June L. Round will use the award to develop ways to kill 'bad' bacteria while preserving commensal microbes that provide health benefits. Her research aims to exploit immune mechanisms to distinguish between good and bad organisms.
Researchers found an association between autism spectrum disorder risk and prenatal weight gain, after accounting for important related factors. The study suggests that weight gain during pregnancy may serve as an important marker for autism's underlying gestational etiology.
A recent study found that current national screening guidelines for colon cancer may miss up to 10 percent of cases in first-degree relatives. The research examined nearly 127,000 individuals who underwent colonoscopy in Utah between 1995 and 2009.
Researchers identify novel gene mutation in NFKB2 that impairs antibody production and fight infection, leading to common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The discovery provides a new mechanism for immune deficiency and enables early diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that disrupting Nrf2 reduces reductive stress, cardiac protein aggregation, and extends survival in mice with heart failure. This study suggests restoring balance in reduction-oxidation chemical reactions can prevent heart disease.
The University of Utah Center for Clinical and Translational Science has received a $20.4 million grant from the NIH to advance translational research in medicine, particularly in rare conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy. The center will utilize this funding to support all aspects of translational research over the next five years.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute are testing a novel targeted treatment for Ewing sarcoma, which has spread by the time it's diagnosed. The goal is to disrupt cancer growth and spread using LSD1 inhibitors, with preclinical trials underway.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute will study the role of the c-KIT gene in melanoma, a devastating skin cancer that often develops resistance to treatment. The new funding will support studies using a novel melanoma mouse model to test whether active c-KIT can initiate melanoma.
Two University of Utah researchers, Adam Frost and Ryan O'Connell, received the NIH Director's New Innovator Award to launch innovative biomedical research projects. The awards support visionary investigators pursuing science with high potential to transform scientific fields and accelerate health improvements.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to estimate anthrax infection risk, estimating that inhaling 11,000 spores would be needed to reach a 50% chance of infection. The study also found the optimal time to take antibiotics is 60 days after exposure.
A multistate study found that children born with non-chromosomal birth defects have a twofold higher risk of cancer before age 15 compared to children without birth defects. Cancer risk varies by the specific type of birth defect, with increased risk observed in eye defects, cleft palate, heart and kidney defects, and microcephaly.
A new study from Huntsman Cancer Institute suggests that family members of children with cancer may be at higher risk of developing childhood cancer, depending on their family medical history. The research recommends collecting three generations of family medical history for all newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients.
A recent study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that more than 60% of antibiotic prescriptions in the US are for broad-spectrum drugs, which can be ineffective against viral infections. The overuse of these antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and side effects.
A University of Utah study suggests that isoflurane, a surgical anesthetic, may provide an alternative to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treating drug-resistant depression. The pilot study found significant reductions in symptoms of depression with both ECT and isoflurane treatments.
A study published in JAMA found that sacrocolpopexy, a common surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, has lower long-term success rates than previously thought. Nearly one-third of women experience treatment failure within five years, while a majority develop urinary incontinence.
Researchers found that the egg genome is reprogrammed to match sperm DNA with or without paternal contribution. The mother's genes undergo extensive changes to prepare for differentiation.
A gene mutation associated with a rare sleep disorder has been found to contribute to debilitating migraines. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs specifically designed to treat chronic headaches.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute developed a powerful technique to identify RNA cytosine methyltransferases (RMTs) targets in human RNA. The new method reveals previously unknown RMT targets for NSUN2, implicated in mental retardation and cancers.
A new study from the University of Utah Health has disproved the long-held theory that a lack of fatty acids causes blindness in children with Stargardt type 3 retinal degeneration. The researchers found that mice with reduced fatty acids in their photoreceptor cells maintained normal vision.
A study published in Science Signaling identified a critical protein role in the spread of melanoma to the lungs. Researchers found that inhibiting the adenosine diphosphate ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) protein reduces melanoma metastasis.
A University of Utah study found a significant genetic connection to surgical site infections (SSIs) in families, suggesting personalized health care through genome analysis could be available soon. Researchers analyzed 651 hospital patients with SSIs and matched controls using the Utah Population Database.
Researchers developed a new mouse model to study clear cell sarcoma (CCS), a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer. The model can potentially speed the development of drugs targeting genes required for CCS formation.
Researchers identified 24 new copy number variants with strong links to autism, providing potential genetic diagnosis for up to 10-12% of children with ASD. The study validates the genetic markers used in a commercial test, advancing early detection and treatment methods.
Researchers discovered that adding lovastatin to traditional antimalarial treatment decreases neuroinflammation and protects against cognitive impairment in a mouse model of cerebral malaria. Statins may be worthy of consideration in clinical trials for treating cerebral malaria.
A recent study found that rural US residents are less likely to follow colorectal cancer screening guidelines due to the time required for travel and limited access to healthcare. The researchers also noted that lack of health insurance and primary care provider shortages contribute to this disparity.
A phase I clinical trial has shown that ponatinib is highly active against patients with chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic lymphoma who have developed resistance to standard treatments. The study's findings suggest that ponatinib will expand the therapeutic armamentarium for these patients.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a new drug with high potential to treat Ewing sarcoma by targeting the EWS/FLI protein. The study found that an enzyme called lysine specific demethylase (LSD-1) interacts with EWS/FLI to turn off gene expression in Ewing sarcoma.
A new discovery reveals that chromatin remodeling complexes (CRCs) are intrinsically turned on, requiring specific instructions to turn them off. This finding has significant implications for understanding how CRC mutations contribute to cancer development.
University of Utah medical researchers have identified a new pathway to block inflammation while minimizing the risk of infection, which could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and traumatic brain injury. The discovery has vast potential for developing safer anti-inflammatory medicines.
A new computer program has been developed to improve genetic test results for Lynch syndrome, a hereditary predisposition to colon cancer. The program helps assess the risk of colon cancer development by evaluating missense substitutions in mismatch repair genes.
Researchers at the University of Utah discovered that Wnt signaling is essential for the production and specialization of nerve cell precursors in the hypothalamus. The study found that Wnt signaling continues to be required for adult neurogenesis, suggesting a key role in brain plasticity.
Researchers identified a specific HIF2α mutation in tumor cells of patients with rare cancers, offering clues about cancer cell metabolism. The finding may lead to new targets for cancer treatment development and improve understanding of the mechanisms behind the Warburg effect.
Computer simulations shed light on the dynamic structure of the LSD1/CoREST protein complex, a major target for therapies. The study reveals that binding to histone H3 triggers significant changes in shape, which may help develop epigenetic drugs that reprogram cancer cells.
Researchers discovered that poxviruses can rapidly produce multiple copies of a gene to counter host defenses, allowing them to quickly adapt and evolve. The study provides new insight into the mechanisms of adaptation for large double-stranded DNA viruses.
Researchers at the University of Utah will investigate the molecular causes of blood clots, which threaten millions of people worldwide. The center aims to apply basic science to find new diagnostic and therapeutic measures for thrombosis, making them available to patients rapidly.
Researchers identified a previously unknown subtype of Ewing sarcoma with genetic factors related to long-term survival. A specific gene change between primary and metastatic stages may lead to better treatment.
A study found that adding creatine to antidepressant treatment significantly improved response rates, with twice as fast response times and higher remission rates compared to placebo. The supplement may provide a relatively inexpensive treatment option for women who haven't responded well to traditional antidepressants.
Researchers have identified the ATP1A3 gene as the primary cause of Alternating Hemplegia of Childhood in the majority of patients. This discovery was made possible by next-generation sequencing and an international database of affected individuals, providing a new tool for diagnosis and potentially effective therapies.
Researchers studied people with and without Williams syndrome to gauge emotional response through hormone release. The study found that oxytocin levels increased in response to music, particularly Elvis songs, suggesting a link between the hormone and emotional experience.
Research identifies pivotal role of proteins in cellular and disease processes, shedding light on neuromuscular disorder and cancer connections. The study found that impaired Mpc1 and Mpc2 lead to deadly health problems, including the neuromuscular disorder.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered that normal epithelium tissue ejects living cells to maintain a steady population and ease overcrowding. This mechanism is crucial in preventing cancer, as it allows cells to turnover and prevents cell pile-ups, which are common in cancerous tissues.
Researchers from the University of Utah School have discovered that IFITM3 contributes to the body's defense against viral infections. The protein plays a critical role in the structural stability and function of vacuolar ATPase (v-ATPase), which regulates cellular waste disposal and pH levels.
A new breast cancer susceptibility gene, XRCC2, has been discovered by researchers at the University of Utah Health. The study found that mutations in this gene increase breast cancer risk, providing a new target for chemotherapy and improving diagnostic accuracy.
A new method detects cancer-causing chromosomal translocations quickly and accurately, allowing for potential single-array testing for every known cancer-causing translocation simultaneously. The technique combines microarray technology with a novel antibody to detect the presence of the translocation.
A study in zebrafish reveals that a gene mutation affects ketone body transport, leading to lipid accumulation in the liver. This discovery provides new insights into nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its link to energy metabolism.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that the bacterial toxin alpha-hemolysin triggers bladder cell shedding and disables immune responses, contributing to persistent urinary tract infections. The toxin causes degradation of proteins involved in cellular responses to infection, leading to more severe clinical symptoms.
Researchers found that altered function of Tbx3 gene interferes with cardiac conduction system development, causing lethal arrhythmias. Studies with mice show that Tbx3 levels below a critical threshold lead to arrhythmia and death.
Researchers found that obstetric conditions, genetic abnormalities, and infections were common causes of stillbirth. The study also identified racial disparities in stillbirth rates, with black women more likely to experience stillbirths during pregnancy or childbirth.
Researchers at the University of Utah have identified a gene associated with frequent herpes-related cold sores. The C21orf91 gene is linked to susceptibility to HSL, and variations in this gene may predict or prevent cold sore outbreaks.
Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a new way to model human breast cancer that could lead to predicting which breast cancers will spread. The model was created using tumor tissue grafted into mouse mammary glands and found that it accurately predicted the behavior of human breast cancers.