Articles tagged with Cancer Genetics
Researchers identified a simplified fruit fly gene that splits into two complex human genes playing roles in cancer and birth defects. This split made studying the genes easier, providing unique insights into massive human MLL2 and MLL3 genes.
A team of researchers has created nanoparticles made from DNA and RNA that can deliver snippets of RNA directly to tumors, turning off genes expressed in cancer cells. The new particles pose less risk of side effects and offer better targeting due to their biodegradable nature.
A new analysis from Fox Chase Cancer Center suggests that high costs can limit access to potentially life-saving genetic testing for cancer-causing genes. Patients who are more at risk of certain cancers may be willing to pay higher costs, but others may avoid testing due to cost concerns.
Researchers identified 20 distinct mutations in a specific gene causing Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency (FGD), leading to cortisol production issues. The antioxidant gene NNT provides a new mechanism for this adrenal disease, potentially opening doors to treating other diseases.
Researchers identified a single gene AUF1 controlling inflammation, aging and cancer. The study found that deleting the gene led to accelerated aging.
Researchers found that including genetic variants and environmental factors in disease models only increases risk prediction sensitivity by 1-3% for three common diseases. The study suggests that understanding the complexity of genetic and environmental factors will be crucial to improve risk prediction.
Researchers found that a combination of alpha-lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine can reduce DNA breaks and chromosome instability in Fanconi anemia patients by at least 60%. This treatment may help block or delay the progression of the disease.
Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the cause of bile duct cancer by identifying several new genes frequently mutated in the disease. The research team discovered mutations in 187 genes using state-of-the-art DNA sequencing, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms of the disease.
Researchers identified a genetic pathway that influences the spread of cancer cells, which could lead to new treatment avenues. The study found that changes in genetics affect DNA methylation, causing cells to divide uncontrollably.
Researchers from CSIRO Australia found that consuming resistant starch can lead to positive changes in the bowel and may reduce genetic damage implicated in bowel cancer. The recommended daily intake of resistant starch is around 20 grams, equivalent to eating three cups of cooked lentils.
A new analysis found that Hispanic lung cancer patients have a 15% lower risk of dying compared to white patients, with black patients slightly more likely to die. The study also identified higher frequencies of less serious lung cancer types in Hispanics, which may be linked to genetic or environmental factors.
A 50-gene predictor has been found to accurately identify patients with low risk of relapse after surgery. The gene signature is related to the activity of B lymphocytes and suggests an enhanced immune response against the tumor.
Biologists at the University of Toronto found that individuals with low-quality genes can produce offspring with even more inferior chromosomes, possibly leading to extinction. The study suggests that this could result in a 'mutational meltdown' that devastates endangered populations and increases health problems.
Researchers have developed compounds that repress MCL1's activity and highlighted a companion gene that predicts tumor dependence on the gene. These tools suggest a path toward new therapeutics directed at MCL1, potentially effective in treating tumors where both genes are highly expressed.
A recent study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology reveals that Japanese patients with lung cancer are more likely to harbor specific genetic mutations and have a different risk profile compared to Western patients. The research highlights the importance of considering genetic factors in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Beatrice Mintz has made significant contributions to cancer research, including her work on developmental biology and genetics. Her groundbreaking studies have helped shape our understanding of stem cell behavior and the tumor microenvironment.
Researchers have identified a new breast cancer risk gene, XRCC2, using advanced genetic sequencing technology. The gene's mutations explain a proportion of breast cancers that run in families with no known genetic cause, particularly those diagnosed at an early age.
The Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia provides comprehensive genetic and molecular information for nearly 1,000 human cancer cell lines. This publicly available data may help researchers identify patients who could benefit from specific drugs and advance cancer research.
A group of specialists explored options for searching and reporting incidental genetic findings in clinical genome sequencing. The study found that while there was no perfect agreement among experts, the majority agreed that many incidental findings should be reported to clinicians. Specialists also differed on whether to disclose cert...
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center have identified distinct genetic patterns between cancer of the appendix and colon cancer. The study found that gene expression profiles differ significantly between the two types of cancer, suggesting a need for fresh approaches to treatment.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center investigator has received a prestigious grant to develop targeted treatments for squamous cell lung cancer. The project aims to identify prognostic signatures and molecular targets for early-stage patients, paving the way for personalized cancer care.
A new review suggests that taking selenium supplements can increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes in people who already have enough selenium in their diet. The study found that a large proportion of the US population has adequate selenium levels, making supplementation potentially harmful.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel RNA interference method that delivers short interfering RNA (siRNA) using microspheres, overcoming the challenge of efficient delivery in the body. The new system shows promise for targeting specific genes in tumors and other diseased cells.
A large-scale genomic study in Bangladesh has identified genetic variants associated with arsenic metabolism and elevated risk of skin lesions. The findings suggest that boosting arsenic metabolism may be an effective intervention for individuals exposed to the toxin.
A majority of college students (64%) are willing to donate blood or genetic material for scientific research. Education plays a role in acceptance, with seniors being more familiar with biobanks and comfortable with the concept.
Salk researchers have identified a new potential drug target for treating certain types of lung cancer. By blocking the activity of the enzyme IKK2, which regulates inflammation, the study found that tumors grew more slowly and animals lived longer.
The study aims to determine whether the MYC gene family is involved in the development and chemotherapy-resistance of high-grade serous ovarian cancers. Changes in MYC-family proteins have been identified as a potential cause of at least 15-20 per cent of these cancers, associated with poor clinical outcomes.
A new study found people with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including bowel, uterus, ovarian, kidney, stomach, and bladder cancers. The study also revealed a moderately increased risk of breast and pancreatic cancer in those with the condition.
A prospective study links Lynch syndrome with significantly increased risks of breast and pancreatic cancers, while relatives without genetic mutations have no increased risk. The study provides clearer estimates of cancer risks associated with Lynch syndrome and may inform screening and early detection strategies.
Researchers found striking similarities between genetic signatures of human breast cancer and those of stem cells in mouse embryos, revealing a new way to predict and personalize cancer therapies. The discovery could lead to the development of targeted treatments for aggressive forms of triple-negative breast cancer.
A study by researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and colleagues identified 27 genes involved in inflammation as related to ovarian cancer risk. The study found that variants in five of these genes, such as IL1A, were associated with lower ovarian cancer risk.
A study by UNC researchers has discovered how a genetic defect underlying congenital heart disease distorts cardiac muscle cells, preventing them from forming a fully functioning heart. Treatment with a drug that regulates cell shape rescues the cardiac defect, offering therapeutic avenues for future treatment.
University of Michigan researchers use a liquid laser to detect genetic mutations that might predispose someone to a particular type of cancer. This new technique amplifies the difference in signals, making it hundreds of times brighter than current methods.
A new study from Boston University has discovered 13 genetic loci associated with the age of menopause onset, providing insight into hormonal regulation and DNA repair. The research team found that genes related to immune function and auto-immune disease are also linked to menopause timing.
A faulty version of the RHBDF2 gene is responsible for tylosis with oesophageal cancer, a rare inherited condition. The study reveals that this gene malfunction leads to uncontrolled cell growth and division, causing cancer.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center discovered genetic signatures associated with bile duct cancer, which may account for nearly a quarter of tumors. The findings suggest that growth-enhancing mutations in two genes could be treated with targeted therapies.
A research team has identified the genes and proteins that damage muscle cells in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a common form of inherited muscular dystrophy. The discovery could lead to a biomarker-based test for diagnosis, as well as future treatments.
LSUHSC researchers found that the ISG15 pathway triggers a cellular defense system that disrupts normal cytoskeletal function and increases cancer cell metastasis. This discovery provides a novel therapeutic target for future drug discovery and has important implications in other cancers.
Using a mathematical model, scientists found that spatial tissue structure slows down genetic mutation accumulation, delaying cancer onset. The study suggests that structured populations take longer to reach critical mutations, reducing the risk of cancer.
A new study identified a gene mutation that dates back to 11,600 B.C. and causes a rare vitamin B12 deficiency called Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome. The mutation was found in people of Arabic, Turkish, and Jewish ancestry and is believed to have originated in a single prehistoric individual.
A new study is assessing the feasibility of identifying specific genetic markers in cancer patients' tumours to deliver more targeted treatments. The Lawson research team has developed a process for analyzing tumour DNA to provide a genetic profile report within three weeks, helping oncologists create tailored treatment plans.
A study found that half of tumors from T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients expressed genes normally found in stem cells and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tumors. Additionally, many of these AML-like T-ALL tumors contained specific mutations associated with cancer progression.
A large retrospective study of childhood cancer survivors found no increased risk of birth defects in their children. Researchers examined data from over 20,000 survivors and found that exposure to chemotherapy and radiation did not lead to genetic birth defects.
Scientists at UCL have discovered three new gene regions on chromosome 16 associated with Crohn's Disease, which could lead to personalized treatment and improved understanding of its inheritance. The study used a novel gene mapping approach to analyze genetic information from 1698 patients, replicating results using independent US data.
A clinical trial will be conducted to test the use of whole genome sequencing in medicine, with patients receiving either standard care or no genomic sequencing. The goal is to accelerate personalized genetic medicine and improve patient outcomes.
Whole genome sequencing technology has arrived, uncovering both useful and unwelcome medical results, including information on high-risk diseases like dementia. Regulation is crucial to ensure safe use, with a nuanced approach that balances paternalism with protection from potential harm.
Rutgers University has received a $10 million grant to explore the genetic and environmental factors leading to alcoholism. The four-year study will collect saliva samples from over 46,000 individuals across the US and conduct DNA extraction and genotyping to identify risk factors.
A study published in CMAJ found that cancer survivors have a 2.2-fold increased risk of developing a second primary cancer of the same type as their first, while a second cancer of a different type has only a 1.1-fold increased risk. The risk varies depending on the type of cancer.
Research found a significant link between women with lobular breast cancer and fathers with prostate cancer, with the risk of lobular cancer almost doubling when considering family history. The connection was independent of hormone receptor status.
Researchers have discovered a new way to build muscle by suppressing a natural inhibitor, resulting in mice and worms with super-strong muscles. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for age-related or genetics-related muscle degeneration, as well as applications for athletes and individuals with genetic muscular dystrophy.
A NYU Steinhardt professor has received a $720,000 grant to investigate the link between insulin and obesity-related cancers. Her research aims to understand how insulin affects cancer cell growth and development, particularly in relation to carbohydrate diets.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine discovered that cancer cells use autophagy, a natural recycling process, to obtain energy. By blocking this process, the study found that tumor growth and metastasis can be stopped, providing potential new strategy for cancer treatments.
A multidisciplinary team approach to genetic testing in retinoblastoma patients ensures timely evaluation and appropriate counseling, improving risk prediction for patients and family members. Genetic testing also prevents overutilization of clinical screening tests, reducing potential morbidity for relatives.
Researchers confirm cytomegalovirus as a cause of common salivary gland cancers, with implications for human health. The study suggests CMV's role in cancer development and potential new prevention and treatment methods.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine reveals the benefits of genetic evaluation in managing retinoblastoma, a childhood eye cancer. The research showed that genetic analysis helped identify hereditary cases and determined at-risk relatives, reducing unnecessary screening.
A new clinical test called SNaPshot allows doctors to identify patients' individual genotypes and target tumours with the most appropriate therapy. The test has been shown to significantly improve response rates in non-small-cell lung cancer patients.
Researchers discover a compound that prevents Type 1 diabetes in mice and has similar effects on human cells from diabetic patients. The finding signals a new direction in fighting the disease and other autoimmune disorders.
Researchers uncovered a wide range of new insights into common diseases and their genetic basis, including cardiovascular and kidney disorders, diabetes, cancer, and more. The study provides details on the genetics behind these conditions and elucidates the role of individual differences in metabolism.
The university will support the development of an understanding of Barrett's esophagus and its conversion to esophageal carcinoma through genetic and environmental research. Researchers aim to reduce mortality associated with this deadly cancer, which has seen a six-fold increase in recent years.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researcher is leading a collaborative network to study the genetic determinants of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The network aims to develop new methods for identifying individuals at risk, early detection, and monitoring Barrett's esophagus progression.