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Study probes how DNA folding might affect gene activity

Researchers have clarified the mechanism behind activating genes in drosophila fly sex cells, which may hold clues to understanding diseases. The study's findings suggest that DNA packaging plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with abnormal packaging potentially leading to misregulation and disease.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2022

MDI Biological Laboratory scientist identifies mechanism underlying ‘inflammaging’

Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory discovered that age-related chronic inflammation is caused by disruption of chromatin architecture. This leads to misexpression of genes lacking CpG islands, resulting in inflammation and loss of cellular function. The findings provide a unifying theory for the age-related degenerative diseases.

SourceMDI Biological Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022

New assay shows promise for advancing personalized cancer treatment

Researchers have developed a rapid and affordable test to identify specific genetic mutations in cancer cells using SuperSelective PCR primers. This assay can detect rare mutations, enabling targeted therapy and monitoring minimal residual disease. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach for personalized cancer treatment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists identify germline signature that predicts side effects from anti-PD1/PDL1 checkpoint therapy

Researchers have identified a germline biomarker signature that can predict serious side effects in up to 3 in 10 patients undergoing anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy. The findings represent an important step toward personalizing checkpoint therapy, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing harm.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

Little test, big impact: dipstick screening for hematuria

Researchers in Japan evaluated the cost-effectiveness of adding dipstick hematuria screening to a mass health check-up program. The study found that including routine testing for hematuria would promote early detection and treatment, leading to cost savings and improved patient outcomes. This cost-effective approach has the potential t...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalClinical and Experimental Nephrology·DateFeb 3, 2022

Review highlights potential of structural proteomics for treating neurodegenerative diseases

A recent review highlights the potential of structural proteomics in understanding pathological processes and predicting drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. The field combines protein chemistry and mass spectrometry to determine protein structure and interactions, which can lead to breakthroughs in treating serious health c...

New discovery shows how targeting healthy cells could help develop treatments for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Barts Cancer Institute made a breakthrough finding that blocking PKN2 in healthy cells around tumours can change their behavior, potentially leading to new treatments for pancreatic cancer. Fibroblasts, highly mobile and invasive cells, may play both positive and negative roles in cancer progression.

SourceWorldwide Cancer Research·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Just in the NIK of time

Researchers at Osaka University have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a deadly form of liver cancer. By identifying TRAF3 and NIK as key players, they have uncovered potential therapeutic targets for novel ICC treatment.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Researchers reduce breast cancer metastasis in animal models by modifying tumor electrical properties

Researchers at Tufts University have found that manipulating voltage patterns in tumor cells can significantly reduce tumor cell invasion and metastasis in animal models. Using FDA-approved ion channel blockers, they were able to normalize cell voltages, decrease tumor growth, and limit the spread of cancer cells.

SourceTufts University·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Sorting cancers by 'immune archetypes' represents potential new approach to developing precision immunotherapies

Researchers at UCSF identify unique immune microenvironments in different types of cancer, paving the way for personalized immunotherapies. The study categorizes tumors into 12 groups based on their immune profile, suggesting that some cancers share similar characteristics despite being from different types.

Taking high-dose vitamin D supplements for five years did not affect the incidence of cardiovascular disease or cancer

A large-scale Finnish trial found that taking high doses of vitamin D (1600-3200 IU/day) for five years did not decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease or cancer. The study's findings support the recommendation of 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day for adult Finns, but do not suggest using large doses as a preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 5, 2022

A donation that could help cure blood cancer

A study published in Leukemia found that cord blood transplantation (CBT) was more effective than matched related donor transplantation (MRDT) for patients with refractory and relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (R/R AML). The study compared the survival rates of 1,738 CBT-treated patients with those of 713 MRDT-treated patients, revealing...

SourceOsaka University·JournalLeukemia·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2022

Family members of children with life-threatening conditions 50% to 70% more likely than peers to suffer mental, physical issues

A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family members of children with life-threatening conditions are 50-70% more likely to experience mental and physical health issues. The study examined four types of life-threatening conditions and found mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to be at higher risk.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021

New research in JNCCN raises concerns about clinical trial bias from undisclosed censoring

A recent study published in JNCCN found that 33 out of 81 studies lacked transparency on censoring, which can introduce bias and affect trial results. The researchers emphasize the need for improved transparency and reporting in clinical trials to ensure patients and clinicians make informed decisions.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateDec 15, 2021

Repurposed drug shows improved results with combined therapy for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at Houston Methodist have discovered a new combination therapy that regresses tumor growth of triple negative breast cancer and prevents the cancer from spreading. The response rate using this therapy is about 50%, compared to 25-30% with older drugs, offering new hope for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancers.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2021

Improving drug options for colorectal cancer patients

Researchers have discovered that a common class of targeted therapies can help more colorectal cancer patients than previously thought. By analyzing cell studies and computer modeling, the team identified 10 distinct RAS mutations that do not preclude the use of EGFR inhibitors, which are already approved for other uses.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 14, 2021

2021 Susan G. Komen Brinker Award recipient presents pioneering new study results on predicting treatment response for breast cancer patients

A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Carlos Caldas has identified a way to predict treatment response in breast cancer patients before treatment begins. The research, published in Nature, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze tumor tissue and DNA/RNA profiles, providing a robust test for predicting therapy response.

SourceSusan G. Komen·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Chemotherapy fails for some blood cancer patients because of crucial gene mutations, finds study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital

A recent study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital found that mutations in the DDX3X gene are responsible for chemotherapy resistance in some blood cancer patients. The study also discovered that STAT inhibitors can effectively kill lymphoma cells with DDX3X mutations, providing hope for new treatment options.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021