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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

Traditional Chinese medicine, Shengmai Yin, improves the effects of radiation therapy, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

A new study found that traditional Chinese medicine Shengmai Yin increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation, reducing radioresistance. By altering DNA methylation status, SMY enhances the efficacy of radiation therapy and reduces side effects.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

Researchers reveal largest catalogue of gene activators

A team of researchers has identified over 250 gene activators in human cells, expanding our understanding of transcriptional regulation and its role in cancer. The study also reveals new insights into how proteins interact with each other to regulate gene expression, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2022

How food intake modifies the gut

Researchers found that increasing food amount elevates intestinal absorptive surface and function due to enhanced PPARα expression. Food restriction reverses this process, suggesting potential avenues for limiting obesity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

New COVID-19-discovery could predict patient death or hospitalization

Researchers from University of Copenhagen discover a protein analysis that can predict COVID-19 patient death or hospitalization with high accuracy, predicting 78.7% of hospitalizations and 93.9% of non-serious infections. This discovery has the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk individuals.

How sepsis need not be fatal

A team of scientists has identified molecular biomarkers associated with sepsis, which could be used to predict patient outcomes and guide treatment. The study found that changes in CD52 expression were linked to good outcomes, while S100A9 acted as a driver of fatal sepsis.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Leukocyte Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2021

Novel mechanism links genetic defect in IBD patients to gut leakiness

A UC Riverside-led study identifies how loss-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN2 affect intestinal epithelial cells' ability to maintain a barrier. The researchers found that increased fluid loss and diarrhea are linked to the mutation, which can be reversed by treating cells with synthetic matriptase.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Researchers from Tel Aviv University prove for the first time that silent mutations can predict the development of cancer cells

Silent mutations, which don't change protein sequences, hold diagnostic value in predicting cancer types and patient survival. The study analyzed over 10,000 cancer genomes and found that combining information from silent and non-silent mutations improved classification and prognostication up to 17% and 5%, respectively.

SourceTel-Aviv University·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·DateAug 31, 2021

Fighting brain cancer at its root

Researchers at McGill University identified proteins that drive cancer stem cells in brain tumours. Targeting the protein galectin1 may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma when combined with radiation therapy. The study found significant improvement in tumour response to radiation therapy, resulting in expanded lifespan.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Three-layered control of mRNA tails

A new study reveals that multiple pathways regulate poly(A) tail lengths in yeast, involving poly(A) binding proteins and a self-regulating pathway. This discovery sheds light on the complex control of mRNA tails and their impact on protein production.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

A more complete molecular picture of lung squamous cell carcinoma comes into view

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.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers develop “dimmer switch” to help control gene therapy

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a system that can fine-tune protein expression from gene therapy vectors, addressing the need for controlled dosing. The 'dimmer switch' uses alternative RNA splicing and an orally available small molecule to adjust levels of expression up or down as needed.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

New insight on the reproductive evolution of land plants

A study published in Nature Plants reveals a comprehensive atlas of gene expression data from ten different species of land plants. The analysis identified novel and missing components involved in the formation of sex organs and cells, showing that many groups of genes emerged through the repurpose of existing genetic material. The tea...

Self-excising designer proteins report isoform expression

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München developed a new bioengineered reporter system called EXSISERS, enabling non-invasive observation of fundamental cellular processes. The system detects specific protein isoforms being translated, with potential applications in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.

Inhibition of proteins activated by nitric oxide reverses aortic aneurysm in Marfan syndrome

Scientists have discovered that the nitric oxide pathway is overactivated in Marfan Syndrome and causes aortic aneurysms. Inhibiting this pathway completely reverses the disease in a mouse model. The study identifies new therapeutic targets and markers for monitoring disease status.

A niche for the eye

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have discovered a signaling pathway that regulates the secretion of proteins important for maintaining eye structure, including the ciliary body. This finding holds promise for early detection and treatment of degenerative eye conditions such as glaucoma.

The making of memory B cells and long-term immune responses

A new study by Tomohiro Kurosaki at Osaka University reveals that Bach2 expression and reduced mTORC1 activity are necessary for activated B cells to become memory B cells, a type of white blood cell that sticks around for years and provides rapid responses to re-infection. This understanding can help develop efficient vaccines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 12, 2020

An ISGlobal team achieves massive sexual conversion of the malaria parasite in a dish

A research team at ISGlobal has developed a system to induce massive sexual conversion of the P. falciparum malaria parasite in vitro, enabling deeper understanding and design of new tools to block malaria transmission. This technique allows for synchronization of parasites at the initial stages of sexual development.