Articles tagged with Cancer Genetics
A new study found that genetic ancestry has no correlation with head and neck cancer stage or survival for African Americans. Researchers used genetic markers to estimate West African ancestry and discovered only 5% of self-reported African Americans had more than 95% West African ancestry, similar to Caucasians.
A team led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists created a molecule that prevents cancer genes from 'hearing' instructions, stifling the cancer process at its root. The research targets proteins issuing stop and start commands to a cancer gene, known as epigenetic reader proteins, for future cancer therapies.
Weiguo Cao's research aims to understand the mechanisms of DNA repair and its contribution to cancer prevention. The study will investigate two DNA repair pathways and explore how defects in these processes can lead to cancer.
A series of essays examines the challenges in determining effective treatments, benefits and drawbacks for patients, as well as consumers' right to their genetic information. The articles discuss controversies surrounding direct-to-consumer tests, genetically customized drug treatments and biospecimen use.
A new study found that physical activity can reduce the genetic predisposition to obesity by 40% in individuals with a higher genetic risk. The research, published in PLOS Medicine, suggests that even people at greater genetic risk of obesity can benefit from adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Researchers at Penn State University have created the first image of a protein interacting with DNA packed tightly into space-saving bundles. The discovery is expected to aid future investigations into diseases such as cancer and provide new insights into how cells regulate gene expression.
A newly formed advisory committee will review all federal breast cancer research efforts and develop recommendations for improving existing programs. The committee aims to expand opportunities for collaborative, multi-disciplinary research and advance the understanding of links between environment, genes, and health.
A recent study suggests that a new drug, Olaparib, can reduce tumor size in women with advanced hereditary ovarian and breast cancers, offering a promising targeted therapy approach. The Phase II trials showed significant shrinkage in tumor size and relatively mild toxicities.
A UCSF-led team has discovered a direct link between an inherited genetic mutation, developmental abnormalities, and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a rare form of childhood cancer. The study found that germline CBL mutations are inherited in nearly half the families affected by JMML.
A study led by researchers at the University of Louisville found that individuals with a male first-degree relative with breast cancer perceive themselves as being at higher risk than those with a female relative. However, many lack awareness and discussion about genetic testing.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center created a large battalion of tumor-seeking immune system cells that can locate and attack melanomas in real-time. The genetically engineered lymphocytes were injected into mice and found to kill the cancer within two to three days, paving the way for potential treatment in humans.
Researchers found that sulforaphane, a broccoli compound, reduces prostate cancer risk by affecting cells lacking the PTEN gene. In these cells, sulforaphane inhibits tumor growth and competitiveness. This study suggests potential therapeutic applications of sulforaphane.
Two phase-2 trials demonstrate the efficacy of olaparib in treating advanced ovarian and breast cancer in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. The higher dose of olaparib showed better treatment response rates compared to the lower dose, with ORR of 33% and 41% respectively.
Scientists found that p53 loss enables aberrant self-renewal of myeloid precursors, leading to acute myeloid leukemia. In experiments with living mice, the team demonstrated that a combination of p53 and Kras mutations confers resistance to chemotherapy and promotes aggressive AML.
An international consortium of scientists has identified 12 new gene variants linked to type 2 diabetes, with 11 influencing insulin production and one associated with the X chromosome. This discovery sheds light on the complex pathogenesis of the disease, which affects millions worldwide.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a mechanism by which an enzyme regulates gene expression and growth in melanoma cells. The enzyme selectively targets and degrades microRNA-221, a genetic component that helps melanoma cells thrive and resist chemotherapy.
A new gene on chromosome 13 has been identified as a potential cause of bowel cancer spread and progression. The discovery is based on a large family study that analyzed the genetic profiles of 81 family members over five generations.
A new study reveals that radiation can change the microenvironment of breast cells, allowing abnormal cells to grow and become cancerous. The research found that low-to-moderate doses of radiation promote premature senescence in normal cells, creating space for pre-cancerous cells to grow.
The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project is a major research platform studying disease causation in 300,000 Canadians over 30 years. It will investigate the complex interplay between environment, lifestyle, and genetics in cancer and chronic diseases.
A large study found that consuming well-done meat increases the likelihood of developing bladder cancer, especially in people with genetic variants. The risk was higher for those who ate high amounts of red meat and had unfavorable genotypes in the HCA metabolism pathway.
A new study found that just one pulse of artificial light at night damages circadian cell division, a key process affected in cancer. The research reveals changes in gene expression, including genes connected to cancer formation and anti-cancer defense.
The American College of Medical Genetics Foundation has recognized Dr. Marilyn M. Li's efforts in advancing the field of medical genetics. She is being supported by a $100,000 grant to promote safe and effective genetic testing services.
Researchers discovered specific PTEN mutations linked to distinct kinds of cancer in organs targeted by Cowden syndrome. The study suggests that testing for these mutations could predict cancer severity in patients with the syndrome.
A recent study found that genetic variations in the GPC5 gene are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in never-smokers. The research, published in The Lancet Oncology, suggests that GPC5 could be a new target for drug development and could help identify high-risk individuals.
A new computational strategy for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) corrects for population structure and hidden relatedness, reducing computation time from years to hours. The EMMAX method uses high-density markers to capture complex relationships between individuals and corrects for ancestry-related biases.
Research published in Gut journal finds that a purified form of omega 3 reduces rectal polyp number and size in familial adenomatous polyposis patients. The treatment is as effective as prescription medicine but without cardiovascular side effects.
A large multicenter trial in Japan found that patients with early gastric cancer who received H. pylori antibiotics after surgical resection had a significantly lower risk of developing gastric cancer. Certain strains of H. pylori may carry an increased risk of developing gastric cancer, but more research is needed to fully understand ...
Researchers found that smoking significantly increases the risk of an intracranial aneurysm in people who carry common gene variants. The risk increased by more than five-fold when combined with smoking, highlighting the importance of quitting to reduce genetic susceptibility.
The Genetics/Genomics Competency Center is a free, Web-based resource providing materials on genetics and genomics for educators training nurses and physician assistants. The tool helps match existing educational resources with competencies for health professionals.
Researchers at UCLA found a biochemical link between misery and death, as well as a genetic variation that blocks this link. They discovered that individuals with the rare IL6 gene variant were less susceptible to death due to inflammation-related mortality causes under adverse social-environmental conditions.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have used novel technology to analyze the genetic patterns of neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer. The discovery may lead to significant advances in treatment, enabling tailor-made treatments for sub-groups of the most aggressive cases.
Researchers have developed a new tool to understand how cancers grow and identify novel cancer drugs. By analyzing human prostate tissue and engineering specific genetic changes, scientists can create cancer cells from stem cells, providing precise targets for treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a single gene mutation that induces endometrial cancer, which can be treated with a specific drug therapy. The study found that women with this mutation may respond well to 'rapalogs' and could benefit from targeted treatment.
Researchers found that adding three specific molecules to a vaccine increased the effectiveness of protective T cell responses in mice. The quality, not just the quantity, of these responses was enhanced. This discovery could lead to new adjuvants for improving vaccine efficacy.
The study found that disrupting TGFβ signaling leads to the re-expression of silenced genes, reversing tumorigenic properties and putting brakes on cancer progression. This discovery may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies targeting the Smad signaling pathway.
Researchers found a link between the MET proto-oncogene and reduced cancer risk in people with schizophrenia, suggesting an intriguing relationship between cancer-related genes and schizophrenia susceptibility. The study suggests that the gene's activation mechanism may be similar to its role in autism.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that proteosome inhibitors can rescue mutant proteins by increasing levels of Hsp70, a chaperone protein. This approach may be used to treat debilitating genetic diseases, transforming them into more manageable conditions.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variant associated with aggressive prostate cancer, which may help identify men at risk of developing the disease. The study found that this genetic marker was present in 25% more men with aggressive disease than those with slow-growing disease.
Scientists at JGH and McGill University discovered a novel link between phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and protein kinase R (PKR), leading to runaway protein synthesis in cancer cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deadly forms of cancer, including prostate, brain, and melanoma.
Researchers utilize zebrafish to study human cancer, leveraging transplantable tumors, genetic models, and transgenic fish to understand tumor development and metastasis. The special issue presents innovative approaches for modeling human cancer in zebrafish.
A new study found that genetic variants associated with increased CRP levels are not linked to an increased risk of cancer. However, the researchers suggest that chronic inflammation may still contribute to cancer development.
Researchers have identified the genetic marker for Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a transmissible cancer affecting only Tasmanian devils. The discovery reveals that DFTD originates from Schwann cells, which protect peripheral nerve fibres.
A team of scientists has discovered that the fatal facial tumors decimating Australia's Tasmanian devil population probably originated in Schwann cells. The researchers identified a genetic marker to accurately diagnose the facial cancers, called devil facial tumor disease (DFTD).
Researchers found that genetic variations in the Sonic Hedgehog pathway increase the likelihood of bladder cancer recurrence, reduce survival time, and limit response to immunotherapy. Patients with certain variations had a significantly shorter recurrence-free survival time compared to those without.
Researchers have identified genes that switch their nuclear position in tumor cells, offering a potential new method of diagnosing cancer. The study found that eight genes consistently relocated in the nuclei of invasive breast cancer cells, allowing for accurate diagnosis with success rates similar to current clinical tests.
Charles M. Perou has been awarded the AACR's 2009 Outstanding Investigator Award for his groundbreaking research on breast cancer subtypes and racial disparities in diagnosis. His findings have led to a reevaluation of treatment approaches, with his work being incorporated into clinical practice worldwide.
Bone marrow transplantation can cause immune deficiency, leading to infections and cancer recurrence due to thymic damage from donor T cells. Research identified key molecules FasL and TRAIL required for this damage, offering potential targets to improve allo-BMT outcomes.
Scientists have identified a gene, AEG-1, that plays a pivotal role in two processes essential for tumor development, growth, and progression to metastasis. The gene's expression is involved in oncogenic transformation and angiogenesis, critical steps for tumor progression.
A new study found that smoking is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer, which progresses over time. The study showed that even smoking fewer cigarettes per day for more years may be more harmful than smoking more cigarettes per day for fewer years.
A study by UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found TiO2 nanoparticles in cosmetics, sunscreen, and other products cause DNA breaks, chromosomal damage, and inflammation in mice. The researchers suggest limiting nanoparticle exposure to prevent potential health hazards.
Phillip A. Sharp has been awarded the 2010 Herbert Tabor Lectureship for his groundbreaking research on small RNAs, RNA interference, and its potential to revolutionize biology and generate new therapeutics. Sharp's work builds on his landmark discovery of RNA splicing in 1977, which earned him a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Researchers found that nutlin-3 activates the p53 pathway and suppresses tumor growth in mice models of chemoresistant neuroblastoma. Oral administration of nutlin-3 as a single agent reduced tumor growth and metastasis, providing a potential treatment option for advanced-stage and chemoresistant neuroblastoma.
A new study from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has found that certain types of aggressive tumors lacking p53 protein can be stopped in their tracks when TAp63, a sister protein, steps in. Researchers were able to shut off tumor growth by increasing TAp63 levels, which induced senescence and prevented cancer cell division.
The Northwestern Physical Sciences-Oncology Center will study genes and their role in cancer, aiming to understand healthy cells to control cancer. The center brings together physical scientists and cancer biologists to use non-traditional approaches.
Researchers followed 79 patients with migraine headaches for five years after surgery, finding promising outcomes for treating trigger sites. The study found that 88% of remaining patients maintained initial positive response to surgery, with 29% experiencing complete elimination of migraines.
A new cancer gene has been identified as the cause of adenoid cystic carcinoma, a slow-growing but deadly form of cancer. The discovery could lead to quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment through genetic testing.
Researchers at University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that African Americans with non-small cell lung cancer have a lower frequency of drug-sensitizing genetic mutations, which may impact response to EGFR inhibitor drugs. The study highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches based on ethnicity and genetic variation.
A massive international study is examining potential genetic consequences of reproductive organs exposed to curative therapy by drugs or radiation. Scientists aim to determine if radiation treatment increases birth defects, stillbirths, and specific conditions like Down syndrome in offspring.
A Tel Aviv University researcher recommends new guidelines for accessing biobanked children's DNA, emphasizing the need for safeguards against privacy risks and potential future discrimination. The approach aims to balance societal benefits with individual privacy rights.
Researchers have discovered 231 new genes linked to head and neck cancer, which could aid in early detection and treatment. These findings may also help monitor disease progression and patient response to therapy.