St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Medicine and Science News

St. Jude identifies genomic causes of a certain type of leukemia relapse (news release)

Scientists at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have identified distinctive genetic changes in the cancer cells of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that cause relapse.

Reprogrammable cell type depends on a single gene to keep its identity (news release)

St. Jude study shows the Prox1 gene is a two-way switch that, if turned off, causes lymphatic endothelial cells to be reprogrammed so that they lose their identity and become more like blood endothelial cells.

New insight into the controls on a go-to enzyme (news release)

Scientists at St. Jude have gained new insights into regulation of one of the body’s enzyme workhorses called calpains. As the cell’s molecular overachievers, calpains function in many cellular processes, including the movement of cells in tissues, the death of damaged cells, insulin secretion, and brain cell and muscle function.

Parasites that live inside cells use loophole to thwart immune system

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have discovered a mechanism by which intracellular pathogens can shut down one of the body’s key chemical weapons against them: nitric oxide.

Parasites that live inside cells use loophole to thwart immune system

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists have discovered a mechanism by which intracellular pathogens can shut down one of the body’s key chemical weapons against them: nitric oxide.

Drug combination for non-Hodgkin lymphoma produces fewer side effects

A new combination of anti-cancer drugs, when integrated into an existing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, causes reduced risk for side effects in children than the conventional regimen.

Treatment with new drug might make tumor cells more sensitive to therapy

Scientists at St. Jude have shown that it might be possible to make tumor cells more sensitive to irradiation and some types of chemotherapy by treating them with a drug that cripples their ability to repair DNA damage caused by these therapies.

Drug shows a new effect that can control a childhood cancer

The drug bevacizumab is widely used to inhibit blood vessel growth in tumors, starving them of oxygen and nutrients. St. Jude researchers have found that the drug also shows promise for attacking neuroblastoma cells themselves.

Clues from nature inspire new anti-cancer drugs

St. Jude researchers have designed an efficient route to synthesizing a new type of anti-cancer drug, based on a chemical that bacteria use as a weapon against organisms they infect. The initial versions of the new drugs show significant activity against a range of cancer cells.

Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty, PhD, elected to Institute of Medicine

Peter Doherty, PhD, of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has been elected to the Institute of Medicine (IOM), a prestigious branch of the National Academy of Sciences.

St. Jude study gives new insights into how cells accessorize their proteins (news release)

Researchers have determined how an enzyme that stitches all-important molecular adjustments onto proteins contorts itself to regulate its own function.

St. Jude study finds treatment with new drug might make tumor cells more sensitive to therapy (news release)

Study shows treatment with a newly discovered drug could be useful in sensitizing tumor cells to therapeutic irradiation and potentially some chemotherapies.

Study shows how pneumonia bacteria use stolen genetic material

In a new study, St. Jude researchers have gained insight into how pneumococcus, the primary cause of pneumonia, uses a particular piece of stolen genetic material to render it more virulent.

Researchers identify mechanism underlying genetic forebrain malformation

St. Jude scientists have identified one of the molecular mechanisms underlying the genetic brain malformation called holoprosencephaly (HPE). The findings not only yield insights into the most common developmental malformation of the anterior brain and face in newborns, but also help in understanding the intricate process by which the brain forms in the developing fetus.

Protective “suicide protein” found to be thwarted in lymphoma

St. Jude investigators have found that a protein called Puma, which normally protects the body by triggering cancer cells to commit suicide through a process called apoptosis, is suppressed in Burkitt lymphoma.

New clue to machinery of autoimmune disease

St. Jude researchers have discovered an intriguing insight into how T cells, the immune system’s master regulatory cells, wage war on the body’s own tissues in such autoimmune disorders as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

New insight into most common forebrain malformation (news release)

Small investment could boost pediatric cancer survivorship in poorer nations

A small hike in funding for pediatric cancer care could significantly boost survival rates in low- and middle-income nations, according to an international team lead by St. Jude.

Vigilant care saves children with early leukemia complications

The supportive care of children suffering from early complications of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has greatly reduced their death rate, according to a new St. Jude study.

St. Jude study shows how T cell’s machinery dials down autoimmunity

A St. Jude study shows that T cells, the body’s master immune regulators, do not use simple on/off switches to govern the cellular machinery that regulates their development and function.

Drug combination offers promise in treating resistant bone cancer

A new combination of two anti-cancer drugs offers promise in treating recurrent and treatment-resistant bone cancer in children.

Young age may offer survival advantage to children with DPG

St. Jude investigators have shown that children under 3 years old who have a brain tumor called diffuse pontine glioma (DPG) appear to have a better outcome than older children with the same cancer.

New function for old enzyme in fatal disease

The lack of a single protein usually thought of as a run-of-the-mill enzyme that helps to recycle molecules in cells causes an incurable and often fatal disease of children. Children with this disease, called sialidosis, suffer from enlarged spleens and often develop vision problems, loss of coordination and seizures, among other symptoms. The patients generally die within the first few years of life.

St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

A ubiquitous housekeeping enzyme has been found to play a major role in keeping the bone marrow environment healthy so it can nurture hematopoietic stem cells.

(clone of)St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

A ubiquitous housekeeping enzyme has been found to play a major role in keeping the bone marrow environment healthy so it can nurture hematopoietic stem cells.

St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

A ubiquitous housekeeping enzyme has been found to play a major role in keeping the bone marrow environment healthy so it can nurture hematopoietic stem cells.

(clone of)St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

A ubiquitous housekeeping enzyme has been found to play a major role in keeping the bone marrow environment healthy so it can nurture hematopoietic stem cells.

St. Jude finds young age may give survival advantage to children with certain brain tumors (news release)

The improved survival of children under 3 years old with diffuse pontine glioma compared to older children suggests that the biological properties of this cancer may be distinct in young patients.

St. Jude finds young age may give survival advantage to children with certain brain tumors (news release)

The improved survival of children under 3 years old with diffuse pontine glioma compared to older children suggests that the biological properties of this cancer may be distinct in young patients.

St. Jude study shows how T cell’s machinery dials down autoimmunity (news release)

Immune cells adjust their function like a radio dial, not an on/off light switch; a discovery that hints at how autoimmune disease may develop late in life.

St. Jude study shows how T cell’s machinery dials down autoimmunity (news release)

Immune cells adjust their function like a radio dial, not an on/off light switch; a discovery that hints at how autoimmune disease may develop late in life.

St. Jude receives NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital recently received the prestigious recognition of being designated as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center. The designation makes St. Jude the first and only cancer center solely focused on pediatric cancer to receive this distinction.

St. Jude receives NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation

St. Jude finds “dancing” hair cells are key to humans’ acute hearing (news release)

A new study shows how sounds are amplified in the inner ear, a finding that could explain how hearing loss can result from genetic mutation or overdose of drugs.

St. Jude finds “dancing” hair cells are key to humans’ acute hearing (news release)

A new study shows how sounds are amplified in the inner ear, a finding that could explain how hearing loss can result from genetic mutation or overdose of drugs.

Risk factors found for RSV infection in immunocompromised children

St. Jude investigators and collaborators have shown how to predict if a child who is infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) while being treated for cancer or another catastrophic disease is at high risk for developing severe infection.

Childhood leukemia: tackling the challenge of CNS relapse

Clinicians have achieved a gratifyingly high success rate in treating childhood leukemias — a major challenge is to improve treatment of central nervous system (CNS) leukemia.

St. Jude researchers find key step in programmed cell death

St. Jude investigators have discovered a dance of proteins that protects certain cells from undergoing apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death.

Study offers new hope for children with bilateral Wilms tumor

Children with bilateral Wilms tumor can retain normal function in both kidneys by undergoing a procedure called bilateral nephron-sparing surgery, even when preoperative scans suggest that the tumors are inoperable.

St. Jude discovery offers new avenues to understanding an aggressive form of leukemia (news release)

Finding that a combination of genetic mutations can cause an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia could lead to new cancer-fighting therapies.

St. Jude discovery offers new avenues to understanding an aggressive form of leukemia (news release)

Finding that a combination of genetic mutations can cause an aggressive form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia could lead to new cancer-fighting therapies.

St. Jude study offers new hope for children with kidney tumors deemed inoperable (news release)

Physicians at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have demonstrated that children with bilateral Wilms tumor, a cancer of the kidneys, can retain normal function in both kidneys by undergoing a procedure called bilateral nephron-sparing surgery, even when preoperative scans suggest that the tumors are inoperable.

St. Jude study offers new hope for children with kidney tumors deemed inoperable (news release)

St. Jude finds signaling system that halts medulloblastoma growth

A discovery by St. Jude scientists suggests a safer way to treat medulloblastoma, a rare but often fatal childhood brain tumor. The group found that one of the brain’s signaling pathways inhibits the growth of the highly aggressive cancer cells.

Molecular science could further improve leukemia survival, say St. Jude researchers (news release)

The dramatic increase that has occurred in the cure rate for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) will be difficult to replicate in older patients without considerable additional research.

Molecular science could further improve leukemia survival, say St. Jude researchers (news release)

Putting the brakes on the immune system

Scientists at St. Jude have discovered an important signaling molecule that puts the brakes on a rogue immune response. The discovery could have applications for a host of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease and asthma. The finding could also have exciting ramifications for fighting cancer.

St. Jude finds signaling system that halts the growth of a childhood brain cancer (news release)

Researchers discover that proteins BMP2, BMP4 and BMP7 inhibit the growth of medulloblastoma tumors, while inducing malignant cells to develop into normal neurons, a finding that may lead to better treatments for the cancer.

St. Jude finds signaling system that halts the growth of a childhood brain cancer (news release)

Link between cellular defense processes shows how cancer cells survive

St. Jude investigators have discovered that immune system cells that engulf and destroy germs in the body enlist help for this task from a common housekeeping mechanism most cells use to keep their interiors healthy.

St. Jude researchers find key step in programmed cell death (news release)

The discovery provides insight into how certain proteins, including Hax1, work and how they control the process of apoptosis.

St. Jude researchers find key step in programmed cell death (news release)

The discovery provides insight into how certain proteins, including Hax1, work and how they control the process of apoptosis.

Webby takes reins of World Health Organization lab at St. Jude

Richard Webby, PhD, an associate member in Infectious Diseases, has been named director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza Viruses in Lower Animals and Birds.

St. Jude “twins” with Santiago to transfer osteosarcoma trial treatment

When St. Jude shares clinical trials internationally, there is much more involved than just sending a set of directions to clinicians in another nation.

St. Jude researchers identify key genetic trigger of AML

A gene called N-Myc leads a double life in certain white blood cells when it is overexpressed, helping to trigger a cancer called acute myeloid leukemia (AML) under some conditions while triggering apoptosis, or cell suicide, under other conditions, according to results of a study done by St. Jude investigators.

St. Jude finds mechanism for faulty protein disposal

A discovery by St. Jude scientists offers new insights into how myeloma cells dispose of defective or excess proteins. This finding could lead to new cancer treatments.

NIXing the cell’s polluting power plants

People investing their time and effort into “green” technology to replace old power plants that spew pollution into the environment might be envious of the humble human cell.

St. Jude finds risk factors for severe RSV infection in immunocompromised children (news release)

Children receiving treatment for cancer who are under2 years and those with very low levels of immune system cells called lymphocytes are at higher risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus related disease.

St. Jude finds risk factors for severe RSV infection in immunocompromised children (news release)

St. Jude defines eye cancer gene’s role in retinal development (news release)

Study provides the foundation for improving understanding of N-myc gene’s role in the eyes’ growth during fetal development when retinoblastoma forms.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Medicine and Science News

St. Jude identifies genomic causes of a certain type of leukemia relapse (news release)

Reprogrammable cell type depends on a single gene to keep its identity (news release)

New insight into the controls on a go-to enzyme (news release)

Parasites that live inside cells use loophole to thwart immune system

Parasites that live inside cells use loophole to thwart immune system

Drug combination for non-Hodgkin lymphoma produces fewer side effects

Treatment with new drug might make tumor cells more sensitive to therapy

Drug shows a new effect that can control a childhood cancer

Clues from nature inspire new anti-cancer drugs

Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty, PhD, elected to Institute of Medicine

St. Jude study gives new insights into how cells accessorize their proteins (news release)

St. Jude study finds treatment with new drug might make tumor cells more sensitive to therapy (news release)

Study shows how pneumonia bacteria use stolen genetic material

Researchers identify mechanism underlying genetic forebrain malformation

Protective “suicide protein” found to be thwarted in lymphoma

New clue to machinery of autoimmune disease

New insight into most common forebrain malformation (news release)

Small investment could boost pediatric cancer survivorship in poorer nations

Vigilant care saves children with early leukemia complications

St. Jude study shows how T cell’s machinery dials down autoimmunity

Drug combination offers promise in treating resistant bone cancer

Young age may offer survival advantage to children with DPG

New function for old enzyme in fatal disease

St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

(clone of)St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

(clone of)St. Jude study reveals a new function for an old enzyme in fatal childhood disease (news release)

St. Jude finds young age may give survival advantage to children with certain brain tumors (news release)

St. Jude finds young age may give survival advantage to children with certain brain tumors (news release)

St. Jude study shows how T cell’s machinery dials down autoimmunity (news release)

St. Jude study shows how T cell’s machinery dials down autoimmunity (news release)

St. Jude receives NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation

St. Jude receives NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center designation

St. Jude finds “dancing” hair cells are key to humans’ acute hearing (news release)

St. Jude finds “dancing” hair cells are key to humans’ acute hearing (news release)

Risk factors found for RSV infection in immunocompromised children

Childhood leukemia: tackling the challenge of CNS relapse

St. Jude researchers find key step in programmed cell death

Study offers new hope for children with bilateral Wilms tumor

St. Jude discovery offers new avenues to understanding an aggressive form of leukemia (news release)

St. Jude discovery offers new avenues to understanding an aggressive form of leukemia (news release)

St. Jude study offers new hope for children with kidney tumors deemed inoperable (news release)

St. Jude study offers new hope for children with kidney tumors deemed inoperable (news release)

St. Jude finds signaling system that halts medulloblastoma growth

Molecular science could further improve leukemia survival, say St. Jude researchers (news release)

Molecular science could further improve leukemia survival, say St. Jude researchers (news release)

Putting the brakes on the immune system

St. Jude finds signaling system that halts the growth of a childhood brain cancer (news release)

St. Jude finds signaling system that halts the growth of a childhood brain cancer (news release)

Link between cellular defense processes shows how cancer cells survive

St. Jude researchers find key step in programmed cell death (news release)

St. Jude researchers find key step in programmed cell death (news release)

Webby takes reins of World Health Organization lab at St. Jude

St. Jude “twins” with Santiago to transfer osteosarcoma trial treatment

St. Jude researchers identify key genetic trigger of AML

St. Jude finds mechanism for faulty protein disposal

NIXing the cell’s polluting power plants

St. Jude finds risk factors for severe RSV infection in immunocompromised children (news release)

St. Jude finds risk factors for severe RSV infection in immunocompromised children (news release)

St. Jude defines eye cancer gene’s role in retinal development (news release)

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