Articles tagged with Cancer Genetics
Researchers discovered unique genetic signatures linked to protective processes like DNA repair in people who live beyond 105 years. They found that these individuals have more efficient DNA repair mechanisms and a lower burden of mutations in specific genes.
A computational method using machine learning and feature sets derived from molecular simulation can predict the functional consequences of genetic variation in cancer drugs. This technology has the potential to accurately diagnose cancer variants and improve treatment outcomes by tailoring therapy to individual genetic profiles.
Researchers discovered a cancer-causing gene mutation that accelerates cerebral cavernous malformation growth, leading to seizures or stroke. Repurposing an anticancer drug showed promise in improving brain-vascular health and preventing bleeding into the brain tissue.
Researchers at Osaka University identify HPnc4160 as a key regulator of Helicobacter pylori adaptation to the human stomach. The study found that strains with lower levels of this molecule are more infectious and produce higher levels of CagA, an oncoprotein linked to cancer development.
Researchers found that spatial constraints from the surrounding environment significantly affect tumor evolution, leading to diverse mutational patterns among patients. The study highlights the importance of tissue architecture in regulating tumor growth and behavior.
A study of over 150,000 European women has identified PAX8, CLPTM1L, and HLA region gene variants associated with an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. The findings open avenues for personalized screening approaches or targeted treatments.
Scientists genetically engineered myeloid cells to deliver an anticancer signal, shrinking tumors and preventing cancer from spreading to other parts of the body. The study shows promise as a potential treatment for metastatic cancer, with treated mice living substantially longer and experiencing reduced metastatic cancer.
A new technique called GETMap can trace the source of circulating DNA in the blood, which could be used to monitor organ transplant rejection, detect hidden cancers, and even screen for early asymptomatic cancers. The test identifies genetic and epigenetic markers to determine whether DNA comes from a specific tissue or organ.
Researchers at UCM identify low plasma levels of protein TGFB1 and polymorphisms in the gene as biomarkers for poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma. These variants are associated with higher mortality rates and increased risk of developing stomach tumors.
Scientists have discovered that large numbers of inherited genetic mutations collectively increase cancer risk, particularly for late-onset types. This breakthrough could lead to more effective early detection strategies and personalized cancer treatments tailored to an individual's genetics.
Researchers developed a new cancer immunotherapy that uses engineered T cells to target a genetic alteration common among all cancers. The approach stimulates an immune response against cells with the loss of one gene copy, called loss of heterozygosity (LOH), and has shown promising results in laboratory studies and mouse models.
Researchers discover histone-lysine N-methyltransferase (NSD3) as a main driver of squamous cell carcinoma lung cancer. Targeting NSD3 could improve treatment and survival rates.
A new study suggests that targeted screening for prostate cancer could prevent up to 16% of prostate cancer deaths and reduce overdiagnosis by 27%. The study, led by UCL researchers, recommends screening men with a high genetic risk profile using an MRI scan before biopsy.
The CNIO team found that telomeres respond to external signals inducing cell proliferation and that blocking these signals can interfere with cancer cells becoming immortal. The study identifies telomeres as a key target of the AKT pathway, which plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis.
A study found that night shifts disrupt natural rhythms in cancer-related genes, making workers more vulnerable to DNA damage. This can lead to increased cancer risk, and researchers hope to develop prevention strategies and treatment options to address this issue.
Researchers developed a design-driven process using computational modeling to identify useful genetic designs for cellular engineering. The approach accelerates the development of new treatments for diseases by enabling the efficient identification and testing of genetic programs.
Researchers identified three genetic regions associated with skin pigmentation and severe vitamin D deficiency in African Americans. The study's findings have implications for personalized vitamin D supplementation and potential cancer prevention.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers has identified USP24 as a frequently missing gene in pediatric patients with neuroblastoma, an aggressive form of childhood cancer. The gene plays a crucial role in protecting cells against errors during cell division and its loss may contribute to the development of aggressive tumors.
Scientists at JAIST have created a photosynthetic bacteria-based cancer optotheranostics, using NIR light-driven PPSB as an effective theranostic material for deep tumor treatments. The approach offers high tumor specificity, non-pathogenicity, and multifunctional capabilities without genetic manipulations or chemical functionalizations.
A new 523-gene panel has been developed to diagnose and treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), identifying more genetic mutations and potential treatment targets. The panel has shown high sensitivity and specificity in detecting AML and has the potential to improve patient outcomes.
A new technique using deep mutational scanning has identified important mutations in the MSH2 gene associated with Lynch Syndrome, a major cause of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer. This approach could improve predictive value of genetic screening for individuals at risk of developing colorectal cancer.
A recent study by University of Utah Health researchers has identified a genetic collaborator that influences the severity of the rare disease NGLY1. The gene NKCC1 moderates disease severity, with its interaction with NGLY1 affecting various bodily functions, including tear production and fluid balance.
A large international consortium has identified nine genes that increase breast cancer risk, which can now be used to personalize follow-up and screening programs. The study analyzed 113,000 samples and confirms the importance of these genes in predicting breast cancer risk.
A phase 2 clinical trial using a personalized treatment approach found increased survival rates among patients with metastatic tumors in gastroesophageal cancers. The study used genetic profiling to tailor treatments, resulting in a 66% one-year survival rate and a median survival time of 15.7 months.
Researchers have developed a new integrated genetic/epigenetic DNA-sequencing protocol called MultiMMR that can identify mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency in a single test. This alternative to complex testing workflows determines causes of MMR deficiency often missed by current clinical tests.
The INTERVENE project aims to develop novel genome-based disease prediction tools using advanced AI approaches on genomic and health data. The project will test these tools in clinical settings for cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer.
A new study reveals that people with a genetically weakened skin barrier are more susceptible to faster uptake of common chemicals, increasing the risk of skin diseases and cancer. Researchers screened 500 participants in Sweden, finding twice as high doses of pesticides in those with the mutation.
University of Missouri scientists have discovered a genetically modified strain of salmonella that can target and kill prostate cancer cells, while leaving normal tissue intact. This breakthrough could lead to the development of personalized treatments tailored to individual patients' unique cancer characteristics.
The University of Ottawa has earned 10 Canada Research Chairs covering various subjects, including stress impacts on brain functions, Indigenous traditional cultural memories, and emerging computing technologies. The chairs will support innovative research approaches to advance knowledge and solve global challenges.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a gene called PACS-1 that is overexpressed in cancer tissues, which can lead to cancer growth and spread. Higher levels of PACS-1 expression in the nucleus may indicate resistance to chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
A recent study suggests that a unique human genetic mutation may contribute to the high risk of advanced cancers, with approximately 30% of people still producing dysfunctional Siglec-12 proteins. These individuals are at twice the risk of developing advanced cancer compared to those who cannot produce the protein.
African American childhood cancer survivors are at a higher risk of developing cardiomyopathy, with genetic variants on chromosomes 15q25.3 and 1p13.2 identified as key factors. The study has implications for long-term follow-up and surveillance of these patients.
Researchers have developed a new method for deploying CRISPR/Cas9 directly into target cells using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) coated with green tea phytochemicals. This approach has the potential to reduce costs and increase safety compared to existing viral methods, which are currently the only approved methods in trial globally.
The study analyzed national health record data to examine the rate of positive BRCA gene variant tests among older women. Between 2008 and 2018, the trend in positive results varied by age group, with younger women showing a higher increase in positivity.
Research suggests that genetic predisposition to increased weight is causally protective for breast and prostate cancer. Heavier women are less likely to develop breast cancer due to additional differences between groups, while heavier men are less likely to develop prostate cancer, particularly when exposed to carcinogenic substances.
A recent study published in eLife found that statins may lower overall cancer risk by inhibiting HMGCR enzymes, potentially through non-lipid lowering mechanisms. The research used genetic variants from UK Biobank and suggested a possible link between statin therapy and reduced cancer risk.
A study of over 260,000 people found that genetics play a key role in sun-seeking behaviour, making it more challenging to address excessive sun exposure. The research identified five genes linked to behavioural traits associated with risk-taking and addiction.
Researchers have found that specific DNA variants can affect the response to interferon-alpha-based treatments, leading to personalized therapy options. The discovery may improve treatment outcomes for patients with polycythaemia vera, a rare chronic malignant blood disease.
Researchers found that women who deliver preterm or extremely preterm have a higher risk of dying from any cause, with 1.7-fold and 2.2-fold increased risks compared to full-term deliveries. The excess deaths associated with preterm delivery persist for up to 40 years after birth.
Scientists at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel chemotherapeutic agent using nanotechnology and genetic engineering. The agent, called photothermogenetics, targets cancer cells with high potential and effectively regulates cancer stemness.
A targeted therapy called rucaparib has been successfully used to treat men with advanced prostate cancer who have mutated BRCA1/BRCA2 genes. The treatment resulted in a 41% objective response rate and improvements in prostate-specific antigen levels for over half of the patients.
Scientists at TU Wien have explained DNA's unusual behavior under tension using a unique combination of civil engineering and physics. The study reveals that DNA can twist more than expected when stretched, with significant consequences for biology and medicine.
A new study shows that community-based genetic screening can identify individuals at increased risk for three common inherited conditions, including Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Lynch Syndrome, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia. The study found that up to 90% of carriers were not previously identified in a clinical setting.
Research suggests that a genetic variant common in people of East Asian descent may make them more susceptible to adverse responses to e-cigarettes. The study found that mice with this gene had significantly higher heart rates and increased oxidative stress when exposed to e-cigarette aerosols compared to those without the gene. These ...
Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a phenomenon where some patients' T cells lose expression of transgenic TCR over time, potentially due to DNA methylation. This study aims to inform the design of future cellular immunotherapies and improve treatment outcomes for advanced cancer patients.
Researchers have identified a rare mutation of the TP53 gene that leaves individuals at a higher risk of developing multiple types of cancer over their lifetime. This mutation is most commonly found in the Ashkenazi Jewish population and may confer a lower lifetime risk compared to classic Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
A comprehensive study of lung cancer in non-smokers found that the disease is biologically distinct from smoking-related cases. Genetic changes vary depending on age and sex, with young women showing particular patterns that drive aggressive cancer progression.
Researchers have developed a novel immunotherapy using genetically modified natural killer cells to target and kill cancer cells in glioblastoma multiforme, a highly aggressive brain tumor. The treatment approach has shown high efficiency and is considered safer than other cell-based therapies.
Brooke Emerling receives a four-year grant to study targeting tumors with p53 gene mutations, which are present in most human cancers. Her research aims to develop new approaches to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.
A study led by the University of Hawai?i Cancer Center reveals that genetic mutations can make individuals more susceptible to cancer upon exposure to environmental carcinogens. The research highlights the importance of identifying gene-environment interactions in cancer prevention and early detection strategies.
A study published in The Lancet found that aspirin reduces colorectal cancer risk by half in genetically predisposed individuals, with preventive efficacy lasting 10-20 years. The CAPP2 trial showed that daily aspirin doses of 600mg reduced cancer risk compared to placebo.
Key recommendations from the Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference include performing genetic testing for all men with metastatic prostate cancer and those with a family history of hereditary cancers. Recommended genes for testing include BRCA2, BRCA1, and DNA mismatch repair genes. Genetic testing is also recommended to in...
A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) regulon, a comprehensive list of genes activated to promote cell survival under stress. The researchers discovered that changes in one-carbon metabolism, relying on vitamin folate as a cofactor, contribute to chemoresistance in cancer cells.
A UK-first pilot study has shown that genetic screening for prostate cancer can safely identify undiagnosed cases in approximately one-third of otherwise healthy men. The study involved testing for 130 DNA changes and found that population screening was effective at detecting new cancers in this high-risk group.
Researchers found that pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk by reprogramming breast cells to tuck away the potent cancer gene cMYC and keep them in a state of pre-senescence. This protective mechanism may provide new insights into future cancer treatment and help identify risk before tumors develop.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio identified key drivers of tumor plasticity, a phenomenon where cancer cells change their behavior to evade treatments. The study found that targeting these genetic signals could increase therapy effectiveness and potentially cure more cancers.
A new epigenetic editing tool has been developed to activate silenced genes by removing DNA methylation labels. The tool uses CRISPR and a plant enzyme called ROS1 to guide the removal of these marks, allowing researchers to reactivate silenced genes.
The human genome's complexity hinders personalized medicine by having an immense ability to change and cope with issues, context matters in our genome. Researchers conclude that precision medicine is crucial but must consider the full genomic blueprint including 'unnecessary' elements.
A recent study found that nearly 1% of the population carry genetic variants substantially increasing CVD and cancer risk. However, relying on family history alone may fail to identify high-risk individuals, highlighting the need for broader genetic testing populations.
A UCLA-led research team has developed a new method for delivering DNA into stem cells and immune cells safely, rapidly and economically. The technique uses high-frequency acoustic waves to manipulate cells and insert cargo without damaging them, enabling the creation of gene therapies for various diseases.