Researchers at UNC Health Care System have developed a new continuous-infusion method for administering busulfan, which achieved more predictable levels of the drug in patients. The new method has the potential to increase treatment effectiveness while avoiding side effects by maintaining consistent drug levels.
The study demonstrates that umbilical cord-blood transplant is a life-saving treatment for newborns with infantile Krabbe's disease. Most infants with the disease die before reaching age 2, but treated newborns showed continual improvement in developmental skills and had age-appropriate mental and language skills.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers finds that routine episiotomy during childbirth does not reduce pain or prevent complications, but may cause more harm. Women who underwent the procedure were more likely to experience urinary and fecal incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and impaired sexual function.
Researchers have discovered that the enzyme hDOT1L activates a key set of genes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leading to unrestrained growth and a hallmark of the disease. The study suggests that targeting hDOT1L could be a promising approach for treating AML, particularly in cases where patients carry specific genetic mutations.
The HER-2 gene has been found to play a major role in prostate cancer recurrence, according to a new study published in Cancer Research. Inhibiting the HER-2 protein may provide a novel treatment strategy for targeting advanced prostate cancer.
The US Army, Navy and Air Force academies will enroll 4,800 male and female cadets in a four-year study to investigate risk factors for knee injuries. The study aims to refine ACL injury prevention programs and identify neuromuscular factors associated with increased risk.
A meta-analysis of 20 studies found light therapy to be an effective treatment for SAD and depression, with effects comparable to conventional medications. The study suggests that bright artificial light can help alleviate symptoms of SAD and other non-seasonal mood disorders.
A recent brain imaging study found that individuals at high risk for schizophrenia show altered neural activity in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting biological changes prior to disease onset. The study used fMRI scans to identify potential biomarkers of vulnerability, which could aid in early intervention and treatment.
A study involving genetically altered mice has found similarities with essential tremor disease in humans, suggesting that the GABA system plays a role in the condition. The findings may lead to new treatments for essential tremor, which affects an estimated 5 million Americans.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used embryonic stem cells treated with a growth factor to reverse hemophilia B in genetically altered mice. The study demonstrates the potential for stem cell therapy in treating genetic disorders, such as liver diseases.
Researchers pinpoint MuRF1's role in regulating cardiac cellular molecules involved in abnormal heart enlargement. The protein degrades troponin-1, a critical component of the cardiac contractile machinery, suggesting new therapeutic avenues for treating cardiac hypertrophy.
Researchers found a three-fold increase in suicide rates in two Salisbury, N.C., neighborhoods downwind of an asphalt terminal. Hydrogen sulfide levels were significantly higher than the World Health Organization's recommended standard, and exposure to other neurotoxic compounds may also be contributing factors.
Researchers found that sperm motility and ATP production depend on a metabolic pathway called glycolysis, which uses sugar to produce energy. Without the enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase-S (GAPDS), sperm movement is severely impaired, making it a potential target for non-hormonal male contraceptives.
A new study by Dr. Katherine Hartmann found that women experience significant improvements in self-reported pelvic pain and depression two years after hysterectomy. The study involved nearly 1,300 women who reported a reduction in symptoms, with the group experiencing both conditions showing the most improvement.
Researchers at UNC's Bowles Center discovered that new brain cells develop during alcohol abstinence, reversing damage caused by chronic alcohol dependency. The study found a twofold burst in brain cell proliferation after four-to-five weeks of abstinence.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger identified two proteins, p16INK4a and ARF, that increase dramatically as cells age, suggesting a link between cellular aging and their upregulation. This discovery may lead to new biomarkers for determining the molecular age of people and potentially slow aging.
Researchers found that Alpha-4Beta-1 is activated by CD47, causing sickle red blood cells to stick to blood vessel walls. This discovery may lead to new therapies for sickle cell disease and other anemias.
Scientists at UNC have discovered a basic mechanism in cell growth control involving damaged DNA, pointing to a potential target for drug development. The study found that the cellular enzyme family Cullin4 plays a crucial role in preventing replication of damaged genomic material.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a new mechanism by which Polycomb group proteins silence genes in cancer cells. The study found that ubiquitination of histone H2A is involved in this process, providing insight into gene expression regulation and potential targets for cancer treatment.
Researchers have developed a new dye that allows for direct visualization of activated proteins in living cells, enabling high-throughput drug screening. Cdc42, a key regulator of cell movement and proliferation, was visualized with the novel dye 'I-SO', which proved highly sensitive and required no protein over-expression.
Dr. Brian Strahl, an assistant professor at UNC School of Medicine, will attend a White House ceremony in honor of his selection for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. He was chosen for his exceptional potential for leadership and innovative research in chromatin biochemistry and gene regulation.
Researchers have identified key genes involved in regulating eye pressure, which could lead to new treatments for glaucoma. The study found that two proteins, matrix Gla protein and perlecan, help maintain normal pressure by keeping the trabecular meshwork soft.
Researchers discovered that nucleosomes can move to different spots in the genome, enabling efficient gene expression and regulating gene activity. This chromosomal remodeling process allows cells to turn genes on or off as needed.
A team of scientists at UNC School of Medicine is investigating the molecular basis of blood vessel aging and its role in cardiovascular disease, including heart attack. New information gleaned from this basic research could offer new treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease.
A new study by UNC researchers reveals that primary-care doctors who received comprehensive smoking cessation intervention training during residency are more likely to continue using these methods in their medical practice years later. The long-term effects of such training on physician behavior have significant implications for public...
Researchers at UNC have developed a high-throughput technique to rapidly analyze gene functions, resolving two bottlenecks in the process. This method has the potential to accelerate the development of new drugs by quickly identifying and testing candidate genes.
Researchers at UNC have identified a molecular pathway that promotes nerve growth and regeneration in the spinal cord. The study reveals how NGF stimulation regulates key proteins to assemble axons from microtubules, providing new potential targets for repairing spinal cord injuries.
A new study found that anabolic steroids can significantly improve the biomechanical properties of bioartificial tendon matrices, making them stronger, more elastic, and better remodeling. This could have clinical applications for orthopedic surgeons, particularly those specializing in shoulder repairs.
Researchers found a moderate association between the APOE-2 gene and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease, with a 20% higher chance. In contrast, the APOE-4 gene was not linked to Parkinson's disease, contrary to its established role in Alzheimer's risk.
Researchers found that giving antioxidants to pregnant mice exposed to ethanol reduced limb malformations by 36%. The study suggests that improving nutritional status through daily multivitamins may help prevent birth defects. However, excessive vitamin consumption can be harmful to fetuses.
Researchers at UNC have identified a critical role for the flt-1 receptor in regulating sprouting angiogenesis, a key step in blood vessel formation. The study's findings may lead to new therapies for conditions like coronary heart disease and diabetes.
Researchers found that Cox-2 inhibitors slowed disease progression in men with recurrent prostate cancer by inhibiting tumor growth and increasing programmed cell death. The study showed significant results in 22 of 24 patients, with a 92% reduction in PSA levels after three months.
Researchers at UNC have identified a crucial role for a segment of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) in activating the enzyme, which promotes cancer cell growth and metastasis. By making subtle changes to this region, they created a mutant protein that blocks FAK activity, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
A recent study published in Hepatology suggests that using nitric oxide during liver reperfusion can protect transplanted livers from cell death, improving survival rates. Researchers found that nitric oxide blocks mitochondrial damage, a key factor in organ rejection and failure.
Researchers discovered a protein, TgGAP50, that anchors myosin in the parasite's membrane, crucial for motility. This understanding may lead to new ways to interfere with parasite control mechanisms, potentially treating malaria.
A study identified four tumor gene expression patterns that may serve as biomarkers of prognosis for head and neck squamous cell cancer patients. The patterns were associated with different outcomes, including the worst outcome linked to epidermal growth factor pathway activation, and a tobacco exposure signature.
A new UNC study identifies specific eye features that can predict when premature infants are at risk of developing retinal detachment and total blindness. The study found that certain blood vessel growth patterns and vitreous cloudiness may indicate the need for surgical intervention to prevent progressive stage 4 ROP.
A new protein, DEFB118, has been discovered in the male reproductive tract and has potent antibacterial activity. It may aid fertilization by protecting sperm from harmful organisms encountered in the female reproductive tract.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina identified the role of the K1 gene in tumor cell growth and metastasis, potentially leading to new treatment options. The study found that the K1 gene initiates cancerous processes by up-regulating growth factors and breaking down supporting tissue.
Early study results show that women with small uterine fibroids may be at increased risk of miscarriage, with smaller fibroids more associated with pregnancy loss. The research aims to investigate the influence of fibroids on pregnancy outcomes and will enroll an additional 3,300 ethnically diverse women.
Dr. Blossom A. Damania has been awarded the $50,000 Gertrude B. Elion Cancer Research Award for her research on tumor virology and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This award recognizes her groundbreaking work in deciphering how the virus can transform cells into malignancies.
Dr. David P. Siderovski, an assistant professor at UNC School of Medicine, has been awarded the John J. Abel Award for his groundbreaking research on RGS proteins that accelerates cell signaling pathway shutdown. The award honors his contributions to drug target discovery and development.
Dr. Edward R. Perl, a renowned UNC neuroscientist, has been awarded the longest-running federal grant for pain research since 1957. His federally supported exploration of pain sensation's biological basis helped him become the first to document the existence of nociceptors.
Researchers found that viruses used for gene delivery can influence gene expression, with AAV affecting genes minimally and adenovirus triggering broader responses. The study provides a systematic explanation for the relative safety profiles of two commonly used gene therapy vector classes.
A new DNA registry at UNC will study the interaction between genes, environment, and disease. The registry aims to identify groups of individuals with genetic polymorphisms that may be linked to environmental risk factors.
A new study from the University of North Carolina Health Care found that exposure to ozone and endotoxin can make asthmatics more sensitive to house dust mites, worsening their symptoms. The research involved 14 participants with mild asthma who inhaled low levels of endotoxin, followed by an allergen challenge test.
The new program combines counseling and education efforts with medical therapy to reduce HIV levels in patients. The initiative aims to assess the impact of integrating prevention services into primary care on HIV risk behaviors and outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a plant cell surface molecule that can halt cell proliferation by acting as both an 'on' and 'off' switch. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of G protein signaling and has implications for agriculture and potentially human diseases.
Researchers at UNC have identified a protein that directly regulates lysine methylation on core histone protein H3, leading to gene repression. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of epigenetic signals and their role in regulating gene expression.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified a novel enzyme that halts histone synthesis when no longer needed, preventing lethal cell damage. The discovery sheds light on the complex regulatory mechanisms governing histone mRNA expression.