new technology using CRISPR/Cas9 to label and track up to seven different genomic locations in live cells. This allows for real-time study of chromosome dynamics and gene expression, enabling better understanding of biological processes and health outcomes.
Researchers discovered the organic cation transporter CarT is necessary for maintaining histamine levels in fruit fly brains, ensuring normal vision. Disrupting this process led to impaired vision and behavioral abnormalities in flies.
Scientists have successfully delivered a CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic to adult mice with Tyrosinemia type I, correcting 6% of the mutated FAH gene in liver cells. This breakthrough uses AAV and lipid nanoparticle delivery mechanisms, paving the way for potential human treatment.
A new study published in Science found that viral infection during pregnancy can cause autism-like behaviors in mice offspring, characterized by deficits in social approach behavior and repetitive behaviors. Blocking the immune response with antibodies restored normal brain structure and function.
Researchers at UMass Medical School and UMass Lowell are developing Flexware technology to estimate caloric intake of obese patients. The system will be pilot-tested in a clinical trial to increase accuracy and reduce patient bias.
Researchers at UMMS have identified a new life cycle stage in HIV infection, dubbed intra-nuclear migration, which relies on human protein CPSF6 to guide the virus through the host cell's nucleus. This phase was previously unappreciated and sheds light on early events of HIV infection.
A new vibration-based prevention technology has been shown to reduce apneic events and improve critical clinical parameters in prematurely born infants. The technology, tested in a neonatal intensive care unit, demonstrated a 50% reduction in apnea incidence and ameliorated oxygen desaturation events.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have developed a new CRISPR/Cas9 technology that improves gene editing accuracy by nearly 100 fold. The system combines the CRISPR/Cas9 complex with a programmable DNA-binding domain to verify an additional genetic feature before cutting the genome, reducing off-target changes.
The new center aims to understand how 3-D genome structure influences gene expression, cellular function, development, and disease. Researchers will generate three-dimensional models of the human genome using advanced technologies and imaging methods.
The University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) has been awarded a $20 million CDC grant to expand its efforts in preventing another Ebola outbreak in Liberia. The two-year grant will support training of healthcare workers, improvement of public health laboratory systems and hospital diagnostic services.
Researchers at UMass Medical School have discovered two host cell membrane proteins, SERINC5 and SERINC3, that greatly reduce the virulence of HIV-1 by blocking its ability to infect new cells. This breakthrough offers a promising new anti-retroviral strategy for treating HIV-1 and similar viruses.
Researchers at UMMS have discovered a new pathway that triggers regeneration of beta cells in the pancreas. This innovative approach may aid in the development of diabetes treatments by increasing the number of insulin-producing cells in response to increased demand.
Scientists have successfully reversed an animal's behavior by altering a single synapse in its neural network. This groundbreaking study provides new insights into the stability of neural circuits and their role in controlling behavior.
The study reveals that the mutation disrupts normal cell function by interfering with RNA and protein movement into and out of the nucleus. This leads to neuronal deterioration and death in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of voluntary muscle movement, paralysis, and respiratory failure.
Researchers at UMass Medical School found that Google Glass can effectively extend toxicology consults to remote hospitals, improving patient diagnosis and management. The device enables physicians to consult with remote specialists in real-time, validating bedside exams and diagnosing specific poisonings.
Researchers discovered that macrophages play an unexpected role in Rett syndrome, amplifying the disease instead of helping it. The study suggests modulating the immune system could delay symptom onset and slow disease progression.
Researchers create robust platform to investigate hundreds of mutations in a single experiment, allowing for the mapping of gene expression networks and understanding how genetic variations contribute to human diseases. The tool helps identify disruptions in gene regulation, leading to disease.
Neuroscientists have identified a novel brain circuit responsible for anxiety during nicotine withdrawal, which could lead to new treatments for smokers trying to quit. The study found that a region called the interpeduncular nucleus is activated and causes anxiety, offering a distinct target for dampening affective symptoms.
UMass Medical School scientists are developing a novel technology using CRISPR gene editing to excise latent HIV virus from infected cells. The goal is to create a functional cure by precisely cutting the DNA of the latent virus out of an infected cell.
A new molecule designed to specifically target a cancer-causing transcription factor has shown potential to extend survival in some leukemia patients. The small molecule, AI-10-49, inhibits the progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by sequestering an oncogenic mutant, leaving normal transcription factor activity intact.
Researchers developed a multicolored CRISPR/Cas9 labeling system to precisely measure the distance between chromosomes and genetic elements. The system enabled scientists to map chromosomal loci in live human cells, revealing key insights into gene accessibility and expression.
The genome of Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a nematode that infects up to 400 million people worldwide, has been sequenced. The study identified genes active during infection and potential drug targets. The findings could lead to new treatments for parasitic hookworms.
Researchers are developing a stress-eating smartphone app called RELAX, which will track daily activities, eating patterns, and stress levels. The app aims to provide coaching for dietary choices and guided stress-reduction exercises to help users better understand their emotional eating habits.
A UMass Medical School study found that long-lived C. elegans mutants spend more time in a frail state than healthy ones, challenging the assumption that longevity and health are linked. The researchers identified genes that control 'healthspan' as separate from those influencing lifespan.
A new study by UMass Chan Medical School found that opioids administered in the emergency room do not influence patient satisfaction scores. Factors such as wait time and communication play a greater role, according to the study's authors.
Researchers aim to predict which genes are expressed in dendritic cells based on specific conditions, aiming to explain why some people survive viral infections while others don't. This knowledge could lead to new treatments for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease by understanding faulty gene regulation.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School will explore the molecular basis of Fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 4,000 males and females. They aim to identify therapeutic targets by investigating three molecules that slow down mRNA translation in mice.
Researchers identified the TUBA4A gene as associated with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurological disorder. The mutated protein weakens the microtubule network, leading to motor neuron death and paralysis.
A novel strategy combining nanoparticle technology with FDA-approved photodynamic therapy has been developed to effectively kill deep-set cancer cells in vivo. The treatment uses low-power, deep-tissue-penetrating light to activate the cancer-killing drug, showing improved destruction of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School and UMMSM have identified a rare genetic pathway that protects against bipolar disorder. Decades of research in Old Order Amish families with a high incidence of both diseases revealed a significant negative association between Ellis van-Creveld syndrome and bipolar affective disorder.
A new study from UMass Medical School and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health found that even highly motivated individuals struggle to change their diet if they need to travel far to access healthy food. The study suggests that community health programs should prioritize creating supportive neighborhood environments to facili...
The study reveals a higher incidence of SCID in newborns, with survival rates significantly improved through early detection and treatment. The expansion of newborn screening programs has led to better outcomes for affected infants.
A study from UMass Medical School found that older adults have two times the risk of falling while walking out of necessity than walking for recreation. The study also revealed that falls on sidewalks and streets are more likely to result in an injury, even with less walking distance.
Researchers found that monarchs employ a light-dependent, inclination magnetic compass system for navigation similar to larger-brained migratory vertebrates like birds and sea turtles. The study suggests the compass serves as an important backup system when daylight cues are unavailable.
A new study found that a single episode of binge drinking can cause bacterial leakage from the gut into the bloodstream, leading to increased levels of toxins. This results in an immune response, producing fever, inflammation, and tissue destruction, according to researchers at UMMS.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School found that fruit flies can emit light when treated with a synthetic luciferin analog. This discovery expands the scope of bioluminescence imaging and opens new avenues for non-invasive studying of biological processes.
Researchers at UMass Medical School develop a novel model to study the effects of vitamin B12 on gene expression and physiology in C. elegans worms. The study reveals that vitamin B12 regulates development through the methionine/SAM cycle and alleviates toxic buildups of propionic acid, leading to improved fertility.
Researchers have created a quicker and more accurate method for assembling genome sequences by measuring DNA segment interactions and using their three-dimensional shape as a guide. This technique has been used to place previously unaccounted for DNA fragments in the human genome, improving genome assembly accuracy.