The National Cancer Institute has granted $2.5 million to Van Andel Research Institute and Cedars-Sinai to develop better diagnostic and treatment strategies for cancer. The project aims to uncover the underpinnings of cancer by analyzing epigenetic data from thousands of samples.
A new computational tool called fABMACS helps scientists understand how proteins function and develop targeted therapies for diseases like cancer. By simulating chemical changes to drugs, fABMACS predicts improved drug potency and efficacy.
Researchers discovered that supplementing an epigenetic cancer drug with vitamin C enhances its ability to impede cancer cell growth and trigger cellular self-destruction. The therapy combines azacitidine with vitamin C, addressing a common deficiency in cancer patients. If successful, the approach may improve the existing therapy for ...
Research identifies ACMSD enzyme as key player in regulating inflammation and its byproducts, which may contribute to depression and suicidal tendencies. The study found reduced activity of the enzyme in patients who have attempted suicide, suggesting a potential biomarker for identifying individuals at risk.
A new laboratory model of Parkinson's disease has successfully replicated the phase that occurs long before diagnosis, revealing how abnormal alpha-synuclein proteins spread in the brain. The study demonstrates a possible link between Parkinson's and non-motor symptoms like cognitive impairment and gastrointestinal issues.
A study published in Scientific Reports found tiny DNA changes linked to Parkinson's disease in unexpected places, including liver, fat, immune, and developmental cells. These findings suggest a diverse set of underlying causes for the disease, challenging current understanding of neurodegenerative disorders.
Dr. Peter Jones, Chief Scientific Officer at Van Andel Research Institute, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his outstanding contributions to cancer research and epigenomics. His work focuses on developing novel approaches to cancer treatment and alleviating suffering from the disease.
Stanley Fahn, a pioneer in the field of movement disorders, will receive the 2016 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Parkinson's Disease Research. He has made significant contributions to the development of rating scales for Parkinson's and other diseases.
Researchers have identified two new compounds that show promise in treating Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. The compounds target the transcription factor EWS-FLI1, which plays a key role in gene regulation, leading to uncontrolled cellular proliferation and tumors.
Scientists have identified a protein called Tet3FL that acts as a 'guardian' against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Tet3FL removes molecules called methyl groups from specific genes, keeping them active and maintaining cellular 'trash removal' processes.
Hui Shen, a Van Andel Research Institute Assistant Professor, has received an Ovarian Cancer Research Fund award to investigate cell types that may be used to pinpoint ovarian cancer's cells of origin. Her research aims to identify epigenetic fingerprints of specific genomic regions of ovarian cancer cells and normal cells.
Scientists have molecularly characterized two types of the second most common kidney cancer, papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC), which accounts for 15-20% of kidney cancer cases. The study reveals distinct molecular differences between Type 1 and 2 PRCC, as well as three subtypes of Type 2, each with varying molecular alterations. T...
Scientists from Van Andel Research Institute found that cabozantinib inhibits growth of triple-negative breast cancer subtypes and impedes progression by targeting the MET protein. This new therapy shows promise for treating this aggressive form of breast cancer.
Scientists at Van Andel Research Institute and University of Toledo have discovered a way to stop the spread of glioblastoma multiforme by activating a family of proteins. This innovative approach may lead to a novel treatment for this deadly brain cancer, which affects 22,000 people in the US each year.
A multidisciplinary team is designing a mathematical model for autophagy in lung cancer to develop novel cancer treatment strategies. The model will be used to systematically evaluate therapeutic strategies and identify the most promising ones, which can then be evaluated experimentally.
Researchers have unraveled the molecular secrets of plant defense mechanisms at the atomic level, focusing on jasmonate and its interaction with three key proteins. The study aims to develop crops better equipped to fend off future threats.
Scientists at Van Andel Research Institute have unraveled the molecular mechanism of TOPLESS, a plant protein that interacts with other molecules to regulate gene silencing. This discovery provides insights into similar pathways in humans and has significant implications for understanding diseases such as cancer.
A new database, Histone Antibody Specificity Database, has been launched to improve the accuracy of histone antibodies used in epigenetics research. The database provides validated test results for over 100 commonly used antibodies, allowing researchers to select reliable options for their experiments.
Researchers used a powerful X-ray laser to create a three-dimensional map of a key protein complex, revealing its structure and interactions. This breakthrough provides insights into developing more targeted therapies for diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Researchers have identified a process by which misfolded proteins, such as alpha-synuclein, travel from sick to healthy cells in the brain, leading to the progression of Parkinson's disease. The study provides new insights into the disease's pathology and offers potential targets for disease-modifying treatments.
Researchers from South Korea, Sweden, and the US have successfully transplanted HD-induced pluripotent stem cells into animal models, exhibiting significant behavioral recovery. The study provides new insights into the underlying disease process and potential treatments for Huntington's disease.
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the cause of bile duct cancer by identifying several new genes frequently mutated in the disease. The research team discovered mutations in 187 genes using state-of-the-art DNA sequencing, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms of the disease.
Researchers at Lund University have identified a new stem cell in the adult brain that can proliferate and form several different cell types, including new brain cells. The discovery has great potential for developing methods to heal and repair brain injury and disease.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute have discovered a predictive marker for patient sensitivity to MET inhibitors in glioblastoma. The study may lead to the development of improved therapies for this deadly brain cancer.
A new study reveals substantial differences in follow-up surgeries for women with breast cancer, affecting cancer recurrence and overall survival rates. The research highlights the need for quality measures to compare breast cancer surgical outcomes among surgeons and hospitals.
Researchers distinguish cancer subtypes and provide a more complete understanding of Type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC2), an aggressive type of kidney cancer. They also identify genes involved in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) development and progression, highlighting PLK1 as a promising potential therapeutic target.
A recent Van Andel Research Institute study found that decanoic acid acts as a modulator of PPAR receptors, which play a key role in glucose and lipid metabolism. The findings suggest that decanoic acid could be used to design better and safer PPARγ-based drugs for diabetes treatment.
Researchers discovered that chloroquine represses inflammation by activating glucocorticoid signaling, providing a blueprint for new strategies to treat autoimmune diseases. Lysosomal functioning also plays a role in regulating glucocorticoid signaling.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute have uncovered a possible explanation for the toxicity of anti-cancer antibiotics. The discovery could lead to new and improved drugs for several types of cancer, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
Van Andel Research Institute scientists found a protein that predicts the spread of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a deadly head and neck cancer common in southern China and Southeast Asia. Higher levels of serglycin correlate with poor prognosis and increased metastasis, suggesting it as a therapeutic target to stop disease progression.
A recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry suggests that vitamin A plays a more direct role than previously believed in various physiological functions. The study found that vitamin A itself is active in activating nuclear receptor TR4, which plays roles in sperm cell production, lipid regulation, and central nervo...
Researchers have identified a gene, PBRM1, that is mutated in one in three patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer. This discovery provides new insights into the biology of renal cancer and may lead to new therapeutic directions for treatment.
Researchers developed a method to yield more information from archived newborn blood spots, enabling studies on population health patterns and diseases present at birth. The new method detected approximately 9,000 activated genes in adult blood samples from Guthrie cards, tripling the amount found in previous studies.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute have identified synthetic compounds that can mimic the effects of plant hormone abscisic acid, helping plants retain water during drought. These findings could lead to sprays that use a plant's natural defenses to improve drought tolerance and combat global food shortages.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute created a bioreactor to study shunt systems used in hydrocephalus treatment. The device helps prevent cells from blocking shunt catheters, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.
Pancreatic researchers have developed a method to distinguish between pre-cancerous and benign cysts using glycans. This could lead to fewer deaths from pancreatic cancer by detecting and removing pre-cancerous cysts. The study's findings offer new hope for early detection and treatment of the disease.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute have identified key proteins involved in the development of prostate cancer. Understanding their interaction could lead to more effective treatments by targeting this molecular link.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute developed a new model to study prostate cancer, finding that normal secretory cells depend on E-cadherin binding for survival, unlike cancer cells which rely on androgen. This discovery could lead to therapies targeting tumor cells without harming normal cells.
Van Andel Research Institute researchers found a way to reverse resistance to sunitinib, a treatment for clear cell renal cell carcinoma, by administering sunitinib and IL-8 neutralizing antibodies. This discovery may help predict patients' response to the treatment.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute determine molecular structure of plant hormone receptors, paving the way for engineer crops that thrive in harsh environments. The discovery also has implications for stress disorders in humans.
Van Andel Institute researchers found the gene RhoB is crucial in the progression of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a bone marrow disease affecting up to 15,000 people annually. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for late-stage MDS and its potential applications in leukemia and solid tumors.
A recent report by the American Association for Cancer Research finds that cancer mortality rates have declined steadily across all age groups over the past three decades. The decline is attributed to improved screening and treatment methods, with even younger individuals experiencing significant reductions in mortality rates.
A new diagnostic tool developed by Van Andel Research Institute has shown promising results in detecting pancreatic cancer more effectively. The method studies carbohydrate structures in the bloodstream and could lead to the development of blood tests that can detect cancer.
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for basal breast cancer, an aggressive form of the disease. The Met gene was found to play a critical role in its development, making it a promising drug target for patients with few treatment options.
Jindong Chen, a VARI researcher, has been awarded the AACR Scholar-in-Training Award for his presentation on Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome and its relation to kidney tumors. This award recognizes groundbreaking cancer research and is highly competitive among applicants.
Researchers found that adult cystic nephroma and mixed epithelial and stromal tumors are genetically similar and should be considered the same disease entity. This discovery will help doctors accurately diagnose the disease in patients, leading to improved patient care.
Researchers at Van Andel Research Institute ruled out transcriptional coactivators as useful herpes antiviral drug targets. The study found that the viral genes do not depend on cellular proteins called coactivators for expression, contrary to earlier models.