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Cancer research repurposed to expose age-related blood diseases

Scientists at IRB Barcelona develop a new approach to pinpointing the genes driving clonal hematopoiesis, a biological process linked to ageing and increased risk of blood malignancies. By adapting cancer genomics tools, researchers aim to improve early detection and monitoring of this condition.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2022

CRISPR therapeutics can damage the genome

A new study from Tel Aviv University found that CRISPR therapeutics can lead to a significant loss of genetic material in treated cells, potentially destabilizing the genome and promoting cancer. The researchers detected up to 10% of cells with lost chromosomes, highlighting the need for extra care when using this technology.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 24, 2022

Unveiling the mysteries of the genome structure in the human cell nucleus using a 3D computational simulation

Researchers at Nagoya University created a 3D model of the human genome structure, analyzing its dynamics and functions. The study provides new insights into chromatin distribution, cell division, and transcription regulation, shedding light on cellular processes and potential disease mechanisms.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2022

AI identifies cancer cells

A new machine learning algorithm called 'ikarus' has found a gene signature characteristic of tumors, distinguishing between healthy and tumor cells in various types of cancer. The algorithm was trained on single-cell sequencing data sets and demonstrated an extraordinarily high success rate in distinguishing between different cell types.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalGenome Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2022

An arms race that plays out in a single genome

Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a two-sided genomic arms race between satellite DNA and its binding proteins in fruit flies. The study reveals that when these elements interact, significant costs to fitness can occur, including impacts on fertility and cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Fly researchers find another layer to the code of life

A new study has discovered that rare pieces of genetic code can serve as another layer of control in the genome, essential for fertility and evolutionary innovation. Researchers found that certain tissues are more tolerant of diverse codons, particularly the testes, which may play a critical role in fertility.

SourceDuke University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Scientists put CRISPR on safer path to patient treatments with new process for evaluating impacts of gene edits that alter rather than “knock out” DNA code

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.

SourceChristianaCare Gene Editing Institute·JournalGene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

When and how mutant clones expand in normal endometrium

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.

SourceNiigata University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2022

ECOG-ACRIN opens a new NCI-MATCH treatment arm for dMMR and LAG-3-positive cancers as it continues to locate patients with BRAF mutations

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.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Novel acute myeloid leukemia subtypes identified

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...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 7, 2022

New detailed immune-profiling method uses only DNA from blood

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.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

Ground-breaking study reveals dynamics of DNA replication ‘licensing’

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.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022

Just in the NIK of time

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Scientists demonstrate utility of Bilateral Tumor Model for evaluating anti-cancer T-cell responses

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.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Development of fatty liver disease under a healthy diet

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

New study in primary liver cancer calls for novel strategies targeting a dynamic landscape of heterogeneous tumors

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.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNational Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2021

Breast cancer classified into 12 unique biological groups

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.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalCell Genomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021

Up to our NECs in it: in-depth genomic analysis of a rare carcinoma

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

The role of messenger RNA in DNA repair

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.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 3, 2021

Functional precision medicine using drug sensitivity testing enables tailoring of therapy for leukemia patients

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 17, 2021