Fat cells step in to help liver during fasting
Researchers found that fat cells produce uridine during fasting, helping to maintain energy balance. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of metabolic disorders and new treatments.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Study finds no benefit, but possible harm, from drug used to prevent preterm births
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that a commonly prescribed drug for pregnant women with a history of early delivery provides no benefits, while potentially increasing the risk of gestational diabetes. The researchers also noted a higher rate of preterm births among those treated with the dru...
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 14, 2017
Lung cancer may go undetected in kidney cancer patients
A study of 151 patients with metastatic kidney cancer found that 85 had lung cancer metastasis, but only three had a primary lung cancer tumor that went undiagnosed. This discovery highlights the importance of medical oncologists and radiologists being aware of hidden lung cancers in kidney cancer patients.
Multicenter study finds no benefit to treating mild thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy
A large national study suggests that treating pregnant women for mildly low thyroid function does not improve the IQs of their babies or reduce preterm births. The results, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found no benefit in treating the women during their pregnancies.
Inactivity, excess weight linked to hard-to-treat heart failures
Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that inactivity and excess weight are strongly associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, which has a poor five-year survival rate of around 30-40%. Increasing physical activity levels and reducing weight may be crucial for combating this growing disease.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 27, 2017
Protein once thought exclusive to neurons helps some cancers grow, spread, defy death
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that cancer cells use the dynamin1 protein, once thought exclusive to neurons, to sustain rapid cell division and evade death signals. Aggressive cancer cells adapt neuronal mechanisms to thrive in a
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2017
UT Southwestern researchers develop potential treatment for fatal kidney disease
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a potential drug, RGLS4326, to treat polycystic kidney disease, an incurable genetic disorder. The drug has shown promise in slowing cyst growth and delaying ADPKD progression in preclinical animal testing.
New studies unravel mysteries of how PARP enzymes work
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that PARP-1 enzyme plays a crucial role in inhibiting fat cell formation and maintaining embryonic stem cells. The study highlights the importance of PARP-1 in normal physiological processes and its potential as a target for treating metabolic disorders.
Scientists identify mechanisms driving gut bacterial imbalance and inflammation
A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers uncovered molecular pathways behind gut bacterial imbalance during inflammatory episodes. The findings provide insights into developing new prevention and treatment strategies for conditions like IBD, colorectal cancers, and gastrointestinal infections.
UTSW identifies ion channel necessary for hormone and anti-obesity drug to suppress eating
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified an ion channel, TrpC5, essential for the brain's response to leptin and lorcaserin, two hormones and medications used to suppress appetite and reduce body weight. In mice deficient in TrpC5, these hormones were ineffective, leading to increased body weight and disrupted metabolism.
Cancer drug could promote regeneration of heart tissue
Researchers discovered that a cancer drug targeting Wnt signaling molecules improves heart function and reduces scarring in mice, potentially preventing heart failure. The treatment also only needs to be used for a short time, avoiding common side effects.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2017
UT Southwestern researchers identify gene that protects against inflammatory bowel disease
Researchers identified a gene called Gatm that plays a crucial role in maintaining the intestinal mucosal barrier, which guards against inflammation caused by bacteria. Mice with a mutation in this gene showed improved symptoms when treated with creatine, highlighting its importance for energy metabolism in IBD.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 1, 2017
UTSW urges use of evidence-based medicine to avoid overtreatment of type 2 diabetes
The UT Southwestern Medical Center review article proposes an evidence-based medicine approach to prevent overtreatment of type 2 diabetes. It suggests balancing absolute benefits and harms with the physician's judgment and patient values, recommending more modest blood-sugar goals for frail and older individuals.
Researchers discover BRCA1 gene is key for blood forming stem cells
The study found that the BRCA1 gene is required for the survival of blood forming stem cells, which could explain why patients with BRCA1 mutations do not have an elevated risk for leukemia. The researchers also suggest that these patients may have a tougher time with chemotherapy side effects.
Researchers discover potential new target for treating glioblastoma
Researchers found a way to inhibit glioblastoma growth by targeting neurodevelopmental transcription factors, which drive brain tumor growth. A chemotherapy drug called mithramycin can prevent further tumor growth with minimal side effects.
Choreographing the microRNA-target dance
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered a new phosphorylation mechanism involved in controlling microRNA-target interactions, allowing microRNAs to efficiently regulate large sets of target messenger RNAs. This discovery sheds new light on the microRNA pathway and its role in human disease regulation.
UTSW researchers identify novel mechanism that protects pancreas from digestive enzymes
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a novel mechanism by which the stress hormone FGF21 protects the pancreas from damage caused by digestive enzymes. This discovery may lead to new treatments for pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas.
UTSW finds likely cause -- and potential prevention -- of vision deterioration in space
UT Southwestern researchers found that constant intracranial pressure in zero-gravity conditions causes vision problems in astronauts. Using a vacuum device to lower pressure for part of each day may prevent the issue, according to the study published in the Journal of Physiology.
UTSW scientists identify protein central to immune response against tuberculosis bacteria
Researchers have identified a protein called Smurf1 that plays a crucial role in the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy tuberculosis bacteria. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments by strengthening this immune pathway.
Researchers uncover mechanism for cancer-killing properties of pepper plant
The study reveals how Piperlongumine converts to an active drug that targets and silences the GSTP1 gene, which is often overactive in tumors. This breakthrough provides new hope for developing cancer therapies using natural compounds.
UTSW identify process cells use to destroy damaged organelles, with links to diseases
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a receptor on the inner mitochondrial membrane plays a crucial role in guiding autophagosomes to damaged mitochondria for destruction. The process, called mitophagy, is essential for cellular health and preventing diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
UTSW study identifies a way to prevent burn injury infection -- without antibiotics
A new approach to prevent burn injury infections was developed by UTSW researchers, which targets the bacteria's ability to bind to host cells rather than killing them. The method, using an engineered adhesion inhibitor molecule, substantially decreased bacterial levels and prevented infection for three days.
Illuminating cancer: Researchers invent a pH threshold sensor to improve cancer surgery
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers developed a nanosensor that amplifies pH signals in tumor cells, distinguishing them from normal cells. The sensor helps surgeons see tumors better during surgery, potentially improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients.
UT Southwestern scientists invent new way to see proteins in motion
Researchers have invented a new method called EF-X, which stimulates protein motions and visualizes them in real-time at atomic resolution. This approach enables the creation of video-like images of proteins in action, opening up new avenues for understanding protein function and potential applications in medicine.
UT Southwestern study shows fasting kills cancer cells of common childhood leukemia
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that intermittent fasting inhibits the development and progression of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a type of childhood leukemia. However, fasting was ineffective against another type of blood cancer commonly affecting adults, acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Researchers find new biomarker for brain cancer prognosis
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a new biomarker called SHOX2, which predicts poor survival in intermediate-grade gliomas. The finding has the potential to help doctors choose the best treatment and improve patient outcomes.
Adrenaline rush: Delaying epinephrine shots after cardiac arrest cuts survival rates
A new study found that hospitals treating a high volume of cardiac arrest cases tend to administer epinephrine more quickly, leading to better survival rates for patients. Delays in giving epinephrine shots also had a negative effect on functional recovery.
UTSW researchers' international study zeros in on gene that limits desire to drink alcohol
A study of over 105,000 light and heavy social drinkers found a variation in the β-Klotho gene associated with decreased desire for alcohol. The less frequent variant is seen in approximately 40% of participants and is linked to a reduced risk of excessive drinking.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 28, 2016
Outreach to cirrhosis patients doubles early screening rates for deadly liver cancer
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that proactive outreach to cirrhosis patients doubled their screening rates for liver cancer. The study successfully improved early detection and survival rates among those at highest risk of adverse outcomes. Only one-fourth of cirrhosis patients are currently screened every six mo...
UTSW reports highest-resolution model to date of brain receptor behind marijuana's high
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have reported a high-resolution structure of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), which binds to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is responsible for marijuana's high. This detailed structure should lead to a better understanding of how cannabinoids initiate signals in the brain.
Aorta more rigid in African-Americans, may explain rates of hypertension and heart disease
A study found that African-Americans have greater aortic stiffness than Caucasians and Hispanics, which may explain the higher rates of hypertension and heart disease in this group. The researchers suggest that genetic differences, sodium intake, and potassium levels may contribute to these findings.
Researchers ID first 2 genes regulating sleep in mice using genetic screening
Scientists have identified two core genes, Sik3 and Nalcn, that regulate deep sleep and dreaming in mice. These findings provide a critical molecular entry point to explain how sleep works and may lead to the discovery of new treatments for sleep disorders.
Low-oxygen environment leads to heart regeneration in mice, UTSW research shows
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that a low-oxygen environment can regenerate heart muscle in mice. This discovery builds on previous research that showed the ability of newborn mammals to regenerate their hearts, and demonstrates the potential for this approach to reverse heart disease.
Structure of toxic tau aggregates determines type of dementia, rate of progression
Researchers found that distinct tau aggregate conformations cause different pathological patterns in the brain, affecting specific regions and progressing at varying rates. This discovery has implications for developing targeted therapies and diagnosing dementias.
UTSW scientists get the upperhand in biological pathway that leads to heart formation
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a pathway essential to heart formation, unveiling a mechanism that explains how non-coding DNA regulates neighboring genes. The discovery may have implications for understanding cardiac development and other genetic processes.
UT Southwestern study links small RNA molecule to pregnancy complication
A recent UT Southwestern Medical Center study found that microRNA-515-5p affects placental development in ways that could contribute to preeclampsia. The research suggests miRNA-515-5p might be used to identify women at risk for the condition and potentially lead to a new treatment target.
SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2016
New research verifies TASINs as viable target for colon cancer therapies
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a small molecule called TASIN-1 that selectively kills cells with a mutation precursor to colon cancer while sparing normal cells. The findings could eventually help with both prevention and intervention efforts for colon cancer.
UT Southwestern researcher receives prestigious NIH award
Dr. Rama Ranganathan receives a Transformative Research Award from the National Institutes of Health's Common Fund to visualize protein mechanics and understand their mechanism of action in healthy and disease states.
Imaging with new biomarker tracks tumor progression, response to brain cancer treatment
Researchers developed an MRI-based method to track the state and progression of genetically mutated brain cancer using a new biomarker 2HG. This non-invasive method provides a diagnosis when neurological risk from surgery is too high, and allows for rapid assessment of treatment response.
UT Southwestern researchers amplify regeneration of spinal nerve cells
Researchers successfully boosted regeneration of mature nerve cells in the spinal cords of adult mammals, increasing the number of newly matured neurons by tenfold. The approach involves silencing the p53-p21 protein pathway and adding growth factors to boost neuron production.
UT Southwestern finds protein function that could lead to ways to prevent stroke damage
Researchers discovered a protein, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), breaks DNA in brain cells during stroke, leading to cell death. The study identified three possible ways to manipulate MIF to protect brain tissue, potentially benefiting conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
PSA for prostate screening unaffected by changes in screening guidelines
A five-year review of over 275,000 visits at UT Southwestern Medical Center showed that PSA testing remained unchanged despite revised guidelines discouraging its use. The study found slight increases in PSA levels after the guidelines were revised, but these had little clinical impact on treatment or results.
Contribution increases by tenfold the mouse mutation resources of one type available
The UT Southwestern Medical Center has transferred nearly 175,000 induced germline mouse mutations to the NIH-supported Mutant Mouse Resource and Research Centers, significantly increasing their availability for researchers worldwide. These mutations are critical for supporting genetic research in all mammals, including humans.
Protein linked to high risk of Alzheimer's can be removed from brain without hindering learning
Researchers found that mice can maintain learning and memory when virtually all ApoE is removed from the brain, as long as it remains present in the liver to filter cholesterol. This study supports the belief that reducing ApoE in the brain could be a viable therapeutic option for treating Alzheimer's.
Breakthrough in mapping nicotine addiction could help researchers improve treatment
Researchers have crystallized a protein that holds answers to how nicotine addiction occurs in the brain, opening up new possibilities for developing treatments. The breakthrough may also lead to medications for certain types of epilepsy, mental illness, and dementia.
Researchers identify method of creating long-lasting memories
A new study in mice finds that dopamine release from the brain's locus coeruleus region can enhance memory retention. The researchers used optogenetics to activate dopamine-carrying neurons and found a direct, long-lasting synaptic strengthening that improved learning and memory.
Electric fans may exacerbate heat issues for seniors, study finds
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests that electric fans can exacerbate heat issues for seniors, increasing their heart rates and internal temperatures. The researchers found that when elderly patients used fans to cool down in a hot environment, their body temperature rose instead of falling.
Study to examine value of ECG testing for high school athletes
A randomized clinical trial will assess whether electrocardiograms (ECGs) can identify high-risk students among Texas high school athletes, who are at risk of sudden cardiac death. The study aims to balance the potential benefits of ECG testing against its costs and risks.
New HIF-2 kidney cancer therapy more effective than current treatment, study shows
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new class of HIF-2 inhibitors that control cancer in half of the tumors tested in mice. The therapy is more active and better tolerated than existing treatments like sunitinib, offering new hope for patients with kidney cancer.
CPRIT awards $9.6 million for UTSW projects
CPRIT awards UT Southwestern Medical Center $9.6 million for various cancer research projects, including lung cancer treatment and prevention efforts. The funding will support research into how cancer cells grow, target breast cancer survivors with active living interventions.