Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that insulin family signaling plays a critical role in male sex determination. The discovery furthers the understanding of testes formation and may lead to new treatments for reproductive disorders. Insulin-like genes, including Insl3, also play a key role in this process.
Dr. Mangelsdorf's work on lipid-sensing proteins and cholesterol metabolism has contributed to the understanding of how the body restores balance following an increase in cholesterol levels. He joins a legacy of renowned UT Southwestern scientists who have also received the Wieland Prize for their groundbreaking research.
A recent report assesses NIH-sponsored clinical research, revealing notable advancements but also areas that require improvement. The report highlights the impact of competitive loan-relief programs, increased private funding, and initiatives like the Training Curriculum in Patient-Oriented Research.
Dr. Parada, a renowned researcher, receives the American Cancer Society's Research Professorship award for his work on brain cancers and nerve growth. The five-year award provides flexible funding to enhance visibility of cancer research at UT Southwestern.
Nonprescription contact lenses can cause permanent damage, infection and scarring due to ill-fitting design and lack of monitoring by medical professionals. Cosmetic contact lenses sold over-the-counter without a doctor's prescription increase the risk of corneal ulcers and eye infections.
Researchers will analyze the external environment of tularemia bacteria, develop a vaccine for ricin, and engineer antibodies against anthrax. They will also work on developing drugs to treat Lassa fever and understand how plague blocks the immune system.
Researchers Drs. Michael Brown, Joseph Goldstein, and Eric Olson recognized for their contributions to cardiovascular disease management and treatment. Their groundbreaking research led to the development of statins used by 13 million Americans to treat high cholesterol.
Researchers developed novel proteins that can block the activation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key regulator of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. These modified versions of TNF are designed to prevent an immune response, offering a promising new avenue for treating the disease.
Long-term health consequences of cancer therapy affect nearly all organ systems in pediatric cancer survivors, leading to impaired physical functioning and mental health issues. Women are 40% more likely than men to experience long-term problems.
A study published in Neurology reveals that Gulf War veterans under 45 have developed ALS, a neurodegenerative disorder, at an alarming rate. The Department of Veterans Affairs confirms the findings using a different method, raising questions about environmental exposures during the war and potential links to Gulf War syndrome.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that certain enzyme inhibitors can slow tumor growth by inhibiting telomerase, an enzyme that maintains DNA sequences. The study found that these inhibitors can be used in combination with standard cancer therapies to slow or prevent recurrence of tumors.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center report that pioglitazone and rosiglitazone can cause or exacerbate heart failure and pulmonary edema in certain patients, highlighting the need for cautious prescribing practices.
A new study suggests that advanced MRI scans can diagnose multiple sclerosis more quickly and accurately than traditional methods. The technology uses sophisticated imaging to detect white matter abnormalities in the brain, providing doctors with definitive evidence of injuries over time.
The new cryo-electron microscope allows for unprecedented high-resolution imaging of individual molecules and cellular structures, enabling scientists to study complex diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease
Researchers found that Indomethacin keeps phosphate levels normalized without causing life-threatening complications, offering a potential treatment alternative to conventional therapies for X-linked hypophosphatemia.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that obesity is associated with acute mountain sickness in high-altitude destinations. Obese individuals are more susceptible to symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue, highlighting the importance of gradual ascent and medication for preventive measures.
A second gene, zinc metalloproteinase (ZMPSTE24), has been identified as a cause of the rare skeletal disorder mandibuloacral dysplasia (MAD). Mutations in this gene may also lead to premature aging, generalized loss of body fat and early death.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified phosphatidylinositol 4 phosphate (PI4P) as the main regulator of membrane trafficking in the Golgi. This finding debunks a decade-old theory and provides insight into the vital process of cell survival.
A study published in the journal AIDS found that HAART therapy can significantly prolong survival for AIDS patients with central nervous system lymphoma, with median survival of at least 22 months. This is a significant finding, as previously diagnosed patients had only a few weeks to months after diagnosis.
A study found that large amounts of Ki-67 antigen in cancer cells predict the growth and return of pilocytic astrocytoma, a common childhood brain tumor. The presence of this protein increases the risk of cancer recurrence or growth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that administering the drug trichostatin A can effectively delay the start of labor in mice by allowing progesterone to continue functioning. This is significant because mice have a short gestation period, and pre-term birth affects over 460,000 infants annually.
Scientists have discovered a tumor-suppressor gene in fruit flies called hippo that controls cell production and death. The researchers found that removing the hippo gene led to tumor formation in every organ of the fruit fly, highlighting its crucial role in regulating cell growth.
Neurons in the striatum, responsible for emotions and movement, are selectively killed in Huntington's disease due to abnormally high calcium levels caused by mutant huntingtin protein. This discovery opens new areas for treatment of the disease.
UT Southwestern researchers have defined sites in human genes most prone to mutation, which could lead to discovery of genetic bases of many human diseases. The study identified distinctive DNA sequence patterns and rules for predicting mutations.
A recent study has identified GATA4 gene mutations as a primary cause of human cardiac septal defects, which are characterized by the incomplete formation of the heart's four chambers. The discovery is significant, as it may one day enable doctors to prevent congenital heart defects by fixing the problem before birth.
Researchers discovered that friendly bacteria and human hormones send cellular signals alerting E. coli to its location, leading to colonization and toxin release. Beta blockers may be developed to block this signaling system, preventing the bacteria from reaching the intestine.
A specific group of brain proteins called alpha-Neurexins is essential for activating communication between neurons, and its absence disrupts synaptic transmission. This discovery expands knowledge of synaptic transmission and provides new insight into how the brain works.
A new study by UT Southwestern finds that finasteride effectively reduces prostate cancer risk and improves symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The drug, already used to treat BPH, works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is involved in prostate cancer development.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that patients with moderate to severe brain injuries who inherited the epsilon 4 variation of apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene were more likely to develop seizures. The finding sheds light on post-traumatic epilepsy's pathophysiology and may lead to new therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have partially uncovered the stages in the elimination of viral infections and cancer cells by the human immune system. The study found that natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells use different mechanisms to kill target cells, with significant differences in their roles and receptor usage.
A study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism found that fatty-acid oxidation is essential for the placenta to function efficiently and support fetal growth. The research could lead to new treatments for low-birth-weight or small babies.
Myasthenia, a severe form of muscle weakness, has been linked to a novel genetic mutation that disrupts muscle responsiveness to nerve electrical impulses. Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new cause for the debilitating disease, which may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found a relationship between insulysin and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered that even partial decreases in insulysin activity raised amyloid-beta peptide levels in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer's.
Drs. Brown and Goldstein's research on low-density lipoprotein receptors and Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Proteins (SREBPs) led to effective new drugs for high cholesterol treatment and discovery of a potential insulin-sensitive regulator for diabetes therapy.
Researchers found that participants taking statins lowered their brain cholesterol levels by 21.4 percent, potentially reducing amyloid plaque formation and severity of Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Dr. Gloria Vega, showed no adverse side effects in patients with normal cholesterol levels.
Researchers discovered that a new class of protease inhibitors can prevent the hepatitis C virus from blocking the innate immune response, restoring it in human cells. This finding suggests that these drugs will have dual efficacy and could become an important addition to existing treatments for hepatitis C.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that oral estrogen therapy increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, while transdermal estrogen therapy had no effect. The researchers suggest that the route of administration may be a crucial factor in minimizing cardiovascular risks associated with e...
Researchers developed a low-dose statin and fenofibrate combination, which significantly reduced triglycerides, increased HDL, and lowered LDL in patients with combined hyperlipidemia. This treatment addresses multiple lipid abnormalities and may be key to preventing cardiovascular heart disease.
A UT Southwestern research team found that inactivating LRP1 in vascular smooth muscle cells causes abnormal PDGF receptor signaling, leading to vessel wall susceptibility to cholesterol buildup. The researchers discovered that Gleevec significantly reduces atherosclerosis development by 50% in mouse models.
A recent study has found a direct link between cilia assembly proteins and polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a condition affecting one in every 500 people. The research suggests that stopping cilia formation can cause PKD, providing new insights into the disease's mechanisms.
Researchers studied sooty mangabey monkeys infected with SIV, finding they didn't get sick like humans with HIV. The lack of symptoms was attributed to low-level immune system responses and ability to maintain T cell renewal.
A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that Gleevec, a drug used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), does not effectively target CNS leukemia in the brain or spinal fluid. The research revealed that Gleevec poorly penetrates the blood-brain barrier, allowing leukemia cells to avoid eradication.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that Parkinson's patients treated with levodopa have higher levels of homocysteine, a risk factor for heart disease and dementia. The study suggests that monitoring homocysteine levels may be necessary for patients at risk of heart disease.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center has established criteria for safely treating patients with cocaine-associated chest pain. The study found that patients who did not show evidence of heart-muscle damage or cardiovascular complications during a 12-hour observation period had a low risk of death or other problems in the 30 ...
Researchers at UT Southwestern are developing a new procedure to eliminate graft-versus-host disease in bone-marrow transplants while retaining anti-leukemic activity. The approach uses immunotoxins to selectively target and eliminate harmful immune cells, with promising results in clinical trials.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a gene called twist that regulates muscle development in fruit flies and found it to be crucial in preventing cachexia in mice. The study suggests that the gene down-regulates proinflammatory cytokines, which are involved in various diseases including cancer, arthritis, and asthma.
Researchers have identified several genes necessary for fat accumulation in nematode worms, which are also present in humans. These findings provide a crucial platform to rapidly identify key proteins regulating fat formation, potentially leading to new therapies for obesity and diabetes.
A new study published in The Lancet found that balloon angioplasty was more effective than thrombolytic therapy in reducing death, nonfatal heart attacks, and strokes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Long-term data showed that angioplasty's benefits were sustained for six to 18 months.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that higher doses of hemodialysis and more permeable artificial kidneys did not improve survival rates for all patients with end-stage kidney disease. However, selected subgroups, such as women and those treated with a more permeable membrane, showed significant impr...
A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that acetaminophen overdoses are the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US, affecting 39% of patients. The three-year study also revealed that most cases were unintentional and affected mostly women.