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Genetics

A new study finds genome refolding contributes to resistance to cancer therapy
Two cartoon hands holding lines of yarn, twisted into genetic shapes.

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.

Lauren Ingeno

First gene-editing treatment injected into the blood reduces toxic protein for up to 1 year

First gene-editing treatment injected into the blood reduces toxic protein for up to 1 year

Kiran Musunuru of the Perelman School of Medicine commented on an experimental gene-editing treatment for a condition that has already responded well to approved drugs. “I think people are generally assuming that the clinical outcomes [from the gene-editing treatment] will follow,” he said.

Changing the identity of cancer cells to eliminate them
Human cells with acute myeloid leukemia

New findings from a study led by the School of Veterinary Medicine’s Andrés Blanco point a way forward for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. (Image: National Cancer Institute)

Changing the identity of cancer cells to eliminate them

A team led by the School of Veterinary Medicine’s M. Andrés Blanco has uncovered a new target for treating certain blood cancers that works by removing an obstacle to their maturation.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Novel gene therapy for hemophilia A
graphic of red blood cells in a vein

Novel gene therapy for hemophilia A

The multicenter study, led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, showed improved and sustained production of a needed clotting factor and reduced bleeding events.

Katherine Unger Baillie

Moving past conflation of race and genetics
Visual representation of a DNA sequence.

nocred

Moving past conflation of race and genetics

Race is not genetic. Race is a social and political construct. However, the conflation of race and genetics is one way that racism persists in medicine and research.

From Penn Nursing News

Home DNA tests can lead to shock and trauma, but mental health resources are scarce

Home DNA tests can lead to shock and trauma, but mental health resources are scarce

Dana Farengo Clark of the Abramson Cancer Center said many people come into the Center looking for support after taking a home DNA test that revealed their risk, as well as family members’ risk, for cancer. “A piece of the psychology of this is not only getting the result for yourself but then being the gatekeeper of that information,” she said.