If you stretched the DNA fiber packed inside of a single cell, it would reach six feet long from end to end—that’s like fitting a ball of yarn twice the size of Manhattan into a tennis ball. Penn researchers have discovered that the misfolding of DNA can reposition transcription factors and lead to cancer drug resistance. (Image: Penn Medicine News)
A new study finds genome refolding contributes to resistance to cancer therapy
While gene mutations can lead to drug resistance, researchers in the Perelman School of Medicine have identified an important, non-genetic adaptation that could also drive resistance to targeted therapy in T cell leukemia, a type of blood cell cancer.
Researchers studied the effects of drug combinations on human respiratory epithelial cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. (Image: Nature 2022)
New antiviral drug combination is highly effective against SARS-CoV-2
A Penn Medicine study finds that combining remdesivir or molnupiravir with the experimental drug brequinar blocked the replication of the virus that causes COVID-19 in lung cells.
Common gene variants linked to sepsis and COVID-19 severity in African Americans
Two genetic risk variants that are carried by nearly 40% of Black individuals may exacerbate the severity of both sepsis and COVID-19. A Penn Medicine study identifies two potential pathways to reduce the health disparities driven by these gene mutations.
Moderate amounts of caffeine not linked to maternal health risks
In a prospective Penn Medicine study of 2,529 pregnant women, drinking caffeinated beverages was associated with a reduced risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Philadelphia-based artist Odili Donald Odita aimed to transport viewers to a colorful, outdoor scene. (Image: Penn Medicine News)
Philadelphia artist Odili Odita’s Pavilion mural is a ‘kaleidoscope landscape’
The mural, titled “Field and Sky” spans two floors of the Pavilion, with rich bright colors evocative of nature to generate the idea of being in different stages of daylight.
The Penn winners of the 2021 NIH Director’s Awards are (from top left): Amber Alhadeff, Ben Black, Peter S. Choi, Erica Korb, Michael Lampson, Mustafa Mir, Jennifer Phillips-Cremins, and Lilang Wan.
Eight Penn researchers receive 2021 NIH Director’s Awards
The National Institutes of Health grants, totaling more than $8 million, will support seven high-risk, high-reward research projects.
Black women face increased risk of triple negative breast cancers
An analysis of nearly 200,000 patients highlights the heterogeneity of breast cancer risk factors for women of differing races, ages, and disease subtypes.
Penn researchers unlock genetic ‘treasure map’ for chronic kidney disease
The genome-wide association study pinpoints new target genes, cell types, and mechanisms for treating the disease that affects 850 people million worldwide.
