Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are exploring the potential of reparative cells to repair damage in multiple sclerosis. The study identifies specific injury cascades and molecular mechanisms that could be targeted for treatment, offering a new avenue for fighting this debilitating disease.
The new Bill and Rita Clements Advanced Medical Imaging Building will house a 7-Tesla magnet, enabling high-resolution imaging of small anatomical structures in the living human brain. This technology is expected to accelerate research into new diagnostic tests and treatments for neurological and metabolic illnesses.
Studies show that deleting a specific gene called BDNF improves behavior in stressed mice, while also providing insight into the underlying molecular events involved. The researchers' findings have implications for understanding human ailments like social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers discovered a gut protein called FXR that protects the small intestine from bacterial invasion by binding to bile acids. This finding provides hope for treating conditions of the small intestine, such as sepsis and intestinal damage.
Researchers believe that understanding the structure of DNA end caps, called telomeres, can help develop new cancer treatments. They found that the rate of shortening is influenced by the length of the overhang and hope to manipulate it for therapeutic purposes.
A new web model of influenza-host lifecycles will help scientists understand how the virus interacts with its host, enabling the design of more effective anti-viral drugs. The Reactome database outlines a typical virus life cycle and will be updated as research becomes available.
A human trial has shown that a ricin vaccine is safe and induces protective immunity in humans. The vaccine, called RiVax, produced neutralizing antibodies in all participants, even at the lowest dose tested.
Researchers created mice with a genetic defect that affects learning and memory, mirroring symptoms of schizophrenia. The animals struggled to adapt to new environments and scents, highlighting potential treatments for the mental health disorder.
Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common adult brain cancer, has a median survival of about one year after diagnosis. Researchers have identified EGFR as a target for therapeutic drugs, offering new hope for patients. The study found that targeting both mutant and normal EGFR can destroy brain cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
Researchers at UT Southwestern found that MRI offers more detailed views and specific information on cochlear implants than CT scans. This enables surgeons to determine the best surgical technique, electrode arrays, and ear placement for each patient.
UT Southwestern researchers found that activating hedgehog signaling pathway blocks fat formation in mammals, while inhibiting it stimulates fat cell creation. The study opens avenues for potential therapy in humans for obesity, diabetes and osteoporosis.
A third of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) fully recovered from symptoms after initial treatment with antidepressant medication. Nearly 47% showed a response rate, with one in three achieving symptom-free state.
A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that coaching women to push during labor does not significantly affect the length of labor or long-term pelvic floor problems. However, coached women experienced shorter labors and smaller bladder capacities, with bladder function returning to normal over time.
A long-term study of patients with type 1 diabetes found that early and aggressive treatment, including insulin pumps and lifestyle interventions, significantly lowered the risk of serious cardiovascular events. This approach was associated with a 58% reduction in cardiovascular risks compared to conventional blood glucose control.
Dr. Olson and Dr. Abraham Rudolph receive the Pollin Prize for their work on congenital heart disease and gene control. Their research has advanced understanding and treatment of this common birth defect.
Researchers found that genetically modified rats with high levels of leptin receptors didn't become obese, even on high-fat diets. This suggests that preventing the disappearance of leptin receptors may be key to controlling obesity.
Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that robotic treadmill training increases activity in the brain responsible for muscle movement and motor learning after 12 weeks. The study suggests that rehabilitation strategies can be designed to engage critical areas of the brain necessary for walking.
Dr. Cavanagh's donation honors the contributions of Paul M. Bass and W. Plack Carr Jr., who made his past achievements possible. Dr. Cavanagh's research involves developing new contact lenses with improved oxygen flow, impacting millions worldwide.
Dr. Hobbs and Dr. Grundy, two UT Southwestern researchers, have been recognized by the American Heart Association as Distinguished Scientists for their contributions to cardiovascular research and treatment. The recognition acknowledges their lifelong dedication to advancing our understanding of heart disease and stroke.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have developed methods to keep sperm precursor cells from differentiating into sperm, allowing them to freeze and thaw the cells. This breakthrough could lead to alternative sources for embryonic stem cells and enable the development of new male contraceptives. The study's findings also pave the way for g...
Researchers discovered that alpha-synuclein, a disease-causing protein, has a protective effect against nerve damage in Parkinson's disease. This finding was made by studying mutant mice that were bred to have different levels of alpha-synuclein and cysteine-string-protein-alpha, a co-chaperone.
Researchers from UT Southwestern and international partners discovered metal-containing compounds that inhibit HIV protease with low concentrations and stability. These compounds may be effective against resistant strains of the virus.
Researchers found that cocaine alters the normal biochemical processes in the brain, allowing genes to be turned on and off. Chronic cocaine use causes long-lasting changes in the brain's circuitry, whereas short-term use affects genes differently.
Researchers identified a significant increased risk of stroke among Hodgkin disease survivors compared to siblings of cancer survivors. The study found an incidence of strokes at 83.6 per 100,000 person-years for Hodgkin disease survivors, significantly higher than the control group.
Researchers discovered a new hormone called fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) that regulates bile acid production in the liver and prevents damage. FGF15 is produced in the small intestine and can potentially treat conditions like cholestasis by reducing harmful bile acid levels.
UT Southwestern researchers found that heart failure patients with impaired skin-blood flow responses are at risk of heat-related complications. The study suggests that these patients should be more aware of the heat and seek shade or air-conditioned environments if feeling overheated.
The university will use the grant to enhance its Clinical Scholars Program, which supports young investigators in a three-year educational and training program. The initiative aims to create an environment for career development of young faculty in clinical research.
Portal hypertension affects blood flow into the liver, causing high pressure that can lead to bleeding and death. Researchers identified a cellular mechanism leading to reduced nitric oxide production, which can be restored by reducing GRK2 protein production.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a method to create artificial proteins based on evolutionary patterns, sharing similarities with natural proteins. The new approach allows for the reconstruction of modern-day proteins with high accuracy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a cell-based biosensor system that can scan thousands of compounds to identify those that activate dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in the immune system. The new screening technique is highly sensitive and cost- and time-efficient, allowing for rapid identification ...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a compound called GRN163L that blocks the enzyme telomerase, which keeps cells immortal and implicated in most human cancers. The compound works rapidly and in doses considered reasonable for therapy.
VNS therapy has been shown to be effective for some patients with treatment-resistant depression, with up to 20% experiencing total remission. The treatment involves surgical implantation of a device that stimulates the vagus nerve, delivering mild pulses to areas of the brain involved in mood regulation.
A newly discovered muscle gene, Srpk3, has been linked to centronuclear myopathy, a rare genetic disorder affecting skeletal muscles. Researchers found that mice lacking the gene exhibit symptoms similar to those seen in humans with centronuclear myopathy, suggesting potential human mutations exist.
Researchers discovered a new protein, MAVS, located in the mitochondrial membrane that plays a vital role in immune defense against microbial infections. The study suggests that variations in MAVS expression levels may endow individuals with varying ability to fight off viral diseases.
Researchers found that the protein Klotho extends lifespan in mice by making them resistant to insulin, but also increases risk of diabetes. The study offers promising hope for developing anti-aging therapies.
The study found that Apoer2, a receptor interacting with the NMDA receptor, plays a crucial role in regulating synaptic signaling and learning. Mutant mice lacking this receptor had difficulties with learning and memory tasks.
Neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of the forebrain give rise to malignant astrocytoma in genetically engineered mice. The study challenges current dogma that tumors arise from glial cells throughout the brain.
Retinoid X receptor heterodimers are potential therapeutic targets for metabolic syndrome, according to a review article by UT Southwestern's Dr. David Mangelsdorf and Dr. Andrew Shulman. Activating specific RXR complexes may help regulate lipid metabolism and reduce the risk of heart disease and other related illnesses.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered how a protein called nicastrin is involved in the production of beta-amyloid, a key suspect in Alzheimer's disease. By targeting just this portion of the enzyme, they hope to create treatments that block the formation of amyloid plaques without affecting other essential functions.
A new clinical trial at UT Southwestern Medical Center has shown that cognitive therapy can effectively treat recurrent depression in patients. The study, which involves 16-20 sessions of cognitive therapy over 12 weeks, has been shown to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD).
A study by UT Southwestern researchers found significant differences in C-reactive protein levels among men and women, as well as between black and white patients. Women typically had higher CRP levels than men, while blacks had higher levels than whites, with a notable disparity in cardiovascular disease rates.
Researchers understand the mechanism of smooth muscle cell growth, which allows for contraction and expansion of blood vessels. The discovery opens up new avenues for treating vascular disorders by targeting the Foxo4 protein.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new gene silencing technique that targets chromosomal DNA to shut down gene expression in cultured cells. By blocking the ability of chromosomal DNA to be copied into RNA and made into proteins, this approach offers a promising strategy for treating and curing disease.
The UT Southwestern team will study how human cells respond to ionizing radiation in outer space, which can cause DNA damage leading to cancer. The research project aims to improve shielding material for spacecrafts and design safer spacesuits.
A growing appetite for public reporting of hospital infection rates could lead to improved patient safety and quality of care. UT Southwestern professor Dr. Jane Siegel advocates for standardized reporting systems to track key metrics, but notes that challenges exist due to differences in patient populations and data collection methods.
Researchers found that all relatives with aortic valve disease had mutations in the NOTCH1 gene, leading to early developmental defects. The study suggests that targeting these mutations could prevent calcification and slow disease progression, offering potential therapeutic avenues for patients at risk.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified ephrin-B3 as a molecule that inhibits the regrowth of spinal nerve cells. The study found that ephrin-B3, which normally helps control nerve fiber growth during embryonic development, is also present in high levels in adult myelin and blocks neuron regeneration.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that WNK1 activates SGK1, leading to sodium ion channel activation and increased blood pressure. The study suggests that genetic factors may play a role in salt-sensitive hypertension., Genetic factors may contribute to hypertension in certain population groups.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a master switch in cell death, which can help control tumor formation and potentially lead to new cancer treatments. The enzyme Mule destroys a key molecule that regulates apoptosis, allowing for the degradation of proteins that control cell death.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a vicious cycle of protein formation involving alpha-synuclein, leading to fibril formation and further protein clumping. The study suggests that inhibiting the malicious form of an enzyme could potentially lead to new treatment avenues for Parkinson's disease.