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METRNL protein identified as key player in cancer progression

A protein called Meteorin-like (METRNL) in the tumor microenvironment saps energy from T cells, thereby severely limiting their ability to fight cancer, according to new research directed by investigators at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and its Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy. Finding ways to block the effects of METRNL signaling on tumor-infiltrating T cells may allow these immune cells to regain the energy necessary to eliminate tumors.

7 Aug 2024

Study advances understanding of complex neurological disorder

To effectively treat a disease or disorder, doctors must first know the root cause. Such is the case for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), whose root causes can be hugely complex and heterogeneous. Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital demonstrated the value of DNA methylation patterns for identifying the root cause of DEEs, showing specific gene methylation and genome-wide methylation "episignatures" can help identify the genes that cause DEE. The findings were published today in Nature Communications.

7 Aug 2024

Researchers uncover immune system barrier to cancer treatment

By recruiting the immune system to combat tumor cells, immunotherapy has improved survival rates, offering hope to millions of cancer patients. However, only about one in five people responds favorably to these treatments.

7 Aug 2024

Study uncovers roles of certain brain cells in Alzheimer's plaque formation

A study in Nature Neuroscience found that both neurons and oligodendrocytes contribute to amyloid-β plaque burden in Alzheimer's disease, highlighting new therapeutic targets.

7 Aug 2024

The interplay of liver cancer stem cells and immune cells in tumor microenvironment

The complex dynamics between liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are central to the progression of liver cancer. These interactions are critical in creating an immunosuppressive setting that significantly impacts the response to immunotherapy. Liver CSCs, responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence, exhibit heterogeneity and are characterized by various surface markers that contribute to their stemness and metastatic potential.

7 Aug 2024

Study uncovers how TREM2 R47H mutation affects Alzheimer's plaques

Researchers led by the University of California, Irvine have discovered how the TREM2 R47H genetic mutation causes certain brain areas to develop abnormal protein clumps, called beta-amyloid plaques, associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

6 Aug 2024

Study reveals distinct genetic risk factors for influenza and COVID-19

A recent study in Nature Genetics reports that genetic risk factors for influenza and COVID-19 are distinct, highlighting their unique genetic architectures.

6 Aug 2024

Innovative nasal spray and vaccine for respiratory virus protection

A team of researchers, led by the University of Houston, has discovered two new ways of preventing and treating respiratory viruses.

6 Aug 2024

Omega-3 fatty acids show potential in protecting brain health in older adults

Researchers assess the role of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in reducing white matter lesion accumulation and neuronal integrity degeneration.

6 Aug 2024

The real cost of processed foods: How Western diets are harming global health

A recent study in Nature Medicine reviews the adverse effects of Western diets on human health, highlighting increased risks of chronic diseases and gut dysbiosis. Researchers call for global awareness and promotion of healthier dietary patterns.

6 Aug 2024

Breakthrough therapy enhances longevity and vitality in aging mice

Everyone wants to live to a ripe old age, but no one wants to be decrepit. Now, University of Connecticut researchers have demonstrated a treatment that could lengthen life - and vigor - up to the very end.

6 Aug 2024

New target identified for melanoma resistant to current therapies

Some proteins, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1), can stop the immune system from attacking cancer cells and, therefore, support the growth of cancer.

6 Aug 2024

Mini intestines uncover mechanisms behind COVID-19-related diarrhea and potential treatments

Working with human stem cells that form a kind of "mini intestine-in-a-dish," Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists say they have found several molecular mechanisms for COVID-19-related diarrhea, suggesting potential ways to control it.

6 Aug 2024

Harnessing oncolytic viruses for cancer immunotherapy to improve treatment outcomes

Oncolytic virus (OV)-based immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer treatment, offering a unique potential to selectively target malignant cells while sparing normal tissues.

6 Aug 2024

Addressing Important Cardiac Biology Questions with Shotgun Top-Down Proteomics

In this interview conducted at Pittcon 2024, we spoke to Professor John Yates about capturing cardiomyocyte cell-to-cell heterogeneity via shotgun top-down proteomics.

From Pittcon 6 Aug 2024

Measuring blood plasma viscosity in COVID-19 using Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy

A research team led by MedUni Vienna has shown in a study that purely optical measurements of the viscosity of blood plasma may provide information about the severity and progression of COVID-19.

6 Aug 2024

MIP Discovery rebrands as Tozaro as it completes transition to supporting cell and gene therapy viral vector analytics and purification

Tozaro’s rationally designed smart polymer affinity reagents offer novel analytics and purification solutions to enhance the development and manufacture of viral vectors in cell and gene therapy.

6 Aug 2024