A VCU professor has received a five-year grant to extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, reducing their cost and carbon footprint. He aims to develop alternative battery materials that are nontoxic and abundant, enabling the creation of more sustainable energy storage solutions.
Scientists have discovered a novel interaction between AEG-1 and Akt2 proteins that regulates malignant characteristics of GBM, offering new therapeutic potential. Disrupting this interaction in preclinical experiments showed reduced GBM cell survival and invasion.
Researchers have identified a potential universal therapeutic target for treating multiple infections, including Ebola, by targeting the GRP78 protein. The OSU-03012 (AR-12) and FDA-approved Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors combination has shown promise in preventing viral replication, killing cancer cells, and reducing antibiotic-resist...
The study found that Herceptin significantly improved 10-year survival from 75 percent to 84 percent when added to chemotherapy. Additionally, the 10-year disease-free survival rate increased from 62 percent to 74 percent with the addition of trastuzumab.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a novel microRNA-gene interaction that could lead to new therapies for malignant glioma, the most common and deadly form of brain tumor. Increasing miR-184 expression slows glioma cell growth by regulating SND1, a cancer-promoting gene.
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center use computer modeling to predict which patients are at greatest risk for developing GVHD after stem cell transplantation. The researchers found that minor histocompatibility antigens play a crucial role in shaping the development of T-cell clonal families.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a unique approach to treating pancreatic cancer that uses immunotherapy to target cancer cells and stimulate the immune system. The treatment method, known as immunochemotherapy, shows promise in pre-clinical studies with minimal harm to normal pancreatic cells.
The Cancer Health Literacy Study developed an evaluation tool called the Cancer Health Literacy Test (CHLT)-30 to measure cancer health literacy along a continuum. The study found that 18% of cancer patients have limited CHL, with an overrepresentation of African-American, undereducated and low-income patients.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered that most Li-ion battery electrolytes are superhalogens containing toxic halogens. They propose using halogen-free electrolytes as a safer alternative.
The VCU Center for Medication Development for Cocaine Use Disorder aims to develop safe and effective treatments for cocaine addiction. The center will conduct preclinical and early clinical trials, and provide educational resources to train the next generation of translational scientists.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have identified a genetic driver of inflammation that can be used to prevent and treat liver cancer. The study found that blocking the expression of AEG-1 halts the development and progression of liver cancer by regulating inflammation.
Scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a new molecular imaging approach that can image bone metastases from prostate cancer with greater accuracy than existing methods. The new method detects the gene AEG-1, which is expressed in most cancers but not in healthy cells.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel cancer therapy that leverages the autophagy defense mechanism to induce cell death in multiple myeloma cells. By targeting the p62 protein, the therapy disrupts autophagy and triggers apoptosis, resulting in increased effectiveness compared to t...
The VCU Massey Cancer Center has been awarded a $4.4 million grant to establish a statewide cancer clinical trials network in Virginia, focusing on minority access and addressing cancer disparities. The network will provide cancer patients with opportunities to participate in clinical trials in their local communities.
The VCU Alcohol Research Center will investigate the genetic systems contributing to alcoholism using advanced statistical and bioinformatic methods. Researchers will focus on gene networks influencing alcohol behaviors in humans and animals.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center found that protein AEG-1 interferes with retinoic acid's ability to treat leukemia and liver cancer, highlighting a potential target for new therapies. The study's results could impact the treatment of countless cancer patients by enabling doctors to screen for AEG-1 expression levels.
The Reptile Database has recorded over 10,000 known species, making it the most diverse vertebrate group after fish and bird species. The 10,000th species, Cyrtodactylus vilaphongi, is a tiny gecko discovered in Laos.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine have identified three surface proteins on the Anaplasma phagocytophilum bacterium that cause tick-transmitted disease. Targeting these proteins could lead to effective prevention and treatment, enabling the development of a vaccine.
VCU has received a five-year, $3 million grant to investigate how childhood experiences like severe illnesses and neglect affect health outcomes. Researchers will analyze DNA methylation patterns to identify potential biomarkers for early intervention.
A recent study published in the Journal of Community Genetics found that only one in twenty-two high-risk women received BRCA genetic counseling. Despite having a diverse population, no significant differences were associated with factors like age, race, or family size. The researchers urge providers and patients to be more aware of th...
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel combination therapy that reduces Mcl-1 expression and disrupts its interactions to effectively kill multiple myeloma cells. The therapy combines Chk1 and MEK inhibitors, showing promise in overcoming resistance caused by high expressions of Mcl-1.
A new study found that older siblings more strongly sway younger siblings close in age towards violent criminal behavior. Environmental factors within families play a crucial role in delinquent behavior, and the results may inform prevention and treatment programs.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have identified a critical protein called Noxa, which helps regulate the function of MCL-1 and makes cancer cells more sensitive to ABT-737. This breakthrough may lead to improved therapies for small cell lung cancer, overcoming resistance to conventional chemotherapies.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified how zinc interacts with caspase-3 to regulate apoptosis. The findings may lead to targeted drug interventions for treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
A study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that histamine plays a role in protecting tumors from the immune system. By blocking histamine production, researchers were able to interrupt a process promoting melanoma growth.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University and MIT have identified a key enzyme necessary for a disease-causing bacterium to survive, which may lead to the development of new antibiotics. The study found that eliminating this enzyme or its manganese-attachment protein prevents the bacterium from causing heart valve disease.
A pre-clinical study suggests that dinaciclib, a CDK inhibitor, can improve the effectiveness of certain therapies for multiple myeloma and myeloid leukemia by disrupting the unfolded protein response (UPR) in cancer cells. The UPR is a cell survival mechanism that allows cancer cells to combat damage caused by anti-cancer agents.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a new signaling pathway linked to IL-1 and IRF1 in sterile inflammation. This discovery offers insight into the role of IRF1 in producing chemokines and recruiting immune cells, potentially leading to new treatments for autoinflammatory diseases.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center are studying how the ACA affects cancer screening in low-income women and employed married women with breast cancer. The study found that Medicaid expansions increased breast and cervical cancer screening, particularly among low-income women, suggesting a positive effect of near-universal coverag...
Researchers found that mda-9/syntenin is a driving force behind glioblastoma's growth and invasion. The study identified molecular targets that could lead to new therapies and potentially use the gene to monitor disease progression.
Researchers discovered methylation sites linked to hypoxia, immune response, and neuronal differentiation in schizophrenia patients, offering potential avenues for distinct subtype identification and personalized treatment responses.
Patients with chronic medications show improved adherence when they meet monthly with pharmacists to coordinate treatment schedules and dispense prescriptions on a single day. This appointment-based model can have a major impact on patient health, as it simplifies medication regimens and addresses individualized needs.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have identified a key gene interaction that could be harnessed to treat various cancers. The study found that forced expression of MDA-7/IL-24 stimulates SARI expression in an autocrine/paracrine loop, causing cancer cells to undergo apoptosis.
Researchers have discovered a new metallic structure of carbon that is stable at ambient temperature and pressure. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in materials science and technology, including the development of lightweight metals for space applications.
A new drug combination therapy developed at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center effectively killed various types of cancer cells while having little effect on noncancerous cells. The results lay the foundation for a future phase 1 clinical trial to test the safety of the therapy in patients.
Researchers will investigate methylation markers in blood to predict chronic depression with a $3 million NIH grant. The findings may lead to more tailored treatment plans and improved management of the condition affecting nearly 15 million American adults.
A new study has found that a smartphone app can quickly screen for cognitive dysfunction often found in patients with cirrhosis. The app, called EncephalApp_Stroop, is a valid method for screening minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and may improve treatment rates in potential patients.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University created hybrid molecules combining turmeric's curcumin with the anti-nausea drug thalidomide, killing multiple myeloma cells more effectively than individual compounds. The study suggests a novel strategy for developing new cancer treatment agents.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has discovered substantial overlap of genetic risk factors among bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. This finding may lead to the development of new therapeutic avenues for treating these conditions.
Researchers discovered a novel protein called ceramide-1 phosphate transport protein (CPTP), which regulates biologically active lipids and plays a role in cell signaling. The study sheds light on the cellular mechanisms contributing to diseases like cancer, asthma, and thrombosis.
VCU physicists have discovered the theoretical possibility of creating large, hollow magnetic cage molecules that could be used for targeted non-invasive drug delivery. The molecules, which are larger than the original Buckminster fullerene, carry giant magnetic moments and could serve as effective vehicles for delivering drugs to tumors.
Scientists have identified a novel gene, mda-9/syntenin, as a potential therapeutic target for bladder cancer. The study showed that the gene helps regulate bladder cancer growth and metastasis, making it a promising target for detecting and monitoring the disease.
Researchers at VCU are studying the biology of allergic disease with a $1.8 million NIH grant. They aim to understand how mast cells respond to signals, potentially leading to new therapies for conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have developed a targeted viral therapy that selectively kills breast cancer stem cells and induces apoptosis without affecting normal stem cells. The therapy, which uses the mda-7/IL-24 gene, was shown to be effective in both cell culture and animal models, with no toxic effects on healthy cells.
A new biodegradable implant has shown potential to significantly reduce rectal injury in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The BioProtect Balloon Implant increased the space between the prostate and rectum, reducing radiation exposure by an average of 30%.
Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have gained insight into how Hsp70, a key molecular player, binds with ATP to enhance its activity and efficiency. This understanding paves the way for designing efficient small molecule drugs to specifically modulate Hsp70's function, potentially treating cancers and neurodegenerative disor...
A new drug has shown significant promise in extending survival when used in combination with radiation therapy for brain cancer patients. The experimental drug, KU-60019, blocks the activation of ATM kinase, leading to enhanced destruction of glioma cells.
A study found fractal patterns in T cell receptor families of stem cell transplant donors and recipients, which may help predict transplant complications. The researchers hope this information will aid in understanding immune system recovery after transplantation.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel drug combination therapy that targets the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in leukemia cells, leading to profound cell death. The therapy combines ABT-737 and BEZ235, which inhibit pro-survival proteins and reduce apoptosis in cancer cells.
A comprehensive study identifies multiple genes associated with schizophrenia risk, shedding light on brain function and immune response pathways. The findings pave the way for developing more efficacious drugs with fewer side effects.