Our Discoveries
Envelope glycoprotein mutations allow HIV-1 to escape antiretroviral therapy in a lab-based study
CCR investigators have discovered that HIV-1 can compensate for a variety of mutations that block its replication by acquiring mutations in the envelope glycoprotein. Because antiretroviral therapies work by inhibiting viral replication, these findings may have implications for HIV-1 drug resistance.
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MEK inhibitor selumetinib granted breakthrough designation by FDA to treat neurofibromatosis type 1 in pediatric patients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week granted breakthrough therapy designation for the MEK 1/2 inhibitor selumetinib. The designation is for the treatment of pediatric patients aged three years and older with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) symptomatic and/or progressive, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas (PN), a rare, incurable genetic condition.
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Harnessing T-cell “stemness” could enhance cancer immunotherapy
A new study led by Nicholas Restifo, M.D., Senior Investigator in CCR’s Surgery Branch, sheds light on one way tumors may continue to grow despite the presence of cancer-killing immune cells. The findings, published March 29, 2019, in Science, suggest a way to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies for cancer treatment.
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CCR researchers discover how protein translation disruptions can lead to cancer
A mutation in the gene U2AF1, which codes for a protein involved in cutting out key pieces of RNA, can also have widespread effects on the translation of messenger RNA into proteins. A close look at one affected protein, interleukin 8 (IL8), revealed increased production as a result of the mutation, leading to inflammation and cancer spread.
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Drug found effective in mice for uveal melanoma
Drugs that directly target the transcription factor YAP, which is associated with the growth of uveal melanoma, are too toxic to be used in patients. A new study in mice, however, finds a new, safe and effective way for targeting the YAP pathway.
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Deep-imaging study reveals extensive variability in 3D configuration of genomes between cells
A new study analyzing chromatin in single cells using advanced imaging methods, led by CCR Director Tom Misteli, Ph.D., has revealed more heterogeneity in the 3D configuration of genomes than previously thought.
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New strategy for treating brain tumors with mutations in metabolic enzymes
Cancers with mutations in key metabolic enzymes disrupt oxygen metabolism and cause a buildup of reactive oxygen species in mice. This mutation is found in about 80 percent of grade II/III gliomas, or brain tumors, in humans. By inhibiting the action of a protein that allows cancer cells to survive, investigators have potentially found a new strategy for treating cancers with these mutations.
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Researchers identify a key molecule that enhances T cell-based immunotherapy
The transcription factor c-Myb plays a critical role in regulating T cell stemness. Researchers showed that increasing expression of this transcription factor in T cells launches a powerful, long-lasting antitumor response in mice.
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Drug successfully treats WHIM syndrome
Researchers have discovered which genus of human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for warts found in patients with WHIM syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease, and determined the drug plerixafor could successfully treat those patients.
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Gene mutations in Burkitt lymphoma hint at more effective treatment
Some cases of Burkitt lymphoma have long been thought to be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. New research is revealing potential genetic mechanisms for how the virus could contribute to the disease.
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