Articles tagged with Cancer Genetics
A new genetic basis of a type of brain aneurysm has been identified, suggesting that an existing cancer drug can counter its effects. Researchers have discovered 'gain-of-function variants' in the PDGFRB protein, which causes it to remain locked in a hyper-active form.
A new blood biopsy technique allows for comprehensive genetic profiling of cancer cells, capturing variation among cells within a single patient. This improves treatment monitoring and targeting by identifying genes active in cancer cells and tracking their response to therapy.
Researchers found that tumors with a higher degree of microsatellite instability (MSI) are more likely to respond to immunotherapy. MSI-high tumors have a higher amount of indel mutations, which can generate neoantigens recognized by the immune system.
A phase I clinical trial using stem cell immunotherapy will be tested on patients with advanced sarcomas and the NY-ESO-1 tumor marker. The treatment aims to generate a lasting immune response against cancer by modifying blood-forming stem cells and T cells to target specific proteins.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a gel-like platform that activates and multiplies cancer-fighting T-cells, outperforming traditional methods in mouse experiments. The artificial lymph node technology has potential for regenerative immunology-based therapy.
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology reports that whole-exome sequencing (WES) can diagnose the genetic cause of liver disease in a significant proportion of adult patients. The analysis identified four monogenic disorders in five unrelated adults, enabling new treatment options and shedding light on underlying molecular ...
A new algorithm developed by Stanford researchers can accurately identify individuals at risk of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a cholesterol-raising genetic disease that increases the risk of early and fatal heart problems. The algorithm, trained on data from over 200 FH patients, correctly flagged 88% of cases in testing runs.
A new online tool allows researchers to determine the genetic ancestral origin of over 1300 cancer cell lines, revealing a lack of representation from diverse populations. The study found that European and East Asian origins were overrepresented, while African American and Hispanic/Latino origins were underrepresented.
A common genetic variant on the 5p15.33 locus is associated with a high risk of stroke in childhood cancer survivors who received cranial radiation therapy (CRT). The study found that survivors who carried this variant had nearly three times the risk of developing stroke compared to those without it.
A phase I clinical trial and FDA expanded access program show LOXO-195, a next-generation TRK inhibitor, is safe and effective in patients with NTRK gene fusions resistant to first-generation TRK inhibitors. The study found that LOXO-195 induced responses in patients whose tumors had acquired specific mutations.
Researchers found tarloxotinib effective against various cancer types, including ovarian and breast cancers with NRG1 gene fusions. The drug targets low-oxygen conditions, making it potentially more tolerable than existing therapies.
Researchers from the CNIO Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group have identified a new gene, DLST, involved in the development of paragangliomas and phaeochromocytomas. Mutations in this gene were found to be directly linked to the disease, providing a potential breakthrough in diagnosis and treatment.
The Cancer Control and Survivorship Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has been awarded the 13th annual AACR Team Science Award for its innovative research advancing childhood cancer treatment and long-term survival outcomes. The program's work has significantly contributed to our understanding of pediatric cancer epidemi...
Researchers found that mda-7/IL-24 reduces the expression of an enzyme called DICER, which processes microRNAs for specific cellular functions. This effect occurs only in cancer cells and provides potential therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
A study found that high-fructose corn syrup consumption enhances tumor growth in genetically predisposed mice with intestinal adenomas. The researchers discovered that HFCS leads to dramatic increases in tumor size and grade through altered metabolism, independent of obesity.
The study analyzed tumor DNA from 843 patients with colorectal cancer, identifying associations between genetic mutations and treatment responses. Patients with microsatellite instability had longer survival when treated with bevacizumab, while those with high tumor mutational burden lived longer than those with less variation.
A team of scientists has discovered a unique genetic signature, or 'fingerprint', in cancer cells that can be targeted to selectively eliminate abnormal cells. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and less toxic cancer treatments.
Researchers found that younger patients with early-onset colorectal cancer have unique genetic mutations and subtypes of the disease. Patients with predisposing conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, also exhibit distinct clinical and genetic characteristics compared to those without such conditions.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University discovered the intricate molecular mechanism of the guidance receptor 'Robo', which reacts to signals in its environment while avoiding premature activity. The findings provide a basis for designing effective drugs targeting Robo receptors, potentially treating various neurological and cancer conditions.
Scientists have developed techniques to track the global changes in gene activation caused by MYC, a potent cancer gene. The new toolkit reveals subtle differences in gene expression between individual cells, which may lead to cancer.
A team of biologists has discovered a key aspect of chromosome inheritance that helps ensure the faithful passage of short chromosomes during reproduction. They found that vast regions near the ends of both long and short chromosomes are primed for high-density genetic exchanges, known as EARs.
A new study found that many commercial cell lines used for laboratory studies are mislabeled as minority ancestry, leading to a lack of diversity and hindering the development of precision medicine for underrepresented populations. Researchers call for more diverse biospecimens to be used in scientific investigations.
Dr. Carl June is being honored by ACGT for his lifesaving CAR T-cell treatment, which was the first-ever FDA-approved gene therapy for cancer. The funding from ACGT sustained Dr. June's research, allowing it to continue and ultimately lead to promising treatments.
A research team at the University of Louisville discovered that SA-4-1BBL boosts CD8+ and CD4+ T cells to target tumors for destruction. The molecule protects healthy mice from various cancer types when exposed to tumor cells, showing promise in cancer immunoprevention.
Researchers identified a new genetic cause of multi-tumor syndrome, which increases lifetime risk for patients with colorectal and breast cancers. The study found that rare NTHL1 gene mutations lead to the development of both diseases.
FinnGen aims to produce comprehensive genome variant data from 500,000 participants, combining health data from national registries. This enables correlations between genetic factors and health outcomes, enriching drug discovery programs.
A Rutgers study has identified the NSD2 gene as a key indicator of prostate cancer's likelihood to spread. The gene's targeting could lead to early detection and longer patient survival rates.
Researchers identified a link between BRCA2 mutations and aggressive prostate cancer in men, increasing their risk of developing other cancers. The study also found that patients with BRCA2 mutations have poorer treatment responses and outcomes.
A new study by the BabySeq project explores the effects of genetic testing on newborns, revealing unexpected risks for childhood diseases. The research also found potential links to adult-onset cancers, highlighting the importance of long-term follow-up to assess the test's efficacy.
Researchers examined cancer metabolism using flux-balance analysis and found that the Warburg effect provides a growth advantage for tumors, while glutamine addiction does not. The study also sheds light on the relationship between healthy cells and tumor cells under the reverse Warburg effect.
Researchers have genetically modified a common houseplant to remove chloroform and benzene from the air, two hazardous compounds linked to cancer. The modified pothos ivy plants express a protein that converts these pollutants into harmless molecules, which can support plant growth.
A recent study published in eLife found a strong relationship between copy number changes in genes and cancer patient outcomes. The researchers identified specific biomarkers that can determine a patient's prognosis, providing new hope for personalized cancer treatment.
Researchers at Yale University discovered genetic variants linked to DNA repair, immune response, and cancer suppression in giant tortoises that enable them to live over 100 years. These findings provide new insights into aging research and could lead to breakthroughs in human health.
Researchers have identified a genetic change common to 80% of human melanomas and developed a molecule that targets this change. The molecule binds to melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) on the surface of melanoma cells, allowing for imaging and potential therapy delivery.
Researchers fully described the mechanism of fungal luminescence, utilizing four key enzymes to produce light. They also created an entirely new molecular instrument for biotechnology by engineering a yeast strain that glows in the dark.
Researchers found LZTR1 contributes to human diseases by acting as part of ubiquitin ligase complex that mediates conjugation of ubiquitin to RAS proteins, reducing its activation and downstream signalling. This discovery may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for RAS-driven diseases.
The CanSUR summer program at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will support 32 undergraduates annually in cancer-focused research. The five-year NIH grant will provide a solid foundation in cancer science and laboratory experience.
A new molecule called TIM-3 has been identified as a potential target for immunotherapy treatments in patients with cancer and other diseases. The protein plays a key role in regulating the immune response, and its suppression or inactivity can lead to uncontrollable T cell activation and the development of rare forms of lymphoma.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new platform that uses biology and nanotechnology to carry mRNA directly to target cells. The system demonstrates safe and effective passage of therapies for treating various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory disorders.
Researchers discovered that cancer-associated genetic mutations are prevalent in healthy esophageal epithelium tissue, accumulating with age. By middle age, over half of the tissue contained mutant clones, suggesting a potential origin for esophageal cancers.
A new test developed by scientists at the University of York can accurately identify life-threatening prostate cancers, which could lead to fewer unnecessary surgeries and radiotherapies. The test has shown a high accuracy rate of up to 92%, potentially reducing healthcare costs and side effects for patients.
Researchers used genetic and survey data from over 210,000 participants to identify correlations between known and novel skin cancer risk factors. Combining multiple factors improved predictive accuracy for skin cancer risk, particularly when including a genetic risk score.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a genetically engineered version of a cell called an invariant natural killer T-cell (iNKT) that shows potential as a new treatment for cancer. The CAR19-iNKT eliminated all cancer cells in 60% of mice and had 90% long-term survival rates.
Researchers at the Buck Institute have developed a new method to pinpoint genetic differences between closely related species, which could lead to breakthroughs in understanding human longevity, disease resistance, and regenerative abilities. The technique was tested using an ancient divergence in yeast and has wide applicability to pl...
Researchers are investigating how a gene that regulates estrogen and neurotransmitter levels could be tied to cognitive decline in patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study aims to understand the underlying factors of treatment-related cognitive dysfunction, also known as chemo brain.
A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that nearly 25% of genetic test results were reclassified due to evolving scientific knowledge. This reclassification can significantly impact patients' understanding of their cancer risk and treatment options.
Current guidelines on anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation may be insufficient due to varying stroke rates among studies, suggesting a need for individualized risk assessments. A case report also highlights the successful treatment of multiple cancers with pembrolizumab in a patient with Lynch syndrome
A research team at the University of Turku discovered a link between HOXB13 and CIP2A genes and aggressiveness of prostate cancer. The simultaneous expression of these two gene variants predisposes men to get prostate cancer earlier in life and stimulates tumor formation.
Researchers identified BAP1-regulated target genes and mechanisms linking ferroptosis to tumor suppression in various cancers. Treatment with ROS inducer resulted in increased ferroptosis-related cell death in BAP1 cancer cells, suggesting a potential new area of therapy research.
A study found that common mutations drive the spread of cancer in individual patients, suggesting a key understanding of how cancers metastasize. The research also identified passenger mutations that are less likely to play a critical role in cancer development.
Researchers found a genetic variation associated with thymic output in humans, which can affect immune responses. This discovery may help explain differences in immune responses between healthy individuals and has implications for precision medicine and vaccine development.
Researchers have identified key genetic changes that occur during colorectal cancer development, including 'chromosomal catastrophes' that lead to tumour growth and diversity
Researchers discovered a link between ANO7 gene mutations and aggressive prostate cancer risk and severity, suggesting improved diagnosis and treatment options. The study found specific genetic mutations that correlated with increased disease risk and poorer survival rates.
Salk Institute researchers found that restricting food intake to a 10-hour window can protect against obesity and metabolic diseases. By controlling the animals' feeding and fasting cycles, they can override their genetically programmed sickness.
Researchers at the GW Cancer Center will develop a model to study the COMPASS complex in pancreatic cancer and possible targeted therapies. The goal is to identify molecular vulnerabilities and treat patients based on their likelihood to respond to tailored treatments.
The team found that telomeres are regulated by proteins, including Taz1, which tether internal regions to the telomeres. This process ensures faithful duplication of genetic material. Better understanding of this mechanism may inform research into maintaining genetic information and preventing diseases.
A study from the Francis Crick Institute found that chemicals produced by vegetables like kale and broccoli can prevent colon cancer in mice. The research discovered that these compounds activate a protein called AhR, which helps protect against inflammatory responses to gut bacteria.
Researchers have developed high-tech tools to identify the genetic cause of early childhood seizures, a rare disease that can lead to intellectual impairment and early death. The new approach uses computational tools to analyze genetic data and pinpoint changes in the genome responsible for disease development.
Researchers found distinct genetic mutations in appendix cancer that predict survival rates and may impact therapy choices. The study identified specific genes, such as TP53 and GNAS, as biomarkers for high-risk patients.
A new study has identified specific genes, including BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, and RAD51D, that are associated with an increased risk for triple-negative breast cancer. The study suggests potential revisions to guidelines for genetic testing and may lead to better prevention strategies.