Research on the genetic drivers of cancer. Covers childhood-cancer drivers, AI mutation detection, faster lymphoma diagnosis, and precision immunotherapy trials.
A landmark study has identified five new potential genes linked to bowel cancer, while also confirming the role of major existing genes in increasing risk. The research suggests that minor DNA variations play a significant role in inherited risk and environmental factors, with potential implications for prevention and treatment.
Geneticists at KU Leuven have discovered that tumour protein TP53 can autonomously locate and bind to specific DNA sequences, activating the right genes to repair damaged cells. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms controlling gene expression and holds promise for future cancer therapies.
Researchers found that 30% of induced pluripotent stem cells were genetically unstable and not safe for clinical use. Despite this, a large set of iPSCs met quality standards, and the study established an online database to support further research.
Researchers aim to identify genes involved in PZQ resistance, enabling development of simple molecular tests to monitor resistance and provide early warning of drug resistance emergence. The study will focus on precise genes and mutations in laboratory genetic crosses and then expand to field researchers in Uganda and Kenya.
Research reveals snoRNAs control ribosome modification and regulate alternative splicing, leading to wrong protein variants. This discovery explains the cause of diseases like Prader-Willi syndrome and cancer, and offers a possible therapy for genetic hyperphagia.
A new study finds that delivering genetic test results to patients at risk for cancer-causing mutations over the phone reduces costs and access burdens. Patients who received phone counseling reported fewer barriers to accessing genetic counseling services than those who received in-person counseling.
A commentary suggests that gene therapy treatments for rare diseases should be valued based on long-term cost savings. The authors propose tying costs to efficacy and creating a federal initiative to support new therapies.
New research suggests that women with a high genetic risk of breast cancer can reduce their risk by following a healthy lifestyle, including eating right, exercising, and quitting smoking. The study found that approximately 30% of breast cancer cases could be prevented by modifying known risk factors.
Researchers have mapped the 'fitness landscape' of a jellyfish gene, showing how multiple mutations interact to affect protein function and fluorescence levels. The study provides insights into how genetic changes combine to influence traits and diseases.
Researchers have identified 40 mutated genes that contribute to breast cancer progression, with one gene, PIK3CA, found to lower survival chances for three subtypes. The study's findings could help develop targeted treatments and improve diagnostic tests.
Researchers warn that herbal remedies containing Aristolochia, used for over 2,000 years, can lead to kidney cancer and other health issues in genetically susceptible individuals. The authors call for global action to evaluate the safety and efficacy of botanical products.
Researchers developed a genetically encoded chemical 'block' that can be removed from kinases, enabling the investigation of their activity in both lab dishes and whole animals. This breakthrough allows for a better understanding of kinase roles in disease processes.
Dr. Hao Zhu has been awarded a $750,000 Stand Up To Cancer grant to investigate the relationship between injury, regeneration, and cancer. His research aims to understand the mechanisms shared by cancer and organ regeneration, with potential therapeutic targets in tissue repair and cancer prevention.
Researchers use CRISPR/Cas9 to analyze genome-wide association study results and pinpoint a genetic mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene that increases risk of sporadic Parkinson's disease. The discovery could lead to better understanding of complex diseases with genetic causes.
Dr. Crystal Mackall receives $500,000 Clinical Translation Grant to study osteosarcoma and develop immunotherapy treatment options. The grant aims to improve outcomes for patients with this rare form of cancer.
This special issue on cancer metastasis features groundbreaking research on tumor development, spread, and treatment resistance. Studies reveal the role of hypoxia, neutrophils, and genetic evolution in promoting metastasis, as well as potential therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the RTR complex's role in DNA repair and its connection to cancer development. The study highlights the importance of maintaining genomic stability during reproduction.
Scientists at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute found that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells acquire fewer genetic mutations than lab-grown blood cells, reducing the risk of cancer. The study tracks the genetic history of iPS cells and provides insights into the mechanisms behind mutation rates.
Researchers have developed a new method for gene transfer using an array of carbon nanotubes, overcoming limitations of existing technologies. The device successfully delivers DNA into tens of thousands of cells simultaneously with minimal toxicity and no restrictions on genetic payload.
Mutations in the PIK3CA cancer gene drive venous malformations, a common blood vessel abnormality causing painful and disfiguring lesions. Repurposing PI3K-inhibiting cancer drugs may offer a potential therapeutic avenue for patients with these vascular diseases.
Researchers identified a single variant in the p53 gene that contributes to increased cancer risk in African-Americans. This variant makes cancer resistant to cell death and may lead to poor prognosis and treatment outcomes.
Three researchers have received ACGT Young Investigator Grants to develop new treatments for leukemia/lymphoma, melanoma, and blood cancers. Dr. Yvonne Chen aims to improve CAR-T therapy, while Dr. Brent Hanks seeks to block the immune system's ability to destroy cancers using immunotherapy.
Scientists have discovered unique mutations on all cancer cells, known as tumour antigens, which can be targeted by the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to more effective immunotherapies and personalized treatment plans for patients with advanced stages of cancer.
Researchers developed a novel brain tumor model in mice with DNA damage-repair problems, which can help test new treatments for children's brain cancer. The model shows that treating tumors with DNA-damaging drugs can shrink them more effectively and improve survival.
A new study published in Cancer Causes & Control found that Latinas who consume processed meats like bacon and sausage have an increased risk of breast cancer. The study also suggests that tuna consumption is associated with breast cancer risk in white women, but not significantly so among Latinas.
A study published in Neurobiology of Disease found that neurons with a defective DJ1 gene experience oxidative stress and immune response imbalances due to disrupted glutamine and serine metabolism. This knowledge could lead to novel therapeutic strategies by targeting affected metabolic pathways.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a mutation in the APC gene, linked to colon cancer, in an 18th-century Hungarian mummy. The researchers believe that a genetic predisposition to cancer may have already existed in the pre-modern era.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the German Cancer Research Center have identified four new subtypes of a rare childhood brain tumor using molecular techniques. This discovery is expected to improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment options for these hard-to-treat cancers.
A new test analyzing cell diversity in tumors can predict survival chances in high-grade breast cancer. The Ecosystem Diversity Index identified aggressive subgroups of breast cancer and was a stronger predictor of survival than established markers.
Rates of BRCA testing have increased among young women with breast cancer, with 87% reporting testing within a year after diagnosis. The high frequency is attributed to comprehensive genetic counseling services available at cancer centers.
Researchers analyze 500 scientific articles to develop a mathematical model for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. They identify potential biomarkers and clinical parameters to accurately determine cancer stage and develop individual treatment strategies.
WSU researchers found that the APOBEC protein can cause genetic mutations in actively replicating DNA, leading to cancer. The study reveals how tumors benefit from the protein's activity, which could inform new treatments targeting its activity.
A Yale study applying evolutionary biology tools sheds light on cancer's genetic origins and tumor progression. The research mapped genetic mutations in normal, primary, and metastatic tumor tissue, revealing that metastases originate from different paths within primary tumors and can diverge early in cancer history.
Researchers discovered that TBX5 mutations lead to the inappropriate activation of cancer and neural genes in the developing heart, contributing to congenital heart disease. The study provides insight into how patients develop heart disease and a roadmap for future studies on other genetic defects.
A study found that HER2-positive lung cancer is caused by either gene amplification or mutation, rather than both. This distinction implies the need for different treatment options, including targeted therapies approved for breast cancer.
Researchers discovered an inherited genetic marker associated with less favorable melanoma survival, while another variant showed a stronger correlation with better survival. These findings could lead to the development of personalized treatment plans for high-risk patients.
A new study uses natural laws to predict how cancers evolve over time, potentially leading to personalized treatment. The research suggests that doctors could use mathematical formulas to anticipate a cancer's growth and development, enabling them to choose the most effective treatments.
A new study from MSK highlights the fertility concerns of young adult and adolescent cancer survivors, with nearly half reporting uncertainty about their reproductive health. The researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive fertility-related information and support services in survivorship care.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women carrying an inherited BRIP1 gene fault are over three times more likely to develop ovarian cancer. The research also showed that these women tend to be diagnosed with aggressive cancers at a later age and have a higher risk of dying from the disease.
The University of Chicago Medicine will receive a $5 million donation from the Hospira Foundation to create the Hospira Foundation Professorship in Oncology. This professorship will support research aimed at discovering new therapies and treatments for cancer.
When cells are exposed to mitochondrial damage, AMPK sends an emergency alert instructing them to break apart into tiny fragments. This process helps recycle damaged pieces and promotes mitochondrial health.
Leonard I. Zon, MD, has made outstanding contributions to the field of cancer genetics with his work on stem cell biology and zebrafish research. His discoveries have led to the development of novel therapeutics for leukemia and melanoma, which are now being evaluated in clinical trials.
Researchers have discovered that the DNA-binding protein Foxd3 acts as a genetic traffic signal, holding stem cells in readiness for transformation during early embryonic development. This discovery sheds light on how development works and has important implications for understanding developmental and adult diseases.
The study found an excess familial risk for almost all types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer, as well as more rare forms like testicular cancer and melanoma. Researchers estimated that having a twin sibling diagnosed with cancer increases the other twin's risk of developing any type of cancer.
A study of 200,000 twin individuals found an increased cancer risk among those whose co-twin was diagnosed with cancer. The risks varied by type and were higher for monozygotic twins.
A team has identified a second genetically distinct transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils, which causes facial tumours indistinguishable from the previously discovered cancer. The discovery raises questions about the rarity of transmissible cancers and the vulnerability of Tasmanian devils to developing this type of disease.
A study published in PLOS Genetics found that members of four unrelated US families shared an identical BAP1 gene mutation, which increases cancer risk. The researchers traced the ancestral connection back to a couple who immigrated from Germany in the early 1700s.
Researchers discovered a BAP1 mutation in four unrelated US families, suggesting a possible link between the gene and various cancers. The study's findings have important implications for cancer prevention and early detection, particularly for melanomas.
Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that pre- and post-test counseling for genetic mutations increases knowledge and decreases anxiety in BRCA-negative patients. After testing, most women reported declines in general anxiety and improvements in genetic knowledge.
Researchers found that different regions of a single tumor shared varying levels of genetic mutations, ranging from 67% to 93%. This variation could make it harder for targeted therapies to work effectively. The study's findings have significant implications for treatment recommendations and patient care.
A new study has shown that human embryonic stem cells are fit for use in patients, paving the way for clinical trials of cell therapies. The research also establishes a cost-effective approach for monitoring the quality of stem cell-based products and emerging cell therapies.
A recent study found that 8.5% of children with cancer have genetic mutations increasing their risk, highlighting the need for improved counseling and family testing. The study's author, Dr. John M. Maris, emphasizes the importance of understanding how other genes interact with these mutations to cause cancer in children.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic cause of childhood kidney cancer, Wilms tumour, linked to mutations in the REST gene. The study found that REST mutations occur in about 10% of familial cases and can be detected through simple blood tests, providing valuable information for families affected by the disease.
Researchers discovered a protein called Zmiz1 that sticks to the Notch gene, triggering its cancer function. Deleting Zmiz1 from Notch eliminates the cancer effect while preserving normal health functions.
A new study of over 25,000 men has identified four new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer. Testing for these variants combined with existing knowledge has revealed that men in the top one per cent of genetic risk have a ten-fold elevated risk of developing testicular cancer.
A new five-gene signature, MG5, identifies high-risk children with aggressive forms of the disease, suggesting personalized treatment options. The test has been validated in samples from 68 patients and could lead to improved survival rates and reduced side effects.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a signaling network involving three cancer-causing genes that drive high-risk neuroblastoma. The study found that variants in the LIN28B gene generate abnormal signals that regulate RAN and AURKA proteins, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
Scientists engineered stem cells with PTPN11 mutations to recreate JMML, clarifying early events in its development and providing new targets for drug design. This 'leukemia in a dish' model can help improve treatment options for patients with this rare blood cancer.
Researchers found that fatty liver disease and scarring have a significant genetic component, with heritability rates of around 50%. The study used twin analysis to show that monozygotic twins were more likely to share similar levels of fat content and liver stiffness.
A national study by University of South Florida researchers and Aetna found that only 36.8% of women received genetic counseling before BRCA testing, with Obstetrician/Gynecologists having the lowest rates. Women who received counseling demonstrated greater knowledge and satisfaction.