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Groundbreaking research unveils genetic characteristics and improved prognosis of triple negative apocrine carcinoma

Researchers identified distinct genomic characteristics that impact prognosis for patients with triple negative apocrine carcinoma. The study confirmed a five-year disease-free survival rate of 92.2% for these patients, significantly higher than those diagnosed with other types of TNBC.

New research clarifies connection between autism and the microbiome

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience clarifies the connection between autism and the microbiome, identifying autism-specific metabolic pathways associated with particular human gut microbes. The analysis, which harmonized dozens of previously published datasets, reveals a common microbial signature distinguishing autistic fr...

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

In sync? Malaria parasite and human time clocks do align

A study by Florida Atlantic University and Duke University reveals that the malaria parasite's biological clock is 'in sync' with its human host's circadian clock. The researchers discovered a 'coupling' mechanism between the parasite and its host, which could lead to new treatments for this deadly disease.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Results of SWOG S1929 trial show patients with small-cell lung cancer with SLFN11 expression can benefit from PARP inhibitor added to immune checkpoint blockade

A phase II trial showed that patients with extensive stage SCLC expressing the Schlafen-11 gene had significantly longer progression-free survival when treated with atezolizumab and talazoparib. The study demonstrates improved outcomes for patients with SLFN11-positive SCLC, paving the way for personalized therapy approaches.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2023

Research project analyzes medical, nutritional and environmental applications of new Antarctic bacteria

Researchers discovered two new psychrophilic species of bacteria with cold-adapted enzymes, which can be used in biotechnology to produce refrigerated foods, improve detergent quality, and remove pollutants from cold environments. The study was conducted in collaboration with Uruguayan scientists and supported by FAPESP.

Scientists identify how some angiogenic drugs used to treat cancer and heart disease cause vascular disease

Researchers discovered that vascular toxicity linked to these drugs is unrelated to angiogenesis-related genes, but rather due to changes in vascular architecture. This new understanding will help select the most effective and safe way to modulate angiogenesis in ischemic tissues or cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

Novel gene-editing strategy leverages unusual genetic alteration to block HIV spread in cells

Scientists at Temple University have developed a novel gene-editing strategy that disrupts the ability of HIV-1 virus to enter host cells by targeting a rare genetic disorder. This approach may offer another target for developing next-generation CRISPR technology for HIV elimination, while avoiding adverse effects on cell mortality.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateMay 19, 2023

Study unravels pathophysiological role of Dectin-1 in promoting colorectal cancer

A study led by Tokyo University of Science researchers identified Dectin-1's role in promoting colorectal cancer by enhancing PGE2 production and suppressing IL-22BP expression. The study used mouse models and clinical samples to validate the findings, which have immediate clinical implications for CRC patients.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Dissecting the circadian clock in real time

Researchers at UC San Diego and UC Merced developed a high-throughput method to study the circadian clock in real time, shedding light on its internal functions. The study found that kinases play a crucial role in relaying the circadian rhythm from the core oscillator to gene expression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Cause of leukemia in trisomy 21

Children with Down syndrome are highly vulnerable to developing aggressive leukaemia due to a defect in the RUNX1 gene, which regulates blood cell formation. Researchers have identified a specific variant of the gene that promotes leukaemia development and discovered potential therapeutic approaches to correct this malfunction.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Grey hair and wrinkles at an early age led researchers to new treatment for rare cancer

Researchers have identified a new method to predict which sarcoma patients will benefit from a potential new treatment. By inhibiting the plk1 gene, they were able to target and slow down the growth of sarcoma cells. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options for sickest sarcoma patients in 5-10 years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Death and Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2023

Mapping unknown territory

Scientists at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft created an interactive atlas of gene expression in the zebrafish brain, revealing hundreds of genes with single-cell resolution. The new map integrates seamlessly with existing data, providing new insights into neural structure and function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

RIPE researchers put plant protein mechanism into bacteria to help move forward 50 years of effort

A team from Australian National University has modified the protein folding properties of bacteria by adding multiple components from plant chloroplasts. This enables them to study and speed up plant Rubisco, a slow protein that requires 'chaperones' for operation.

Pill for skin disease also curbs excessive drinking

Researchers identified apremilast as an incredibly promising treatment for alcohol use disorder, reducing consumption by more than half in a clinical trial. The medication, approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, triggers increased activity in the brain's nucleus accumbens to control alcohol intake.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2023

Gene expression study reveals new molecular associations with obesity

A recent gene expression study has discovered 45 novel genes associated with body mass index (BMI), shedding light on the biology of obesity and potential treatments. The research, conducted in a diverse multiethnic cohort, highlights the importance of genetic factors in obesity and opens doors to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Oncotarget | Resistance of MMTV-NeuT/ATTAC mice to anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint therapy is associated with macrophage infiltration and Wnt pathway expression

Researchers found that MMTV-NeuT/ATTAC mice treated with anti-PD-1 therapy developed increased tumor-associated macrophages, EMT, fibroblast proliferation, and enhanced extracellular matrix. These findings suggest potential therapeutic avenues to enhance PD-1 immune checkpoint sensitivity.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Rewriting the textbook on gene regulation: It’s the big picture that counts

UC San Diego researchers have developed a simple quantitative formula to interpret how cells regulate transcription and translation processes. This breakthrough provides insight into how cells process environmental information and modulate behavior, enabling the precise manipulation of protein levels. The study's findings have signific...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022

How selfish genes succeed

A study published in PLoS Genetics reveals the mechanism by which a selfish gene in yeast, wtf4, enables its function using a poison-antidote strategy. This strategy involves the production of poison protein that can kill spores, but is countered by an antidote protein produced only by those spores that inherit the drive allele.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Researchers determine genetic variants offered protection during Black Death, associated with current autoimmune disorders

A study found that genetic variants near ERAP2 and TICAM2 provided protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the Black Death. These variants were also associated with improved detection and resistance to other pathogens, but at a cost: increased risk of autoimmune disorders like Crohn's disease.

Imaging biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have developed an AI method to pinpoint cells indicative of Alzheimer's disease based on DNA packing in mouse brain images, offering a potential early detection tool. This approach combines multi-scale imaging with artificial intelligence to identify biomarkers for aging-related diseases.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 3, 2022

Protein mutation that causes Parkinson’s may prevent another neurodegenerative disease

Researchers have discovered that a specific mutation in the misfolding protein causing Parkinson's disease can also protect against multiple system atrophy (MSA), another fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The findings provide a promising lead for developing targeted treatments using personalized medicine approaches.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Researchers identify the role of an Alzheimer’s disease risk gene in the brain

Researchers identify INPP5D as a key player in the inflammation process contributing to Alzheimer's disease, which may offer new potential targets for therapies. The study found that mice with inactivated INPP5D gene had more plaques covered by microglia, suggesting unexpected results when modulating inflammation genes.

Down syndrome, like Alzheimer's, is a double-prion disorder

A recent study reveals that Down syndrome brains develop the same amyloid beta and tau prions as Alzheimer's disease, causing neurological dysfunction. With over 50% of people with Down syndrome developing Alzheimer's by age 40, this discovery offers new insights into the common underlying causes of these two diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2022