Researchers create record-sized, integrated cellular cancer database
Investigators in CCR have consolidated and expanded some of the world’s largest cancer databases to create an integrated, comprehensive cellular databank. The publicly available tool, called CellMinerCDB, can be used to explore in unprecedented detail the relationship between drugs, mutations, copy number, methylation and gene and protein expression. Read more...
Sophisticated technology reveals gene expression in real time
Dec 13, 2018
CCR researchers made use of CRISPR-Cas9 and other technology to reveal gene expression in real time, demonstrating that RNA synthesis is highly variable due to long intervals between RNA production. The research supports the emerging awareness about the dynamic nature of gene expression and the tremendous variability among genes. Read more...
Registration is now open for the 2019 RNA Biology Symposium
Dec 10, 2018
RNA biology has emerged as one of the most influential areas in modern biology and biomedicine. The discovery of numerous new classes of RNAs and their function in a wide spectrum of biological processes has revolutionized molecular biology and has profound implications for clinical sciences. Key areas of current research include the elucidation of RNA biogenesis and structure, the identification of functions for various classes of RNAs, establishing the role of RNA in disease and the exploration of RNA-based and RNA-targeted therapies. Organized by the CCR Initiative in RNA Biology, this symposium will bring together internationally renowned experts in the field of RNA biology. Read more...
Protein mutations lead to human disease by altering a cancer-promoting pathway
Dec 7, 2018
Working in collaboration with a team of other scientists, CCR researchers identified the role that the LZTR1 protein plays in disrupting the RAS pathway. It interferes with signaling, largely by dysregulating ubiquitination, a process defined as the attachment of a small protein called ubiquitin to a protein that is degraded by an enzyme. Read more...
Discovery shows new circular RNAs linked to Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus
Nov 30, 2018
A new discovery shows a human circular RNA acts as an antiviral agent in response to infection from Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), a finding strengthened by a parallel discovery of these unique RNAs in lymph nodes from patients infected with diseases related to KSHV. Read more...
In Memoriam: Valery Bliskovsky, Ph.D.
Nov 28, 2018
CCR mourns the loss of Valery Bliskovsky, Ph.D., a pioneer in genomics technologies and staff scientist in the CCR Genomics Core, who died on November 13. Dr. Bliskovsky began his NIH career in 1994 as a visiting fellow in the Laboratory of Biological Chemistry at the NCI. In 1996, he moved to the Laboratory of Genetics under Beverly Mock, Ph.D., which later became a part of the Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (LCBG). In 2012, Dr. Bliskovsky joined the CCR Genomics Core to implement advanced genomic technologies, such as the first Illumina Next-Generation Sequencing platform and digital droplet ddPCR. His deep knowledge about emerging genomic technologies and his enthusiasm to enable CCR investigators to apply these to their research made him invaluable to the CCR and the wider NIH scientific community. As a collaborator remarked: “Val’s presence filled a room. He had a big personality, a love for life and a huge heart.” Read more...
Clinical trial studies new therapy in children and adults with neurofibromatosis-related GIST
Nov 28, 2018
Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) have an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). There is currently no effective medical therapy for GIST that cannot be completely resected. Brigitte Widemann, M.D., Chief of the Pediatric Oncology Branch, is leading a study to see if NF1-related GIST responds to treatment with selumetinib, which blocks a signaling protein called MEK. Read more...
New immunotherapy clinical trial tests therapy for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Nov 23, 2018
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare disease caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). The tumors vary in size, grow very quickly and may grow back after they have been removed, meaning patients often need to have multiple surgeries. Christian Hinrichs, M.D., of the Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch is leading a trial of an experimental immunotherapy drug called M7824 in patients with recurring RRP. Read more...
Clinical trial tests safety and dosing of NEO-201 antibody in patients with advanced cancer
Nov 20, 2018
A new treatment for advanced solid tumors will use a preparation derived from human tumor tissue, NEO-201, bound to a modified version of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules that block immune cells such as T cells and natural killer cells from attacking tumors. NEO-201 also helps to bring certain immune cells to the tumor, increasing their natural function of attacking cancer cells. Read more...
A novel mRNA modification may impact the human genetic code
Nov 15, 2018
Researchers have identified a novel modification in human messenger RNA (mRNA) that dramatically impacts gene expression. NAT10, an enzyme, was found to be responsible for the modification, which itself has been implicated in cancer and aging. This is one of the first examples of a unique chemical modification to mRNA (a key factor in deciphering the genetic code) that causes an increase in protein production. Read more...
Clinical trial tests customized treatment for ovarian cancer and peritoneal mesothelioma
Nov 15, 2018
Ovarian cancer includes cancer of the ovaries, fallopian tubes or abdominal lining (peritoneum). Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the peritoneum and is caused by ingesting asbestos fibers. In a new clinical trial, a drug derived from the patient’s own white blood cells will be customized and infused back into the patient’s body to try and combat cancer cells. Read more...