2025 Article Archive
RNA molecular pathway steers stem cells to aid kidney development
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have discovered an RNA pathway that appears to push stem cells to form nephrons, the functional units of kidneys. Their findings, published in Nature Communications, could lead to therapies that increase the number of nephrons in individuals at risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the study authors say.
Gene editing treats smooth muscle disease in preclinical model
Using gene editing in a preclinical model, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center blocked the symptoms of a rare smooth muscle disease before they developed. Their findings, published in Circulation, could eventually lead to gene therapies for this and other genetic diseases affecting smooth muscle cells.
Gene-editing system targets multiple organs simultaneously
A gene-editing delivery system developed by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers simultaneously targeted the liver and lungs of a preclinical model of a rare genetic disease known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), significantly improving symptoms for months after a single treatment, a new study shows.
Andrea Ballabio, M.D., awarded Beth Levine, M.D. Prize in Autophagy Research from UT Southwestern
Italian medical geneticist Andrea Ballabio, M.D., an internationally recognized scientist who has devoted his career to elucidating the mechanisms underlying genetic diseases, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Beth Levine, M.D. Prize in Autophagy Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Children’s Research Institute scientists uncover unique pathway tumors use to acquire antioxidant lipids
Scientists have discovered tumors can tap a nontraditional pathway to acquire lipoproteins – molecules that transport fat in blood – which enriches cancer cells with an antioxidant shield to survive stress, according to new research from Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) published in Nature.
Study reveals disparities in mental health care for Texas youth
Young patients from lower-income households in Texas may not be getting the most effective treatment for severe depression and suicidal thoughts, based on findings from researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Protein pivotal for B-cell cancers gets a closer look
Using a cutting-edge imaging technology known as cryo-electron microscopy, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have determined the structure of a protein called midnolin that’s crucial to the survival of malignant cells in some leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myelomas.
UTSW scientists link another gene to obesity
Using a tool called Automated Meiotic Mapping (AMM) that was developed at UT Southwestern Medical Center, a team of researchers has identified a gene that appears to be key for regulating food intake.
Study uncovers how biomolecular condensates cause some kidney cancers
A genetic mutation that fuses two genes drives several different cancer types by forming networks of protein interactions that alter gene expression in cells, a study by UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers suggests.
Guidelines target high cardiometabolic risk among South Asians
People of South Asian descent make up one-quarter of the world’s population, but they account for 60% of cardiovascular disease cases. To help reduce the elevated risk of heart disease among South Asians living in North America, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers joined global colleagues in developing comprehensive recommendations, published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, for health care providers, patients, community members, and policymakers.