Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a previously unrecognized small protein, DWORF, in human heart cells that plays a key role in heart muscle contraction. The protein stimulates calcium-ion pumps to increase forceful pumping.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully stopped the progression of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in young mice using a gene-editing technique. The treatment, delivered via adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9), corrected the genetic mutation that causes the disease and led to improved muscle structure and function.
Researchers identified 13 inherited sleep and activity measures linked to bipolar disorder, including later waking times and shorter periods of activity. The study provides clues to the genetic nature of the disorder and potential new approaches for prevention and treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) reduces preference for sweets and alcohol in mammals by affecting the brain's reward pathway. FGF21 levels are associated with environmental stress, such as extreme dietary changes or cold temperature exposure.
Researchers have identified NORAD, a long noncoding RNA, as crucial in maintaining proper chromosome numbers. Absence of NORAD leads to genomic instability and cells losing or gaining whole chromosomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that stopping the production of new neurons in the brain following TBI can help reduce epileptic seizures, cognitive decline, and impaired memory. This process, called neurogenesis, is sometimes hyperexcitable, disrupting neural circuits and causing recurring seizures.
A four-year study found that uninsured patients who self-administered long-term IV antibiotics had a 47% lower rate of 30-day readmission rates and similar mortality rates compared to those with insurance. The practice saves hospitals millions of dollars and allows patients to return to their normal lives.
A UTSW-led study identified three neurobiologically distinct biotypes of psychoses, which do not always match conventional clinical diagnoses. The findings suggest that the term 'psychosis' might describe unique psychiatric disorders with distinctive mechanisms and treatments.
Researchers identify NEK7 enzyme's switch-like activity in immunity, leading to potential new treatments for metabolic disorders and inflammatory conditions. The study provides insights into the inflammasome pathway and its connection to cancer.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a pathogen-sensing molecule called Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2) that plays a vital role in maintaining gastrointestinal health. AIM2 detects DNA of harmful microorganisms and regulates inflammation in the gut, which could lead to targeted therapies for inflammatory bowel dise...
Scientists at Children's Research Institute discovered a secondary, emergency blood-formation system activated in the spleen during times of hematopoietic stress. Blood-forming stem cells migrate from bone marrow to spleen, where they form new blood cells under normal circumstances.
Researchers found that white coat and masked hypertension are associated with increased rates of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure. These conditions were also linked to aortic stiffness and kidney damage.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting cGAS enzyme rescues mice from two lethal autoimmune diseases, suggesting a new therapy for AGS and SLE. The findings build on previous studies identifying cGAS as a sensor of innate immunity, paving the way for potential treatments.
A multicomponent outreach program increased completion of the three-dose HPV vaccination series in adolescent girls, with mixed results by race/ethnicity. The study found that HPV vaccine-specific educational materials were effective for Hispanic parents, but not for African-American parents.
Researchers found that antioxidants can allow melanoma cells to survive and spread more quickly in mice. The study suggests that cancer cells benefit more from antioxidants than normal cells do, raising concerns about the use of dietary antioxidants by patients with cancer.
UT Southwestern researchers have developed a classification model for cancers caused by KRAS, the most frequently mutated gene in cancer. The model helps predict the propensity of different KRAS mutants to signal through RAF kinase and could lead to more effective targeted therapies.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that immunotherapy drug nivolumab improved overall survival and reduced toxicities compared to chemotherapy drug docetaxel for patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. The results suggest that nivolumab is a promising option for patients whose lung cancer progresses after initial treatment.
Researchers found a previously unknown code within the genetic code that affects protein assembly speed, leading to different functions of identical proteins. This discovery has significant implications for understanding human disease-causing mutations.
A meta-analysis by UT Southwestern Medical Center cardiologists found exercise training reduces pressure in the arteries and increases exercise tolerance in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The study also showed a positive effect on several measures of heart function and overall quality of life, without compromising safety.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that exercise can help alleviate excessive daytime sleepiness in depressed individuals by reducing two biological markers associated with hypersomnia. The study identified the biomarkers and showed that exercise reduced their levels, resulting in improved symptoms.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in brain cells can improve stress response and potentially treat depression. The study's findings suggest a new therapeutic target for depression treatment, offering hope for patients who have not responded to existing therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that introducing an enzyme called ceramidase in diabetic mice rapidly improved insulin sensitivity. The study suggests a new means to potentially treat Type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by lowering ceramide levels, which interfere with insulin signaling.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have shown that a new drug, DSM265, kills malaria parasites in the blood and liver by targeting their ability to replicate. This could lead to a single-dose cure for malaria, with potential applications as both a treatment and preventive measure.
Researchers identified microtubule-based nanotubes in stem cells that tap into the niche, enabling specific signaling for self-renewal. This discovery sheds light on how stem cells reproduce and miscommunication can lead to diseases like cancer.
Researchers found that pet care can significantly improve monitoring of Type 1 diabetes in adolescents, leading to lower blood glucose levels. The study's senior author instructs families to associate regular pet fish care with diabetes care, resulting in improved hemoglobin A1C levels.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified two proteins responsible for initiating the labor process, which control genes for pulmonary surfactant components that promote labor. Surfactant is essential for normal breathing outside the womb. Understanding these molecular mechanisms may help prevent preterm birth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a cell type that generates new heart muscle cells, which can divide and replenish damaged heart tissue. The discovery uses a new cell-tracing technique that may prove useful for regenerating diseased hearts and has implications for cellular turnover in other organs.
Researchers found that exercising diabetic patients can improve glycemic control, waist circumference, and percentage of body fat, even for those who don't see cardiorespiratory benefits. The study suggests broadening the definition of 'non-responder' to include participants with limited improvement in exercise capacity.
A joint investigation by UT Southwestern Medical Center and collaborators has identified an enzyme called 15-PGDH that regulates tissue regeneration in multiple organs. By blocking this enzyme with a newly discovered molecule, researchers were able to rescue damaged bone marrow, liver tissue, and colon tissue.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a key enzyme, Protein Kinase C (PKC), that regulates glucose transport into cells. This process is critical for maintaining proper glucose levels, which are often abnormal in diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The findings may lead to new treatments for these conditions.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that enhancing a specific immune response can kill infection-causing fungi, such as Candida albicans, which causes life-threatening bloodstream infections. The researchers discovered that stimulating the transcription factor HIF-1α with L-mimosine led to increased production of natural antibio...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified an enzyme involved in protecting the body from pathogens that senses Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The study found that modulating cGAS activity could be a novel approach to therapy, and cGAMP may be used as a biomarker for active disease.
Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, a renowned expert in depression and mood disorders, received the American Psychiatric Association Award for his significant contributions to the field. His research has led to notable advances in treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
The UTSW Center for Depression Research and Clinical Care aims to replace the current trial-and-error approach with personalized medicine. Dr. Madhukar Trivedi will lead the center, which will use clinical data and biosignatures to drive precision medicine.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that former NFL players who lost consciousness due to concussion during their playing days showed key differences in brain structure later in life. The hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory, was found to be smaller in these athletes compared to a control group.
Researchers identified mutations in PARN and RTEL1 genes, which cause excessive telomere shortening and lung scarring disease. The findings strengthen the link between lung fibrosis and telomere dysfunction.
Dr. Philipp Scherer, Director of UT Southwestern's Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research, receives the prestigious Banting Medal for his significant contributions to understanding and treating diabetes. His research focuses on adipocytes and has demonstrated an initially protective role for obesity in regulating metabolism.
Researchers found that ITIM-receptor signaling supports AML development and suggests blocking this pathway may be an effective strategy for treatment. The study provides new insights into the immune system's role in cancer and may lead to novel therapies for acute myeloid leukemia.
Researchers found a strong association between migraines and carpal tunnel syndrome, with 34% of patients with carpal tunnel also reporting migraines. Further studies are needed to understand the connection and potential preventive measures.
Researchers found that severing corneal nerves during the first transplantation procedure releases high levels of Substance P, disabling T regulatory cells needed for acceptance of subsequent corneal transplants. This results in rejection of more than 90% of second corneal transplants in mice.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a wealth of genetic diversity in pancreatic cancer, including multiple mutated genes that were previously unknown. The study also revealed potential diagnostic biomarkers and defined cases where certain drugs are selectively effective against specific mutations.
Physicians at UT Southwestern have successfully treated a rare and often deadly complication of kidney cancer using stereotactic body radiation therapy, with similar survival rates to surgery. The innovative approach shows promise as an alternative treatment option for patients resistant to traditional therapies.
Breast cancer cells' growth is inhibited by a combination of estradiol and tumor necrosis factor alpha, improving clinical outcomes for some subtypes. The altered gene expression patterns can be used as biomarkers to determine risk and therapy response.
A new study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that women who have given birth to four or more children are more likely to experience cardiovascular changes that can indicate heart disease. Researchers compared data from the Dallas Heart Study and found a U-shaped association between the number of births and heart disease risk.
Researchers have identified a group of SCN neurons expressing neuromedin S that are necessary and sufficient for controlling circadian rhythms. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms by which light synchronizes body clock rhythms, offering potential targets for future treatments of diseases related to circadian dysfunction.
A study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a single elevated random blood glucose value is a strong risk factor for diabetes. Individuals with values above 100 mg/dL were up to 30 times more likely to have undiagnosed diabetes, highlighting the importance of considering these often-overlooked values.
Researchers have identified a new biomarker that can help identify patients who are more likely to respond to certain chemotherapies. MAGE-A3/6 genes contribute to tumor growth by inhibiting AMPK, a protein that controls cellular energy levels and suppresses cancerous tumors.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that acetate supplements accelerate tumor growth and metastasis in mice. The study suggests that modulating acetate production could be a key to designing therapies for cancer patients.
Researchers discovered a common signaling mechanism that produces interferon, a key protein in the immune system. This finding could lead to developing medications to treat human diseases such as lupus, which affects over 1.5 million Americans.
The center aims to provide clinical care and research using heavy particles for innovative new cancer treatments, offering a more potent and precise therapy than conventional options. The project is expected to create 130 high-level jobs and generate over $600 million in economic impact for Texas.