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A new technique to study how myeloids become white blood cells

Researchers have developed a new technique to study how myeloids become white blood cells, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms at work during this process. This approach offers potential improvements in treating myeloid diseases like leukemia by identifying key regulatory pathways and developing therapeutic strategies.

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 22, 2012

Research identifies increased expression of Dyrk1a as a potential explanation for the increased risk of acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL) in children with Down syndrome. A candidate therapeutic target, small-molecule inhibitors of DYRK1A activity, have been proposed.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2012

Therapy targets leukemia stem cells

Research identifies SIRT1 as a key enzyme protecting leukemia stem cells from stress and driving cancer recurrence. Inhibiting SIRT1 selectively reduces CML stem cell survival and growth, offering a potential therapeutic target for treatment resistance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 13, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 9, 2012

A team of researchers identified genetic mutations in OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 as the cause of Rotor syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by jaundice. Complete deficiency of these proteins causes human Rotor syndrome by interrupting conjugated bilirubin reuptake into the liver.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 9, 2012

Fish oil may hold key to leukemia cure

A Penn State research team has discovered a compound produced from fish oil that targets and kills leukemia stem cells, potentially leading to a cure for the disease. The compound, D12-PGJ3, selectively activates a gene in leukemia stem cells that programs their own death.

SourcePenn State·JournalBlood·DateDec 22, 2011

New hope for young leukemia patients?

A study published in Blood has identified a potential marker, PD-1, that is more frequently found in young leukemia patients who experience relapses. This discovery could lead to the development of simple tests to predict relapse, reducing the risk for these vulnerable individuals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBlood·DateNov 17, 2011

Researchers do precise gene therapy without a needle

Scientists at Ohio State University have created a technique called nanochannel electroporation (NEP) that allows for precise injection of genes and proteins into individual cells. The method uses electrical pulses to deliver therapeutic agents, with potential applications in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 16, 2011

New mutations in leukemia: Researchers found mechanism that can help design future therapies

A group of mutations in the interleukin-7 receptor gene have been identified in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Researchers found that certain pharmaceutical drugs already in clinical use can eliminate these cells, providing a potential therapeutic approach against leukemia.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 4, 2011

Stop signal for leukemia stem cells

Scientists found that high levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) expression are required for leukemia-initiating cell activity in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Blocking IGF1R using inhibitors or reducing its expression significantly impaired leukemia stem cells' self-renewal capacity.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

Stem cells central to pathogenesis of mature lymphoid tumors

Research suggests that blood stem cells may play a role in the development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a cancer of mature white blood cells. CLL often begins with an asymptomatic proliferation of B cells called monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL). The study found that hematopoietic stem cells, which can give rise to any type of...

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateAug 15, 2011