Articles tagged with Cancer Genetics
Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Cancer Research Center in Spain have discovered a potential strategy to prevent B-ALL, the most common childhood cancer, using the drug ruxolitinib. By blocking IL-7 signaling, researchers were able to significantly reduce the risk of leukemia development in genetically predis...
A single genetic test using RNA sequencing has been used for all children with cancer in the Netherlands since 2018, improving diagnosis and treatment in seven cases. The technique picked up 78 fusion genes, 23 of which led to a more accurate diagnosis or possible treatment.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences and electronic health records of thousands of individuals to discover that the chance a pathogenic genetic variant may cause a disease is relatively low, about 7 percent. However, some variants are linked to wide range of risks for disease.
A recent study has found that faulty versions of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with an increased risk of developing prostate and pancreatic cancers in men. The study analyzed data from over 3,200 families and estimated that men who carry a BRCA2 mutation have a 27% risk of developing prostate cancer by age 80.
A UC researcher is leading three projects to study the genetic workings of deadly pediatric brain tumors, including DIPG. The goal is to understand how genes regulate blood vessels and develop more effective treatments. Researchers are also exploring a new drug that targets a specific genetic mutation.
Researchers found that glioma cells with mutated ATRX have reduced Chk1 activity, leading to dysregulated cell cycle and heightened sensitivity to ATM inhibitors. The study suggests that combining radiation therapy with these inhibitors may improve treatment outcomes for patients with this gene mutation.
Researchers successfully engineered mesenchymal stromal cells to carry and deliver therapeutics specifically to targeted tissues, offering a precise and reliable approach for treating diseases. This novel cargo-carrier, dubbed 'Cargocytes,' retains most of its cellular functionality while greatly enhancing therapeutic capacity.
A new study found that translocation renal cell carcinoma (tRCC) is characterized by genetic alterations except for the gene fusion from which it gets its name. The research suggests that tRCCs may be responsive to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, providing a potential roadmap for clinical action.
Researchers have discovered that ovarian cancer begins with cancerous lesions in the fallopian tube linings of women with BRCA-1 mutations. The study's findings hold promise for predicting which women will develop ovarian cancer years or decades in advance, allowing for early detection and prevention strategies.
A marine-dwelling creature, Trichoplax adhaerens, has been found to resist cancer and repair DNA after radiation damage. Researchers are exploring its unique properties to develop new therapies for cancer.
The inaugural WHO classification of childhood tumors presents a single, updated compendium of all tumor entities in childhood or adolescence, divided by organ sites. This classification incorporates traditional morphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular characteristics to provide essential criteria for definition of tumor types.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine are studying breast cancer as a series of inflection points to identify potential intervention points and develop therapeutics for triple negative breast cancer. The goal is to create a large repository of organoids from tissue samples to study gene expression, epigenetic changes, and immune response.
A comprehensive genomic analysis reveals the genetic basis of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gastrointestinal system, a rare cancer that is highly resistant to treatment. The study identifies key biological processes underlying the development of the disease, including structural variants, methylation events, and gene fusions.
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.
A recent study by NTU Singapore has found a strong link between increasing air pollution and the rise of lung adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer. The study also discovered that declining smoking rates are associated with lower incidence of lung squamous cell carcinoma.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a new compound that can disable the MTDH gene, which is essential for cancer progression and metastasis. The compound shows promise in treating major human cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified FAM72A as a crucial gene in antibody development, enabling high-quality antibodies by facilitating AID's effect. The findings also suggest that increased levels of FAM72A could spur cancer development and progression.
Research at Uppsala University found a correlation between specific genes and prognosis in Chinese patients with cardia cancer. Focal amplification of the ERBB2 gene was linked to better prognosis, while EGFR amplification had worse outcomes.
A new study found that tumors with one mutant copy of the PIK3CA gene tend to have lower PI3K activity, while those with two or more copies often have higher PIK3α activity, leading to more aggressive tumors and poorer prognosis. The research also discovered a counterintuitive relationship between PI3K mutations, PI3K activity, and ste...
A new study by USC researchers uses a genetic technology to analyze gene expression signatures of individual cancer cells from patients with leukemia. The findings show that cancer cells with distinct gene expression profiles tend to grow in different organs, while those with specific genes are more resistant to chemotherapy.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center discovered how a common gene mutation disrupts cells' ability to suppress tumors. The mutation in the UTX gene forms tiny droplets that help prevent tumor formation.
Researchers have developed a simple, postal urine test that can detect signs of urothelial cancer in Lynch Syndrome (LS) patients, who are at high risk of developing tumors. The test uses cell-free DNA shed into the urine to identify DNA from tumor cells with characteristic microsatellite instability.
Researchers used a yeast model to understand the dynamics of early-stage ribosomal subunit assembly, discovering snR190 functions as an RNA chaperone. The study also identified Dbp7 as the enzyme responsible for dissociating snR190 from ribosomal RNA precursors.
Researchers have identified genetic mutations in genes CBP and p300 that drive radiation resistance in head and neck tumors. Inhibiting these proteins with certain drugs makes tumor cells more susceptible to radiotherapy.
Research suggests that regular PSA testing from age 40 could detect life-threatening prostate cancer in men with genetic hallmarks of Lynch syndrome, increasing the chances of earlier diagnosis and treatment. Men with MSH2 gene faults were eight times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at a younger age.
Researchers from UPV/EHU and Biocruces pathologists use game theory to study tumor cell interactions, finding that higher cell diversity may be beneficial for patients. This approach reveals the importance of collective stability in tumor cells' pursuit of better environments.
A new study found that translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) correlates with worse survival outcomes in male glioblastoma patients compared to females. The variation in the protein's structure is associated with shorter overall and progression-free survival times, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
Physician attitudes and beliefs contribute to racial disparities in referrals for genetic counseling and testing. Black women are less likely to be referred for these services, despite having a higher breast cancer mortality rate than white women.
Researchers at the Salk Institute combined genomic and epidemiological data to reveal that some widespread beliefs about cancer-causing genes are incorrect. For example, KRAS is found to be involved in only about 11% of all cancers, not 25% as previously thought. This study could help guide genetic research for more effective treatments.
Researchers found that selecting the embryo with the lowest predicted risk score reduces disease risk more effectively than eliminating high-scoring embryos. However, polygenic embryo screening offers no guarantees about a baby's health and has limited effectiveness depending on factors like ancestry and age.
Researchers have discovered a new drug target for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other hematologic malignancies, which are sensitive to MEK inhibitors. The study found that mutations affecting RNA splicing alter cells to develop MDS and solid tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this rare blood cancer.
A recent study has identified significant disparities in nasopharyngeal cancer incidence among Asian American ethnic subgroups. Chinese and Laotian Americans were found to have the highest incidence rates, with rates surpassing other Asian American subgroups.
Biologists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory are using a mathematical tool to understand the complexities of gene expression and chromosomal mutations associated with cancer. The approach, developed by David McCandlish's lab, predicts how likely different variations on a biological theme are to arise.
Researchers have identified a way to restore the effectiveness of drugs in clinical trials for treating AML by using human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) as a 'decoy' to bind and inhibit FLT3-mutated leukemia cells. The approach has potential for improving patient outcomes, particularly for patients with FLT3-mutated AML.
Patients with certain gene mutations are at high risk of fatal chemotherapy toxicity, with a 25-times increased risk detected in those with uncommon DPYD variants. The study suggests that adding pre-treatment screening may help prevent avoidable deaths without interrupting standard care.
Scientists use modern imaging technology to determine liver cancer subtypes, identifying specific sugar structures that correlate to different subtypes. This approach could lead to earlier detection and more personalized therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Researchers discover that tumor suppressor genes can prevent the immune system from spotting and destroying malignant cells in mice. The study reveals a surprising new action for many of these defective genes, which trigger mechanisms that prevent the immune system's T-cells from targeting tumors.
Children genetically predisposed to overproduce lymphocytes in relation to other white blood cells are at higher risk of developing ALL, according to a new USC study. The research found that the ratio of lymphocytes to other key blood cells is significant in predicting leukemia risk.
Researchers at McGill University identified proteins that drive cancer stem cells in brain tumours. Targeting the protein galectin1 may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma when combined with radiation therapy. The study found significant improvement in tumour response to radiation therapy, resulting in expanded lifespan.
Researchers discovered downregulated immune responses and upregulated T cell-exhaustion pathways in African American patients compared to European Americans. These findings suggest striking differences in immunoregulatory gene activities that may contribute to the worse prognosis of prostate cancer in Black Americans.
The center will provide a one-stop shop for custom DNA constructs, accelerating cancer research through access to state-of-the-art tools. The facility will enable transformative, large-scale experimental projects that were previously impossible for individual labs.
Researchers identified DSS1 as a critical protein in breast cancer progression and found that depleting it makes cancer cells more responsive to lower doses of anti-cancer drugs. This technique may reduce drug-induced side effects in breast cancer patients, providing a safer treatment option.
Researchers have developed heat-controllable CAR T cells that can target and destroy cancerous tumors, while preventing relapse. The cells are engineered to produce immunomodulators under photothermal control, increasing their effectiveness against solid tumors.
A recent study has uncovered the evolutionary forces at play in the aging of the blood system and identified individuals at increased risk of blood cancer. The research provides a robust indicator for classifying patients with ARCH mutations, allowing for more frequent screening and early treatment.
Fels and Fox Chase researchers found specific TET2 and DNMT3A mutations in leukemia patients that affect DNA repair pathways. These mutations make leukemia cells sensitive to PARP inhibitors, a type of targeted therapy, while others are resistant. The study aims to develop personalized therapies for patients with these mutations.
Scientists investigated a method to enhance immunotherapy for lung cancer and found that combining it with certain chemotherapy drugs could eliminate harmful immune cells. This approach showed promising results in preclinical studies, inducing the regression of about 70% of tumors.
A recent UNSW study found that women who received their polygenic risk score (PRS) for breast cancer experienced minimal regret and reduced distress compared to those who declined. The researchers also discovered that more women reported regret about not knowing their PRS score, highlighting the importance of providing clear informatio...
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified DOT1L as a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Inhibitors of the DOT1L enzyme showed promise in reducing tumor growth and improving survival rates by stimulating pro-tumorigenic metabolic pathways and blocking apoptosis.
Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target, METTL1, to treat aggressive cancers by inhibiting an RNA-modifying protein. The study found that targeting METTL1 effectively destroys cancer cells in laboratory models and mice while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Researchers created a new indicator, CPRS, to measure overall cancer risk based on an individual's unique combination of DNA changes. A healthy lifestyle is associated with decreased cancer incidence in people with a high genetic risk.
A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers suggests that most women with breast cancer diagnosed over 65 should be offered hereditary cancer genetic testing. The study found mutations in actionable breast cancer risk genes in 3.2% of women with breast cancer, highlighting the need for broader testing regardless of age or family history.
A group of geneticists have outlined a plan to increase diversity and inclusion in their community, including boosting representation at academic conferences and addressing obstacles for underrepresented groups in research labs. The action plan aims to improve equity and fairness in the field of genetics and beyond.
A comprehensive genome-wide association study identified 13 loci strongly associated with infection or severe COVID-19, including causal factors like smoking and high body mass index. The findings could provide targets for repurposed drugs and illustrate the power of genetic studies in infectious disease.
A new study has revealed key genetic changes underlying rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. The findings link specific genetic changes to aggressiveness, early age of onset, and location in the body, which can affect treatment outcomes.
A recent genetic study published in PLOS Genetics has identified MAGEA3, a gene associated with poor prognosis in liver cancer, as a potential target for new treatments. The study found that blocking the expression of MAGEA3 in liver cancer cells can prevent their growth and death, offering hope for developing new therapies.
A new multiplex technique developed at Goethe University Frankfurt allows simulating millions of genetic defect combinations and studying their effects in cell culture. This enables the identification of genes involved in cancer and other complex diseases suitable as targets for therapies.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered a new mechanism that activates specific genes, leading to cancer development. They found that a mutation in two unrelated genes can promote a process called liquid-liquid phase separation, which enables the formation of compartments with varying physical properties.
Researchers at USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that family-based cancer clustering occurs more frequently among Latino, African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander families. The study suggests a higher inherited risk of early-onset cancer in these minority populations compared to non-Latino white families.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker in tumours from patients with high-risk neuroblastoma that can predict poorer prognosis and respond to targeted treatment. This breakthrough may lead to personalized treatment options for children with high-risk disease.
Five researchers, supported by a $12.8 million grant, will investigate computational methods for predicting immunotherapy responses, genetic elements controlling gene expression, and protein assemblies regulating gene expression in cancer.