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AACR: Progress treating pancreatic cancer, immunotherapy for head and neck cancers, potential biomarker for aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas and more

Researchers present findings on immunotherapy approaches, a potential biomarker for neuroendocrine carcinomas, and improved treatments for pancreatic cancer and melanoma. A UCLA team identified UCHL1 as a molecular indicator and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine cancers.

Toronto researchers devise new way to find proteins for targeted treatment of disease

Researchers at the University of Toronto and Sinai Health have created a new platform to identify proteins that can be co-opted to control the stability of other proteins. The study identified over 600 new effector proteins that could be used therapeutically, including those that can efficiently degrade or stabilize target proteins.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2024

Scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world

A major new study has taken a stocktake of blue whale populations worldwide, identifying significant genetic differences among eastern Pacific, Antarctic subspecies, and pygmy subspecies. The research also found no evidence of inbreeding, but highlights ongoing human threats such as climate change, pollution, and shipping.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Drug candidate may ‘unmask’ latent HIV-infected cells, mark them for destruction

Researchers have identified a potential path to eliminate the viral reservoir that prevents people from being completely cured of HIV. A new drug candidate, called a proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) molecule, triggers the degradation of the Nef protein, which suppresses HIV replication and restores immune system detection. This ...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateMar 19, 2024

Study identifies molecular alterations in brain tissue and blood of people who committed suicide

Researchers analyzed molecular data from brain tissue and blood of individuals who committed suicide, identifying risk markers for novel therapeutic targets. The study found alterations in the prefrontal cortex and inhibitory neurotransmitters, highlighting potential new approaches for preventing suicidal behavior.

New computational strategy boosts the ability of drug designers to target proteins inside the membrane

Researchers have demonstrated novel proteins that can efficiently reach intramembrane targets using a customized computer-based approach. The study yields a general computational process for streamlining protein design aimed at intramembrane targets, opening up possibilities for therapeutic applications and understanding signaling mech...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 13, 2024

Preliminary clinical trial results show ‘dramatic and rapid’ regression of glioblastoma after next generation CAR-T therapy

Researchers at Mass General Cancer Center have achieved dramatic tumor regression in glioblastoma patients after receiving next generation CAR-T therapy. The treatment, known as INCIPIENT, combines two forms of therapy to target mixed cell populations within tumors.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 13, 2024

Novel molecules from generative AI to phase II

Researchers used generative AI to design a lead molecule for treating fibrosis, a biological process associated with aging. The compound, INS018_055, demonstrated significant efficacy in preclinical studies and showed promising results in clinical trials, accelerating drug discovery and providing new therapeutic options.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 11, 2024

Researchers develop artificial building blocks of life

Scientists from the University of Cologne developed threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA) with a new base pair, offering improved stability and function compared to natural DNA and RNA. This breakthrough could enable targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, and recognition of viral proteins or biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Deciphering the male breast cancer genome

Researchers deciphered the male breast cancer genome, identifying gene mutations and molecular profiles that could impact diagnosis and treatment. The study found mutations in genes known to drive cancer growth and structural variants impacting other cancer-associated genes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalModern Pathology·DateMar 4, 2024

Scientists develop novel RNA- or DNA-based substances to protect plants from viruses

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg developed novel RNA- or DNA-based substances that reliably fight off viral infections in plants. The new approach uses antisense oligonucleotides to target specific viral RNA molecules, achieving an impressive up to 90% success rate against a common virus.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Modifying brain molecule relaxin-3 can potentially reduce side effects in treating anxiety, depression and more

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore has found a potential way to treat conditions like depression and anxiety with fewer side effects. They modified the relaxin-3 molecule to selectively activate specific signalling pathways in the brain, reducing unwanted side effects.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Promising development for breast cancer patients

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel monoclonal antibody targeting HER2-positive breast cancer cells, providing a new tool for treating this aggressive subtype. The antibody disrupts cell growth and proliferation while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2024

An important molecular pathway for control of aging is discovered

Researchers found that dysregulation of RNA transfer between cells in different tissues shortens lifespan in roundworms. They demonstrated that this phenomenon, termed Intercellular/Extracellular Systemic RNA imbalance (InExS), can be caused by an increase in RNA uptake from the environment, leading to a reduction in organism's lifespan.

Wound-homing molecule accelerates tissue repair

A study published in Nature Communications reports the discovery of a wound-homing molecule called CAR peptide, which accelerates tissue repair by activating natural healing pathways. The treatment shows promise for treating various injuries, including muscle ruptures and bone fractures, without forming less functional scar tissue.

SourceTampere University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2024

Fight against malaria takes a step forward

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have identified 898 RNA-dependent proteins in the deadliest human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. These findings could lead to novel therapeutic targets against malaria and highlight the importance of RNAs in biological pathways in the parasite.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

New assay identifies clinically relevant gene fusions in pediatric tumors more accurately and efficiently

Researchers developed a novel assay that integrates data from four fusion callers to identify disease-related gene fusions in pediatric tumors with high accuracy and efficiency. The new bioinformatics platform detected fusions, prioritized them, and custom curated downstream processes for consensus fusion calling.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Novel bispecific design improves CAR T–cell immunotherapy for childhood leukemia

Researchers created an additional means for therapy to find and eliminate cancer cells using a small peptide, demonstrating better efficacy in lab tests and in vitro experiments. The study used computational analysis and predicted protein models to understand how structure impacts antigen recognition and therapy efficacy.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

HZDR team develops a new approach for fast and cost-effective pathogen detection

A research team at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf develops a new approach for fast and cost-effective pathogen detection using miniaturized biosensor devices and systems. The system can simultaneously carry out up to thirty-two analyses of one sample, offering significant advantages over traditional electronic FET-based biosensors.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 7, 2024

Scientists discover that a protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases is also linked to childhood brain cancer

A study conducted at a FAPESP-supported research center discovered a link between the protein VAPB and tumor cell proliferation in medulloblastoma, one of the most common and aggressive brain tumors in children. High expression of VAPB correlated with reduced patient survival.