Articles tagged with Gene Therapy
Researchers found that artificial viruses can infect brain cells and surrounding tissues beyond the injection site, influencing the immune response. The study's findings could improve the selection of suitable viral 'gene transporters' for custom therapies, offering a glimmer of hope for patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers have discovered a solution to evade the immune system, allowing more patients to participate in gene therapy clinical trials. The altered virus can slip past neutralizing antibodies, making it possible for up to 70% of patients previously ineligible to join trials.
Researchers at German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have discovered mysterious gene transcripts that arise in treated cancer cells. These transcripts, originating from ancient viral elements, may be used as biomarkers to monitor the effectiveness of epigenetic therapy.
A new study found that oral prednisone reduced immune responses to AAV-based gene delivery, resulting in a 60% decrease in cytotoxic T cell infiltrates. The treatment also increased PD-L2 levels, which induce programmed T-cell death, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit for gene therapy.
Researchers conducted a study assessing stem cell transplantation for patients with a rare 'gain of function' STAT1 gene mutation. The treatment showed encouraging results, with five patients being completely cured and disease-free, but the overall success rate was disappointing at 40%. Experts propose adjusting treatment parameters, s...
A new gene therapy has been shown to preserve muscle strength and neurologic function in dogs with myotubular myopathy, a type of muscular dystrophy. The therapy, which involves replacing the mutated MTM1 gene, has provided long-lasting benefits over 4 years.
Recent clinical trials using different gene transfer approaches have shown acceptable risk and potential for treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Despite mixed results in terms of efficacy, the data support further clinical development of this therapeutic strategy.
A French study of 1,944 patients with advanced cancer found that comprehensive genomic profiling can guide treatment choices and lead to higher survival rates. The study's results suggest that routine genomic testing may not benefit all patients but offers hope for personalized medicine.
A study found that combining therapies targeting polyADP ribose polymerase (PARP) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors showed promise in treating RAS-mutant cancers. The combination therapy was effective in multiple tumor models, regardless of mutations in tumor suppressor genes.
Researchers in China have made a breakthrough in developing a new approach to treat premature ovarian failure using female germline stem cells. The study found that mice with transplanted egg-making stem cells produced healthy pups without genetic malfunctions, opening up avenues for investigating human oogenesis in vitro.
Researchers have developed a novel gene therapy method that utilizes microbubbles and ultrasound to promote bone growth and healing in nonunion fractures. The technique, which involves injecting genetic material for a bone growth factor into the affected area, has been shown to completely heal broken bones in pigs within eight weeks.
Researchers have shown that an experimental gene therapy is safe and may be effective in preserving vision in people with wet age-related macular degeneration. The treatment involves injecting a virus containing a therapeutic gene into the eye, which produces a protein to prevent abnormal blood vessel growth.
Researchers have discovered a more favorable virus species for delivering genes, as its surface structure avoids liver toxicity. This could enable the use of viruses in gene therapies and vaccine development.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed a gene-carrying nanoparticle that delivers healthy RPE65 genes to photoreceptor cells, preventing vision loss in mice with Leber congenital amaurosis. The therapy's success indicates promise for treating other inherited visual disorders.
The study discovered genetically coupled promoters in viral-host networks, presenting an additional layer of regulation between virus and host. The findings reveal a mechanism for synchronizing gene expression in synthetic gene circuitry and provide novel design principles to reverse-engineer viral circuitry.
A new review discusses how gene therapy delivered via adeno-associated viruses (AAV) can trigger an immune response in T cells, leading to activation and exhaustion. The review highlights the variability in individual patients' immune responses to AAV vectors and potential strategies to suppress these reactions.
A growing number of preclinical studies suggest that rAAV-mediated gene therapy may cause insertional mutagenesis and increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Research emphasizes the need for careful reconsideration of potential genotoxicity risks in human clinical applications.
Researchers at University of California San Diego use CRISPR/Cas9 to reprogram mutated rod photoreceptors into functioning cone photoreceptors, reversing cellular degeneration and restoring visual function in two mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. The approach shows promise for advancing human clinical trials.
Researchers have explored the potential of this novel therapeutic approach, demonstrating promising pre-clinical data with over 40 scientific papers. Vectored-antibody delivery using rAAV offers advantages in treatment of various chronic and infectious diseases.
Dr. John Lahey has been honored with the first-ever ACGT Edward Netter Award for his contributions to cancer gene therapy. He is recognized for his strategic planning that grew student enrollment from 2,000 to nearly 10,000 students at Quinnipiac University.
Scientists develop a targeted therapy that slows disease progression in mice with ataxia and ALS, suggesting potential benefits for humans. The treatment targets the ataxin-2 gene, which may also be important for maintaining brain cell health.
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have successfully regenerated auditory hair cells in adult mice using genetic manipulation. The research marks a significant step towards treating hearing loss in humans, which affects millions worldwide.
Researchers from George Washington University have discovered a potential new drug to treat and stop the progression of cystic fibrosis. Thymosin α1 (Tα1) corrects genetic and tissue defects, reduces inflammation, and increases CFTR maturation, stability, and activity.
A team of researchers identified a genetic mutation responsible for an adult's rare and severe immune system disorder. They developed a molecular therapy using Morpholino Antisense Oligonucleotide that corrected the mutation and allowed the patient's immune system to function properly.
A new gene therapy approach has restored muscle strength and prolonged life in dogs affected by myotubular myopathy, a rare X-linked genetic disorder. The treatment, administered via a single intravenous injection, was developed by Genethon and demonstrated efficacy in a large animal model.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has identified a link between rare variants of the NKPD1 gene and depressive symptoms. Researchers found that nearly 2,000 people with depressive symptoms were analyzed, revealing a possible genetic connection to depression.
A new study identifies optimal adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy delivery vector constructs to treat Hemophilia A. The researchers successfully improved the design of AAV vectors, demonstrating significant and differing effects on liver-specific expression of the human factor VIII transgene in mice.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered a new genetic variant linked to Tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease. The study, published in Molecular Psychiatry, highlights the potential for targeting the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-type delta (PTPRD) gene as a therapeutic strategy.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that restored balance and hearing in genetically modified mice with Usher Syndrome. The study's positive results suggest potential for treating various inherited vestibular and hearing disorders in humans.
Research at Technical University of Munich found that diabetes causes loss of small blood vessels around the heart, affecting cardiac muscle. Genetic therapy promoting pericyte growth may offer a remedy, providing new perspectives for treating patients.
A new study from MU researchers has identified a protein that can be targeted to decrease post-heart attack injury and prevent heart failure in a mouse model. The research used ultrasound technology to deliver a protein inhibitor directly to the hearts of mice, resulting in a 72% decrease in heart damage compared to control groups.
Researchers have created a new cellular model to test the efficacy of new gene therapies for Chronic Granulomatous Disease more efficiently, using Crispr/Cas9 technology. The improved method allows for faster and cheaper development of new treatments.
A new study found that genotyping and personalized warfarin dosing can lower the risk of certain adverse events, such as bleeding and blood clots. The Genetic InFormatics Trial showed a 27% reduction in adverse events with genotype-guided dosing compared to clinically guided dosing.
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) have awarded a $119,999 grant to study gene therapy for CMT1X. The two-year research project aims to examine the effectiveness of repeated injections and treatment at later stages of the disease.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute used CRISPR to rescue photoreceptors in mice, preserving daylight and color vision. The approach could lead to novel therapies for preventing vision loss from human diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.
A team of researchers has identified a gene that causes Opitz C syndrome in the only patient diagnosed with this ultra-rare disorder in Catalonia. The study used DNA massive sequencing techniques to identify the altered genes in each patient, providing new insights into the genetic basis of this disease.
A study published in the Public Library of Science Pathogens found that Zika virus targets neuronal, lymph, joint, muscle and genital/urinary/reproductive tissues, persisting for at least 35 days. The research provides insights into the growth and distribution of the virus in human tissues.
Scientists construct five new artificial yeast chromosomes, representing over one-third of yeast's entire genome, paving the way for building the first fully synthetic complex organism. The successful assembly demonstrates genetic plasticity and potential applications in gene therapy, biofuel production, and medicine.
Researchers from the University of Würzburg discovered four variants of the GLRB gene associated with anxiety and panic disorders, triggering an
A study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers has identified common and unique patterns of protein synthesis associated with increased longevity. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapeutic targets for human diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
The St. Jude gene therapy program will deliver gene therapy to patients with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency disease (X-SCID), also known as 'bubble boy' disease, at the University of California, San Francisco. The new grant supports widening access to this life-saving treatment for rare but deadly immune disease.
New research concludes that AAV vectors used in gene therapy do not increase the risk of cancer and may even have anti-tumorigenic properties. The study's authors review biomedical evidence showing that AAV2 can negatively impact other viruses associated with malignancy.
Scientists have engineered the smallest CRISPR-Cas9 system to date, capable of delivering gene editing to muscles and eyes via AAV. This technology targets age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other 'undruggable' genes, offering a promising therapeutic tool.
A novel gene therapy technique, called charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs), has been developed to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) into cells. This method overcomes the challenge of delivering mRNA through cell membranes and shows promise for treating diseases by inserting therapeutic proteins.
Drs. Marco Gallo and Greg Delgoffe receive ACGT Young Investigator Grants to study glioblastoma and metastatic melanoma, focusing on gene therapy and T cell metabolism to boost immune responses against cancer.
Researchers have used gene therapy to treat Fabry disease, a rare inherited enzyme deficiency that can damage major organs and shorten lifespan. The treatment involves transplanted altered stem cells with copies of the fully functional gene responsible for the missing enzyme.
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory identified a molecular mechanism governing the life-prolonging effects of dietary restriction, a process that occurs in all tested animals. The study raises hope for therapies that prolong healthy years without extreme diet restrictions.
Researchers develop gene therapy to treat myotubular myopathy, a rare inherited disease causing fatal muscle wasting. A single infusion restores normal health in affected dogs, demonstrating potential for treating skeletal muscle disorders.
Researchers at Salk Institute use mRNA therapy to deliver instructions for clotting protein, achieving normal clotting and minimal immune response in mice. The therapy shows potential as a cost-effective and safer alternative to existing treatments for hemophilia B and other genetic diseases.
Lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have shown increased effectiveness in delivering nucleic acids, with advantages including protection against degradation and boost to transfection process. Researchers are exploring their application in treating various diseases, including degenerative disorders of the retina, infectious diseases, and cancer.
Researchers validated 70 genes associated with congenital heart disease in fruit flies, including those modifying histone structure. This approach may enable precise gene-editing techniques for tailored treatments.
Researchers have developed a new technique using DNA 'barcodes' to rapidly screen nanoparticles for therapeutic delivery. The method allows hundreds of different types of nanoparticles to be tested simultaneously in just a handful of animals.
A new assay has been developed to detect genetic mutations in tumors, showing high sensitivity and specificity in detecting actionable genomic variants. The NCI-MATCH trial aims to evaluate tumor biopsy specimens from 6,000 patients using this technology.
Researchers at Queen Mary University London have discovered a genetic defect causing kidney and adrenal disease in patients from around the world. The study found that defects in the SGPL1 gene can lead to progressive diseases with neurological involvement.
A new method called synthetic essentiality has been found to identify therapeutic targets in cancers lacking specific key tumor suppressor genes. By analyzing gene deletion patterns, researchers identified CHD1 as a potential treatment site for prostate and breast cancers with PTEN gene loss.
Researchers have successfully restored a high level of hearing in deaf mice using an improved gene therapy vector, which also improves balance function. The technology has the potential to benefit patients with Usher syndrome, who suffer from profound hearing loss and balance problems.
A recent study has identified 83 DNA variants that modulate human height, with some affecting it by more than 2 cm. The discovery is significant for understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases such as diabetes and schizophrenia, and may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Stanley T. Crooke presents a detailed look at the mechanisms underlying antisense drug activity, including prehybridization, hybridization, and post-hybridization phases. He highlights his group's contributions to characterizing ASO therapeutics' design, targeting, and mechanism of action.
Researchers developed a new gene-editing method called homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) that efficiently inserts DNA into genes in dividing and non-dividing cells of living rats. The technique uses the CRISPR-Cas9 tool to cut DNA at a specific location, followed by the NHEJ repair pathway for insertion.
Researchers developed a mini-intronic plasmid (MIP) system that can enhance transgene expression by up to 40-100-fold when used with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. This could reduce the cost of gene therapy and lessen immune responses.