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Dual immunotherapy plus chemotherapy before surgery improves patient outcomes in operable lung cancer

A Phase II trial led by researchers from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated that adding ipilimumab to a neoadjuvant combination of nivolumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy resulted in a major pathologic response in half of all treated patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment also...

In search of inflammatory Achilles heel

Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Testing their mettle: How bacteria in deep-sea vents deal with toxic metal environments

A new study identifies how bacteria in deep-sea hydrothermal vents survive and thrive in the presence of toxic metals like copper and cadmium. Bacteria use transporter proteins to pump out these metals, but also employ more complex strategies, such as flagella formation and granule growth, to detoxify cadmium.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2023

A CNIC study shows that cells possess 2 mechanisms to allow them to respond to different force ranges

The CNIC study reveals two distinct mechanisms by which cells detect and respond to forces of varying strength, one mediated by caveolae and the other by newly discovered dolines. This finding has significant implications for understanding pathological processes such as atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2023

Oncotarget | Combined epigenetic and immunotherapy for blastic and classical mantle cell lymphoma

Researchers describe results using cladribine-based combination epigenetic and immunotherapy in MCL, achieving an increased overall survival greater than 40 months with durable remissions without relapse for longer than 5 years. The approach is promising in the treatment of MCL and potentially other previously treatment-refractory canc...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Combined effect of bacteria and iron levels on the progression of colorectal cancer

Researchers found that excessive iron accumulation accelerates tumor growth in F. nucleatum-positive colorectal cancer by enhancing inflammatory responses in immune cells, promoting interpatient prognostic variability. Iron levels also modulate macrophage expression profiles, transforming them into pro-tumor cells expressing CCL8.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Researchers find treatment options for patients whose blood cancer relapses after CAR-T

Researchers have found therapies that can help patients with relapsed multiple myeloma who tried CAR-T therapy, including bispecific antibodies and other types of CAR-T cell therapy. The study analyzed 79 patients and found that stem cell transplants and other drug combinations showed some efficacy in these patients.

New article in Cell Reports on measuring scene brightness with visual brains

Researchers in Cell Reports study neuronal responses to bright and dark surfaces, finding that large bright surfaces activate both light-ON and light-OFF neurons, increasing the combined response with surface brightness and size. This challenges the long-standing assumption that only surface edges drive strong cortical responses.

SourceState University of New York College of Optometry·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2022

Awakening «dormant» cells to fight cancer

A team from UNIGE and HUG identified a protein regulation mechanism that reduces melanoma cells' capacity to adapt and resist treatment. They found that targeting this mechanism with an enzyme inhibitor reduces therapeutic resistance in all melanoma cells.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateSep 22, 2022

Tumor-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells influence early-stage lung cancer biology, immunotherapy responses

A new study provides valuable insights into the roles of B cells and plasma cells in early-stage lung cancer biology, highlighting their influence on tumor development and treatment outcomes. The research also reveals environmental factors and molecular features that contribute to the landscape of infiltrating immune cells.

Glowing tags reveal split-second activity of pathogenic circuitry

Researchers at Rice University have created a new optical tool called homo-FRET that allows them to observe the real-time activity of two-component systems in bacteria. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the behavior of deadly pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, shedding light on their mechanisms and potential targe...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Oncotarget | Kinase activity in renal cell carcinoma, benign renal tissue and in response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Researchers identified differences in PTK activity between normal and cancer kidney tissue, with Src family kinases and PI3K pathways exhibiting high activity. Ex vivo treatment of clear cell RCC with TKIs revealed that tivozanib and cabozantinib were more potent inhibitors than sunitinib or pazopanib.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2022

DREADDful mimicry

Researchers successfully developed artificial replicas of GPCRs, allowing for controlled activation and replication of original functionality. The method enables precise modulation of immune cells' responses, holding promise for treating diseases targeted by GPCRs.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2022

Moffitt researchers use mathematical modeling to explain immunotherapy responses

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center used mathematical modeling to study the impact of tumor size, immune cell populations, and interactions on cancer treatment outcomes. The models predicted optimal therapeutic approaches for different types of therapies, including cytotoxic chemotherapy and immunotherapies.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 2022

What makes a plant grow towards light?

Researchers have identified a family of proteins called PIN-FORMED as essential for auxin transport, guiding plant growth and development. The discovery provides the first structural basis of auxin transport by PIN proteins and sheds light on how herbicides can be recognized by these proteins.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Greater understanding of immune signalling molecule raises hope for improved clinical use

A detailed understanding of interleukin 2's role in the immune system has been gained through a new mouse model, enabling scientists to identify potential new uses as an immune-modulating biologic drug. This breakthrough may lead to optimized autoimmune and cancer treatment while avoiding unwanted side effects.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022

LSU Health study shows promise of NB-UVB phototherapy in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

A randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study found that NB-UVB phototherapy decreased mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with no adverse events reported. The treatment was effective in both vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, with reduced pathologic inflammation and improved intracellular killing of pathogens.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalExperimental Dermatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 3, 2022

Double agents: How stomach stem cells change allegiance upon injury

A molecular switch, p57, enables stomach stem cells to change allegiance from normal digestion to injury response, potentially leading to new treatments for gastric pathologies. The study's findings suggest that p57 is a key regulator of reserve stem cell state in gastric chief cells.