Articles tagged with Translational Medicine
A new machine-learning method, BigMHC, can accurately predict cancer-related protein fragments that may trigger an immune system response. By leveraging massive data through transfer learning, BigMHC enables scientists to develop personalized immunotherapies and vaccines by identifying the most likely to provoke an immune response.
Researchers developed innovative techniques to treat challenging cancers and manage therapy side effects. Inhibitors targeting PRMT5, a histone-modifying enzyme, alleviated cisplatin-induced hearing loss, while nano-pills delivered combination drugs to liver cancer cells.
A human antibody that targets carfentanil, fentanyl, and related opioids has shown promising results in reversing overdose effects in a preclinical study. The antibody, developed by Scripps Research, binds tightly to the potent opioid variants and reverses respiratory depression caused by carfentanil.
Researchers have discovered two major mechanisms that contribute to the high risk of complications from lung infections in individuals with Down syndrome: poor ciliary function, which impairs the respiratory tract's ability to clear mucus and viral particles, and immune hyper-reactivity, which leads to an overactive immune response. Th...
Researchers have discovered a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation by activating the protective CEACAM1-S version. This protective characteristic is regulated by HIF-1α and can be enhanced using molecular tools and alternative gene splicing, reducing organ injury and improving post-transplant outcomes.
Researchers developed a novel vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 by selecting antigen variants with low binding affinity, resulting in higher neutralizing antibody concentrations. This design strategy may also improve vaccine efficacy for other coronaviruses and herpes viruses.
A preclinical study found that the drug ADX106772 reduced oxycodone intake and relapse in animal models of opioid use disorder without disrupting other reward responses. The therapeutic was tested in rats trained to self-administer oxycodone and showed significant reduction in oxycodone intake for up to 12 hours.
Researchers discovered GDF-15 blocks LFA-1 dependent T cell recruitment into the tumor microenvironment, impairing immune responses to anti-PD-1 treatment. Visugromab improved T cell infiltration and increased tumor clearance with a synergistic effect
Researchers have made key discoveries in a new stem cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s disease, using patients’ own cells to replace lost neurons. The approach, called an autologous therapy, has shown promise in reversing symptoms of the disease in rat models and holds potential for clinical trials with improved success rates.
A Scripps Research study has developed a method to analyze T cells in blood samples to detect early signs of autoimmune disease that could lead to type 1 diabetes. This approach has shown 100% accuracy in identifying at-risk patients and may be used for personalized treatment.
A new study led by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers shows that primary care clinicians who receive specialized training can make accurate autism diagnoses for over 80 percent of young children referred with developmental delays. The EAE Hub system, a statewide network providing training and collaborative learning, has ...
The Hastings Center's Institutional Review Board (IRB) has implemented an evidence-based intervention to address racism and promote equity in biomedical research. The IRB now requires researchers to define racial and ethnic classifications, state whether they are describing or explaining differences between groups, and provide justific...
Academic scientists will receive funding to establish a pleiotropic brain-penetrant small-molecule to impede glioblastoma and develop an epigenetic therapy for Prader-Willi syndrome. The TRxA program aims to bridge the drug development 'valley of death' and advance novel therapeutics from lab to clinical trials.
Researchers have developed an experimental antibody treatment that largely prevented graft versus host disease in the intestines, without causing broad immune suppression. The treatment blocked donor T-cell attack and increased survival rates in preclinical models.
A new PET radiotracer called <sup> 18 </sup> F-Cholestify has been developed to visualize metabolic cholesterol clearance in the brain. The tracer successfully visualized brain cholesterol metabolism in rats, non-human primates, and humans, showing promising results for studying neurodegenerative diseases.
A new wearable device can track adrenal steroid levels in real-time, providing insights into hormonal rhythms and revolutionizing endocrine disease diagnosis. The U-RHYTHM technology offers a more accurate picture of hormone balance than traditional tests taken at one point, enabling earlier treatment interventions.
Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers have found a connection between high levels of cell-free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragments in the blood and chronic inflammation, a known risk factor for severe aging symptoms. The study suggests that mtDNA fragments could be accurate biomarkers for predicting physical and cognitive decline with aging.
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered that targeting Fusobacterium bacteria can reduce the formation of lesions associated with endometriosis. The study suggests an effective non-hormonal antibiotic treatment for this gynecological disorder, which affects one in ten women between 15 and 49 years old.
Researchers found that blocking histamine-releasing factor (HRF) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) interactions may provide relief for patients with severe asthma. The study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests two potential therapies, including HRF-2CA and a therapeutic antibody called SPF7-1.
A team of researchers discovered a process that helps breast cancer cells implant themselves in certain places in the body, leading to poorer prognosis. Overproduction of NNMT is key to metastasis, producing excessive collagen that enables cancer cells to survive and adapt.
Research identifies Indian Hedgehog protein as a key driver of chronic kidney disease and heart damage, offering new hope for treatments. The findings suggest that blocking the protein's actions could improve kidney function and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a biomarker, CX3CR1, that can predict which patients with non-small cell lung cancer will respond well to chemoimmunotherapy. Elevated levels of the biomarker in T-cells after six to nine weeks of treatment indicate long-term benefits from the combination therapy.
A team of researchers from The Ohio State University, University of California Davis, and Virginia Commonwealth University will investigate the biological mechanisms of chronic stress's effect on cardiovascular health. They aim to identify specific interventions that can help reduce health risks associated with chronic stress.
A novel stroke model in pigs has been established to mimic human cerebral artery occlusion and study mechanisms of ischemic stroke. The model's translational features make it suitable for testing new therapeutic compounds and devices.
A preclinical study found that suvorexant reduced prescription opioid intake and helped protect against relapse in rats modeling opioid use disorder. The insomnia drug could offer a promising approach for the millions of people affected by OUD.
A Scripps Research team found that both alcohol intake and withdrawal can lead to increased pain sensitivity in adult mice. The study suggests potential new drug targets for treating alcohol-associated chronic pain and hypersensitivity.
A new HIV vaccine has shown improved ability to neutralize virus in preclinical tests, using nanoparticle display of multiple Env proteins. The vaccine design uses flexible sugar molecules called glycans to present self to the immune system.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have found that a specific lipid, alpha-tocopherol, increases the uptake of antisense oligonucleotides in the stroke-lesioned brain. This delivery method has potential for targeted protein expression after a stroke.
A study from Indiana University School of Medicine found that people with NAFLD have significantly decreased levels of the liver enzyme CYP2C19, which is important for medication processing. This decrease may lead to slower clearance of certain medications and reduced effectiveness of medicines like antidepressants and clopidogrel.
A new Rutgers study finds that childhood asthma diagnoses decreased by 52% in the US during the first year of the pandemic compared to previous years. Researchers attribute this decline to fewer colds and the practice of wearing masks, which may have reduced the risk of asthma triggers.
Researchers at Temple University and Johns Hopkins University found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) loss underlies post-myocardial infarction heart failure. BDNF levels can be replenished therapeutically, abolishing damage to heart tissue and enabling recovery.
Researchers at the Human Brain Project present novel clinical uses of advanced brain modelling methods, enabling clinicians to simulate epileptic seizures and identify target areas. The approach has broad applicability in neuroscience, medicine, and neurotechnology, with potential improvements in data resolution and patient specificity.
A new subset of memory B cells, marked by the FcRL5 receptor protein, has been identified as a predictor of long-lived antibody responses to influenza vaccination. These effector memory B cells can be detected seven days after immunization and correlate with vaccine antibody responses months later.
The HALP score, a novel immune-nutritional marker, has been linked to prognostic ability in different cancer types. It integrates indicators of immune status and nutritional status, showing promise as a cost-effective biomarker.
A Scripps Research and eMed study found that COVID-19 rebound cases are more common than previously reported, affecting up to 14.2% of Paxlovid-treated patients and 9.3% of untreated patients. Rebound is measured by positive test results or symptom recurrence after initial clearance.
A recent study found that public investment in critical research contributed significantly to the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The US government invested at least $337 million in research over 35 years, including basic science and vaccine development.
Researchers identify 32 human monoclonal antibodies that can block SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1, and MERS-CoV coronaviruses. These antibodies target a vulnerable site on the viral spike protein, offering potential for broad protection against future pandemics.
The BIAL Award in Biomedicine is a prestigious international award that recognises outstanding biomedical research. The €300,000 prize is given to researchers whose work has shown exceptional quality and scientific relevance, published within the last ten years.
Scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a new treatment that blocks anaphylaxis caused by peanut allergies, potentially saving lives. The covalent heterobivalent inhibitor (cHBI) was tested in animal models and showed promise in preventing allergic reactions for over two weeks.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have successfully developed an allergen-specific inhibitor that prevents peanut allergic reactions in mice. The inhibitor effectively masks the immune system's ability to recognize the allergen, allowing it to fly under the radar without initiating a dangerous response.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine physician-scientist leads a research program to develop a bio-synthetic whole-blood product for easy use in the field, potentially saving thousands of lives. The product will be designed to stabilize blood pressure and facilitate blood clotting.
Pusan National University researchers have identified a novel gene, SURF4, that regulates cell death and differentiation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study found that suppressing SURF4 expression increases cell differentiation, cell death, and accumulation of ROS, leading to arrested tumor growth in mice.
Researchers found that MAP4343 reversed excessive alcohol intake in mice modeling alcoholism and normalized blood levels of stress hormone corticosterone. The compound promotes assembly of tubulin proteins into microtubules, suggesting a possible effective treatment strategy for alcohol use disorder.
A personalized brain modeling approach is being tested in a large-scale clinical trial for drug-resistant epilepsy, aiming to improve surgery preparation and patient specificity. The technique uses virtual models of patients' brains to simulate abnormal activity during seizures, helping clinicians identify target areas more effectively.
Researchers at USC Keck School of Medicine found that liver cancer cells hijack circadian clock proteins to replicate and spread. Inhibiting these proteins can prevent cancer cell multiplication and potentially improve outcomes for patients with liver cancer.
Researchers from Okayama University found that Actinidia arguta (Sarunashi) juice and its component isoquercetin inhibit lung cancer development in mice, accelerating DNA repair and suppressing Akt-mediated growth signaling. The study suggests Sarunashi juice as an attractive candidate for chemoprevention.
A follow-up study found that the 2-dose vaccines still provided protection against lung disease one year after vaccination as infants. The adjuvanted protein vaccine candidate maintained higher levels of neutralizing antibodies and provided superior protection compared to the mRNA vaccine.
Researchers have found that experimental vaccines, including a protein-based vaccine candidate with an adjuvant, provide superior protection against lung disease and higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to mRNA vaccines. The results inform the optimization and development of COVID-19 vaccines for young infant populations.
Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a three-dimensional organoid model derived from human tissue to study gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. The dual knockout of genes in the model has identified key biological targets for treating GEJ cancers with existing drugs.
The Andrew Sabin Family Foundation has donated $10 million to the James P. Allison Institute, a research and innovation hub aiming to unlock cancer cures. The gift will support elite scientists and post-doctoral programs to accelerate breakthroughs in immunobiology.
Researchers report new findings from a landmark transplant, showing unexpected heart conduction measures that did not contribute to failure. The study suggests genetic modifications made to the pig's heart were not responsible for causing these changes.
Researchers used monoclonal antibodies to suppress the immune system in mice, tracking human neural stem cell survival using luciferase. The study reveals that monoclonal antibody-mediated immunosuppression enabled long-term survival of transplanted human neural stem cells in mouse brains for at least six to eight months.
Researchers conducted the largest clinical trial to date of psilocybin, finding a statistically significant rapid reduction in symptoms of depression. The study suggests that COMP360 psilocybin with psychological support could be an effective treatment strategy for people with treatment-resistant depression.
Researchers have discovered a new gene, Schlafen11 (SLFN11), which correlates with chemotherapy response in medulloblastoma. The study's findings suggest SLFN11 can help improve treatment outcomes by increasing sensitivity to cisplatin.
Researchers uncover critical shape-change in cereblon protein that CELMoD drugs must cause to work effectively. The finding enables the development of more effective cancer-fighting treatments.
A UCSF-led study sheds light on the mechanisms behind sex differences in ICI-induced myocarditis, a potentially fatal side effect of cancer immunotherapy. The research suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitors may interact with sex hormones to cause cardiac toxicity in female patients.
Dr. Ralph L. Sacco, a top stroke neurologist, has advanced understanding of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases through his research on race-related stroke risk. He is recognized for his work in creating targeted stroke prevention programs.
Researchers have developed a pioneering gene editing strategy that can repair faulty genes in immune cells, offering new hope for patients with conditions like CTLA-4 insufficiency. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 to target and correct the faulty gene, preserving important regulatory mechanisms.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed a new therapy for Lassa fever using a trio of rare human antibodies that can block viral infection. The therapy, called Arevirumab-3, was tested in non-human primates and proved 100% effective in treating the disease.