Steve McKnight's research on gene regulation and the body's internal clock has led to discoveries that may help understand and treat insomnia and depression. The NIH Pioneer Award recognizes his innovative work in taking creative risks and achieving groundbreaking accomplishments.
Damage to the parasympathetic nervous system may account for nearly half of symptoms such as gallbladder disease and depression in Gulf War syndrome veterans. The parasympathetic system regulates automatic bodily functions like digestion and sleep, which was found to be impaired in veterans.
Researchers found that prolonged, sustained exercise preserves ventricular compliance and may reduce the incidence of diastolic heart failure in the elderly. Lifelong exercise training completely prevented stiffening of the heart muscle thought to be an inevitable consequence of aging.
A National Institutes of Health study found that reducing indoor allergens in the home significantly improves asthma symptoms in inner-city children. By targeting common allergens like dust mites, cockroaches, and tobacco smoke, researchers helped alleviate symptoms comparable to those achieved with asthma inhalers.
Researchers have discovered a small, Smac-like molecule that can encourage the death of cancer cells without harming normal cells. The compound mimics the natural protein Smac, which normally regulates cell death in healthy cells.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center conducted the first comprehensive study on liposuction's physiological impact, analyzing its effects on the heart and lungs, as well as electrolyte changes. The study found that levels of lidocaine and epinephrine must be closely monitored to ensure patient safety.
A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that treating patients with recent acute coronary syndromes with higher doses of statins soon after experiencing heart-attack symptoms leads to a reduction in subsequent death, congestive heart failure, and other cardiac events compared to delayed treatment with...
A mouse study has identified a potential genetic link between NPAS3 and NPAS1 genes and psychosis. The mutated mice displayed deficits consistent with schizophrenia, including impaired social interaction and startle response. Further research is needed to confirm the connection.
The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation has awarded UT Southwestern a $12 million grant to continue the Dallas Heart Study, which aims to develop new biotechnology and treatments for heart disease. The study has already made significant discoveries, including identifying key chemical signals that change stem cells into heart cells.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that teens with depression experience significant improvement when treated with a combination of medication and cognitive-behavior therapy. The treatment resulted in a 71% improvement rate, compared to 60% for those taking Prozac alone or 43% for those receiving only therapy.
Researchers found that children who received venom allergy shots had significantly fewer life-threatening reactions when restung, even years later. Dr. Rebecca Gruchalla recommends the shots for kids with severe allergic reactions to insect stings, which are responsible for at least 40 fatal stings per year.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new technique called chromatin array, which provides a detailed picture of gene activation and expansion. This technology allows for the detection of genes that are not accessible using traditional RNA microarrays, enabling scientists to study previously inaccessible genes.
Patients with major depressive disorder showed significant improvement in symptoms and medical outcomes when treated according to the Texas Medication Algorithm Project (TMAP) guidelines. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, found a two-to-three times greater improvement rate compared to standard treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a protein called NHE1 that regulates cell acidity by directly detecting volume changes. This control is crucial for cell growth and proliferation. The study found specific differences in how NHE1 responds to changes in cell volume compared to another similar transporter, NHE3.
Researchers found a 31% greater number of nerve cells in the thalamus involved with emotional regulation, leading to physical enlargement and structural abnormalities in individuals with severe depression. The study suggests that brain development abnormalities are responsible for depression.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have refined the description of a bacterial protein that regulates salt and solute flow. By understanding how this protein functions, scientists may be able to design new antimicrobial agents by manipulating its gating mechanism.
Researchers discovered a link between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and asthma in mice, showing that an anti-RSV antibody could decrease the risk of developing asthma. The study suggests that treatments against RSV may reduce asthma-related complications in children.
Researchers have found that triple therapy using insulin, metformin, and a thiazolidinedione drug can control blood sugar levels without weight gain. The study showed that nearly all patients reduced their HbAlc levels below 7 percent, with some even achieving levels below 6 percent.
Researchers discovered that healthy Asian Indian men, even those not overweight, exhibit abnormal cytokine production levels associated with insulin resistance. This metabolic issue can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center team developed a blood test that can detect amplification of the HER-2 gene in circulating cells associated with breast cancer. This detection could enable personalized treatment decisions for patients with HER-2 amplified tumors.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that patients who broke bones in traumatic accidents often experience Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with almost 51% of civilian orthopaedic trauma patients displaying symptoms. The more severe the injury, the higher the likelihood of PTSD.
Dr. Charles Pak, a renowned researcher, has been recognized with an international award for his groundbreaking work on kidney-stone disease treatment methodologies. He has developed several drugs used worldwide and diagnostic methods for measuring risk factors, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a characteristic sign of Alzheimer's disease that can distinguish it from frontotemporal diseases, which are the second-leading cause of dementia in the elderly. SPECT testing measures brain blood flow and shows significant reductions in the posterior cingulate cortex, indic...
Dr. Jiang's research focuses on ion channels, proteins in cell membranes controlling ion flow. He joins UT Southwestern faculty with a strong background in chemistry and postdoctoral experience.
According to Dr. George Lister, using high-dose epinephrine in children may impair organ function and survival after cardiac arrest. Limiting doses to recommended levels can reduce errors and improve outcomes.
Dr. Xiaodong Wang, a professor of biochemistry at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his groundbreaking research on cell death and apoptosis. His discoveries could lead to treatments for cancer and neurological diseases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered a cooperative relationship between CD44 and VLA-4 receptors on T-cells to facilitate their migration into infected tissues. This bimolecular complex is necessary for firm adhesion, allowing T-cells to initiate immune responses in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
A study published in Neuron found that a lack of RIM1 alpha protein leads to profound deficits in learning and memory, impacting mice with symptoms similar to schizophrenia. The discovery offers insights into the molecular events underlying learning and memory processes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a second chemical pathway that enhances smooth-muscle cell contraction when the primary pathway is limited. This finding has implications for treating conditions such as hypertension and other smooth muscle-related disorders.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that children with sickle cell disease are now living up to 18 years longer than comparable statistics from 30 years ago. Modern treatments, including prophylactic penicillin and hydroxyurea, have significantly improved survival rates.
Researchers used gene chips to analyze the pattern of gene-expression changes for tuberculosis in a living host, discovering a specific set of genes activated after 21 days post-infection. This indicates that these genes help the pathogen survive within the host while avoiding detection by the immune system.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a direct link between excess body weight and the formation of uric acid kidney stones. The study, which tracked nearly 5,000 patients, suggests that weight loss may be an effective therapy for preventing stone formation.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found evidence of a substance secreted by the lungs of a developing fetus that contains the key signal to initiate labor. The study, led by Dr. Carole Mendelson, suggests a link between a specific fetal lung protein and labor in humans.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have made significant progress in understanding lipodystrophies, rare disorders characterized by partial or total loss of fat tissues. Recent studies have identified gene mutations and novel therapeutic approaches for these patients, which may also be applicable to obese individuals with abnormal fat dist...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a potentially new avenue for treating human narcolepsy by introducing the brain chemical orexin into genetically engineered mice. The study, which uses knockout mice that lack orexin-producing cells, finds that artificially reintroducing orexin alleviates narcoleptic symptom...
Researchers found a link between the two diseases, with mutations in HNF-1a protein interfering with PKHD1 gene transcription. This discovery may lead to similar therapeutic approaches for both MODY5 and polycystic kidney disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a master regulator of smooth muscle development, protein myocardin, which controls growth and differentiation. This finding offers new insights into the cellular mechanisms controlling smooth muscle cell proliferation, potentially leading to novel therapeutics for cardiovascular ...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have established a pediatric pharmacology research center to study drug therapies in infants and children. The center aims to address the challenges of conducting pharmacological studies in pediatric patients, who process drugs differently than adults.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that draining a skin or soft-tissue abscess and packing the wound with gauze is an effective therapy for simple skin abscesses in children, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics. The treatment was shown to be effective even when treating methicillin-resistant Staphyloc...
The gift will establish a comprehensive center utilizing information technology to connect basic research and biological systems analysis. This will enable scientists to build on recent scientific developments, gain insights into biological function in health and diseases.
The new center will integrate basic molecular and cellular research with advanced imaging technologies and computational science to understand complex biological systems. This collaboration aims to develop computer models of entire cells, revolutionizing drug development and reducing costs.
Leptin treatment transforms rat fat-storing cells into unique fat-burning cells with increased mitochondria. This conversion leads to substantial weight loss and improved health in rats.
A membrane protein called NCX1 plays a crucial role in regulating the frequency and strength of heartbeats by transporting calcium into and out of heart cells. The protein generates electrical currents that contribute to excitation and contraction, making it an important key to understanding cardiac function.
UT Southwestern researchers are studying the effect of supervised exercise on individuals taking SSRIs, with preliminary results indicating positive responses from patients. The goal is to determine if exercise can augment SSRI treatment and reduce all symptoms of depression.
A new software application called IRIDESCENT allows researchers to easily identify commonalities in research data and relate them to their studies, saving time and speeding discovery. The system emulates the scientific thought process and can compile diverse facts to present a list of 'hypotheses' for finding hidden knowledge.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have discovered an effective treatment for McArdle's disease, a rare muscle disorder characterized by fatigue and cramping during exercise. The treatment involves administering an oral source of glucose to improve exercise tolerance in patients with the condition.
A double-blind study found that combination therapy with finasteride and doxazosin significantly delayed BPH progression in men with symptomatic BPH. The treatment reduced the risk of acute urinary retention and need for surgical intervention by over 65%.
Researchers discovered levetiracetam reduces phasic spasticity in MS patients, improving balance and walking difficulties. The medication also shows promise in treating other symptoms associated with the disease.
Researchers identified a gene that plays a critical role in sperm cell hyperactivation, which is essential for fertilization. Disrupting this protein could render sperm cells ineffective or infertile, leading to a new type of fast-acting and low-side-effect contraceptive.
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers found that the absence of a key oxygen-sensing molecule can lead to multiple developmental defects. The study created a mouse model lacking this protein, which resulted in cardiac hypertrophy, fatty liver, eye defects, and increased oxidative stress.