PRECISION-MEDICINE-SECTION

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Research & Education Stories From Houston Methodist

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Precision Medicine

There’s a New Strep in Town

New study highlights the complexity of human infections caused by a rapidly emerging strep subtype

GERDing Against Poor Lung Transplant Outcomes

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) poses a significant challenge for lung transplant recipients, with up to 75% affected. While fundoplication surgery can alleviate GERD symptoms by reinforcing the esophagus-stomach connection, studies suggest lung transplant patients may face complications and hinder recovery post-surgery.

Houston Methodist and Rice University Team Up to Track Gut-Brain Connection

Novel Concussion research aims to improve care for student athletes

From Paralysis to Recovery

Combining spinal electrical neuromodulation and hand grip training can potentially restore hand motor function after upper limb paralysis due to cervical spinal cord injury or stroke.

Exploring New Horizons in Viral Myocarditis: The TRIM29-PERK Pathway

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can trigger viral myocarditis. Pharmacological targeting of the TRIM29-PERK axis was found to have protective effects against cardiac disease— making the PERK inhibitor a promising treatment option.

Variants, Vaccines and Vigilance

An updated look at circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, with a dose of more effective vaccine booster scheduling, tailored by Houston Methodist researchers applying Mathematics in Medicine.

Impact of Gold Nanoparticles on Cancer Therapeutics

Gold nanoparticles and nanomedicine have a huge potential to improve the landscape of cancer therapeutics by improving treatment outcomes.

Leading the RNA Revolution

Houston Methodist researchers are redefining the future of RNA vaccines and therapeutics

Diabetic Retinopathy Biomarkers Predict Worsening Disease

Study finds the presence of predominantly peripheral lesions on ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography may require follow-up care

Predicting Treatment Outcomes of Cancer Nanomedicine

Cancer Nanomedicine Combined with Mathematical Modeling of Nanoparticle Transport May Revolutionize Personalized Medicine

Functional Genomics Screen Identifies a Key Determinant of Chemosensitivity

A Genome-Wide CRISPR Library Screen Carried Out at Houston Methodist Identifies an Evolutionarily Conserved Signaling Network As A Key Determinant Of Chemosensitivity

A Potential Therapeutic Target for Influenza A-Induced Cardiovascular Disease

Multifunctional Scaffold Protein is a Potential Therapeutic Target for Influenza A-Induced Cardiovascular Disease

Urgent Need for Improved Vascular Imaging Training Programs

Improving Cardiovascular Disease Management Through Enhancing Training Opportunities in Vascular Imaging

Mobilizing Against Microbes

The new chair of medicine positions Houston Methodist on the front lines of clinical and translational infectious disease research.

Implanting Seeds of Hope

Houston Methodist researchers deliver immunotherapy directly into pancreatic tumors with cutting-edge nanofluidic drug-eluting seeds (NDES), offering hope for the future of cancer therapeutics.

A Novel And Potent Tumor Cell Autosis Technique

Studies are ongoing at Houston Methodist on a novel and promising technique using CAR T cells infected with an oncolytic virus that delivers a 100% kill rate of solid tumors.

Taking Neurology to New Frontiers

Jun Li, MD, PhD, the new chair of the Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology answered a few questions about his career trajectory and his vision for the department.

A Therapeutic Target for Multiple Myeloma-Related Bone Disease

Integrin α6 is a Novel Potential Therapeutic Target for Multiple Myeloma-Associated Osteolytic Lesions

Infertility Reversed by Reducing Blood Cholesterol

Serum Opacity Factor Reverses Female Infertility by Reducing HDL Cholesterol

In Pursuit of Biomarkers for Diseases of the Mind

In Pursuit of Biomarkers for Diseases of the MindIn Pursuit of Biomarkers for Diseases of the Mind

An Innovative New Approach to Managing Liver Cancers

The Combination of Sorafenib with Transarterial Chemoembolization Improved Overall Survival In Liver Transplant Patients With Unresectable Malignancies

Maximizing cancer immunotherapy success rates – a look into the future

An app on the horizon for predicting cancer immunotherapy success rates tailored for each patient

First Biomarkers Identified to Measure ALS Disease Progression and Therapeutic Response

The biomarkers have the potential to track amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression and assess the efficacy of novel treatments.

Designer Nanoparticles Deliver Drug to Dial Down Inflammation

New nanoparticles can be guided to go to site of spinal cord injury and reduce inflammation.

Houston Methodist Team Carves a NICHE in State-of-the-Art Diabetes Therapy

Researchers Awarded R01 for Further Study of Subcutaneous Device for Management of Type 1 Diabetes

Pancreatic Cancer of the Head and Body/Tail Regions are Distinct Diseases that May Benefit from Discrete Therapies

A Houston Methodist-based retrospective study of pancreatic cancer patient records identified a statistically significant difference in the mutation frequency of the tumor suppressor gene TP53 based on tumor location.

A Potential Strategy to Enhance Multiple Myeloma Therapeutic Efficacy

Houston Methodist researchers identified previously unknown mechanistic details in the pathogenesis of MM and therapeutic resistance which can be leveraged for future therapies.

Theranostic Modulations Push the Cancer-Treatment Envelope

Intratumoral distribution and retention of theranostic particles can be improved by controlling protein adsorption to advance cancer management

New Hope for Sleep Apnea Patients May Be Coming

The cardiac autonomic nervous system is a potential therapeutic target for atrial fibrillation

The NanoLymph: Implantable. Adaptable. Anti-Cancer.

The Implantable Nanolymph Cancer Vaccine Device Can Locally Recruit and Activate Antitumor Immune Cells to Elicit a Systemic Antitumor Immune Response.

COVID-19 Infection in Crucial Brain Regions May Lead To Accelerated Brain Aging

The disease may put vulnerable individuals at risk for irreversible neurological conditions.

Researchers Uncover Distinct Patterns of a Common Pathology in Dementia

Known as LATE, a very common form of brain pathology affects ~40% of elderly patients. Researchers at Houston Methodist have unraveled several patterns of LATE in the brains of aging and demented patients. These patterns have distinct clinical, pathologic and genetic associations.

Deepening Insights into Human Brain Disease

Houston Methodist’s neural biorepository or NBRX is a core facility of the Department of Neurosurgery. It provides patient-derived tissue samples to facilitate translational and basic neuroscience research across the Texas Medical Center.

Modeling Risk of Bone Stress Injuries in Collegiate Runners

Multiple factors, including bone mineral density and limb length, are predictive of bone stress injuries in collegiate long-distance runners.

Is there hope for an FDA-approved therapy specifically for PAD?

Current Peripheral Arterial Disease therapies offer relief from symptoms, but novel therapeutics are urgently needed

Telltale Signs of Traumatic Brain Injury Might Lie in the Gut

When the brain is injured, the microbiota in the gut feels the pinch. Researchers show that certain gut bacteria may be used to track the impact of concussions and timeline to recovery.

Importance of the coronary artery calcium (CAC) Score in risk assessment and prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

Houston Methodist cardiologists Khurram Nasir and Miguel Cainzos-Achirica provide insights on the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score – an important decision aid in risk management for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Researchers identify a novel immunotherapy target to combat glioblastomas

Houston Methodist researchers have used advanced microfluidic technology to fingerprint different types of cells in glioblastoma. Their analysis has revealed a protein that could serve as a potential immunotherapy target for one of the deadliest cancers.

Jumpstarting dysfunctional regulatory T cells into action could help treat Parkinson’s disease

Houston Methodist researchers show that dysfunctional regulatory T cells are a hallmark of neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease. However, an ex vivo activation and expansion could restore the immunosuppression of these cells and provide a viable treatment strategy to combat chronic inflammation.

Precise measurements of the aortic morphologies are crucial for optimal endograft sizing

A retrospective study at Houston Methodist has identified the area of the aorta as the most important parameter to measure for endograft sizing to treat ascending thoracic aorta pathologies.

Rapidly scalable, all-inducible neural organoids could facilitate drug screening for neurological diseases

State-of-the-art neural organoids designed by Houston Methodist researchers are scalable, reproducible and allow manipulation of neuron and astrocyte activity. This all-inducible “mini brain” in vitro system could help researchers study human neuron-glial interactions better and could serve as an improved testing platform for drug discovery.

Houston Methodist Researchers Generate and Validate Humanized Biomimetic Nanovesicles to Target Neurons – Two Firsts in Nanovesicle Theranostics

In a paper recently published in Advanced Science, Houston Methodist researchers successfully targeted human neurons in vitro with humanized biomimetic nanovesicles in an effort to improve specificity of neuro theranostics.

Q & A session with Dr. Carly Filgueira

Q & A session with Carly Filgueira, PhD, assistant professor in the Departments of Nanomedicine and Cardiovascular Surgery at Houston Methodist.

Biomimetic nano drug delivery carriers for treating cardiovascular diseases

Inspired by our own cells, biomimetic nano-carrier platforms may one day improve the safety and efficacy of cardiovascular disease medications by improving interactions with target cells and extending circulation times.

RNA therapeutics have the potential to transform standard patient care and actualize personalized medicine

RNA as a therapeutic molecule holds great power and the potential to alter the standard of care for patients, actualize personalized medicine, and have diverse applications.

The power of nanotechnology to manipulate theranostics and technology in cardiovascular disease management

Nanotechnology offers a steadily climbing number of applications and advances in the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases - the leading cause of death in the United States

New theranostic shows promise for treating triple-negative breast cancer

The radiolabeled ⁶⁴Cu/¹⁷⁷Lu-DOTA-diZD small synthetic molecule revolutionizes treatment strategies for primary and metastatic tumors in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer by targeting angiogenic receptors.

Interleukin 9 secreting polarized T cells show potential in solid and liquid tumor treatment

A cancer patient’s T cells, engineered to carry a receptor found on the surface of malignant cells, can aggressively attack tumors - with the potential to revolutionize solid tumor treatment.

Carfilzomib therapy may enhance longevity in lung transplant recipients

Carfilzomib therapy shows potential in improving patient outcomes and longevity.

Predicting Efficacy of Anti-cancer Immunotherapies

Math model enables more personalized cancer treatment

New high-throughput analytic enables differentiation of tumor cells within its microenvironment

Experts from the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology have devised a new technology

Valve Mimics Body's Mechanics

Stephen Little, MD, designs a realistic mitral valve

Rethinking the Unthinkable

Tackling dementia with multi-modal imaging and precision medicine

Viewing the Future in 360°

Texas’ first Surgical Theater debuts in neurosurgery

Nano Doses Delivered in Space

Study explores potential biomedical applications at the ISS