Researchers identified seven distinct subpopulations of kidney resident macrophages, each with unique transcriptomic signatures and functions. These subpopulations are associated with different portions of the nephron and have distinct roles in protecting the kidney from infection and maintaining tissue health.
Researchers found that knocking out TXNIP in alpha cells improves diabetes-associated hyperglycemia and hyperglucagonemia. This discovery suggests a new potential treatment for Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers found that ruxolitinib, a clinically approved drug, suppresses ICB-resistant melanomas by reprogramming TILs and relying on host TNF signaling. This discovery offers a potential target for bypassing therapeutic resistance in advanced melanoma patients.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that noninvasive ventilation in nano-preterm infants did not show an advantage in reducing bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death. In contrast, infants who received invasive respiratory support had lower rates of severe intraventricular hemorrhage and death.
Researchers led by Jianyi Zhang aim to find key pathways for reprogramming adult heart muscle cells to proliferate in response to a heart attack, potentially leading to improved heart attack recovery through growth of new heart muscle cells. The grant will fund three projects at UAB and two other universities.
A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham reveals how impaired metabolism due to mutations in succinate dehydrogenase B disables a normal bioenergetic sensing mechanism, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. This discovery sheds light on how cancer cells divide despite having a less efficient energy production.
Researchers discovered a novel role for an E. coli enzyme in reducing the toxic effects of hypothiocyanite, a key antimicrobial released by the human immune system. This finding has implications for diseases like cystic fibrosis and inflammatory bowel disease, as it suggests that various bacteria can evade this powerful oxidant.
ARID1A-deficient bladder cancers are sensitive to combination therapies with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK-126 and inhibitors of PI3K, acting synergistically. The research found that tumors deficient in ARID1A protein have elevated levels of PIK3R3 and phosphoAKT.
Researchers found 560 proteins were differentially expressed, with 32 significantly altered, in reductive stress hearts. The proteome signature revealed oxidative stress-related pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Researchers discovered a potent universal coronavirus therapy that targets the S2 stalk region of the viral spike protein, highly conserved among beta-coronaviruses. The monoclonal antibody protected against infections when given as an intraperitoneal injection or nasal dose in animal experiments.
Researchers discovered increased cell cycle activity and proliferation in cardiomyocytes after heart surgery, allowing for remuscularization of the left ventricle. The study identified key genes involved in pathways regulating heart development and cell proliferation.
Researchers used X-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of HIV-1 matrix protein at 2.1 angstroms resolution, advancing understanding of viral assembly and envelope protein incorporation. The study showed that molecular details at this level can help develop new therapeutic agents inhibiting HIV-1 assembly and virus production.
Researchers used fluorescence microscopy to study clathrin-mediated endocytosis in living cells. They found evidence of three models of curvature initiation and discovered that short-lived events favored the constant-curvature model, while longer events preferred the flat-to-curved transition pathway.
A proteomic study of 2,002 tumors identified 11 distinct molecular subtypes across 14 tissue-based cancer types, including breast, lung, and brain cancers. These subtypes provide new insights into the deregulated pathways and processes in tumors that make them cancerous.
Researchers have reported encouraging early-stage data for the Phase 1 clinical trial of INB-200, a gamma-delta T cell-based immunotherapy. All patients enrolled in the trial have exceeded their expected progression-free survival, with two patients exceeding overall survival as well. The treatment shows promising activity against gliob...
Researchers have developed biodegradable nanovesicles that efficiently encapsulate and deliver PARP1 siRNA to breast cancer tumors in mice, inhibiting oncogene expression and extending survival. The polymersomes, assembled from three biodegradable block copolymers, have strong potential for precision-targeted therapeutic carriers.
A novel preclinical drug has been developed to inhibit the kinase enzyme Cdk5, which is implicated in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions. The drug, 25-106, is brain-permeable and shows promise in altering neurobehavior in mice with anxiety-like behavior.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered a gene essential for siderophore secretion in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key process for acquiring iron. The discovery validates siderophore secretion as a drug target for tuberculosis treatment and reveals a new mechanism for putative drugs.
Researchers discovered a novel form of gene regulation altered in bladder cancer, which boosts the unfolded protein response pathway to help cancer cells survive during rapid growth. Elevated TRMT6/61A enzyme levels prevent tRF-3bs from silencing genes in this pathway.
A novel therapy using sustained release of nitric oxide has been shown to ameliorate obesity and Type 2 diabetes in mice fed a high-fat diet. The therapy was found to decrease body weight, improve glucose tolerance, and stimulate the browning of adipose tissue.
Researchers develop a refined microbiome fingerprint method to track sub-strain variations in key gut bacteria species. The study found differences in sub-strain dynamics between healthy individuals and hospitalized COVID-19 patients, suggesting an impending shift in the dominant strains of the gut microbiome.
Researchers discovered that sialylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor modulates cell mechanics and enhances cancer cell invasion. ST6Gal-I, an enzyme that adds sialic acid to EGFR, plays a key role in tumor progression and metastasis.
Scientists have created a searchable atlas of distinct cell populations in the ventral tegmental area, a key brain region involved in reward-directed behavior and substance use disorders. The study identified 16 cell populations, including classic dopaminergic neurons, glutamatergic neurons, and GABAergic neurons.
A study published by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that T cell-derived interleukin-22 plays a crucial role in antibacterial defense of colonic crypts. The researchers discovered that two types of immune cells, innate and adaptive, have distinct roles in defending against pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers found that verapamil treatment delayed disease progression, lowered insulin requirements, and preserved some beta cell function in patients with Type 1 diabetes. The study used proteomics analysis and RNA sequencing to examine changes in circulating proteins in response to verapamil treatment.
Researchers found elevated plasma xanthine oxidase activity and more fragments of damaged mitochondrial DNA in Black adults with resistant hypertension compared to white adults. These findings suggest an important underlying cause of increased cardiovascular risk in Blacks with difficult-to-treat hypertension.
The study of MUNC long non-coding RNA reveals the importance of experimentally determining its structure to identify functional domains. The researchers found that two structural domains, including six common 'hairpins,' were crucial for regulating gene expression and muscle cell differentiation.
Researchers found that interleukin-2 promotes the development of two subsets of CD8 T cells, one producing IL-2 and the other not, with distinct fates. The IL-2-producing cells develop into immune memory cells with long-term protection, while the non-IL-2-producing cells gain effector traits but lose memory formation.
A comprehensive quality-improvement initiative in a NICU reduced death and severe brain bleeding in extremely preterm infants from 27.4% to 15%. The program introduced evidence-based practices, including electronic order sets, improved monitoring of blood carbon dioxide and pH levels, and standardized delivery room practices.
UAB surgeons successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient, testing safety and feasibility in a novel human preclinical model. The experiment showed that the xenograft perfused normally and maintained vascular integrity, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands with organ failu...
Researchers at UAB successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, demonstrating the feasibility of xenotransplantation. The kidneys functioned for 77 hours without immediate rejection, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands suffering from kidney failure.
A study published in Cell Reports reveals that LPS protects against developing asthma when combined with allergens containing cysteine protease enzymatic activity, but promotes development when paired with allergens lacking this enzyme. This protective effect relies on the production of GM-CSF by non-classical monocytes.
Scientists have identified the transcription factor Blimp1 as a new critical regulator of tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells. Disrupting Blimp1 in these cells remodels the tumor microenvironment and augments the response to immunotherapy, promoting improved tumor control and anti-tumor immunity.
Researchers have developed a gel that improves the formation of arteriovenous fistulas, a vital connection site for kidney failure patients undergoing dialysis. The gel helps reduce intimal hyperplasia and vein narrowing, leading to better blood flow and increased success rates.
IN8bio is developing a genetically modified gamma-delta T cell technology to treat glioblastoma multiforme. Preclinical studies published in Scientific Reports show significant improvement in survival outcomes, and a Phase I clinical trial is underway at UAB.
Recent clinical trials showed promising results with cardiosphere-derived cells, improving heart parameters in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Researchers investigate using cell-derived products like exosomes to boost endogenous repair pathways, while aiming to reverse cardiomyocytes' proliferation limitations.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered the mechanism of secretion and trafficking of Mycobacterium tuberculosis' toxin TNT, which kills over 1 million people annually. The ESX-4 type VII secretion system plays a crucial role in transporting TNT across cell membranes.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a method to identify non-responding tumors using hypoxia imaging, which shows promise for improving response rates. Investigational new drug evofosfamide was found beneficial in treating hypoxic tumors with immunotherapy.
Researchers found that slow release of TT-10 from nanoparticles improved heart function after a heart attack, accompanied by increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and smaller infarct size. The study suggests that PLGA nanoparticles could be used to improve treatment administration efficiency for cardiovascular drugs.
Researchers will focus on understanding the disease, identifying B cell characteristics and plasma cells that create attacking antibodies. The study aims to enhance knowledge of SLE pathogenesis and differences in clinical manifestations, outcomes, and therapeutic responses.
Researchers analyzed fecal metagenomic DNA sequencing data to see if specific donor strains correlated with successful treatment outcomes. They found no correlation between donor strains and response to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma patients.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered a small molecule that potently attenuates neuroinflammation in brain and glial cells. This finding presents a promising new approach to treat neurological diseases driven by neuroinflammation, such as stroke, spinal cord injury, and neuropathic pain.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that SARS-CoV-2 viruses grown in successive generations exhibit increased infectivity, binding to heparan sulfate, and reduced virulence. The study suggests that evolved strains may be used as a basis for development of stable live attenuated vaccines.
CD8+ T cell priming in the spleen generates long-lived, stem-like memory T cells with enhanced ability to differentiate into T effector cells. Spleen-primed T cells have superior capacity to respond to rechallenge infection and expand into infection-fighting T effector cells.
Researchers reverse lung fibrosis in a mouse model using Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199, suggesting a novel therapeutic target to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study finds that monocyte-derived macrophages play a key role in fibrosis progression and that targeting the Cpt1a-Bcl-2 interaction modulates apoptosis resistance.
Researchers have found that breast cancer stem cells accumulate near a tumor arteriole, which they call the arteriolar niche. This niche promotes cancer cell features and potential development through the LPA/PKD-1 signaling pathway.
Researchers found that the drug Vismodegib altered tumor-associated macrophage metabolism, shifting them from immunosuppressive M2 macrophages to pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages. This shift led to a decrease in tumor-promoting properties and improved immune response.
A study published in Scientific Reports describes the putative molecular regulators of reductive stress — a microRNA network. The researchers identified a subset of miRNAs that appeared to be direct and dose-dependent targets of Nrf2, and thus putative regulators of reductive stress.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified DOT1L as a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Inhibitors of the DOT1L enzyme showed promise in reducing tumor growth and improving survival rates by stimulating pro-tumorigenic metabolic pathways and blocking apoptosis.
Researchers created a 3D view of diseased lung tissue using microCT to reveal that TB granulomas are complex and branched, with unique connections to airways. This has significant implications for treatment, including the potential for aerosolized drug delivery to reduce treatment times.