RNA

Genomic study advances prioritization of variants in cancer diagnostics

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Hiroshima University researchers have developed a practical framework to identify candidate pathogenic variants hidden among the large number of variants of uncertain significance (VUS) detected in comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) of cancers. This framework could improve the accuracy of precision oncology by more reliable prioritization of VUS. Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) enables comprehensive detection of … Read more

APOE4 alters brain immunity and cognition differently in females and males

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A new study shows that APOE4 reshapes brain-linked immune and lymphatic pathways in strikingly different ways in females and males, with opposite cognitive effects when innate immunity is suppressed. Study: Sex-specific APOE4-dependent innate immunity regulates meningeal lymphatics, brain lipids, neuroinflammation, and cognition. Image Credit: ahmetmapush / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Neuron, … Read more

Study revises the understanding of neutrophil dynamics during respiratory viral infection

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Neutrophil infiltration is a hallmark of pulmonary inflammation during respiratory viral infections, yet the origin of these cells has been a subject of debate. Using a golden hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the study led by Professor Xuetao Cao’s team at the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences unveiled a dynamic spleen-to-lung neutrophil axis that operates … Read more

Study explores if wastewater can track colorectal cancer at population level

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Researchers demonstrate that colorectal cancer–associated RNA biomarkers, including CDH1, can be detected in community wastewater using a proof-of-concept approach. Study: Using wastewater for population-level colorectal cancer surveillance: a future research agenda. Image Credit: Siyanight / Shutterstock A proof-of-concept feasibility study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health reveals a feasibility-based approach to detecting colorectal … Read more

Researchers identify cellular drivers of gut scarring in Crohn’s disease

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As inflamed regions of the gut form scar tissue, the space within the gut lumen becomes smaller and more restricted, leading to symptoms of gut obstruction. There is currently no drug treatment available for this complication – eventually as fibrosis worsens, surgery becomes the only option. The researchers discovered that the biggest build up of … Read more

New RNA therapy enhances the heart’s ability to repair itself after injury

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After a heart attack, cardiologists can reopen blocked vessels and restore blood flow, but the muscle cells that died will never be replaced. “The heart is one of the organs with the least ability to regenerate,” said Ke Cheng, Alan L. Kaganov Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia Engineering. “The spontaneous regeneration power is very, very limited.” In … Read more

Disrupting protein production in tumors triggers potent immune responses

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A new study led by Pierre Close’s team (GIGA, Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, and WELRI Investigator) reveals how subtly disrupting the way tumors produce their proteins can trigger a potent antitumor immune response. Researchers from the University of Liège and international collaborators have discovered an unexpected way to to stimulate the immune system against cancer: … Read more

DNA origami vaccine platform shows promise against multiple infectious viruses

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The COVID-19 pandemic brought messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines to the forefront of global health care. After their clinical trial stages, the first COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was administered on 8 December 2020 and mathematical models suggest that mRNA vaccines prevented at least 14.4 million deaths from COVID-19 in the first year alone. Their extraordinary effectiveness in having … Read more

Targeting IGF2BP2 improves anti-angiogenic therapy effectiveness in colorectal cancer

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A recent study published in Engineering has shed light on a novel therapeutic target for improving anti-angiogenic treatment in colorectal cancer (CRC). The research, conducted by an international team of scientists from institutions including Sun Yat-sen University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, identified the RNA N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) reader insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding … Read more

Targeted mRNA delivery restores sperm production and fertility in infertile mice

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Researchers have found that targeted delivery of messenger RNA (mRNA) can restore sperm production and fertility in genetically infertile male mice. The findings, published today in Stem Cell Reports, demonstrate that transient mRNA treatment restored sperm production and enabled the birth of healthy offspring. Up to 10% of couples worldwide are affected by infertility, according … Read more