Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have pieced together the lesser-known DNA repair pathway, polymerase theta-mediated end joining (TMEJ), which is upregulated in patients with hereditary breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer. The discovery could lead to new therapies for cancer by targeting this pathway.
Research led by Corinne Keet at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine found a significant association between increased IgE antibodies to common foods and cardiovascular mortality. The study suggests that people with sensitization to cow's milk, peanut, or shrimp may be at increased risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 alters mitochondria on a genetic level, leading to widespread 'energy outages' throughout the body and its major organs. This affects the heart, brain, and lungs, contributing to long COVID symptoms.
Over the last 20 years, children are more likely to be treated at specialized children's hospitals rather than general hospitals, according to a new study. The shift has significant implications for hospital capacity needs and high-quality child-specific transport systems.
A large-scale genomic study confirms the heritability of postpartum depression, suggesting a significant genetic component. The research also reveals that the only FDA-approved treatment for PPD, brexanolone, likely acts on GABAergic neurons in specific brain regions.
A clinical trial found that Peanut SLIT is safe and effective in children aged 1-4 years, with over 80% tolerating peanuts without allergic symptoms after treatment. Remission of peanut allergy was also possible, with 63% maintaining protection three months after stopping the treatment.
A new clinical and research partnership has created an AI model that can predict whether cancerous tissue has been fully removed from the body during breast cancer surgery. The model performed as well as humans in identifying positive margins, especially in patients with higher breast density.
Scientists have identified thousands of non-coding genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's disease, focusing on their impact on microglial gene expression and function. The study found that turning off specific regions can affect multiple genes, highlighting the complex mechanisms underlying AD.
Researchers have successfully developed a robot that can autonomously navigate through living lung tissue, avoiding vital structures such as airways and blood vessels. This innovation enables surgeons to reach previously inaccessible small tumors, improving treatment outcomes for patients with lung cancer.
Research reveals strong associations between oral health and survival among people diagnosed with head and neck cancer, with better oral health linked to increased survival. Frequent dental visits were found to be associated with earlier cancer diagnosis and less deadly disease stages.
A five-year, $6.15-million NIH grant has enabled six North Carolina institutions to collaborate on advancing the science of nephrology, hematology, and urology. The NC KUH TRIO Program aims to train the next generation of researchers and foster academic and professional development across disciplines and institutions.
Researchers have identified 439 genetic variants that regulate gene expression and may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. This discovery could pave the way for more precise interventions and therapies by providing insights into the complex genetic architecture underlying the condition.
A phase 2 study of idrevloride in hypertonic saline has shown significant improvement in lung function for individuals with primary ciliary dyskinesia. The treatment, an epithelial sodium channel blocker, is safe and well-tolerated, offering hope for newly developed treatments for the rare disease.
Researchers will examine neurological and psychological factors that lead to substance use in adolescents with anxiety symptoms. The study aims to identify predictors of adverse patterns of substance use and develop targeted interventions to prevent pathways.
Research reveals that a healthy gut microbiome can play a role in the acquisition and severity of HIV and EBV infections. The study found that animals colonized with resident microbiota had higher rates of HIV infection and increased viral loads, suggesting that altering the gut microbiota could be a potential therapeutic approach to c...
Researchers have discovered a link between adenovirus infection and an anti-platelet factor 4 disorder, which can cause severe thrombocytopenia. The condition is rare and potentially fatal, and has been reported in patients with viral symptoms and no exposure to heparin or vaccines.
A new study identifies two distinct subtypes of human papillomavirus-positive head and neck cancers with different treatment outcomes. Tumors with high NF-kB activity are more responsive to radiation therapy, leading to improved patient survival.
The study identified two genes, SOX9 and KLF5, that contribute to the development of hidradenitis suppurativa. These genes play a role in hair follicle and epidermal development, respectively, and their mutations may lead to improper development of hair follicles and inflammation.
Researchers identified a new mechanism by which cancer hijacks enzyme substrate motif mutations, enabling tumor growth and therapy resistance. The study found that colorectal cancer hijacks BUD13 mutations to inactivate a key tumor suppressor, Fbw7.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination produces a robust immune response in the nasal cavity, with higher levels of antibodies promoting neutralization. The study suggests targeting the S2 region for intranasal vaccines may increase nasal mucosal levels of IgA and viral neutralization.
A new study found that higher doses of oral semaglutide improved regulation of blood sugar levels and weight loss compared to lower doses. Participants who received the 25mg and 50mg doses lost an average of 17.5 pounds, nearly twice as much weight loss as those who took the lowest dose.
Researchers have found that microglial cells in the brain can serve as a stable viral reservoir for latent HIV. This discovery provides new insights into how to target and eradicate the virus, particularly in the brain or peripheral blood.
Researchers developed a new approach to evaluate HIV infection through the entire male genital tract, showing that productive HIV infection occurs in all organs of the male genital tract. Antiretroviral treatment can suppress HIV production and prevent penile HIV infection by using pre-exposure prophylaxis with an antiviral drug.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine identified molecular pathways critical for heart development, revealing that the mevalonate pathway regulates embryonic heart cell cycling and signaling molecules. This study provides a foundational data set to identify biological causes of congenital heart disease.
A recent study found that adolescents across various ages, genders, and geographies are aware of and concerned about the potential impacts of abortion restrictions. The study, led by Dr. Bianca A. Allison, used a nationwide text message poll to gather responses from over 800 adolescents between 14-24 years old.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine discovered that human T cells can independently control RSV replication in lung tissue, suggesting a new approach to developing vaccines. The study's findings support the development of RSV vaccines that elicit effective T cell responses to improve vaccine efficacy.
Researchers developed a new method combining palmitoleic acid, gentamicin, and non-invasive ultrasound to improve drug delivery in chronic wounds infected with S. aureus. The strategy reduced bacterial burden by 94% and successfully sterilized wounds in diabetic mice.
A Phase 3 trial found that mailing HPV self-collection kits and scheduling assistance increased cervical cancer screenings among under-screened, underserved women. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach in breaking down access barriers to screening.
Researchers have created a new manual to study human diseases, using evolutionary genomics to analyze genetic risk. The manual reveals the importance of highly constrained genes that unite mammals, providing insights into neurological disorders and psychiatric conditions.
Researchers demonstrate therapeutic potential of new neurons generated in adulthood for modulating Alzheimer's disease pathology and functional deficits. Optogenetics and chemogenetics strategies enhance adult-born neurons, restoring cognitive and affective function in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
A new 'enhanced primary care' model has been found to be effective in reducing blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c levels among patients with severe mental illness. The study, conducted at UNC WakeBrook, showed significant improvements in screening for people with severe mental illness compared to usual primary care.
Dominique Higgins and his team found that a specialized diet can induce ferroptosis, a type of cell death, in glioblastoma cells, making chemotherapy drugs more effective. This approach has shown promise in animal models and is being explored as a potential treatment for brain tumors.
Researchers from the University of North Carolina Health Care announce that patients receiving anti-TNF biologic treatments combined with methotrexate had better outcomes than those treated with adalimumab alone. The study, published in Gastroenterology, provides clear results that can immediately impact patient care.
Researchers discovered genetically identical bacterial cells have different functions, with some producing toxins. Nutrient-rich conditions reduce toxin levels and bad actor cells. This finding could lead to alternative antibiotic treatments for animals and humans.
A new focused ultrasound treatment has been shown to improve dyskinesia and motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study, led by UNC School of Medicine researchers, found that 69% of patients who underwent the treatment experienced a response, compared to 32% of those in the control group.
Researchers developed a microfluidic model of vascular malformation caused by PIK3CA mutation, allowing them to study disease mechanisms and test treatment efficacy. The model successfully replicated the disease's manifestations and responded to alpelisib, a newly approved PIK3CA inhibitor.
Researchers have found that brexanolone works by inhibiting systemic inflammatory pathways associated with depression. The study suggests that inflammation may contribute to the development of post-partum depression.
Researchers Jack Griffith and Taghreed Al-Turki found that telomeres at chromosome tips can encode two small proteins with potent biological properties. The VR protein is elevated in some human cancer cells and may serve as a biomarker for age-related diseases.
Researchers have developed a novel experimental platform that combines optical and fMRI techniques to study large-scale brain networks. The platform identified the anterior insular cortex as a key player in controlling the Default Mode Brain Network, which is active during daydreaming, memory retrieval, and envisioning the future.
A team of researchers from UNC and CDC developed an injectable implant that can release HIV PrEP medications for up to six months, providing full protection. The technology has shown promise in non-human primates and could potentially be adapted for human use.
Researchers have discovered that KSHV and EBV use the human protein barrier-to-autointegration factor 1 (BAF) to evade the innate immune response. This allows the viruses to spread and cause disease. Disrupting BAF activity with targeted therapies could prevent virus replication and transmission.
Researchers have identified a distinct latent reservoir of HIV-infected CD4+ T cells in the central nervous system (CNS), separate from the latent reservoir in blood and lymph tissue. This finding highlights a new challenge in creating a cure for HIV, as any curative therapy would need to activate both dormant reservoirs.
Researchers created monthly infant brain atlases to track normative trends in brain development. The atlases reveal changes in brain structure, cortical geometry, and tissue contrast, shedding light on conditions like ADHD and dyslexia. The study aims to facilitate discovery of new insights into child cognition and social behavior.
Researchers used cryoEM technology to solve detailed structures of the entire human opioid receptor family, providing a comprehensive framework for designing safer drugs. The study aims to overcome side effects and overdose deaths associated with current opioid pain relievers.
Researchers have discovered that vaping might not be a healthier alternative to smoking, especially in adolescents. EVALI symptoms can mimic those of other respiratory conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Pictorial questionnaires can help identify e-cigarette products used.
Dupilumab, an FDA-approved medication, offers new hope for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis, a rising condition in the US. The treatment reduces eosinophil counts and improves symptoms of dysphagia, leading to better endoscopic healing and histologic severity improvements.
A study published in Cancer Research found that the stress response in T cells can hinder cancer immunotherapy. The researchers discovered that targeting key proteins involved in this stress response could help develop more potent cancer immunotherapies.
A follow-up study found that the 2-dose vaccines still provided protection against lung disease one year after vaccination as infants. The adjuvanted protein vaccine candidate maintained higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and provided superior protection compared to the mRNA vaccine.
The UNC School of Medicine lab, led by Bryan L. Roth, MD, PhD, solved the high-resolution structures of drug-like compounds bound to designer brain cell receptors, paving the way for more effective therapeutics for neuropsychiatric illnesses.
Researchers found a strong association between rare tandem repeats in genes crucial for brain function and the development of schizophrenia. The study used whole-genome sequencing and machine learning techniques to analyze the genomes of 2,100 individuals, including those with and without schizophrenia.