Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have shown that the transmission of mtDNA in yeast is organized and finite, rather than random. This discovery has implications for understanding genetic disorders caused by mtDNA mutations in humans, where the mother passes on a minority of her mtDNA copies to the fetus.
Researchers found a genetic link to abnormal cholesterol absorption in individuals with sitosterolemia, a rare disease characterized by excessive plant sterol absorption. The study identified a specific gene on chromosome 2p21 that regulates selective cholesterol absorption.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a molecular pathway that converts fast strength muscle fibers into slow endurance muscles. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that restore endurance muscle tissue in individuals with congestive heart failure or diabetes.
A recent study by Dr. Robert Haley at UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that Gulf War veterans experience significant post-war excesses in hospitalizations and deaths, contrary to earlier government studies. The research is based on the team's findings of neurological damage caused by chemical exposure during the war.
The UT Southwestern pediatric laboratory now has a Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer, allowing for local analysis of chemotherapeutic drugs and other substances. This technology aids in identifying molecular minutiae, potentially resolving side effects such as fatigue and cognitive problems associated with chemotherapy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that walking during the first stage of labor had no impact on labor duration, pain management, or infant outcomes. Women who walked showed similar results to those who rested in bed, with most indicating they would walk again in future labors.
Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa discovered endothelin, a hormone that controls blood vessel tone and plays a crucial role in cardiovascular function. This breakthrough has sparked further research into developing drugs to block its action and is now being tested in clinical trials.
A new computer program called POMPOUS has been developed to predict genetic markers with high accuracy, accelerating the discovery of gene function and reducing costs. The program has identified over 13,000 markers on the human genome, enabling researchers to analyze and identify genes more efficiently.
Researchers discovered a molecular pathway that leads to heart enlargement and found a way to block it using immunosuppressant drugs. The study used mice whose progression from cardiac hypertrophy mirrored humans', finding that activated calcineurin is sufficient to induce cardiac hypertrophy.
Researchers developed a laser-based test to detect early-stage breast and prostate cancer by identifying epithelial cancer cells in blood samples. The test shows promise for predicting disease progression and monitoring treatment response.
Researchers discovered that syphilis increases HIV transmission by activating immune cells through bacterial membrane lipoproteins. This understanding could lead to treatments to slow HIV disease progression. The study found a plausible molecular explanation for why people with syphilis are more likely to transmit or contract HIV.
Researchers from 95 medical centers found that finasteride significantly reduced prostate surgery and urinary retention risk. Over four years, patients treated with Proscar experienced a 20% prostate size reduction and lower risks of complications.
Researchers discover orexin-A and orexin-B neuropeptides stimulate food consumption in laboratory rats. The study's findings suggest a new molecular basis for regulating feeding behavior and may lead to the development of medications to inhibit eating habits.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discover that telomerase causes human cells to retain their youth and continue dividing beyond their normal limit. The extension of normal cell lifespan in a youthful state presents numerous opportunities for biotechnology and medicine, including producing engineered products in human cells.
Researchers have crystallized the active form of adenylyl cyclase, revealing how Gs-alpha binds to and activates it. This discovery helps understand the regulation of these enzymes, which are crucial for various biochemical processes.
Researchers discovered a protein, Apaf-3, that signals apoptosis and is essential for life. The study's findings may lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments by activating the cell death pathway.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found a promising new treatment for meningococcemia, a deadly disease that affects children. The study, led by Dr. Brett Giroir, used bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) to treat severe cases of the disease and showed encouraging results.
Research led by Dr. Graham Emslie found Prozac to be more effective than a placebo in young people aged 7-17, with 56% showing improvement after two months of treatment. The study also showed that 74% of patients completed eight weeks of Prozac improved.
A UT Southwestern researcher has re-examined reports of stress in Gulf War veterans, finding minimal support for the theory that symptoms are stress-related. The data suggests a very low prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Gulf War veterans.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a system in mice where the level of a genetically engineered protein responds to inflammatory signals. This method of gene therapy has great potential for treating chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory diseases, and may allow for targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory t...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that glucocorticoid can inhibit expression of TNF-alpha gene, halting inflammation and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Understanding this mechanism could lead to better drugs with fewer side effects.
The UT Southwestern Medical Center has received a five-year grant to train graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in molecular microbiology. The program will focus on the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis and interactions with host cells, among other topics.
A US research team, led by Dr. Barton Kamen, has made significant progress in treating stubborn cancers with aminopterin, a drug that was previously shelved due to toxicity concerns. The FDA has granted $447,534 for further studies on the drug, which shows promise in treating patients with leukemia and other cancers.
A clinical trial found that synthetic and natural vitamin E are equally powerful antioxidants in preventing heart disease. The study, published in the American Heart Association Journal, used equivalent doses of both forms of vitamin E and found no significant difference in their effects on low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or LDL oxidation.
The research aims to determine the prevalence of neurotoxic poisoning among Gulf War veterans, design a national survey, and identify cost-effective screening tests. The goal is to find treatments to allow affected veterans to live more comfortable lives.
A multicenter study found that antidepressant sertraline highly successful in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), with significant benefits seen in mood symptoms and relationship problems. The study showed 62% of women treated with sertraline experienced marked improvement, compared to 34% on placebo.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed an oral vaccine that may prevent rejection of corneal transplants. The vaccine involves feeding processed corneal cells from donor corneas to recipients over time, training their immune system to accept donated corneas without the need for powerful immunosuppressive drugs.
The W.W. Caruth, Jr. Foundation has donated $5 million to create an endowment for Scholars in Medical Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center. The program aims to recruit the world's most promising young medical scientists and provide them with research funds, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their careers.
Researchers found ill veterans performed worse in neuropsychological tests than healthy counterparts, indicating generalized brain damage. The study supports the theory that Gulf War syndrome represents neurological damage from chemical exposure, not psychological reactions.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified three genes controlling early heart formation, which may lead to new treatments for congenital and adult heart disease. The study found that the absence of these genes can result in cardiac anomalies, highlighting the potential for targeted therapies.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is part of a nationwide clinical study to test an oral insulin capsule on people at moderate risk for developing type I diabetes. The study aims to determine if the intervention can prevent or delay the disease.
Researchers have identified a second gene associated with hereditary multiple exostoses, a rare bone disorder characterized by the proliferation of benign tumors. The discovery provides insight into the disease's causes and potential tumor suppressor function.
UT Southwestern Medical Center is testing two new oral medications, propentofylline and SB202026, to alleviate major symptoms of Alzheimer's. These trials aim to improve patient conditions or slow symptom progression.