Articles tagged with Cancer Genomics
Researchers found that genetic mutations in the MAPK pathway, key to normal cell growth, can also make head and neck cancer vulnerable. Individualized genomic analysis can identify specific mutations and target drugs, offering a promising approach to precision medicine.
Researchers have identified a new strain of the myxoma virus that has enabled it to leap from European rabbits to Iberian hares, causing lethal disease in both species. The study suggests that this viral adaptation may also improve the virus's ability to replicate in human cancer cells.
A new study from MIT suggests that genome loops, which were believed to play a crucial role in controlling gene expression, are actually short-lived and fleeting. The researchers found that these loops only exist for about 3-6% of the time and last for only 10-30 minutes.
Researchers discovered that a genetic mutation causing odd-shaped nuclei may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of certain leukemias. The study found that the loss of nuclear Lamin B1 induces defects in nuclear morphology and genome instability, setting the stage for cancer.
Researchers at ChristianaCare's Gene Editing Institute describe a new process for evaluating the impacts of gene edits that alter rather than completely disabling DNA code. The study validates the safety and efficacy of their novel approach for using CRISPR to improve lung cancer treatments.
A recent study found that mutant clones expand in the normal endometrium through a rhizome structure, which arises from a common ancestral clone. This expansion increases the risk of developing endometriosis and endometrial cancer. The study proposes a new model of clonal expansion in the normal endometrium.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has opened a new treatment arm in the NCI-MATCH trial for patients with DNA mismatch repair deficiency and LAG-3 expression. The trial is evaluating two immunotherapy combinations: relatlimab plus nivolumab and dabrafenib plus trametinib, both targeting BRAF mutations.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found a way to stabilize the cancer-suppressing protein p53 by adding a spider silk protein, creating a more potent variant. This discovery has potential as an approach for cancer therapy.
Scientists developed a novel approach to securely share and analyze genomic data, enabling a more nuanced understanding of heritable diseases like cancer. This 'federated analysis' method allows researchers to analyze large amounts of genomic and clinical data without compromising patient privacy.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry have discovered a new subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by high amounts of mitochondrial proteins and altered mitochondrial metabolism. This subtype, called Mito-AML, shows clinical resistance to chemotherapy and can be effectively combated with inhibitors again...
A study led by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that structural racism can result in poorer leukemia outcomes for Black and Hispanic patients. Neighborhood disadvantage was a significant predictor of leukemia-specific death, accounting for nearly all the Black-white disparity in AML-related death.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a key factor in T-cell leukemia disease relapse - genome refolding. The study found that cancer cells adapt to targeted therapy by changing the folding of their genome, driven by transcription factor repositioning.
Scientists have discovered a new subtype of relapsed pediatric AML characterized by a specific gene mutation called UBTF exon 13 tandem duplication (UBTF-TD), which is associated with poor outcomes and an increased incidence of minimal residual disease. This mutation can be used to identify high-risk patients and guide treatment.
A new method of optical genome mapping has been developed to provide more precise information on types of leukemia. The technique reveals additional prognostic information compared to conventional cytogenetics in AML/MDS patients, facilitating more accurate diagnosis and therapy.
A team of researchers identified clusters of mutations in the genome that contribute to cancer progression in about 10% of human cancers. These clustered somatic mutations can be used to predict patient survival, with specific hotspots linked to better or worse outcomes for certain types of cancer.
A novel immune-profiling method can return detailed immune cell type proportions using only DNA from blood, potentially allowing for individualized prediction of outcomes in immunotherapy patients. This approach offers the opportunity to ask and answer questions about the immune system in health and disease.
Researchers developed a new personalized test for monitoring cancer recurrence in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. The MP PCR uses multiple genomic markers to detect disease recurrence sooner, improving treatment strategies and patient stratification.
A study led by Clemson University geneticist Allison Hickman has identified 11 high-priority genes associated with uterine cancer. These genes are potential targets for drug therapies, offering new hope for effective treatment options.
A new analysis links genetic variants associated with high blood levels of lipoprotein A to a higher risk of prostate cancer, including advanced or early-age-onset cases. The study found no significant associations for other blood lipids.
A new study has revealed the dynamics of DNA replication 'licensing,' a process that regulates genome replication during cell division. The researchers found that heterochromatin regions are more susceptible to under-replication and DNA damage when the G1 phase is shortened, potentially leading to genomic instability in cancer cells.
Researchers at Osaka University have made a breakthrough in understanding the molecular mechanisms behind Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a deadly form of liver cancer. By identifying TRAF3 and NIK as key players, they have uncovered potential therapeutic targets for novel ICC treatment.
A new bilateral tumor model was demonstrated to be useful for investigating the relationship between T-cell repertoire and cancer immunotherapy's therapeutic effects. The study found that T-cell profiles of both tumors were almost identical, indicating a similar anti-tumor response in a single mouse.
Researchers found that alterations in the RNF43 and ZNRF3 genes lead to an accumulation of lipids and inflammation in the liver, increasing the risk of developing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fatty liver disease. These genetic changes also affect liver cell proliferation, contributing to the progression of liver diseases.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered a link between TET enzyme deficiency and the formation of unusual DNA structures, such as G-quadruplexes and R-loops, which contribute to genomic instability. The study suggests that regulating these structures may be key to controlling cancer development.
Researchers have described a dynamic genomic landscape of tumour heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting the need for novel strategies targeting heterogeneous tumors. The study, published in National Science Review, used multi-omic data to reveal variations in genetic and transcriptomic profiles across patients.
A study found that men with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a 25-fold increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, and those with inherited TP53 variants are diagnosed at a young age. Routine screening for prostate cancer is recommended for these individuals.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a novel way to classify breast cancers into 12 distinct biological groups using both genetic and pathologic data. This classification method has the potential to aid future research efforts and enable faster translation of molecular findings into clinical use.
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.
Researchers have developed new preclinical models to understand gastric cancer development and spread. Using these models, they identified Lgr5-expressing tumour cells as responsible for driving gastric cancer growth and spread, establishing them as a potential therapeutic target.
A study by University of Seville researchers reveals that messenger RNA modifying factors play a crucial role in the repair of DNA breaks. The discovery could lead to better understanding of rare diseases and cancer. Messenger RNA editing facilitates the removal of trapped RNA molecules, allowing for proper DNA repair.
Researchers developed a novel model to identify specific genes and genetic alterations in multiple myeloma, stratifying the cancer's severity via DNA and RNA sequencing. This model revealed diverse subtypes and high-risk patients beyond current classifications.
A functional precision medicine study demonstrates that treatment selection based on results from drug sensitivity testing can be clinically useful in patients with aggressive hematological cancer. The approach combines deep molecular profiling with comprehensive drug sensitivity testing to advance the therapy decision-making system.
A Mount Sinai study reveals that young adult cancer patients exhibit distinct genetic hallmarks and immune system responses compared to their older counterparts. These findings suggest personalized treatment approaches for young adults with various types of cancers.
Researchers conducted genomic evaluations of advanced malignancies to develop matched, individualized combination therapies. The study found that precision cancer therapy improved median overall survival rate by 3.9 months compared to standard care.
A nationwide survey of Australian medical oncologists found that most were confident consenting patients for genomic profiling, but less confident discussing secondary germline findings. The study suggests that understanding oncologists' perspectives is crucial to integrating genomic profiling into routine care.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have profiled individual cells from patients' brain tumors in unprecedented detail, revealing distinct states and programming marks that could be targeted with future drugs. The study offers insights into glioma dynamics and may lead to better detection, staging, monitoring, and treatment methods.
Cancer is driven by changes to DNA and epigenome, which evolve during the cancer life cycle. Advanced technologies are mapping genomic and epigenomic changes in three-dimensional tumour context, revealing new insights into cancer formation and progression.
A study by Weill Cornell Medicine identified Oct2 as the key determinant of B-cell humoral immune response, suggesting that the destiny of antibody-producing cells is predetermined. This discovery may lead to new insights into tissue development and cancer development.
Researchers found that high levels of MYO10 induce chronic inflammation, reducing T cell function, but also increasing immune response. This led to improved outcomes with immune checkpoint blockade therapy for certain tumors.
A novel population of long-lived T cells, called 'lymph node resident memory T cells,' provides protection against melanoma by persisting in lymph nodes. These cells were found to counteract melanoma spreading in mice and predicted better outcomes for human melanoma patients with lymph node metastases.
Researchers identified DNA mutations from platinum-based chemotherapies in AML patients, suggesting treatment-associated cancer development. The study's findings imply that clonal hematopoiesis precedes chemotherapy exposure.
Researchers identify molecular targets for improved prostate cancer therapy by comparing genomic changes in cancer cells eradicated and resistant to treatment. The study also finds L1 retrotransposition as a dynamic source of cancer heterogeneity.
Researchers found that the gene TCF-1 regulates specific Treg cells, leading to more severe and inflammatory colon cancers. Without TCF-1, these cells become activated and gain a gut-homing feature, resulting in harsher cancer outcomes.
The Vilcek Foundation has awarded four prizes worth $250,000 to foreign-born scientists in the United States. The prizes recognize outstanding career contributions to biomedical science and innovative research. This year's recipients include Vishva M. Dixit, Markita del Carpio Landry, Hani Goodarzi, and Harris Wang.
A research team has developed a cell printing technology to produce 3D cancer spheroids with varying diameters and blood vessels. This enables the reproduction of cancer metastasis properties, paving the way for personalized cancer treatments.
Researchers used a comprehensive knowledgebase to identify 22 actionable genes and 43 candidate drugs for biliary tract cancer, which may lead to the development of targeted therapies. The study's findings contribute to personalized treatment options for this rare tumor worldwide.
Gastrointestinal stroma tumors (GIST) are rare cancers that can be problematic to detect and treat. Researchers have identified the mutational drivers for GIST in the stomach and found a potential drug therapy, temozolomide, which showed promising results in treating patients with specific mutations.
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 at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified two separate genetic alterations that enable triple-negative breast cancer cells to develop resistance to a highly effective drug. The findings could help improve therapy and prolong survival for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.
A study by UCI researchers reveals two ways APOBEC3A is controlled in response to stress, offering potential therapeutic strategies against cancers and viral infections. The findings could lead to new treatments that prevent DNA mutations caused by the enzyme, reducing disease progression and resistance.
A comprehensive molecular map of lung squamous cell carcinoma has identified potential new drug targets, including the gene NSD3, and highlighted immune regulation pathways that could help cancer evade immunotherapies. The study's findings have also revealed metabolic dysregulation and crosstalk between different cellular processes.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have made a significant advance in fibroids research by identifying a new mechanism of tumorigenesis. Multiple tumors carried mutations in genes involved in histone trafficking, which affected gene expression levels and led to hereditary predisposition to the disease.
Researchers have developed a new integrative genetic test, LYNX, that analyzes standard and novel molecular markers in common lymphoid neoplasms. The test provides accurate detection of mutations, identification of large genome-wide chromosomal aberrations, and assessment of immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements.
Researchers developed a machine learning tool, BoostDM, that evaluates the potential contribution of mutations in genes to cancer development. The tool helps understand how tumors are caused at the molecular level and can facilitate medical decisions regarding therapy.
A genetic variant in the TCERG1L gene has been identified as a risk factor for cisplatin-induced hearing loss in children with cancer, increasing the risk by three times. The finding could lead to predictive tests to inform treatment decisions and advance pediatric cancer care.
Scientists from UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identified TAF12 as critical to the formation of preinitiation complexes, which are necessary for gene transcription. Eliminating TAF12 destroys preinitiation complexes and drastically reduces genome-wide transcription.
Researchers developed AstroPath, a platform combining astronomy and pathology to analyze tumor microenvironments. It predicts response to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma patients, providing new insights into cancer treatment options.
Scientists discovered that the genome is organized like a library system, with liquid parts accessible and solid-like islands storing unused information. This organization relies on physics of different states of matter, providing new insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.
A study published in Oncotarget found a distinct global DNA hypermethylation pattern and gene expression signature in liver cancer among patients with Indigenous American ancestry. This molecular subtype of HCC preferentially affects people with Indigenous ancestry, highlighting the importance of considering anthropological background ...
University of Virginia researchers have developed a new computational method to map the folding patterns of chromosomes in three dimensions. This will help scientists understand the genetic cause of cancer and advance other areas of medical research.