Transcription News and Research

RSS

Wild carnivores reveal wider West Nile and Usutu virus exposure in the Netherlands

Researchers detected Usutu virus RNA in nine of 818 wild carnivores sampled across the Netherlands, while no animals tested positive for West Nile virus RNA. Neutralizing antibodies to one or both viruses in red foxes and stone martens indicate broader spillover exposure and suggest these species may support arbovirus surveillance.

14 Jul 2026

Structural study identifies unexpected cancer-regulating functions of MLL4 protein

The epigenetic modifier MLL4 has an unassuming name-the 4, for instance, indicates it's just one in a family of such modifiers.

13 Jul 2026

Study reveals distinct roles of oxygen-sensing proteins in skeletal muscles

Skeletal muscles-responsible for movement, joint stabilization, and postural support-are highly metabolically active and heavily reliant on oxygen during physical activity.

13 Jul 2026

Genes follow a random switching principle, yet remain precise on average

Inside the cell nucleus, genes must be turned on and off with precision to regulate biological processes. The first models of gene regulation were developed in the 1960s, yet modern science continues to uncover new layers of control.

13 Jul 2026

Blocking ZFP384 protein extends brain repair window after stroke

Blocking the activity of ZFP384 can prolong the brain’s endogenous repair functions after stroke, report researchers in a collaborative study.

13 Jul 2026

New generation approaches revive BET protein inhibitors in solid tumors

BET proteins, especially BRD4, drive oncogenic transcription in solid tumours. First‑generation inhibitors (JQ1, molibresib, birabresib) showed preclinical promise but failed clinically due to modest efficacy, dose‑limiting thrombocytopenia, and resistance (isoform switching, compensatory PI3K/AKT/WNT signalling).

11 Jul 2026

Niche-targeted therapies offer a fresh approach to regenerative medicine

A healthy bone marrow (BM) produces nearly all types of cells in our blood. Many blood disorders occur when hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the BM malfunction.

10 Jul 2026

Stem cell study uncovers molecular pathway for enamel regeneration

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, yet once damaged, it cannot regenerate naturally.

9 Jul 2026

Evolutionary noncoding RNAs reveal new targets for cancer therapy

In cancer research, one person's junk is increasingly becoming another person's treasure. Scientists have now uncovered new evidence showing how recently evolved "junk DNA" genetic elements can become integrated into ancient cellular pathways that regulate cancer.

1 Jul 2026

Study links severe COVID to higher TB risk, and vaccination appears to blunt the link

A nationwide Chilean cohort study of more than 3.6 million adults found that severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization was associated with more than an eightfold higher hazard of incident tuberculosis within one year. The association was strongest in the first six months and among unvaccinated individuals, although absolute TB incidence remained low.

1 Jul 2026

Probiotic metabolite found to suppress melanoma tumor growth in mice

Immune checkpoint inhibitors like anti-PD-1 have transformed melanoma treatment, yet more than half of patients fail to respond or eventually develop resistance.

30 Jun 2026

Nasal viruses may drive allergic rhinitis, and ribavirin shows early promise as a targeted spray treatment

Nasal commensal viruses may worsen allergic rhinitis by activating type I IFN-linked neutrophils and NET formation. Ribavirin reduced nasal viral abundance and improved symptoms in mice and in a small phase 2 trial.

28 Jun 2026

Gene fusion patterns refine classification of rare acute leukemias

Acute leukemias with chimeric fusion genes involving FET (FUS, EWSR1, and TAF15) family proteins and ETS (E26 transformation-specific)-like transcription factors often present with unique clinical and pathological characteristics.

27 Jun 2026

Scientists identify key osteoblast protein that promotes bone formation

New study identifies CAR3 as a key osteoblast protein promoting collagen mineralization, bone formation, and skeletal regeneration.

26 Jun 2026

New cell culture method allows targeted study of antibody regulation

For the immune system to effectively combat pathogens, antibody responses must be precisely controlled. So-called follicular regulatory T cells (Tfr cells) play a key role in this process by limiting excessive immune responses and helping to maintain immune tolerance.

25 Jun 2026

Study identifies key fibrotic cells driving hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars (HS) are abnormal outcomes of wound healing, marked by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and impaired scar remodeling.

25 Jun 2026

US study shows updated COVID vaccines cut hospitalization odds by 55%

The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines were associated with 50% estimated effectiveness against COVID-19-associated emergency department and urgent care encounters among immunocompetent US adults. They were also linked to an estimated 55% effectiveness against COVID-19-associated hospitalization, providing added protection beyond existing immunity from prior infection or vaccination.

24 Jun 2026