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Researchers identify new drug target for blood cancer, potentially solid tumors

Researchers have discovered a new drug target for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other hematologic malignancies, which are sensitive to MEK inhibitors. The study found that mutations affecting RNA splicing alter cells to develop MDS and solid tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this rare blood cancer.

Pregnant women with COVID-19 face higher risk of pre-eclampsia, study shows

A review of scientific literature found pregnant women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of developing pre-eclampsia due to reduced ACE2 availability. ACE2 plays a crucial role in placental development, blood pressure control, and fetal development, making its impairment more susceptible to serious complications.

First 3D-bioprinting of entire active tumor

Researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully printed the first entirely active and viable glioblastoma tumor using a 3D printer. The 3D-bioprinted model includes functional blood vessels that simulate a real tumor, making it a promising tool for predicting treatment efficacy and drug development.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 18, 2021

CNIC scientists identify mutations acquired by blood cells that accelerate heart failure progression

A study published in JACC reveals that clonal hematopoiesis, a phenomenon where acquired DNA mutations accelerate heart failure progression, is an independent risk factor. The presence of specific mutant clones, including those with TET2 and DNMT3A mutations, increases the risk of hospitalization and death from heart failure.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 5, 2021

Cells are collective thinkers

Researchers discovered that cells use active perception to coordinate action when creating new tissue. They found that filopodia movement helps inform a decision by detecting signals in the environment.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 8, 2021

New therapeutic approach against leukemia

Researchers have found a new way to make leukemic stem cells vulnerable by specifically dislodging them from their niches, allowing for potential treatment against chronic myeloid leukemia. The approach uses an RNA molecule complex to prevent the cancer stem cell's retention in its tumor-supporting niche.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2020

RIKEN group leads world in single-cell transcriptome profiling

A team of researchers from RIKEN has developed a new single-cell RNA sequencing method called Quartz-seq2 that outperforms other methods in terms of accuracy and reproducibility. The method was benchmarked against 13 different methods using a set of approximately 3,000 cells, and it scored highest on the benchmark.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 6, 2020

When cells cycle fast, cancer gets a jumpstart

Researchers at Yale University found that cancer-causing gene mutations can cause rapid cell division, leading to malignant cancer traits. In one form of blood cancer, normal cells with these mutations can remain healthy unless they divide quickly, suggesting a new mechanism for cancer development.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

How gene expression noise shapes cell fate

A new method called VarID quantifies gene expression variability across groups of similar or related cell states, revealing the dynamics of biological noise during cell differentiation. This approach may help understand how gene expression noise regulates development and cell fate decisions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 18, 2019

NIH researchers rescue photoreceptors, prevent blindness in animal models of AMD

Researchers at the National Eye Institute have developed a patient-specific stem cell-based therapy that prevents blindness in animal models of geographic atrophy, a leading cause of vision loss among people age 65 and older. The therapy successfully integrates transplanted cells into the retina and restores photoreceptor health.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 16, 2019

X chromosome: how genetics becomes egalitarian

Researchers from UNIGE analyzed skin and blood cells from five women, identifying 55 genes that escape inactivation of the second X chromosome. The team found that XIST gene expression is key to inactivation, but also discovered five other genes playing a crucial role in the mechanism.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2018