Researchers uncover how an RNA named NORAD drives a protein to form liquid droplets that tightly regulate its activity. This phenomenon, known as phase separation, protects against disease by preventing chromosomal abnormalities and promoting cellular homeostasis.
A new study suggests that increasing a protein in brown adipose tissue remodels white fat to lower diabetes risk. The research found that genetically engineered mice with extra protein had lower blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.
A study led by Genevieve Konopka and Bradley C. Lega found significant differences in gene activity between the anterior and posterior portions of the hippocampus, with genes associated with mood disorders active in the anterior portion and cognitive disorders in the posterior portion.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers reveals that a protein called gasdermin B (GSDMB) is killed by the infectious bacteria Shigella flexneri, which tags GSDMB with a chemical tag for destruction. This discovery could lead to new antibiotics and treatments for inflammatory diseases such as asthma and Type 1 diabetes.
A new study led by UT Southwestern scientists shows that an experimental drug, avasopasem manganese (AVA), enhances radiation's capacity to kill tumors while protecting healthy tissue from collateral damage. The findings could provide a much-needed boost to radiation treatments used against various tumor types.
Researchers discovered that a gene called melanocortin 4 (Mc4r) plays a key role in weight gain associated with risperidone. A new drug approved for genetic obesity treatment, when combined with risperidone, prevents weight gain while maintaining therapeutic effect.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have successfully employed a new CRISPR-Cas9-based gene therapy approach to treat mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, restoring nearly full production of the dystrophin protein. The approach could lead to a treatment for DMD and inform the treatment of other inherited diseases.
Researchers identify key protein MavQ that helps Legionella bacteria set up house in human cells, remodeling endoplasmic reticulum to create protective dwellings. This discovery could lead to new treatments for various infections.
A new protein, AIF3, is produced in the brain after a stroke and triggers cell death, providing a potential therapeutic target for preventing or delaying neurodegenerative diseases. Defective splicing of AIF leads to its production, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center review of Texas Cancer Registry data found that Black and Hispanic patients under 40 with cancer have lower survival rates compared to their white counterparts. The study also showed that poverty and lack of insurance coverage exacerbate these disparities.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center and economists at the University of Dallas found that consistent use of food pantries can improve food security, health, and well-being. The researchers calculated a 10 percentage-point increase in pantry visits led to a 5.7% reduced likelihood of food insecurity.
A new once-a-week injectable insulin therapy has proven safe and as effective as daily insulin injections in two international clinical trials. The treatment may provide a convenient alternative to the burden of daily insulin shots for diabetes patients, improving long-term adherence and glucose control.
Researchers found that a chemical modification of RNA, influenced by diet, plays a key role in polycystic kidney disease. Limiting methionine in the diet may partially control cyst formation, and identifying chemicals that stem Mettl3 activity may lead to new drug treatments.
Researchers found that a specific gene called MPP8 suppresses the activity of 'jumping' genes, which can protect against certain blood cancers. This discovery may lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for acute myeloid leukemia, the deadliest type of blood cancer.
Researchers found that patients with public health insurance, a history of Child Protective Services involvement, and an unscheduled hospitalization during pediatric care were at higher risk for end-stage renal disease and death. Childhood-onset lupus patients face significant challenges as they transition to adult healthcare.
Researchers at UT Southwestern found that astronaut Scott Kelly's heart lost an average of 0.74 grams per week during his nearly a year-long stay in space. Despite regular exercise, the heart adapted relatively well and functioned well despite shrinking by about three-tenths of an ounce.
A new study by researchers at UT Southwestern shows that exercise programs for older adults with mild memory loss can increase blood flow to their brains. The results add to growing evidence linking exercise with brain health, suggesting that regular aerobic exercise may help improve cognition and memory in healthy older adults.
Vaccinating healthcare workers reduced positive COVID-19 cases by over 90%, with infection rates lowest among fully vaccinated employees, according to data from UT Southwestern Medical Center. The institution saw a significant reduction in required isolations and quarantines.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified the structure of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor a7 in three different shapes. This breakthrough could lead to new pharmaceutical treatments for schizophrenia, lung cancer, and COVID-19.
Researchers found 300 genes associated with neural oscillations, including hub genes that control separate gene networks. Surprisingly, several of these hubs were active in glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells. This discovery provides an entry point for further research into the underpinnings of human memory.
Researchers defined parameters for white blood cell counts in children's urine to diagnose and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) more effectively. The new guidelines could help speed treatment, prevent complications, and reduce the risk of lifelong consequences like kidney scarring and hypertension.
A new type of CAR T-cell therapy more than triples the expected length of remission for multiple myeloma patients who have relapsed several times. Nearly three-quarters of the patients had at least a partial response to the therapy, with about a third achieving complete remission.
Scientists discovered a way to reprogram scar-forming cells in mouse spinal cords to produce new nerve cells, improving recovery after spinal cord injury. The breakthrough could lead to the development of safe and effective treatments for the hundreds of thousands of people worldwide who suffer from spinal cord injuries.
A recent international study found that semaglutide, an injectable medication, is effective in reducing weight and treating obesity in patients with Type 2 diabetes. The study showed significant weight loss results, with over 25% of participants achieving a 10% or greater weight loss.
Scientists use monoclonal antibodies against the glucagon receptor to convert alpha cells into beta cells, significantly increasing the number of cells in the pancreas. This could potentially treat both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by restoring natural insulin production.
Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center identified the cells responsible for liver tissue maintenance and regeneration, specifically those in zone 2. These cells can evade death, regenerate hepatocytes, and sustain liver function after damage.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a mechanism by which exercise strengthens bones and immune function. Movement-induced stimulation creates a specialized environment in the bone marrow that promotes the formation of new bone cells and immune cells.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified nine serum proteins in blood that strongly predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using machine learning tools. These biomarkers could enable earlier diagnosis and prompt therapeutic support, potentially improving quality of life for children with ASD.
A new study by UT Southwestern scientists reveals distinct characteristics of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and autoimmune encephalitis (AE), which may enable better treatment outcomes for patients. Slight differences in clinical features, lab results, and imaging findings can help distinguish between the two conditions.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that a combination of three decades-old antibiotics can block pain triggered by nerve damage. The finding offers an alternative to opioid-based painkillers and could potentially treat chronic pain caused by damaged nerves.
A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that inhalation of depleted uranium from exploding munitions did not lead to Gulf War illness. Researchers used high-precision mass spectrometry to analyze veterans' urine samples and found no differences in uranium isotopic ratios between those with GWI and control veterans.
Scientists identify the Nsp1 protein as a key player in blocking host cell genes that promote viral replication. By inhibiting two steps in protein production, Nsp1 allows SARS-CoV-2 to replicate unchecked. This discovery provides a potential target for new COVID-19 therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a mechanism controlling the activity of chaperone proteins, which guide proteins into proper shapes. The findings shed light on hundreds of degenerative and neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein misfolding, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's.
A machine-learning algorithm developed at UT Southwestern estimates that the number of COVID-19 cases in the US is nearly three times that of confirmed cases, with over 71 million people estimated to have contracted the virus. The algorithm provides daily updated estimates of total infections and the number of people currently infected...
A new nanoparticle-based drug can boost the body's innate immune system and make it more effective at fighting off tumors. Researchers found that the polymer-based nanoparticles activate STING even without a small molecule activator, causing a more sustained effect on the protein.
Vaccines against diseases like influenza and whooping cough have shown to be lifesaving when administered during pregnancy. Pregnant women are at increased risk of preterm birth or pregnancy loss if they develop severe COVID-19, highlighting the need for guidance on vaccine administration.
A recent study found that nearly half of patients with obesity reported using recreational drugs and alcohol during the pandemic. Those with anxiety or depression were more likely to increase their substance use, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers found that deactivating the autism-linked FoxP1 gene in young songbirds prevents them from forming memories of their fathers' songs. This finding may shed light on speech development in humans and potentially lead to new treatments for children with autism.
Two studies shed light on the process of adding new fat cells, revealing a balance between existing fat cell expansion and new cell creation. A cancer drug can stimulate healthy fat cell formation, while inhibiting the development of new fat cells in one storage area can prevent diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers evaluated new COVID-19-related pediatric resuscitation procedures using simulation to identify problems and improve guidelines. The study found that two nurses were needed at the patient's bedside during resuscitation to prevent task overload, and communication needed refinement due to PPE limitations.
Small cell lung cancer cells lack surface protein NKG2DL, allowing them to hide from immune system. Researchers found that expressing this protein on their surfaces can trigger an immune response and lead to smaller tumors with more activated immune cells.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that removing a key gene called Cbl-b can revitalize exhausted CD8+ T cells to combat malignant tumors. This breakthrough could offer a new approach to harnessing the body's immune system to fight cancers.
A new treatment combining naltrexone and bupropion shows promise in reducing methamphetamine use disorder, with a response rate of 13.6% compared to 2.5% in placebo groups. The therapy also led to reduced cravings and fewer adverse effects.
A team of UT Southwestern researchers has identified the gene ZMYND8 as being increased in breast cancer conditions and correlating with poor survival rates. The gene regulates DNA stability and inhibits antitumor immunity, but removing or inhibiting it allows lymphocytes to invade tumors and prevent growth.
Genetically identical cells can still behave differently after starvation, and researchers have identified key biomarkers that predict which cells will take quiescent or senescent paths. The findings could lead to more predictable responses to pharmaceutical treatments.
Researchers have found that a protein called transthyretin (TTR) can break toxic amyloid beta clumps associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that modified TTR peptides may prevent or slow progression of the disease in mouse models, offering new hope for patients.
Researchers developed a new method to study molecular characteristics of T cells, enabling easier analysis of T cell receptors. Using this approach, they discovered that the variety of TCRs in T cells has a weaker influence on functional status in cancer patients.
Scientists have identified a new metabolic vulnerability in highly aggressive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors containing mutations in KRAS and LKB1. The hexosamine biosynthesis pathway is activated in these tumors, providing a potential target for therapy.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a type of cell responsible for triggering chronic inflammation in fat tissue. The study found that these cells, called fibro-inflammatory progenitors (FIPs), produce signals that encourage inflammation when exposed to high-fat diets.
A recent study published in PNAS catalogues gene activity in skeletal muscle of mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) compared to healthy animals. The researchers found marked differences in gene expression, including increased activation of genes involved in cell death and degradation of muscle tissue.