Researchers developed a genetic test for CMT2, a leading cause of the condition, which is characterized by muscle weakness and nerve damage. The new test offers hope for early diagnosis and potential treatment of CMT2, a complex disorder with no effective therapies yet.
Frontotemporal dementia is caused by defects in chromosome 17, specifically in the progranulin protein. Genetic analyses identified a shortage of progranulin in FTDU families, leading to brain cell death. This discovery offers new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for FTD and other brain diseases.
Researchers discovered that PARL plays a key role in initiating apoptosis in mitochondria, leading to faster cell death and increased risk of diseases like Parkinson's. The study used 'knock-out' mice that lacked PARL, showing that the protein is essential for protecting cells from controlled cell death.
The European Commission has allocated €12 million to the AGRON-OMICS project, a collaborative research effort aiming to enhance understanding of plant growth and development. The project will focus on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, exploring molecular components controlling growth and their interactions.
VIB researchers have found a new treatment option for chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL), a rare and aggressive type of leukemia. The breakthrough is due to the discovery that Sorafenib, an existing kidney tumor treatment, works effectively against CEL.
ENDEAVOUR gathers genetic data from various databases and integrates it into a mathematical model to identify genes connected to diseases. The program has been tested in the laboratory and proven its validity for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease, leukemia, colon cancer, and Parkinson's disease.
A new genetic cause of Alzheimer's disease has been discovered, with increased amyloid precursor protein expression being a significant risk factor. The study found that genetic variations in the promoter region can increase gene expression and contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at VIB have made a significant breakthrough in combating African sleeping sickness by developing a nanobody that carries an ApoL-1 variant to the surface of the parasite. This treatment has shown promising results in mice, with infected animals surviving after a single treatment and the parasite being removed from their blood.
Researchers at VIB and VTT have developed a technology that increases the production of secondary metabolites in plant cells, allowing for more efficient pharmaceutical production. This innovation has led to the establishment of SoluCel Ltd., a company focused on bringing this technology platform to the market.
Researchers at VIB have discovered the mechanism behind reduced inflammation in mice, which produces just enough interferons to activate the immune system against bacteria. This finding is relevant to the quest for new therapeutics for bacterial infections and may provide a breakthrough in combating these deadly diseases.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, administering bone marrow stem cells to patients with acute myocardial infarction resulted in a significant reduction of the infarct size and improved regional left ventricle function. The findings suggest potential benefits for targeted clinical and pre-clinical research.
Researchers have identified plant genes crucial for capillary root formation, a vital process for plants to absorb water and minerals. This discovery has important implications for sustainable agriculture, enabling the cultivation of crops that can adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Hereditary Neuralgic Amyotrophy is characterized by repeated attacks of pain and paralysis in the affected area, often accompanied by facial features. Researchers have identified a genetic defect in the Septin 9 protein as the underlying cause of the disorder.
A new protein called ABIN-1 has been discovered that can prevent the death of liver cells in people with hepatitis. Researchers have shown that an extra dose of ABIN-1 provides a double protective effect against inflammation and cell death, offering new hope for treating liver disorders.
Researchers have identified a new protein, Ptprv, that plays a crucial role in preventing and counteracting cancer. The protein works with p53 to halt the cell cycle and block tumor formation, offering new perspectives for cancer treatment.
Researchers have identified tadpoles as a suitable model system for studying the lymphatic vessel network, essential for regulating fluid in the body and supporting the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new solutions for illnesses caused by faults in the lymphatic vessel network, including cancer and lymphedema.
Researchers discover that amyloid-β protein plaques attach to blood vessels, causing damage and leakage. This breakthrough understanding may lead to the development of treatments that promote plaque removal from the brain.
A new experimental drug PKC412 has been discovered to combat resistant tumors in GIST patients. The study reveals that KIT's reactivation is a crucial factor in tumor cell resistance, and PKC412 can counteract this process.
Dirk Inzé's pioneering work on plant cell division has revealed similarities to human cell regulation, shedding light on the mechanisms driving cancer and informing potential treatments. His research also explores the potential of plants to produce sustainable energy through photosynthesis, offering a promising solution for the world's...
A recent study using fruit flies has revealed the role of the dFMRP protein in regulating actin dynamics, which is crucial for neuron formation. This research holds promise for a better understanding of fragile-X-syndrome and brain development.
Researchers at VIB have discovered a way to prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the wall of the urinary tract, potentially leading to a new treatment for chronic urinary tract infections. By targeting the protein Adhesine FimH on the bacteria's pili, a new medication could be developed to combat this widespread problem.
Scientists have discovered that gamma-secretase, a key enzyme involved in Alzheimer's disease, has diverse tissue-specific activity. This finding opens up new possibilities for developing targeted treatments by focusing on the inactivation of specific sub-units, which may reduce side effects.
Researchers found that a protein in plants plays a crucial role in controlling DNA doubling, which can lead to cancer cells. The study suggests that an error in the human counterpart of this protein could contribute to cancer development.
ALS researchers found that continuous administration of VEGF protein into the cerebrospinal fluid increases life expectancy in ALS rats. The treatment has shown promising results with a patient-oriented approach, allowing controlled doses to be easily administered.
Researchers used zebra fish to discover that nerves and blood vessels share similar guiding signals, crucial for therapeutic angiogenesis. This finding has significant implications for developing targeted forms of treatment for diseases like heart attacks.
Researchers at VIB have discovered receptor proteins in yeast cells that detect and react to glucose and sucrose, which could be good targets for new medicines. This finding raises the possibility of glucose receptors existing in human beings.
Scientists from VIB are using RNAi technology to study the function of genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, a model plant with 29,000 genes. The goal is to identify the function of all genes, which will shed light on biological processes in plants and humans.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for the formation of active cancer genes in T-cell acute lymphatic leukemia (T-ALL), leading to an uncontrolled growth of immature white blood cells. The study suggests using Glivec, a kinase inhibitor that targets ABL1, as a potential treatment for T-ALL patients.
The poplar's genome has been cracked, revealing potential genes specific to trees that could aid in combating global warming. By comparing the genomes of Populus and Arabidopsis, researchers hope to identify tree-specific genes that can be used to modify trees for better energy production and wood quality.
A genetically modified bacterium, Lactococcus, has been engineered to produce a therapeutic protein that protects the epithelium and heals intestinal tissues. The bacteria shows great promise in treating both acute and chronic intestinal inflammation, including Crohn's disease.
Researchers have developed a mathematical algorithm called TANGO that can predict the likelihood of proteins sticking together incorrectly. This could lead to new diagnostic techniques for diseases caused by misfolded proteins, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and more efficient production of therapeutic proteins.
Researchers have discovered that a gene therapy using growth factor VEGF can slow down the onset and progression of ALS in mice, increasing life expectancy by 30%. This treatment has shown promising results without toxic side effects, offering new hope for patients with this incurable disease.
Researchers at VIB have developed nanobodies, tiny proteins that can target specific cancer cells. These nanobodies have shown promise in treating various diseases, including inflammatory and heart conditions.
Scientists have identified genetic mutations in heat shock proteins linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a debilitating disorder affecting peripheral nerves. The study's findings hold promise for developing new therapies and improving diagnosis.
A new test can detect cirrhosis of the liver in its early stages, using changes in sugar production to identify the condition. The test has been shown to be accurate and could lead to earlier detection of liver cancer, improving treatment outcomes.