Articles tagged with Cancer Genomics
Genevera Allen, a Rice University statistician, emphasizes the need for machine learning systems to question their predictions and assess uncertainty. She argues that current ML techniques often rely on uncorroborated data-driven discoveries, leading to reproducibility issues in fields like precision medicine.
Researchers at University of California San Diego found evidence that p53 stimulates tumor growth by enhancing cancer metabolism, challenging the widely accepted idea that it suppresses cancer. The study suggests that drug therapies designed to enhance p53's function may inadvertently cause opposite effects.
Researchers discovered that EZH2 mutations disrupt chromatin organization, leading to increased tumor growth and altered gene expression. Inhibiting mutated EZH2 restores normal gene regulation, highlighting its therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
A new study by Tel Aviv University researchers has identified a protein called ubiquilin-4 as a biomarker for genome instability. Elevated levels of this protein in tumor cells accelerate cancer progression and make them resistant to common treatments.
A unique nano-scaled DNA signature common to all cancers has been discovered, allowing for rapid detection from various tissues. This breakthrough technology uses gold nanoparticles to detect cancer DNA fragments and could lead to point-of-care diagnostics.
A new study has shown that genomic profiling can provide meaningful information for more than half of people with rare cancers, influencing diagnosis and treatment. The trial found that 20% of participants received a new treatment plan, and 6% were given a new diagnosis.
Researchers have discovered a possible path forward in preventing cancers linked to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), which cause infectious mononucleosis. By blocking the viruses' defense proteins, it may be possible to treat mono and prevent cancer development.
Researchers developed a novel computational tool called ADmiRE to annotate human microRNA variants and determine their potential contribution to diseases. The tool successfully identified microRNA mutations in miR-142 and miR-21 linked to hematologic cancers and esophageal cancer, respectively.
Researchers discovered that cancer-causing papillomaviruses diverged from their common ancestors half a million years ago, coinciding with the split between Neanderthals and modern humans. The viruses adapted to specific host ecosystems and then coevolved with primates for at least 40 million years.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a 'kill code' embedded in every cell that can trigger the self-destruction of cancerous cells. The toxic small RNA molecules can also be triggered by chemotherapy, offering a potential bulletproof treatment against cancer.
Scientists discovered millions of tumor-associated end coordinates in circulating DNA from hepatocellular carcinoma patients. This detection method could enhance the cost-effectiveness of liquid cancer biopsies by identifying cancer biomarkers more readily.
Researchers have mapped the chromatin accessibility landscape of 23 primary human cancer types using ATAC-seq, identifying over 500,000 active DNA regulatory elements. This comprehensive dataset may help partition cancer patients for more effective therapies.
A new DNA tool created by Michigan State University can accurately predict people's height and potentially assess their risk for serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer. The tool uses machine learning and analyzes the complete genetic makeup of nearly 500,000 adults in the UK to build predictors for complex traits.
A study of 50,000 people found that over 80% of those with identifiable genetic risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer are unaware they carry the gene. The findings highlight the need for effective DNA-based screening to identify high-risk individuals before a cancer diagnosis.
A new study reveals how KSHV protein LANA drives chromosomal instability, promoting cell proliferation and aneuploidy. The findings identify NNLS as a promising target for antiviral therapies.
Researchers discovered 137 interactions between HPV proteins and human proteins, revealing common pathways with smoking-related cancers. The study highlights the importance of targeting specific proteins to develop effective treatments for HPV-positive head and neck cancers.
Researchers develop radiomic signature to predict efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with solid tumors. The algorithm analyzes CT scan images to extract biological information, providing a predictive score for treatment effectiveness.
Researchers identify TLK1 and TLK2 as critical for accurate DNA replication, preventing extensive damage and cell death. The study found that these enzymes are rarely mutated in cancers but their high expression correlates with poor patient outcomes.
At least 1% of the US population has an identifiable genetic risk for cancer or heart disease that can be detected through genomic screening. Implementing routine genomic screening could lead to significant benefits, but more work is needed to develop functioning models.
Researchers developed a new technology to identify microRNAs from non-culturable pathogens, discovering five highly probable papillomavirus-encoded microRNAs. These microRNAs regulate viral gene expression and control the papillomavirus life cycle.
Mary-Claire King has been recognized by ASHG for her tireless advocacy on using genetics to help people and families worldwide. Her lab has helped reunite 130 families through mtDNA sequencing, and her work with the UN Forensic Anthropology Team has identified victims of extra-judicial execution.
Researchers developed a method to detect genes under selection and found essential cancer genes and immune-exposed protein regions under significant negative selection. This challenges the exclusive role of positive selection in cancer evolution.
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) recognizes Dr. Andrew Adey's contributions to cancer development and progression research. His novel single-cell technologies are being used worldwide to understand epigenetics and disease models.
Researchers found a cancerous tumor that has been present in modern American dogs for thousands of years, tracing it back to ancient dog populations that arrived with early humans. The study suggests catastrophic events may have led to the sudden disappearance of these early canines.
Scientists discovered that mitochondria and nuclear genomes co-evolved to independently cross-regulate each other. This understanding could lead to greater insights into aging and disease, as well as new treatments based on mitochondrial DNA.
Research reveals that ancient American dogs disappeared rapidly following the arrival of Europeans, leaving little genetic signature in modern American dogs. A close relative of these dogs lives on as a transmissible cancer, with its genome mirroring that of the original dog.
A new computational strategy using Bayesian analysis and CRISPR/Cas9 screening technology has identified 29 genetic changes contributing to rhabdomyosarcoma, a common childhood cancer. The study suggests potential treatments for the disease and provides a general approach for identifying oncogenic drivers in other cancers.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that a protein called AMPK drives aggressive and deadly brain cancers like glioblastoma. Blocking AMPK may produce therapeutic benefit for patients with few treatment options. Additional research is needed to translate the findings into patient care.
A collaborative effort has discovered molecular features of testicular germ cell cancers, identifying potential mutations and other molecular changes. The study found signs of duplicated DNA and defects in DNA methylation, which could inform future efforts to improve treatment decisions and help monitor patients for cancer recurrence.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have discovered an enzyme called UCHL3 that regulates DNA repair and may hold promise in improving treatment for chemotherapy-resistant cancers. The findings also suggest a link between UCHL3 activity and brain ageing, which could impact memory, cognitive function, and learning.
Researchers identified four survival strategies in childhood cancer cells: tolerance, coexistence, competition, and chaos. These strategies are associated with varying outcomes, with increased risk of relapse seen in competition and chaos variants.
Scientists discovered that altered cohesin SA2 variant influences gene expression and favours loss of differentiation in tumour cells. The two cohesin variants have distinct functions, with SA1 involved in topological domains and SA2 regulating gene expression through local chromatin loops.
A research group has developed a new technique to study the behavior of p53 conformers, which are prone to forming amyloid aggregates that contribute to cancer development. The approach allows researchers to observe these conformers before they aggregate, providing potential tools for understanding and blocking their formation.
Scientists create cell models with specific DNA repair gene defects, allowing them to identify genomic scars associated with these defects. These scars can serve as biomarkers for molecular characterization of tumors and improve personalized cancer treatment.
Researchers used human and C. elegans data to understand the mutational causes of cancer, finding a resemblance between nematode worms and human cancer genomes. They discovered DNA mismatch repair deficiencies in both species, providing insights into the causes of cancer and potential treatment avenues.
Researchers have developed a new classification system for cancer based on molecular characteristics, identifying 28 subtypes and improving treatment options. The new approach has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and patient care.
A groundbreaking cancer genomics study reveals new molecular classifications, enabling the re-classification of 33 tumor types into 28 distinct clusters. These findings hold promise for immune-based and other novel cancer therapeutics, as well as repurposing drugs used to treat other diseases.
Researchers analyzed genomic and molecular data from 33 cancer types and identified 28 molecular clusters. The study provides new insights into cancer classification and potential treatment options.
Researchers discovered that some cancers are genetically similar, despite originating from different organs, and grouped them into new subtypes. The study's findings support an additional cancer classification system, which could lead to improved treatment options for patients.
Researchers have discovered five previously unknown cancer subtypes among others, using a comprehensive analysis of 2,579 tumors from breast and gynecologic cancers. The study identifies shared and unique molecular features, clinically significant subtypes, and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers identified nearly 200 mutations in non-coding DNA that play a functional role in cancer, providing potential molecularly targeted therapeutics. These mutations could represent new targets for cancer drugs and may help explain the diversity of genetic mutations in tumors.
Research at Huntsman Cancer Institute found that estrogen and glucocorticoid receptors work together to promote more aggressive endometrial cancers. The study suggests that corticosteroids, a stress hormone, can make the uterine lining stop growing but may also contribute to tumor growth when combined with high estrogen levels.
Scientists successfully use ultrasound to propel gold nanowires carrying the Cas9-sgRNA complex across cell membranes, enabling targeted gene knockout. The system is simple and requires minimal payload, making it a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.
A team of computer scientists has developed a new system to rapidly determine which cancer drugs are likely to work best given a patient's genetic markers. eGARD, the first publicly available system of its kind, can match genetic signatures with outcomes with 95 percent precision.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery that may advance neural stem cell treatments for brain disorders. The study reveals how an mRNA modification impacts the life of neural stem cells, and how it regulates histone modifications to maintain their self-renewal.
A comprehensive dataset of cancer cell metabolites has been compiled, showing consistent increases or decreases in certain metabolites across multiple tumor types. The study's findings offer insights into the metabolic programming between normal and cancer cells, with potential applications for novel therapies.
Researchers from Instituto de Medicina Molecular found that TERRA, a functional component of telomeres, must be constantly regulated to prevent telomeric and chromosomal instability. This study sheds light on the molecular basis of genome stability and may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches.
The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute's Treehouse Childhood Cancer Initiative has received a $500,000 grant to conduct a 24-month registry study evaluating the effectiveness of comparative RNA-seq analysis in pediatric cancer treatment. The project aims to assess the impact on clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
Researchers found that nearly half of neuroblastoma samples had gene loss or imbalance in DNA damage response-associated molecules located on chromosome 11. PARP inhibitors, commonly used for ovarian cancer treatment, showed promise as a potential therapeutic approach for targeting childhood cancer.
New research from the University of Bristol demonstrates that cells use F-actin to reshape their nucleus and reorganise their genome after cell division. This process is essential for life, but was poorly understood until now.
A research team from Columbia University has developed a molecular taxonomy for hair disorders, which will help diagnose diseases affecting the hair follicles. The taxonomy was created by analyzing more than three million data points and identified nearly 5,000 biological terms shared by groups of hair genes.
Scientists demonstrate that Leishmania adaptation results from frequent and reversible chromosomal amplifications, which enables the parasite to maintain genetic diversity while selecting for new alleles. This study has important consequences for understanding human Leishmania infection and identifying parasite drug resistance mechanisms.
Researchers at UVA Cancer Center are developing a tool to assist patients in making treatment decisions based on their tumor's genomic information. The tool aims to provide personalized comparisons of treatment options, incorporating factors like age, personal priorities, and health conditions.
Researchers have elucidated the role of HP1 proteins in relation to chromatin structure and genome stability. The study shows that different HP1 isoforms play distinct roles in regulating chromatin domains.
Researchers at Cardiff University have developed a new method of engineering T-cells to attack cancer using CRISPR genome editing. This breakthrough enhances the T-cells' ability to recognize specific cancer cells and destroy them, offering new hope in the fight against various types of cancers.
Researchers from the University of Seville studied a specific type of chromosomal break generated by enzymes called DNA topoisomerases. They found that this mechanism prevents the formation of aberrant chromosomal structures called translocations, which are linked to some types of cancer.
A new study found that precision medicine for oncology is less precise for people of Latin American, African, and Asian ancestry due to the lack of diverse genetic population data. A computational tool called LumosVar was created to help researchers sort out potentially inaccurate results and improve precision medicine.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive genomic sequencing approach that guides timely treatment for recurring brain cancer, resulting in extended progression-free survival. Two patients survived over a year without disease recurrence, demonstrating the potential of precision medicine in aggressive and refractory tumors.
A major study identifies 72 new genetic variants that contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer, bringing the total number of known common variants to around 180. These variants are found in regions regulating gene activity and differ from those involved in other diseases.
Researchers at UC San Diego found mutant p53 amplifies inflammatory responses in cancer cells, increasing invasive behavior and tumor growth. Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in predisposition and progression of human cancers like colon and breast cancers.