Articles tagged with Gene Therapy
New nonviral gene delivery systems utilizing transposons provide a safer alternative to viruses, with potential benefits for treating fatal conditions such as cancer. The technology has shown promise in achieving stable expression of genes in animal cells and minimizing insertional mutagenesis risk.
Researchers identified 17 genes linked to high-risk multiple myeloma, which can predict poor prognosis and guide therapy. The activity of these genes could help categorize patients' risk early, enabling personalized treatment plans.
A recent study found that a specific genetic variant affects smoking cessation treatment outcomes, with 45% of individuals benefiting from bupropion treatment and maintaining abstinence longer compared to those without the variant.
Gene therapy holds great promise but faces safety concerns due to virus-based delivery methods. MIT researchers have created biodegradable polymers that can deliver genes safely and effectively, showing promise for ovarian cancer treatment and other applications.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are developing a personal device to measure daily light intake and activity, predicting optimal timing for light therapy to synchronize the circadian clock. The device aims to alleviate psychosocial stress and sleep-related ailments caused by inadequate or irregular light exposure.
Researchers develop bacteria to deliver anti-cancer treatments by targeting oxygen-starved areas of tumors. The treatment shows effective results in experimental animals, offering a promising alternative to traditional cancer therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a single gene that controls fat formation in various organisms, including humans. The 'adipose' gene is believed to be a high-level master switch that determines whether the body accumulates or burns fat.
Researchers developed a genetic dosing model to predict optimal warfarin dose for patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. The model combines genotype information with clinical factors to estimate therapeutic dosage.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified two key proteins, KLF2 and EKLF, that regulate overlapping groups of genes during red blood cell development. The study may lead to future gene therapies for sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia.
A research team has identified a genetic deficiency that causes severe blindness, specifically Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA). The discovery of the LCA5 gene and its protein lebercilin provides new opportunities for gene therapy, which could lead to the treatment of this disease in humans.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals that variants of the TCF7L2 gene increase susceptibility to type 2 diabetes by affecting insulin secretion in pancreatic islet cells. The findings provide a mechanism for genetic predisposition and suggest potential therapeutic targets for new treatments.
Researchers identified over 50 genetic abnormalities in sporadic ALS, providing expanded opportunities for developing treatments. The study's findings also uncovered genes controlling nerve adhesion, offering a major new avenue for ALS research.
Researchers developed a new vaccine strategy that uses a protein-free M. Tuberculosis strain to activate immune cells, providing increased protection against TB. A study found that vaccination with this strain provided better protection than the existing BCG vaccine.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable nanoparticle delivery system that uses magnetic forces to target specific cells in the body. The system has shown promise in reducing cell proliferation and delivering anti-growth genes to stents, which could help maintain blood flow.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a novel gene associated with increased susceptibility to multiple sclerosis, which increases risk by 30%. The gene variant affects the function of interleukin-7 receptor alpha, guiding immune system cell development and growth.
Researchers created a tunable genetic switch to regulate gene expression, overcoming limitations of existing technologies. The switch enables precise control over gene function, offering potential applications in basic research, gene therapy, and cell and gene therapy.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified hundreds of DNA elements that control when and where genes linked to blindness are turned on. These new elements can be used as switches to activate blindness therapies, offering hope for a potential cure for inherited blindness.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a gene variant associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease in children. The study found that 64% of children with the disease had a specific variant form of the ATG16L1 gene, compared to 52% of healthy children.
Scientists at UCSD School of Medicine have found that 'junk' DNA sequences may serve as punctuation marks to organize functional domains within the genome. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in gene therapy by understanding how genomic material contributes to the regulation of genes.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a gene therapy that selectively targets and eliminates pancreatic cancer cells, inhibiting metastasis and prolonging survival with minimal toxicity. The therapy, called VISA-BikDD, has shown significant promise in preclinical trials, with treated mice su...
A new study by Ohio State University researchers links high ERG gene activity to a more lethal subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients with high ERG expression are almost six times more likely to relapse or die within five years, highlighting the need for more intense therapy.
Researchers at Penn University have successfully restored brain function to blind animals using gene therapy, showing promise for treating genetic retinal disease. The treatment, which involves introducing a working copy of the RPE65 gene into the retina, also revived responses in the visual cortex of the canine brain.
A novel gene therapy technique has been found safe and effective in reducing worsening symptoms of Parkinson's disease in advanced patients. The treatment, which involves injecting genes into one side of the brain to restore a critical neurotransmitter called GABA, showed a 27% improvement in symptoms among participants.
A study published in The Lancet found that gene therapy can safely alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease, with significant improvements seen in movement and motor scores. The treatment involves injecting genetic information directly into brain cells, eliminating the need for indwelling hardware associated with deep-brain stimulation.
A Phase 1 study using an adeno-associated virus vector to deliver an inhibitory gene to the subthalamic nucleus demonstrated a lack of adverse events and statistically significant improvements in clinical symptoms and brain metabolism. The treated side showed notable improvement, with sustained benefits observed over 12 months.
A new gene therapy clinical trial has reported promising results in improving motor function for patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found significant improvements in both the off-state and on-medication phases, with some patients showing impressive gains of up to 65 percent.
Researchers discovered previously unknown exons outside annotated genes in human proteins, suggesting complex gene regulation and increasing the risk of disease-causing mutations. This finding has significant implications for medicine, requiring extra caution when studying genetic phenotypes.
Scientists have discovered a way to transfer genes into diseased tissue of the human inner ear, aiming to restore hearing. The breakthrough could lead to the development of gene therapy compounds that produce new hair cells and restore hearing function in humans.
Researchers develop new therapy to re-activate silenced genes, potentially blocking cell death in stroke patients. The therapy targets histone deacetylase enzymes, which can modulate gene expression and produce neuroprotective proteins.
Researchers delivered gene therapy containing nerve growth factors to rats with erectile dysfunction, resulting in significant recovery of intracavernous pressure and systemic arterial pressure. The study suggests a long-term treatment option for erectile dysfunction without chronic drug administration.
Researchers developed a smaller gene therapy vector to deliver a radioprotective enzyme systemically, sparing healthy tissue from radiation damage. The minicircle plasmid conferred undiminished radioprotection to cells, suggesting improved treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to block pain response in an animal model of neuropathic pain. The study involved delivering a genetically engineered herpes simplex virus to rats with the goal of activating the glycine receptor, which alleviated pain response. This breakthrough suggests that gene therapy may be effective for...
Researchers used a recombinant adeno-associated virus to study genomic instability in sporadic cancers, identifying breakage-prone palindromes that can contribute to cancer and aging. The discovery provides an opportunity to study these sequences on a whole genome scale.
An international team of researchers has been awarded £2 million to study the genetic causes of dwarfism and develop future treatments. The EuroGrow project aims to investigate the most common bone disorders that lead to short stature, with a focus on achondroplasia, pseudoachondroplasia, and spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita.
A new gene therapy has been shown to completely eliminate osteoarthritic pain and significantly reduce long-term joint damage in genetically engineered mice. The therapy works by increasing opioid receptors on nerve cells, making them more responsive to naturally occurring painkillers.
Researchers successfully awakened vision cells in blind mice using gene therapy, restoring their visual abilities. The breakthrough has implications for treating common blinding diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $14 million to support the first class of physician-scientists through the Career Awards for Medical Scientists program. The recipients will receive career development funding to advance their research and transition into independent academic careers.
Researchers identified a genetic mechanism that permanently shuts down crucial genes in healthy immune system cells, which could be used to target cancer and infection treatments. The discovery was made in normal blood samples and found in a quarter of leukemia samples, highlighting the potential for this mutation as a therapeutic target.
A recent study reveals that mice lacking OCT1 have reduced metformin effects on AMPK phosphorylation and glucose control. Genetic variations in OCT1 in humans also impact metformin uptake, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that patients with specific gene variants were less likely to experience cognitive decline after heart surgery. These variants were involved in the inflammatory system and may provide a biological basis for the protective effect observed.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have successfully delivered a cancer-suppressing gene into tumors of stage 4 lung cancer patients via an intravenously administered lipid nanoparticle. The gene, FUS1, was found to be active in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer tumors.
VIB researchers have discovered that MYB duplication is associated with T-ALL cases, leading to increased MYB concentrations. This finding opens up possibilities for targeted therapies against this specific group of patients.
A new blood test can rapidly detect levels of radiation exposure, enabling timely treatment for potentially life-saving. The test analyzes thousands of genes to identify distinct genomic signatures reflecting varying radiation doses.
Researchers found that specific genes distinguish smokers who quit from those who struggle with addiction, suggesting a biological basis for success. The study could lead to personalized treatment plans tailored to individual genetic profiles.
A recent NIDA study has identified genes associated with an individual's ability to quit smoking. The research, published in BMC Genetics, found 221 genes that distinguish successful quitters from those who struggled to stop smoking.
Researchers identify PGC-1alpha as a key genetic component and potential therapeutic target for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Experimental elevation of PGC-1alpha improves DMD symptoms in mouse models, offering new therapeutic promise.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created ultrathin films composed of DNA and water-soluble polymers that allow controlled release of DNA from surfaces. These films could be used to deliver genetic material for gene therapy, potentially treating conditions such as cardiovascular disease by preventing smooth muscle...
Researchers at Temple University's Sbarro Institute have discovered a small molecule derived from the spacer domain of the tumor-suppressor gene Rb2/p130. The molecule, named Spa310, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and reduce cell cycle activity in mice with cancer.
A University of Missouri study found that negative news stories about clinical trials deter people from participating in medical research. The study analyzed 216 New York Times and 124 Washington Post articles, revealing a significant correlation between negative coverage and decreased willingness to participate.
Researchers used gene therapy to shut down a key gene responsible for inherited blindness, reducing mutated rhodopsin by 60%, in an effort to develop a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. The technique may restore vision in affected individuals if successful.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky are exploring a novel gene therapy approach using DNA nanoparticles to deliver proteins beneficial to brain cells. This technology has shown potential in rescuing dormant brain cells, causing them to produce dopamine, and improving symptoms in animal models of Parkinson's disease.
A Phase I clinical trial suggests gene therapy is a safe treatment option for patients with poor circulation and blocked blood vessels in their lower limbs. The study found that almost half of patients reported complete resolution of chronic pain and over a quarter experienced complete healing of chronic wounds after one year.
Researchers found that increasing connexin26 in mice with missing connexin30 restored hearing sensitivity and prevented hair cell death. The discovery suggests a potential drug treatment for congenital deafness, which may replace gene therapy.
Carbon nanotubes successfully deliver RNA fragments that shut off genes for HIV-specific receptors on human T-cells. This approach significantly slows down HIV infection by blocking the virus's entry points.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 34 unique genetic variations associated with sporadic ALS, bringing them closer to developing treatments. The study scanned the entire genome of 276 subjects with ALS and found that these genetic variants are more common in individuals with the disease.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered a genetic signature that identifies cases of lymphoma susceptible to new molecular targeted therapy. The study found that tumors with this signature are killed by the new therapy, while those without it are resistant.
A recent MIT study reveals a genetic link between gene mutations and schizophrenia, focusing on the calcineurin system as a potential target for future treatments.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs with RNAi gene therapy, showing its effectiveness in shutting down viruses that cause diseases such as hepatitis and HIV in mice. With three human trials underway, the technique may be on the verge of widespread use for treating various human diseases.
Researchers have identified several genes linked to nicotine dependence, including CHRNA5 and NRXN1, which play a role in regulating communication between nerve cells. These findings could lead to the development of more effective smoking cessation therapies tailored to an individual's genetic traits.
Scientists have discovered that human proteins evolve slowly due to dual coding regions in their DNA, which slows down the rate of evolution. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective gene therapy techniques and potentially treat genetic disorders.