Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered that the gene AEG-1 promotes cancer cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy by regulating protective autophagy. Inhibiting AEG-1 expression may lead to effective treatments for aggressive cancers, such as breast and prostate carcinomas.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center has received a $2.4 million grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission to expand its community outreach programs and grow its clinical research capabilities. This funding will support the extension of cancer prevention and control initiatives into tobacco counties in Southside and Southwest Virginia.
A recent study by VCU Massey Cancer Center found that 21% of terminally ill cancer patients are eligible for genetic testing, yet none received it. This highlights the need for genetic services and patient education among dying cancer patients.
A team of researchers has discovered hyperhalogens, which use superhalogens as building blocks around a metal atom. These chemicals have improved properties compared to halogens and may have applications in industries where large amounts of halogens are needed.
Researchers have uncovered a key mechanism in which leukemia cells trigger a protective response when exposed to histone deacetylase inhibitors. By disrupting this pathway, the cancer-killing capacity of HDACIs can be increased dramatically.
Researchers have found a new drug combination that enhances anti-tumor efficacy and protects the heart from damage caused by doxorubicin, a powerful anti-cancer drug. The combination of Viagra and doxorubicin significantly reduces tumor size in prostate cancer patients without harming healthy cells.
Researchers at VCU have identified a potential risk gene for schizophrenia, CMYA5, associated with cardiomyopathy. The study involved over 33,000 participants and verified the findings through multiple independent samples.
The VCU Medical Center is leading a national clinical trial of a portable, mechanical driver that can power patients' artificial hearts outside the hospital environment. The device allows stable patients to recuperate in their own homes until a donor heart becomes available for transplant.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a new link between chronic inflammation and cancer, highlighting the importance of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in regulating inflammation. S1P is found to be a missing cofactor required for TRAF2's activity, which controls inflammation and cancer.
A new study from Virginia Commonwealth University finds that antidepressant desvenlafaxine, known as Pristiq, effectively treats major depression in women during perimenopause and menopause. The medication showed significant improvement in symptoms, with response rates of 58.6% for those taking Pristiq compared to 38.2% on placebo.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a mechanism by which an enzyme regulates gene expression and growth in melanoma cells. The enzyme selectively targets and degrades microRNA-221, a genetic component that helps melanoma cells thrive and resist chemotherapy.
Virginia Commonwealth University researchers identified a new tumor-promoting gene called LSF, which is significantly higher in more than 90% of patients with liver cancer compared to healthy individuals. Inhibiting LSF may reverse the aggressive properties of human liver cancer cells.
A study by a VCU researcher found that areas with high household incomes have better schools and healthier community conditions, despite being more affluent. The analysis of Virginia data showed that nearly half of deaths in disadvantaged areas could be averted if mortality rates existed statewide.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that electronic cigarettes fail to deliver nicotine, with participants experiencing no significant increase in nicotine levels or heart rate. The research emphasizes the need for regulation and labeling of these products to protect consumers' welfare and rights.
A team of researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University has identified a new theoretical approach to simplify the synthesis of hydrogen fuel storage materials. An external electric field can significantly improve the thermodynamics and reversibility of the system, making it an ideal energy carrier.
A study led by Virginia Commonwealth University researcher found that waterpipe tobacco smokers are exposed to the same toxicants as cigarette smokers, including carbon monoxide and nicotine. The study, which compared waterpipe and cigarette smoking under controlled conditions, showed that waterpipe smokers inhale more smoke than cigar...
Scientists have identified a gene, AEG-1, that plays a pivotal role in two processes essential for tumor development, growth, and progression to metastasis. The gene's expression is involved in oncogenic transformation and angiogenesis, critical steps for tumor progression.
The VCU Medical Center and Richmond Ambulance Authority partnership has improved resuscitation and survival rates for cardiac arrest patients by training paramedics to lower body temperature in the field and using high-tech strategies. The strategy resulted in a two-fold improvement in return of spontaneous circulation and an increase ...
A Virginia Commonwealth University study identified a key gene regulating ovarian follicle development in mice, which may help understand human fertility issues. Female mice lacking the Smad-3 gene showed reduced ability to respond to FSH stimulation, leading to infertility.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered a gene involved in sperm production that may contribute to male infertility. The study found that mice lacking the MEIG1 protein were sterile due to impaired spermiogenesis, a process crucial for sperm development.
Scientists at VCU School of Medicine have identified a new lipid mediator that regulates genes, a discovery that could lead to the development of drugs to fight cancer and inflammatory diseases. The study found that S1P acts like a histone deacetylase inhibitor, regulating gene expression in the cell nucleus.
Researchers have designed a new material called graphone, derived from graphene, with unique optical and transport properties. By controlling hydrogen coverage, they made graphene magnetic, opening possibilities for novel applications in spintronics.
Researchers at VCU have discovered a new approach to eliminate aggressive melanoma cells by triggering self-destruction through programmed cell death, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies for cancer patients.
Two genes, AEG-1 and LSF, contribute to chemotherapy resistance in liver cancer treatment. The study found that over-expression of AEG-1 increases resistance to 5-fluorouracil, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered a stable cluster of atoms that can mimic different elements of the periodic table, exhibiting strong magnetic properties. The discovery has potential applications in creating faster computers, larger memory storage, and molecular electronic devices.
A team of researchers identified astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) as a critical gene that regulates tumor progression in neuroblastoma, a form of cancer commonly found in young children. Loss of AEG-1 was shown to reduce the tumor-causing properties of aggressive neuroblastoma cells.
Researchers discovered adult animals with hearing loss convert sense of touch to auditory regions of the brain, impacting quality of life. The study provides insight into the brain's ability to re-wire itself and may have implications for treatment of mild hearing loss in humans.
A team of scientists has identified carbon nanostructures as catalysts for storing and releasing hydrogen. Complex hydrides show promise for hydrogen storage, but previous studies indicate defects from added catalysts. The new solvent technique allows for defect-free introduction of catalysts.
Researchers have discovered a new way the malaria parasite interacts with human red blood cells, identifying the EBL-1 molecule as the attachment site. This finding could lead to the development of a vaccine cocktail to combat malaria.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified a gene, AEG-1, that plays a key role in regulating liver cancer progression. The study found that AEG-1 expression increases as the tumor becomes more aggressive and is involved in invasion, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy, and other processes.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University discovered that Stat3 plays a crucial role in regulating mitochondria, the energy-producing machines of cells. The team found that Stat3 is necessary for the function of the mitochondrial electron transport chain that generates ATP.
A team of researchers from VCU identified a new anti-tumor gene called SARI, which can inhibit the growth and survival of tumor cells by interfering with cancer cell molecules. The discovery highlights a previously unrecognized molecular pathway underlying the anti-tumor action of interferon.
MRSA infections cause only 14 percent of hospital infections, making targeted screening programs less effective. A study by VCU epidemiologists suggests that hospital-wide infection control practices can prevent more infections than focusing on a single pathogen.
Researchers have identified the evolutionary origin of two genes, MDA-5 and RIG-I, which trigger the body's immune response to viral infections. These genes induce type I interferons, providing a unique mechanism for protection against viral infection.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center will conduct two studies to examine delays and disparities in colon cancer diagnosis and physician communication patterns based on race and gender. The first study focuses on appraisal delays, while the second study uses trained actors to simulate patient interactions with primary care physicians.
Researchers discovered how the gene mda-9/syntenin interacts with signaling protein c-Src to promote metastasis in human melanoma cells. This interaction triggers a signaling cascade resulting in increased cancer cell motility, invasion and metastasis.
Scientists have identified a site where sodium regulates specific potassium ion channels, which could lead to new approaches in drug design. The findings may help understand the mechanisms involved in ion channel gating and its relevance to hypertension.
The VCU Massey Cancer Center is spearheading a phase II clinical study for certain sub-types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, combining the novel drugs bortezomib and vorinostat. The study aims to assess the effectiveness and side effects of this drug regimen in patients whose disease has progressed following treatment with other regimens.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a gene therapy approach that eliminates human pancreatic cancer cells in mice. The therapy combines perillyl alcohol, a natural compound found in citrus plants, with mda-7/IL-24 cytokine to kill aggressive and lethal cancer cells.
Researchers at VCU are part of an international team studying the genetic variants that impact recurrent major depression. The five-year project aims to establish a large data set of phenotypes and genotypes.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have uncovered a gene mechanism that induces a bystander effect, selectively killing cancer cells through apoptosis. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating metastatic disease.
Researchers have identified a combination of novel anti-cancer compounds that can kill chronic myelogenous leukemia cells previously resistant to conventional therapy. The combination involves a Bcr/Abl kinase inhibitor and a histone deacetylase inhibitor, which work together to induce programmed cell death in CML cells.
A new Translational Research Center for PCOS will be established at VCU, focusing on genetics and pharmacogenomics to identify risk factors and optimal treatment. The center aims to bring research discoveries from the laboratory bench quickly to clinical care, improving outcomes for women with PCOS.
Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University found an antibiotic that can reduce neuronal cell death in the brain, which could lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery was made by identifying how a compound induces neurotransmitter activity in brain cells.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that approximately 43% of college students have smoked tobacco using a waterpipe in the past year. Waterpipe smoking is perceived as less harmful than cigarette smoking, but exposes users to similar toxins and nicotine.
A new technique for treating patients with myocardial infarction uses a thrombectomy procedure to remove blockages and improve blood flow. This approach has shown promise in reducing the risk of further obstructions and improving clinical outcomes.
A Virginia Commonwealth University research team has received a $1.3 million NCI grant to improve histone deacetylase inhibitors in treating leukemia. The goal is to develop novel combination regimens incorporating these agents with NF-kappa B antagonists.
Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have discovered a new mechanism to inhibit key enzymes involved in clotting disorders. The newly designed molecules, known as sulfated DHPs, show promise in preventing thrombin and factor Xa's critical action.
Researchers found that genes influencing risk for psychoactive drug abuse or dependence vary between illicit and licit substances, with caffeine addiction appearing to be genetically independent. Heritability estimates suggest that genetic factors account for over 70% of risk for cocaine, cannabis, and nicotine dependence.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have identified sphingosine kinase 2 as a potential therapeutic target to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The enzyme plays a crucial role in mediating death in cancer cells through p53-independent mechanisms.