Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified the crystal structure of a key protein interaction involved in cancer cell spread. This discovery aims to develop targeted therapies against invasive cancer cells with minimal side effects.
Scientists at UNC Health Care have successfully used gene-therapy to produce high amounts of a clotting protein in animals, bypassing a major hurdle for treating hemophilia. The new method could potentially yield sustained factor IX production in humans, eliminating the need for daily injections.
Researchers developed a tissue culture system that mimics normal cell growth, allowing them to study gene transfer techniques in greater detail. They found that cancer cells can be easily infected while normal cells are poorly infected, suggesting a potential target for gene therapy.
Carolina scientists have identified and purified hepatic stem cells, which can regenerate liver and bile duct tissue. The accomplishment marks a milestone for future liver regeneration through cellular therapy, potentially reducing the need for whole-organ transplants in patients with various liver diseases.
Researchers at UNC have developed a method to identify hypoxic tumor cells that are resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. The pimonidazole hypoxia marker allows scientists to focus on key factors associated with tumor aggressiveness and treatment resistance, offering new avenues for understanding cancer therapy.
David Julius, PhD, has made a groundbreaking discovery about the capsaicin receptor, VR1, which mediates responses to painful stimuli. His work builds on the pioneering research of Edward R. Perl, who first identified nociceptors as responsible for pain perception.
The University of North Carolina School of Medicine has received a $5 million federal grant to investigate ANCA vasculitis, a disease causing small blood vessel inflammation. Researchers will explore the cause of the disease and develop better treatments.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Center for Alcohol Studies is developing an educational program to educate middle-school students about the dangers of maternal alcohol abuse and its effects on unborn babies. The program aims to raise awareness among children and help them make informed decisions about drinking and sex...
Researchers warn that children born with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) may be at risk for progressive hearing loss, even if standard auditory testing proves normal in the first weeks of life. Periodic hearing tests every six months until age 3 are recommended to avoid delayed diagnosis and its associated costs.
The University of North Carolina has won a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support the development of new women's health research careers. The five-year grant will provide salary support and protected time for six junior faculty members in medicine, obstetrics, pathology, and psychiatry.
A newly identified protein called palladin is being explored for its influence on biological processes including cancer spread and wound healing. Palladin appears to play a critical role in determining cell shape via the actin cytoskeleton, with different forms of the protein involved in tight adhesion and movement.
A new study at the University of North Carolina finds that men infected with HIV who use denial strategies to cope with the disease threat progress more rapidly to AIDS. Higher average blood levels of cortisol are also associated with faster progression.
Researchers from UNC Chapel Hill present new approaches to HIV vaccine development, improved diagnostic training, and a method for identifying high-HIV transmission areas. They also reveal the role of Epstein-Barr virus in mouth disorders associated with AIDS.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center are conducting a clinical trial using a genetically engineered protein fragment to stimulate the immune system to recognize and kill breast cancer cells. The goal is to treat advanced breast cancer, where the disease has spread beyond the breast.
A new study suggests that proteins alphav-beta3 and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) may serve as biomarkers for identifying women with endometriosis-related infertility. The research found a marked reduction in embryo implantation in mice injected with peritoneal fluid from infertile women with endometriosis.
A genetically stripped down HIV-based vector has been developed that can deliver genes to target cells in the body safely. The vector can also be turned off with a common antibiotic, which suggests doctors may one day be able to control gene expression in people treated with HIV-based gene therapy vectors.
Researchers have identified a crucial gene defect that hinders the ability of cells to repair DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. This deficiency may lead to diseases such as Cockayne's syndrome and increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have identified a family of proteins that bind to human sperm, which may help explain why sperm that haven't passed through the epididymis fertilize eggs poorly. The discovery could lead to identifying potential targets for male contraception, including a contraceptive vaccine.
Researchers found that brain steroid allopregnanolone mediates many of alcohol's effects, including anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant actions. The study suggests that blocking this compound may inhibit alcohol's sedative-hypnotic effects.
AIDS patients with CMV in their blood are at increased risk of death, a new study suggests. The study found that 90% of UNC's AIDS patients have CMV exposure, and those with detectable virus levels had an 11-fold increased risk of death.
Research finds that combining AIDS drugs with cesarean delivery can reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to babies. The study, conducted in North Carolina from 1998 to 1999, showed a significant decrease in HIV transmission rates after these interventions were implemented.
A University of North Carolina Health Care study led by Lee Graves clarifies how cells grow and suggests new drug targets for cancer cells. The research focuses on the MAP kinase enzyme and its role in regulating cell growth.
The Mouse Models of Human Cancer Consortium brings together 19 university-based research teams to share ideas, results, and reagents, aiming to develop predictive models and pre-clinical drug testing. This cooperative approach is expected to greatly improve understanding of cancer development and biomarker evaluation.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been selected as one of two Regional Mutant Mouse Resource Centers by the National Institutes of Health. This grant will enable the expansion of Jackson Laboratories' capabilities to characterize, maintain, and distribute mutant mouse models to the research community. The new center w...
Scientists identify key lipids essential for proper myelin sheath formation, providing new insights into myelin biology and multiple sclerosis. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying nerve sheath abnormalities.
A study suggests a link between chromosome 13 and autism, with another region on chromosome 7 also showing promise. The research, published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, involved 75 families with at least two autistic children.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a new way to halt herpes simplex virus reproduction by targeting its molecular tracks. The study found that inhibiting JNK protein kinase reduces viral yield in cells by up to 70%.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been awarded a $42.1 million federal contract to study the effectiveness and safety of new anti-psychotic drugs for treating schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The five-year study will enroll 1,000 patients with schizophrenia and 400-500 Alzheimer's patients.
Scientists have identified TNF-alpha as a major contributor to early liver injury from long-term alcohol consumption, paving the way for new treatments. The study used gene knockout technology and found that mice lacking TNF receptors fared better on measures of liver injury after alcohol exposure.
A clinical trial at UNC is testing the effectiveness of LY353381, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), for treating ovarian and endometrial cancers. The drug has minimal side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
A nursing intervention program involving weekly telephone calls with nurses improves cancer patients' ability to manage symptoms, communicate concerns, and advocate for their own care. The program also benefits family caregivers, reducing time spent on managing side effects and improving quality of life.
Scientists at UNC Chapel Hill study found that a protein called adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) helps destroy another protein, beta catenin, which can lead to cell proliferation and tumor formation if disrupted. Understanding this pathway may help block tumor development in humans.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina will use a novel vaccine method to develop a safe and effective HIV vaccine. Early tests on monkeys show promise, with vaccinated animals showing significant cellular and humoral immunity and reduced virus load.
Researchers found that NF-kappaB links growth factor signaling with proto-oncogenes Myc, Akt, and Ras. The molecular mechanism regulates cell growth and death, providing a built-in protection against cancer.
Scientists used peptide injections to divert the immune system and prevent disease progression in mice with type-I diabetes. The study suggests peptide-based immunotherapy may be effective for people at risk of developing the autoimmune disease.
A genetic variant of HIV linked to rapid disease progression in the US and Europe is rare in Africa, according to a new study. The findings may impact the design of HIV vaccines and therapies for underdeveloped regions where the epidemic is expanding.
Recent findings in cystic fibrosis (CF) suggest that gene mutations can cause unexpected effects, leading to distinct conditions with clinical similarities to CF. Minor mutations may result in partial disease manifestations, challenging traditional notions of genetic screening and diagnosis.
A new report from Dr. Anthony-Samuel LaMantia suggests a possible neuro-developmental theory of schizophrenia linked to altered brain development during the first three months of pregnancy. Abnormalities in retinoic acid signaling pathways may contribute to the development of schizophrenia.
New gene therapy study in mice demonstrates a gradual increase in factor VIII levels, stable for 11 months. The goal is one dose, which could be all that's needed to be physiologically cured of future bleeds.
A University of North Carolina study finds that couples with high family support show better heart and blood pressure responses to stress, while spousal support is particularly valuable in reducing cardiovascular risks. The research highlights the importance of psychological factors in family life for heart health.
Researchers at UNC Health Care found that men with high stress levels and weak social support developed AIDS faster. The study of 82 HIV-infected gay men showed that cumulative stressful events doubled the risk of progressing to AIDS.
A study published in Molecular Cell reveals that the mutated tumor suppressor gene ARF prevents cellular transformation by blocking p53 degradation, allowing it to stop tumor cell growth. Researchers found that mutations in ARF's Exon 2 are linked to cancer, impairing its ability to localize and block p53 export.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that over 500,000 children are prescribed antidepressants each year, despite a lack of research supporting their use in youngsters. The survey also revealed that 72% of physicians have prescribed SSRIs for patients under 18, but only 8% reported adequate training.
Researchers at UNC-CH discovered three genes crucial to cell survival and protein disposal. The proteins ROC1, ROC2, and APC11 are involved in the ubiquitin ligase enzyme that marks proteins for degradation. Disruption of this mechanism may promote cancer development by driving cells to proliferate uncontrollably.
A study by Dr. Jane Leserman found that women with a history of sexual and physical abuse are more likely to have poor health during pregnancy and after childbirth, including higher levels of pain and depressive symptoms. The study suggests that trauma can have a long-lasting effect on a person's physiology and health.
A new study at the University of North Carolina links increased levels of oxytocin to lower blood pressure among mothers who nurse their babies. Mothers with higher oxytocin levels had lower blood pressure before and after discussing recent life problems, suggesting that breastfeeding may help reduce stress.
Researchers identified SLBP1 and SLBP2 proteins in frog oocytes, which act as biochemical switches triggering histone synthesis crucial for embryogenesis. The study provides new insights into the process of embryogenesis and its relation to stored RNA activation.
Dr. Keith Wailoo, a UNC associate professor, has been awarded a $1 million James S. McDonnell Centennial Fellowship to study disease and biomedicine in the 20th century. He will investigate how people's ideas about illnesses like breast cancer and sickle cell anemia have changed over time.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have developed a novel solid-state metal sensor that can accurately measure the acidity of chemical solutions, including body fluids. The electrode may help predict cardiac muscle ischemia and offer advance warning for potential heart attacks.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill reduce arthritis severity in laboratory rats by turning off the molecular switch NF-kappa B, which controls inflammatory genes. The study demonstrates feasibility of new treatments, including gene therapy, and suggests potential systemic therapeutic effects.