Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine have created a protein switch that can be used to interrogate the molecular mechanisms of human health and disease. By studying Src kinase, they revealed a previously unknown role in cell motility, consistent with its ties to tumor progression and metastasis.
A UNC School of Medicine study found that cold perception is enhanced when nerve circuitry for heat is inactivated, impacting how people with chronic pain experience temperature sensations. The research also has implications for why some patients taking pain relief drugs shiver before hyperthermia sets in.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered that hepatitis A virus acquires an envelope from infected cells when found in the environment, blurring the distinction between enveloped and non-enveloped viruses. This unique behavior allows the virus to evade host immune systems and survive longer periods between hosts.
For the first time, researchers have isolated adult stem cells from human intestinal tissue, providing a much-needed resource for scientists to study human stem cell biology. The isolated stem cells can be used to explore new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and chemotherapy side effects.
A systematic review of clinical interventions for adults exposed to traumatic events found only two psychotherapeutic treatments showing promise: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Collaborative Care. These treatments showed possible benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms, but more research is needed due to the limited evidence base.
A pilot program called Single Fathers Due to Cancer has been launched at the University of North Carolina Health Care to provide emotional support to men facing unique challenges after losing their partner to cancer. The group aims to address feelings of profound aloneness and provide a safe space for men to share advice and feedback.
A new blood thinner, Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa), may increase the risk and severity of certain viral infections, including flu and myocarditis. Researchers found that blocking thrombin activity can disturb the innate immune response to viral infection.
A study published in PLoS Pathogens suggests that removing the viral infectivity factor gene from HIV allows the innate human immune system to destroy the virus. The researchers used a humanized mouse model and found that APOBEC3 proteins effectively restrict HIV growth when vif is removed.
Researchers at UNC have found that protein palladin enhances cancer-associated fibroblasts' ability to break down barriers and create pathways for tumors to spread. This discovery could lead to new treatments and screening options for pancreatic cancers.
A new genetic sequence has been identified as crucial for coordinating the synthesis of DNA-packaging proteins in cells. This process is essential for maintaining genomic stability and preventing birth defects and cancers. The discovery provides insights into how cells regulate histone protein production, a critical step in chromatin a...
Children at risk of schizophrenia have brains that function differently than those not at risk, with a neural circuitry that is hyperactivated or stressed by tasks. This finding suggests early warning signs or vulnerability markers for schizophrenia and may help identify individuals who can be intervened to minimize risk.
A new study found that 7-month-old infants who later develop autism show slower gaze shifting and attention reorientation compared to typically developing infants. The researchers suggest that atypical brain circuits, specifically the splenium of the corpus callosum, may contribute to this behavioral difference.
Researchers used optogenetics to study the interaction between two brain regions involved in emotional behavior. They found that stimulating one pathway increased anxiety-like behavior, while stimulating another pathway promoted reward-associated behaviors.
A clinical trial comparing two treatments for advanced head and neck cancer found that adding a targeted biologic therapy to chemotherapy did not improve patient outcomes. The study's results suggest that the current standard of care therapy may be sufficient, at least for now.
Researchers have discovered a chemical probe, UNC1215, to investigate the role of malignant brain tumor domains in biology and disease. The probe targets L3MBTL3 methyl-lysine reader domain proteins, which play a fundamental role in gene expression and cancer development.
A UNC-led team has identified four molecular classes of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a disease with limited information on its molecular profile. The study confirms the presence of these subtypes and demonstrates their clinical relevance, paving the way for targeted therapies.
A preclinical study uses ultrasonic molecular imaging and Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Perfusion Imaging to measure response to pancreatic cancer therapy. The study reveals that these new technologies can detect molecular signs of tumor response after just 2 days, improving the early identification of therapeutic response.
Aravind Asokan, assistant professor of genetics at UNC School of Medicine, received the award for his significant contributions to gene therapy. His lab developed a synthetic viral toolkit to unravel viral infectious pathways and produce novel vectors for gene therapy.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have identified a family of human genes known as Tousled-like kinases (TLKs) that play a key role in suppressing and activating herpesviruses. The discovery suggests that suppressing TLK enzymes may help prevent viral replication and reduce the risk of virus-associated cancers.
Researchers have identified at least four disease subtypes within triple-negative breast cancers, highlighting the need for targeted therapies that target individual biomarkers. The Basal-like subtype is the majority of TN patients, and therapies targeting its unique biology are crucial for therapeutic progress.
A systematic review of clinical interventions found only a few psychotherapeutic treatments showing promise for reducing symptoms in children exposed to trauma. School-based cognitive behavior therapy interventions were associated with changes in post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and anger.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that men's decisions to undergo prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening are influenced by how information is presented. The researchers discovered that men who were given a balance sheet with relevant features of PSA screening were more likely to choose the screening option, while tho...
Researchers discovered that steroid drugs can suppress a molecule key to rapid bone loss in rib fractures, reversing bone loss and improving lung function. The study's findings challenge the conventional understanding of steroids as causing bone loss.
A new strain of MRSA has emerged that can spread beyond hospital walls, putting everyone at risk. Researchers have identified a gene that causes this strain to linger on the skin longer than other strains, making it more susceptible to polyamines, which can be toxic to other forms of the bacteria.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found striking similarities between heart cells and brain cells in patients with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a new treatment paradigm for heart failure. Misfolded proteins in heart cells are a key factor in the process of heart failure.
A study of US biobank collections reveals their vast diversity, with varying reasons for establishment, specimen types, and funding sources. The findings emphasize the need for nuanced policies addressing issues like privacy, research goals, and efficient use of specimens.
Researchers discovered a signaling pathway in macrophages that detects escaping bacteria and activates an enzyme to trigger self-destruction, protecting against lethal infections. The caspase-11 detection pathway protects mice from infection with Burkholderia species, including the potentially deadly B. pseudomallei.
A team of researchers from the University of North Carolina and Columbia University discovered how two key proteins in messenger RNA communicate via a molecular twist to regulate histone production. This complex interaction helps maintain the balance of histones and DNA, ensuring proper cell growth and division.
Researchers at UNC developed a method to visualize aging and tumor growth in mice using gene-activated luminescent cells. They found that old mice were brighter than young mice, with sites of cancer formation becoming extremely bright, allowing for early identification of developing cancers.
Invasive cervical cancer is a leading cause of death in women from Sub-Saharan Africa, where access to health services increases detection rates. A study found that HPV testing was most sensitive, but specificity was reduced compared to pap smears and visual inspection of the cervix.
A new clinical trial shows that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) can safely induce desensitization in people with peanut allergy, with significant increases in the amount of peanut powder they can consume. The treatment involves daily doses of liquid containing peanut powder, and was more effective than placebo.
A new study reveals snippets of information in dark matter that can alter the way a gene is assembled. This discovery opens doors to studying the dark matter of genes and further understanding how mutations or polymorphisms affect gene functions.
A study published in Cerebral Cortex found that brain changes associated with common gene variants linked to disorders like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia can be seen in newborns. These findings suggest that prenatal brain development may play a significant role in shaping psychiatric risk later in life.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine identified polycomb-like proteins as key regulators in stem cell development and cancer. The study found that these proteins interact with epigenetic signals to control gene expression, implications for both stem cell biology and cancer development.
Researchers identified three genetic variants associated with abnormal insulin production, increasing the risk of developing diabetes. The study's exome array genotyping analysis revealed the involvement of genes TBC1D30, KANK1, and PAM in insulin processing and secretion.
A clinical trial of a gene therapy cocktail has shown promising results in treating Canavan disease, a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver a replacement ASPA gene to the brain, reducing NAA levels and improving symptoms.
Researchers at UNC discovered that the hepatitis C virus binds with microRNA miR-122 to protect itself, promoting viral replication. This interaction presents a promising target for new drugs to treat the infection.
Scientists have developed a way to create designer drugs that target multiple proteins simultaneously, potentially treating complex diseases like diabetes and schizophrenia. The new approach uses computational chemistry and experimental testing to validate drug compounds, showing promise for developing effective treatments.
Researchers at UNC and Harvard have discovered a new alternative mechanism for activating the Ras protein, which plays a crucial role in cellular growth control. The discovery, published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, shows that modification of Ras with ubiquitin can activate it, leading to cancer formation.
Researchers have broadened the understanding of how cells regulate silencing of the X chromosome, finding indications of gene activity inside and outside the Xist cloud. The study's findings suggest a more subtle regulation mechanism than previously thought, with potential implications for cancer therapy and non-coding RNA function.
A new study reveals that the primary cilium plays a crucial role in guiding interneurons to their correct locations during brain development. This navigation system is disrupted in individuals with Joubert syndrome, a rare neurological disorder linked to autism spectrum disorders and brain structure malformations.
Researchers found that L-DOPA can compensate for lost dopamine in motor pathways, improving symptoms. However, it also increased dopamine in reward pathways, which may have unanticipated effects on emotion and attention.
A five-year grant will support early-career scientists and clinicians in a yearlong research fellowship at 17 sites in 13 countries. The program aims to enhance career trajectories, strengthen global health research, and bolster networking among participants.
A research group recommends that patient-reported symptoms and health-related quality of life measures should be assessed in comparative effectiveness studies. This approach is crucial for adequate evaluation of cancer treatments, as patients' experiences directly impact their ability to function and maintain quality of life.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina School have established a connection between histone H3 lysine 9 methylation and DNA methylation, implicating protein UHRF1 in their maintenance. This finding may provide clues to the underlying causes of disease and cancer.
A team of researchers identified genetic causes of the most common form of breast cancer, Estrogen-Receptor positive Luminal A subtype, providing clues for new therapeutic targets. They also found a molecular similarity between basal-like breast cancers and high-grade serous ovarian tumors.
Researchers have developed a new analysis framework to help clinicians spot 'medically actionable findings' from genetic tests, streamlining the process and providing more timely results. The approach classifies genetic variations into three categories, prioritizing those linked to treatable or preventable conditions.
Researchers identified two genomic locations associated with a large number and variety of diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders. The MHC locus was linked to autoimmune diseases, while the INK4/ARF locus was connected to aging-related diseases such as atherosclerosis and Type II diabetes.
A new study uses genetically-engineered mouse models to compare the delivery of carboplatin to melanoma tumors, finding that these models best predict human response. The research aims to improve laboratory models for cancer drug development and accelerate new therapies from lab to patient.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered a prime suspect for new cancer drug development: the CIB1 protein. Decreasing CIB1 in cancer cells causes cell death, but the exact mechanism was unknown until now.