The Collaborative Cross project in North Carolina has created a vast library of genetic material, mirroring human diversity in mice. This enables faster and more accurate understanding of genetic variation's impact on living systems, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatment and prevention for human diseases.
A study by UNC researchers has discovered how a genetic defect underlying congenital heart disease distorts cardiac muscle cells, preventing them from forming a fully functioning heart. Treatment with a drug that regulates cell shape rescues the cardiac defect, offering therapeutic avenues for future treatment.
Research reveals that pneumonic plague bacteria transform the lungs into a permissive environment for microbial proliferation. Without symptoms, these bacteria grow and reproduce rapidly, leading to rapid disease progression and high mortality rates. This unique ability is exclusive to Yersinia pestis.
Researchers found that consuming a high-fiber diet raised, rather than lowered, the risk of developing diverticulosis. Those with lower fiber intake were less likely to develop diverticula.
A new study found that women over 67 with normal bone mineral density scores do not need to be re-screened for osteoporosis for 15 years. This longer timeframe is based on the estimated time it takes for 10% of women in the highest bone density ranges to develop osteoporosis.
Researchers have identified a rare genetic mutation linked to a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer, particularly in men with a family history of early-onset disease. The mutation, called HOXB13, is associated with a 10-20 times higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Researchers discovered that statin therapy can reduce blood clotting by targeting the expression of inducible tissue factor, a molecule that triggers abnormal clotting. Elevated levels of oxidized LDL induce tissue factor, which contributes to the formation of an occlusive thrombus after plaque rupture.
The hepatitis C virus has evolved a unique relationship with the liver's miR-122 microRNA to stabilize its RNA and promote efficient replication. A new experimental antiviral drug works by binding to and sequestering this microRNA, destabilizing viral genome and accelerating degradation.
The HPTN 052 study found that early treatment with antiretroviral therapy can reduce HIV transmission in couples by at least 96%. The research has been recognized as a scientific breakthrough of the year, inspiring efforts to end the world's AIDS epidemic.
Researchers at UNC may have found a way to awaken the dormant allele of Ube3a, leading to potential treatments for Angelman syndrome. The team used FDA-approved drugs like irinotecan and topotecan to 'awaken' the paternal allele, resulting in functional protein expression.
A recent study from UNC at Chapel Hill may help explain the failure of some HIV prevention clinical trials and suggests ways to improve their success. The study found that drug concentrations in tissue can make a difference in effectiveness, and adherence to taking the drug as prescribed is crucial.
Whole genome sequencing technology has arrived, uncovering both useful and unwelcome medical results, including information on high-risk diseases like dementia. Regulation is crucial to ensure safe use, with a nuanced approach that balances paternalism with protection from potential harm.
A new study finds that less than one-quarter of parents of overweight children recall ever being told by a doctor or healthcare provider that their children were overweight. Despite improved awareness over the last decade, this percentage remains low, suggesting a need for more effective communication strategies.
Researchers have successfully delivered replacement genes to patients with muscular dystrophy using a 'chimeric' virus. The study demonstrates the potential of customized gene therapy as a treatment option for this devastating disease.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that the protein Shc plays a vital role in forming new blood vessels through its ability to coordinate signals from growth factors and extracellular matrix. This finding highlights the importance of understanding molecular mechanisms in disease development and treatment.
A team of UNC scientists has identified P-Rex1 protein as a crucial factor in the movement of melanoblasts, leading to melanoma development. The study found that mice lacking this protein are resistant to melanoma metastasis, suggesting P-Rex1 plays an important role in cancer spread.
A new study finds mycophenolate mofetil superior to azathioprine as a maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis, with improved patient outcomes and reduced side effects. The study included 227 patients from 19 countries and showed that mycophenolate mofetil was more effective in treating the condition.
Researchers found that scarring after a heart attack can help prevent further damage, but interrupting the process weakens heart function. The study suggests that timing is essential in manipulating cells to decrease scarring and enhance regeneration.
A new study by the University of North Carolina Health Care found that elderly patients are less likely to receive pain medication in hospital emergency departments compared to middle-aged patients. The study suggests that physicians may be cautious about potential side effects in older adults, leading to a significant gap in pain mana...
A surgical procedure aimed at bypassing a blocked brain artery did not lower the subsequent stroke rate after 2 years, compared to those who did not have the surgery. Patients who made it through the first month without a stroke had their risk of subsequent stroke almost cut by three-fourths.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care have identified the regulatory mechanism behind cell polyploidy, a phenomenon observed in plants and insects. The discovery may lead to new insights into liver regeneration and disease treatment.
A recent meta-analysis notes that current evidence is not adequate to determine the best margin for common melanoma presentations. A new study adds to the evidence base with no significant difference in overall survival or recurrence-free survival for patients with a melanoma thicker than 2mm and two centimeter resection margins.
A new study by University of North Carolina Health Care reveals that obesity impairs the immune system's ability to fight flu viruses. The research found that obese individuals experience a decline in antibody levels and defective CD8+ T cells after receiving the annual flu shot, making them more susceptible to flu illness.
A study published in Nature Genetics finds that both males and females up-regulate X chromosome gene expression to equalize the dosage imbalance caused by having only one copy of the X chromosome. This confirms a longstanding hypothesis and provides new insights into how cells manage genetic imbalances.
Researchers found that morning UV exposure increases skin cancer risk by 500% compared to afternoon exposure. The study's findings imply that restricting sunbathing or tanning booth visits to morning hours could help prevent skin cancer in humans.
A Phase III trial of RTS,S, a malaria vaccine candidate, has shown significant protection against clinical and severe malaria in young African children. The vaccine reduced the risk of malaria by 56% and 47% after three doses, with an acceptable safety and tolerability profile.
Researchers found that a gene called CCR2 and an immune system cell called Th17 cell play key roles in rheumatoid arthritis. A missing type of monocyte may also contribute to the disease's progression.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher is leading a collaborative network to study the genetic determinants of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The network aims to develop new methods for identifying individuals at risk, early detection, and monitoring Barrett's esophagus progression.
Researchers have discovered two genetically distinct HIV types in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with HIV-associated dementia, which may predict disease progression and cognitive damage. The study found that one variant infects macrophages, a type of white blood cell, while the other reproduces in T cells.
University of North Carolina cardiologist Cam Patterson received the 2012 Judah Folkman Award in Vascular Biology. His groundbreaking work on angiogenesis and VEGF cell receptor signaling has led to basic research findings being translated into clinical trials for new cardiovascular therapies.
A UNC-led study shows that patients with high-risk non-melanoma skin carcinomas of the head and neck may benefit from concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, achieving better outcomes compared to radiation alone. The study provides preliminary data on the feasibility of combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy.
A collaborative network of scientists, including UNC's Cam Patterson, has been awarded a $6 million grant to explore the biology of heart failure and find new therapies. The project aims to define the role of proteotoxicity in clinically relevant models of heart failure.
G-Zero Therapeutics, a UNC spin-off, has received a $3 million Small Business Innovation Research Grant to commercialize technology protecting patients from cellular damage caused by radiation or cancer chemotherapy. The grant will fund the development of treatments for bone marrow toxicity resulting from radiation and chemotherapy.
Thomas L. Kash, a UNC assistant professor, has been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for his innovative research on alcohol's effects on neural circuits in the brain. The award recognizes his potential for leadership as both a scientist and model citizen.
Researchers found slower disease progression among patients starting treatment with CD4 counts between 350 and 499. The study suggests initiating therapy at this range may provide long-term benefits, but no benefit is seen for patients with CD4 counts above 500.
The UNC Center for Diabetes Translation Research to Reduce Health Disparities aims to reduce diabetes-related disparities among poor and underserved populations. The center will leverage existing resources at NC TraCS Institute and partner with several universities and health departments to foster translational research.
A study from UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine has illuminated a critical step in demethylation, giving stem cell researchers information to reprogram adult cells. The disappearance of chemical tags is a passive process, not catalyzed by an enzyme.
A new type of nanoparticle has been developed to deliver chemotherapy drugs more effectively, with a high drug loading capacity and controlled release. The nanoparticle demonstrated significant growth inhibition of pancreatic tumors, showing up to three times higher therapeutic efficacy than traditional chemotherapy drugs.
A large international study of over 50,000 adults has identified 11 common genetic variations associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The study found that many of these variants contribute to both diseases, providing new molecular evidence for the causes of these chronic brain disorders.
Researchers at University of North Carolina Health Care identified genetic underpinnings of Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells, crucial for preventing autoimmune and inflammatory disease. The study sheds light on potential therapeutic targets for diseases like type I diabetes, arthritis, and lupus.
A new study has shown that a 24-week treatment course for hepatitis C is just as effective as a 48-week regimen for many patients. The study included 540 patients with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C who had not previously been treated or could not be successfully treated with current standard of care.
A new study by University of North Carolina researchers found that adopting simple infection control measures can dramatically reduce targeted infections, mortality, and costs. The interventions included strict hand hygiene practices and measures to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have devised a gene therapy cocktail that can treat some inherited diseases caused by misfolded proteins. The approach uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver two payloads simultaneously: one disables the mutant protein and another provides a new gene to replace its activity.
A collaborative study between UNC and Duke scientists reveals that disruptions in protein signals can lead to improper mitochondrial distribution during cell division, resulting in reduced ATP levels. This finding has implications for diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Dr. Joanne Jordan has received the 2011 Distinguished Service to Rural Life Award from the Rural Sociological Society for her outstanding contribution to enhancing rural life and rural people through her work on the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, which improved health outcomes in rural North Carolinians.
A University of North Carolina-led international study shows that male circumcision is associated with a lower prevalence of human papillomavirus-associated precancerous lesions of the penis among Kenyan men. Circumcision was found to reduce HPV-associated penile precancerous lesions by 78%.
A new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveals that plant pathogens employ a surprisingly limited number of cellular targets to infect plants. By mapping the interactome for Arabidopsis thaliana, researchers found that these targets are shared among multiple pathogens, suggesting a coordinated attack strategy.
A novel molecular technique has restored dystrophin protein production in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, offering a new therapeutic option. The treatment, using antisense oligonucleotides, was well-tolerated and showed significant dose-dependent increases in muscle protein levels.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have discovered the seventh and eighth bases of DNA, called 5-formylcytosine and 5-carboxylcytosine. These modified bases are thought to play a role in DNA demethylation and stem cell reprogramming.
Women with breastfeeding difficulties in the first two weeks after giving birth are more likely to experience postpartum depression at two months, according to a new study. The study found that women who disliked breastfeeding and those with severe breast pain were at higher risk of depression.