Researchers at UNC identified two key genes involved in blood vessel development: BMPER and HOXB5. The study found that BMPER inhibits further differentiation of endothelial cells, while HOXB5 activates the endothelial cell program, increasing vessel formation.
The UNC-led trial is the first human test of an HIV vaccine pioneered at UNC. The vaccine targets cells in lymph nodes and induces an immune response by expressing a small section of genetic material from HIV, aiming to protect against disease if exposed. Researchers hope to refine the vaccine for subsequent generations.
Researchers develop novel gene therapy platform using AAV to deliver galanin, a neuroactive peptide that suppresses seizure activity. The treatment reduces sensitivity to focal seizures in laboratory rats, offering hope for treating temporal lobe epilepsy patients.
A new study reveals the global spread of a virulent dengue virus strain responsible for severe disease outbreaks in Latin America and Africa. The research uses viral genetics to demonstrate the virus's movement from Asia and Africa to the Americas, shedding light on its emergence and transmission.
Researchers found that a protein called palladin is upregulated following traumatic injury to the central nervous system, forming a barrier that blocks neurons from recovering. Palladin appears to control astrocyte cell shape, leading to structural changes associated with injury.
Researchers have found a biological transformation that occurs at an astonishingly slow rate of 1 trillion years in the absence of an enzyme catalyst. Enzymes can speed up this reaction by millions of times. This discovery provides insight into how natural selection has evolved enzymes to accelerate biochemical processes.
Scientists identified a genetic key to TB bacteria survival in lung cells, revealing that SecA2 protein is crucial for virulence and secreting antioxidant molecules. This finding may aid treatment development and has implications for other disease-causing bacteria.
Researchers have discovered the first crystal structure of human carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1), an enzyme that metabolizes cocaine and heroin. The enzyme's structure holds promise for developing treatments for acute overdose and detoxifying chemical weapons, including nerve agents such as sarin and VX.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is conducting a clinical trial on a bio-artificial technology called ELAD, which uses functioning human hepatocytes to help patients with acute liver failure. The device has shown promising results in extending the lives of those awaiting a donor liver and may even allow the damaged liver...
Researchers have identified a critical gene called Eed that regulates epigenetic changes, leading to proper genome imprinting. The study's findings hold significance for understanding human disorders such as cancer, birth defects, and mental retardation.
Researchers have discovered a specific molecular pathway within cells that becomes mutated by ultraviolet light exposure, accelerating melanoma development. The study's findings suggest a rational method for risk stratification and screening of atypical skin moles, which could help identify patients with high-risk profiles.
Research found that people with a specific iron overload gene mutation are at higher risk of developing colon cancer, especially with increasing age and iron intake. The study analyzed DNA samples from over 1,300 adults and found a significant association between HFE gene mutations and an increased risk of colon cancer.
Researchers at UNC used antisense oligonucleotides to target RNA splicing pathways implicated in cancer and genetic diseases. The technique successfully sensitized cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation, offering a potential breakthrough for targeted therapy.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine successfully transdifferentiated rat stem cells into functional new tissue, including platelets, red blood cells, and heart muscle cells. This breakthrough finding may provide clues to the therapeutic potential of human adult stem cells for tissue repair.
A new non-calcium phosphate binder, lanthanum carbonate (Fosrenol), has shown a reduction in mortality and cardiac death among kidney patients on hemodialysis compared to conventional phosphate binders. The study involved 647 patients who received Fosrenol therapy for two years.
Researchers have linked Polycomb gene silencing to histone protein methylation, explaining the permanence of Hox gene silencing. The study found that Polycomb proteins function through methylating a specific lysine residue on histone 3, leading to permanent gene silencing.
The UNC Conte Center will conduct four interrelated studies using distinct research methods to identify critical brain events triggering the development of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. The center aims to explain how certain behavioral and neurobiological factors transform normal individuals into those with schizophrenia.
A new blood test has been developed to detect prostate cancer with high accuracy, helping identify men who need a biopsy and those who don't. The test correctly identified 36 of 38 prostate cancer cases, as well as 70 asymptomatic men with benign conditions.
Researchers have identified three new genes in a rhesus monkey rhadinovirus with high structural similarity to those in human herpesvirus-8, paving the way for future studies using recombinant viruses. The goal is to develop targeted drug therapies against specific KSHV genes to prevent virus spread and cancer induction.
A new study found that a combination of peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin can offer superior efficacy without increasing common side effects, particularly in patients infected with hepatitis C genotype 1. The treatment approach showed a higher sustained response rate compared to standard therapy.
Researchers develop novel approach to treat thalassemias by blocking aberrant RNA splicing. The new virus effectively repairs existing RNA, restoring correct hemoglobin production and offering a lifeline for patients.
Researchers found that CD8 T cell responses from laboratory workers vaccinated decades ago remained robust and long-lasting. The findings suggest a need for reevaluation of the durability of smallpox vaccine-induced immunity.
Researchers have created a bioartificial trabeculum, or BAT, that exhibits rhythmic contraction at 100 beats per minute and functional cell-to-cell coupling. The model has potential applications in studying cardiac disease and developing new treatments for congestive heart failure.
Researchers discover that a platelet molecule called phosphatidylserine plays a key role in activating the final step of blood coagulation. The finding could lead to new treatments for clotting disorders, such as heart attacks and strokes.
A new molecular study challenges the long-held idea that Pfiesteria piscicida, a toxic algae, causes coastal fish kills and health problems. The study found no evidence of complex life cycle stages or neurotoxin associated with fish kills.
A new gene therapy tool has shown promising results in treating mice with hemophilia A by correcting the faulty factor VIII gene. The technology uses RNA trans-splicing to produce normal factor VIII protein, offering a potential cure for this genetic disorder.
Researchers discovered that RING Finger proteins play a crucial role in targeting cellular molecules for proteolysis during the cell cycle. This process is essential for regulating cell growth and preventing cancer. The study provides new insights into how cells recognize which proteins to eliminate and when.
Alzheimer's disease prevalence is projected to double by 2050 due to a growing population of older adults. A new report suggests that even with significant treatment breakthroughs, the burden on healthcare systems will increase threefold.
The VIRAHEP-C clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C, with a focus on racial disparities. Researchers hope to determine factors associated with sustained virological response rates in African-American patients, who are disproportionately affected by the disease.
A new study found that neoadjuvant therapy can significantly improve long-term survival rates for women with locally advanced breast cancer. The treatment allows for less drastic and breast-sparing surgery, increasing the chances of successful tumor downstaging and improved outcomes.
Dr. Larysa Pevny, a UNC neuroscientist, has received a $1 million federal grant to study the genetics of neural stem cells and their potential in developing transplantation therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Her research aims to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in regulating neural stem cell differentiation.
Scientists identified a protein called RIN4 that bridges between bacterial pathogens and plant disease resistance proteins, allowing pathogens to evade the host's defenses. The discovery adds new knowledge to how bacterial pathogens target plant molecular machinery to make it more hospitable.
Researchers found that early in HIV infection, CD8 T cells become unresponsive to HIV surface molecules, suppressing their ability to attack infected cells. This leads to a dominant immunosuppressive response mediated by the molecule TGF-beta.
A new enzyme called Set2 has been discovered, which regulates gene expression by methylating histone protein H3. This process can help turn genes off, potentially offering a new approach to treating human diseases such as cancer.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine are exploring the role of growth factors in axon regeneration, with a focus on improving spinal cord repair. They have identified a signal transduction mediator that promotes rapid axon growth and widening.
The University of North Carolina is expanding its CATIE project to examine the effectiveness of newer anti-psychotic drugs for schizophrenia and behavioral problems in Alzheimer's disease. The trials will include a newly-approved drug, ziprasidone, and aim to determine its relative effectiveness compared to other medications.
A brain protein linked to narcolepsy helps regulate bodily sensations and modulate sensory input from the body. Hypocretin-2 was found to inhibit activity of neurons associated with pain and temperature sensation, suggesting a potential mechanism connecting wakefulness and sensory modulation.
Researchers have identified a critical protein, SET7, that regulates gene expression by modifying histone H3. This discovery may lead to new treatments for diseases and provide insights into using stem cells to generate organs. The study reveals that SET7 makes chromatin structure more open, allowing other proteins to access genes.
The UNC-Chapel Hill Gene Therapy Center will use the funds to translate basic research knowledge into safe human clinical trials, with a focus on cystic fibrosis and hemophilia. The center aims to provide new treatments for diseases caused by single-gene defects.
A study found excessive inflammation and abnormal markings in lungs of healthy, middle-class children exposed to high levels of air pollutants in Mexico City. The research suggests a significant link between pollution and lung disease in otherwise healthy children.
Researchers at UNC developed a technique to deliver oxygen-carrying fluid to resuscitate the heart after cardiac arrest. The method, selective aortic arch perfusion (SAAP), has shown promising results in animal studies and may help save trauma victims by allowing surgeons to repair damage.
Researchers developed a new outpatient treatment for snoring that uses radiofrequency energy to create multiple lesions in the soft palate, reducing vibrations and improving effectiveness. The study showed significant reduction in snoring and increased success rates compared to single lesion methods.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine and Pharmacy have developed a new method to calculate protein stability, which could improve drug design and engineering. The approach uses computational manipulations to predict the effects of amino acid mutations on protein stability.
A new study suggests that modest dietary restrictions before fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) for colon cancer screening do not significantly impact completion rates. The report also notes that more severe restrictions may reduce test completion, highlighting the potential benefits of simplifying dietary advice for FOBT testing.
PS-341, a proteasome inhibitor, has shown promising results in treating multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The Phase I clinical trial found one complete response and several partial responses among patients, indicating the drug's potential as a treatment option.
A new UNC study pinpoints the eed gene as crucial for female embryo survival by keeping the paternal X chromosome inactive and regulating genes in early placental cells. Female embryos without a functioning eed do not survive due to problems with forming placentas.
Dr. Boucher is a leading researcher on cystic fibrosis, publishing over 300 articles and developing novel treatments. The University of North Carolina's genomics initiative receives $245 million in funding to advance research and therapies.
Research reveals complex molecular changes in Lyme bacteria during tick feeding, leading to variable surface protein expressions. This complexity makes it challenging to develop effective vaccines, but understanding the biology of transmission may lead to better vaccine candidates.
A newly discovered molecular protein plays a crucial role in determining whether proteins with improperly folded structures are refolded or degraded, according to University of North Carolina researchers. This finding has significant implications for understanding heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent study found that newer anti-psychotic drugs like clozapine are more effective in treating first-time schizophrenia patients than traditional medications. The research also suggests a potential link between toxoplasmosis and poorer treatment outcomes.