Articles tagged with Gene Therapy
UCSF scientists discover delivering therapeutic molecules to amniotic fluid can effectively treat Angelman syndrome and other neurological conditions. The treatment uses antisense oligonucleotides, which can alter gene expression, and has shown improved motor function and learning outcomes in mice.
Recent clinical trials highlight a new challenge in AAV gene transfer: complement system activation, which may contribute to adverse events and immune priming. The article provides a comprehensive review of the complement cascade and its interactions with AAV vectors.
A new approach to fighting HIV has been developed using RNA, specifically small interfering RNAs (siRNA), which regulate gene expression in cells. This nanomedicine was shown to reduce HIV replication by 73% and is intended for vaginal application to prevent sexual transmission.
A new technique employing a retrotransposon from birds may provide a safer alternative to CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing by inserting genes into a designated 'safe harbor' in the genome. This approach could complement CRISPR technology and enable efficient gene supplementation for hereditary diseases.
Scientists have developed a single-dose genetic medicine that halts the progression of both ALS and frontotemporal dementia in mice. The treatment targets pathological TDP-43 build-ups in brain cells, which may also treat common forms of dementia like Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study has uncovered 145 genes crucial for genome stability, shedding light on genetic factors influencing human health over a lifespan. The research highlights the potential of SIRT inhibitors as a therapeutic pathway for cohesinopathies and other genomic disorders.
A study published in Oncotarget has identified specific mutational and therapeutic landscapes of pancreatic cancer in the Russian population. By applying machine learning models to full exome individual data, researchers received personalized recommendations for targeted treatment options for each clinical case.
Researchers found elevated PROX1 levels in advanced colon adenocarcinoma, correlating with poor prognosis. PROX1 modulates CRC cell behavior, influencing invasiveness and survival outcomes. The combined PROX1/α-SMA gene set emerges as a potential CRC prognostic marker.
Researchers identified senescence-related tumor microenvironment genes associated with poor prognosis, genetic alterations, and reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy in HNSC. The study highlights the importance of precision medicine approaches for personalized treatment.
A novel cyclic thiosulfinate cross-linker has favorable drug-like properties and can stabilize the SOD1 dimer in vivo, indicating potential therapeutic benefits for fALS. This study uses a mouse model to evaluate protein cross-linking as a strategy to treat SOD1 variants associated with familial ALS.
Researchers have found that a gene-based therapy targeting plakophilin-2 can interrupt the progression of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare inherited disorder. The treatment reduced episodes of arrhythmia and slowed the deterioration of the heart's walls in mice.
Researchers used fMRI to assess brain responses to lights stimulating only cone cells in dogs with different types of retinal diseases. The study found that gene augmentation therapy restored response in cortex to black and white stimulation, making this disease a promising one for photoreceptor cell replacement treatment.
A novel gene therapy has been shown to restore hearing function in six children with DFNB9, a form of autosomal recessive deafness. The treatment, which uses an adeno-associated virus carrying a version of the human OTOF gene, demonstrated significant improvements in speech perception and ability to conduct normal conversation.
A cross-sectional study of over 6,500 adults aged 65+ found that older adults spent an average of 20.7 days per year receiving healthcare outside the home. The 'health care contact days' metric can help evaluate care and identify areas for improvement, such as coordinating tests with visits and reducing Friday office visits.
Researchers identified genetic variants that predict response to treatment for preterm birth, a condition affecting one in 10 infants. High levels of mutations in certain genes are associated with lower response rates, suggesting a precision framework for future drug development.
A team of researchers identified a CTP-dependent transcription factor controlling Shigella virulence gene expression, providing new avenues for combating this and related bacterial pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenesis.
Researchers identified key characteristics associated with improved CAR T outcomes in large B cell lymphoma, including a B-cell gene expression signature and high CD19 protein expression. Patients who received axicabtagene ciloleucel had better event-free survival compared to those receiving standard therapy.
Researchers studied the effects of resveratrol on circadian clock gene expression in young and older human adipose-derived progenitor cells. They found increased levels of some components in older-APCs compared to young-APCs, but also observed gained rhythmicity of some components after resveratrol treatment.
Researchers have successfully used mRNA technology to correct a rare genetic disease in mice, demonstrating its potential therapeutic use. The treatment corrected the lethal consequences of the disease and restored glutathione metabolism.
Rice bioengineer Jerzy Szablowski and colleagues have engineered a synthetic serum marker that enables non-invasive neural monitoring by tracking gene expression dynamics in the brain. This breakthrough allows researchers to investigate brain development, cognitive function and neurological diseases more effectively.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a technology to effectively regulate gene expression, promising a safer approach to gene therapy. The system uses small molecules to interact with RNA, allowing for precise control over protein production and therapeutic window maintenance.
Researchers at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology have developed a new gene therapy that significantly reduces seizures in mice with focal cortical dysplasia. The treatment, which involves the overexpression of a potassium channel, has shown an average reduction of 87% in seizures without affecting the mouse's memory or behavior.
Researchers developed a gene therapy approach to target the root cause of ACM, restoring plakophilin-2 levels and improving heart function. Clinical trials starting in 2024 aim to explore this approach in patients with PKP2 mutations.
Gene therapy treatments can prompt an adverse immune reaction when the body mistakenly perceives the treatment as a viral threat. Researchers have identified a critical pathway in the liver that triggers this response, but also found a way to block it, paving the way for safer and more precise gene therapy options.
A team of researchers has developed a promising gene-editing strategy for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a devastating pediatric neuromuscular disorder. The approach involves using CRISPR base editing to activate the SMN2 gene, which is similar to the mutated SMN1 gene responsible for SMA.
Researchers at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center have shown that inhibiting galectin 1 protein using gene therapy can shrink liver cancer in mice, improving the anti-cancer immune response and increasing killer T cells. This approach has potential as a treatment for HCC prevention.
Researchers at NTNU are developing a new therapy for rare hereditary diseases like DOOR syndrome using mini-brains grown in the lab. The treatment involves injecting a virus with a healthy OXR1 gene to produce the missing protein, which may help stop or reverse the disease.
Researchers discovered a link between gene therapy and the accumulation of stem cells with genetic mutations, which can lead to accelerated growth and increased blood cancer risk. The study suggests that younger patients may be safer candidates for gene therapy due to fewer genetic mutations.
A new review article highlights significant milestones in gene therapy for rare diseases, improving efficacy and safety. However, challenges remain to make this transformative approach widely available.
The Genes & Health study has enrolled its 10th participant in a gene-editing clinical trial for heart disease, specifically familial hypercholesterolemia. This milestone marks an important step towards improving health outcomes for people of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent.
Researchers at Duke University developed a CRISPR-based platform to identify genes that improve T-cell therapies for cancer treatment. They discovered BATF3, a single master regulator of the genome, which reprograms thousands of genes in T cells and greatly enhances cancer cell killing.
Researchers created an immunodeficient mouse model of physiological ovarian aging, mirroring female fertility decline with age. The study found decreased oocyte quality, impaired follicle activation and growth, and increased mitochondrial dysfunctions in Old mice.
A novel gene therapy strategy has been developed to specifically target and activate the direct pathway in Parkinson's disease-affected neurons, leading to improved motor symptoms such as bradykinesia and tremor. The approach has shown faster onset and longer duration compared to traditional L-Dopa treatment.
Individuals with severe sickle cell disease express willingness to accept gene therapy risks for a potential cure. Gene therapies offer higher chances of eliminating symptoms and extending life expectancy, but also come with significant risks.
Researchers have developed a novel approach, REVeRT, to efficiently transport large genes using dual AAV vectors at the transcript level. This new method offers increased efficiency, fewer side effects, and greater flexibility compared to existing strategies.
Researchers developed the DANGER analysis tool to overcome challenges in CRISPR gene editing. The tool assesses on- and off-target effects without a reference genome, quantifying phenotypic risk at the gene ontology level. This breakthrough enables safer strategies for genome editing in various organisms.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center discovered a gene therapy approach that can restore motor functions in mice with Contactin-Associated Protein 1 (Cntnap1) mutations. The study found that turning on the normal gene earlier improves the rescue outcome, and the next phase is to test this approach in humans.
In a phase I trial, an oncolytic virus treatment designed by Brigham researchers extended survival among patients with recurrent glioblastoma, especially those with pre-existing viral antibodies. The therapy reshaped the tumor's surrounding environment to stimulate an anti-tumor immune response.
Researchers identified the integration site pattern of lentiviral gene therapies in patient cells, shedding light on treatment safety and efficacy. The study found that integration near nuclear pores is associated with improved safety and effectiveness, avoiding oncogene regions where earlier technologies failed.
Researchers used CRISPR gene editing to study the impact of CHD8 mutations on human cortical neurons. The study found that CHD8 alterations drive molecular and cellular defects in neurons, leading to reduced activity and synaptic communication.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has received a $2 million grant from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine to further enhance its cutting-edge cGMP Laboratory. The funding will support the adoption of advanced technologies, including an electronic quality management system and optimized cell therapy manufacturing processes.
USC is partnering with seven leading regenerative medicine institutes to form the Los Angeles and surrounding area regenerative medicine consortium. The partnership aims to advance regenerative medicine using stem cells and gene therapies for treating unmet medical needs.
Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new polymer that can effectively transport plasmid DNA into T-cells during CAR T-cell therapy. The polymer, called PAMAM-G2-Gu, is stable, non-toxic, and doesn't use viruses, making it a promising candidate for next-gen gene carriers.
A new study found that delivering gene therapy to the cerebrospinal fluid directly corrects gene mutations causing CLN2 disease, showing potential therapeutic effects. In nonhuman primates, TPP-1 activity increased significantly after treatment, providing hope for families affected by this fatal childhood disorder.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a non-invasive gene delivery technique using ultrasound to efficiently deliver clinically used gene therapy vectors throughout the brain. The study, published in Gene Therapy, shows that opening more sites within targeted regions improves gene delivery efficiency.
Scientists at NeuroRestore have developed a gene therapy that stimulates nerve regrowth and guides nerves to reconnect to their natural targets, restoring mobility in mice with complete spinal cord injuries. The treatment, tested in mice, shows promise in reversing paralysis and improving motor function.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital refined the definition of hyperdiploidy in childhood B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), using DNA index to predict patient outcomes. The study found that a simpler system captures a significant proportion of patients with excellent prognoses, and that individual chromosome ...
A team of UC Irvine scientists discovered a llama-derived antibody called a nanobody that can halt Rhodopsin's misfolding and activation, potentially treating Retinitis Pigmentosa. This breakthrough offers new hope for targeting gene therapies for the condition.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
A new study from the University of Michigan Department of Neurosurgery and Rogel Cancer Center shows promising early results that a therapy combining cell-killing and immune-stimulating drugs are safe and effective in extending survival for patients with gliomas, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. The treatment improved survival...
A new clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that stem cell gene therapy may offer a promising, curative treatment for sickle cell disease. The therapy was shown to decrease vaso-occlusive events and increase production of fetal hemoglobin, providing relief from the painful condition.
Researchers at UCL and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre have developed a gene therapy that significantly reduces hearing loss in mice with Norrie disease. The treatment, which restores the missing norrin protein, has shown improved blood vessel structure and protected sensory hairs in the inner ear.
A new gene therapy study has identified microRNA-22 as a potential treatment for liver cancer, achieving better survival outcomes and reducing inflammation compared to the current FDA-approved drug lenvatinib. The treatment was administered via a single intravenous injection and showed no observable toxicity.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have made a breakthrough in treating Hurler syndrome using gene therapy. The new approach produced normal enzymes from the liver that were able to sustain normal connections within specific neural networks, restoring brain connectivity.
Researchers have identified a neoplastic fusion transcript RAD51AP1-DYRK4 in luminal B breast cancer, associated with higher ki67 expression and aggressive clinical characteristics. MEK inhibitor trametinib may be effective in blocking the MEK-ERK signaling driven by this fusion.
Researchers found that rodents exposed to light for the first time in adulthood showed significant plasticity in their brains, challenging previous beliefs about adult brain rigidity. After a month, their brains looked similar to those of healthy controls, with organized visual responses and smaller receptive fields.
A European gene therapy clinical trial has demonstrated the possibility of restoring expression of the UGT1A1 enzyme in patients with severe Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The treatment resulted in significant reduction in bilirubin levels and sustained efficacy in patients, offering a new hope for treating this rare metabolic disease.
Researchers at CityU and HKUMed developed genetically modified human neural stem cells that promote neural circuit reconstruction, reduce glial scar accumulation, and enhance axon outgrowth. The therapy demonstrates potential for treating severe spinal cord injuries with functional recovery.
Researchers have discovered that gene therapy may prevent relapse in patients with serious alcohol addiction by altering dopamine function in the brain's mesolimbic reward pathway. The treatment involves sustained release of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in a specific region of the brain.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.