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Shicheng Guo

@shihcheng.bsky.social

Senior Director, Translational Genetics and Data Science, Translational Medicine | Data Science | Computational Biology | Drug Discovery | Passionate about advancing genomics and biobank research through collaboration. Opinions are my own!

1,473 Followers  |  100 Following  |  3,770 Posts  |  Joined: 14.11.2024
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Posts by Shicheng Guo (@shihcheng.bsky.social)

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Understanding atrial failure: from diagnosis to clinical implications | Nature Reviews Cardiology Atrial failure is an emerging clinical syndrome that results from an underlying atrial cardiomyopathy and is characterized by impaired atrial haemodynamic and/or electrical function that is sufficient to cause symptoms, adverse clinical outcomes or both. Similar to ventricular cardiomyopathy, atrial cardiomyopathy refers to a structural, functional and/or electrophysiological tissue abnormality, whereas atrial failure denotes the stage at which it manifests clinically. Atrial failure can be classified as primary, when driven by intrinsic atrial pathology, or secondary, when atrial dysfunction arises from sustained haemodynamic or electrical stress imposed by ventricular, valvular or systemic disease. Increasing evidence indicates that atrial failure might not be merely a bystander, but a key determinant of symptoms and prognosis in cardiovascular conditions. Atrial failure can act as a primary driver of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, promote atrial arrhythmias through

Atrial failure, driven by atrial cardiomyopathy, disrupts atrial function, leading to symptoms and adverse outcomes. PMID:41760803, Nat Rev Cardiol 2026, @NatRevCardiol https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-026-01266-y #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

05.03.2026 13:10 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkag075 No description available

Study uncovers how PUM1/2 proteins enhance mRNA decay by interacting with poly(A) tails and PABPCs. Crucial in mRNA stability regulation! PMID:41641701, Nucleic Acids Res 2026, @NAR_Open https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkag075 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

05.03.2026 10:10 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
https://www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltext/S0002-9297(26)00064-9 No description available

🚨 New research identifies loss-of-function variants in SAXO6 as a cause of late-onset retinal dystrophy in 200+ patients! #RetinalDystrophy PMID:41742423, Am J Hum Genet 2026, @AJHGNews https://www.cell.com/ajhg/fulltext/S0002-9297(26)00064-9 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

05.03.2026 05:10 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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SNORA49 negatively regulates self-renewal of liver cancer stem cells and hepatocarcinogenesis via suppressing SOX9 transcription | Nature Communications Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a critical role in tumor initiation, progression, and recurrence. How liver CSCs initiate their self-renewal remains elusive. Here we identify a conserved small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), SNORA49, which is lowly expressed in liver CSCs, as a negative regulator of CSC self-renewal. SNORA49 knockout enhances the self-renewal capacity of liver CSCs and accelerates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis, whereas overexpression of SNORA49 suppresses tumor formation. Mechanistically, in non-CSCs, SNORA49 is specifically localized in the nucleoplasm to associate with HNRNPU, blocking its interaction with ZC3H18, resulting in inhibition of SOX9 transcription. In liver CSCs, lowly expressed SNORA49 releases HNRNPU to engage with ZC3H18 and enrich on the promoter of SOX9, leading to its transcription. Of note, lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated delivery of SNORA49 RNAs and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting SOX9 exerts potent synergistic anti-tumor effect

Study reveals SNORA49 as a key player in liver cancer: its low expression boosts liver CSCs' self-renewal and tumor growth, while high levels curb cancer. PMID:41565615, Nat Commun 2026, @NatureComms https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-66486-1 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

05.03.2026 02:10 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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PtdIns(3,5)P2 is an endogenous ligand of STING in innate immune signalling | Nature Exposure to cytosolic DNA triggers innate immune responses through cyclic GMP–AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS)1,2,3. After binding to DNA, cGAS produces cGAMP as a second messenger that binds to stimulator of interferon genes (STING), a signalling adaptor protein anchored to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)3–5. STING then traffics from the ER through the Golgi to perinuclear vesicle clusters, which leads to activation of the kinases TBK1 and IKK and subsequent induction of interferons and other cytokines6–9. Here we show that phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2; also known as PI(3,5)P2) is an endogenous ligand of STING that functions together with cGAMP to induce STING activation. Proteomic analyses identified a constitutive interaction between STING and PIKFYVE, an enzyme that produces PtdIns(3,5)P2 in mammalian cells. Deletion of PIKFYVE blocked STING trafficking from the ER and TBK1 activation. In vitro reconstitution uncovered a strong and selective effect of PtdIns(3,5)P

Nature study reveals PtdIns(3,5)Pβ‚‚ as an endogenous STING ligand, vital in innate immunity. cGAMP binds STING, activating kinases like TBK1. Thoughts? PMID:41639454, Nature 2026, @Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-10084-0 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

04.03.2026 13:10 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkag161 No description available

A new Dual-guide CRISPR-Cas13 strategy enhances specificity in RNA detection by improving single-nucleotide variant discrimination. PMID:41755633, Nucleic Acids Res 2026, @NAR_Open @OTSociety @NAR_Open https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkag161 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

04.03.2026 10:10 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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A membrane-bound nuclease directly cleaves phage DNA during genome injection | Nature From mammals to bacteria, the direct recognition and cleavage of viral nucleic acids is a potent defence strategy against viral infection, but it requires mechanisms for distinguishing self from non-self1,2. In bacteria, CRISPR–Cas and restriction-modification systems achieve this discrimination by recognizing specific DNA sequences or DNA modifications, respectively. Alternative mechanisms probably remain to be discovered. Here, we characterize SNIPE, an anti-bacteriophage defence system that constitutively localizes to the bacterial cell membrane in Escherichia coli to block phage Ξ» infection. Using radiolabelled phage DNA and time-lapse microscopy to track phage genomes, we demonstrate that SNIPE directly cleaves phage DNA during genome injection. Based on proximity labelling, we find that SNIPE associates with host proteins essential for Ξ» genome entry and with the Ξ» tape measure protein, which facilitates Ξ» genome injection across the inner membrane. SNIPE also defends against div

Membrane-bound nuclease SNIPE cleaves phage DNA during injection, offering a new bacterial defense by directly targeting viral DNA. 1,2. PMID:41741653, Nature 2026, @Nature @OTSociety @NAR_Open https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10207-1 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

04.03.2026 07:10 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Genetic regulation of methylation across East Asian and European populations | Nature Communications Methylation quantitative trait loci (mQTL) studies have predominantly focused on European populations (EUR), limiting understanding of the genetic regulation of DNA methylation in other populations. We conduct an East Asian (EAS) mQTL analysis, integrating data from three independent samples comprising 7619 Han Chinese individuals. We identified 331,048 mCpGs, including 28,978 novel mCpGs in EAS. While observing substantial sharing of mQTL between EUR and EAS, we also identify EAS-specific mQTLs, often driven by variants with low minor allele frequencies in EUR. We found that mQTLs enriched for disease and trait heritability, especially for matched-ancestry mQTLs, underscoring their utility for interpreting GWAS results and highlighting the role of DNA methylation in diseases. Our EAS mQTL resource provides valuable insights into the genetic architecture of DNA methylation and its contribution to complex traits. Here the authors identify via an East Asian mQTL study (n = 7,619) nearly

DNA methylation study: 7619 Han Chinese reveal 331,048 mCpGs, 28,978 novel. Strong EUR-EAS overlap, plus unique EAS mQTLs. Genetic diversity insights. PMID:41672998, Nat Commun 2026, @NatureComms https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69372-6 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

04.03.2026 06:10 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Duration between rewards controls the rate of behavioral and dopaminergic learning | Nature Neuroscience Learning the causes of rewards is crucial for survival. Cue–reward associative learning is controlled in the brain by mesolimbic dopamine. It is widely believed that dopamine drives learning by conveying a reward prediction error. Dopamine-based learning algorithms are generally β€˜trial-based’: learning progresses sequentially across individual cue–outcome experiences. A foundational assumption of these models is that the more cue–reward pairings one experiences over a fixed duration, the more one learns this association. By identifying a new biological principle governing learning, we disprove this assumption. Specifically, across many conditions in mice, we show that behavioral and dopaminergic learning rates are proportional to the duration between rewards (or punishments). Due to this rule, the overall learning over a fixed duration is independent of the number of cue–outcome experiences. A dopamine-based model of retrospective learning explains these findings, thereby providing a u

Duration between rewards controls learning speed: more frequent rewards boost both behavior and dopamine-driven learning. PMID:41680327, Nat Neurosci 2026, @NatureNeuro https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-026-02206-2 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

04.03.2026 03:10 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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High-dose nusinersen for spinal muscular atrophy: a phase 3 randomized trial | Nature Medicine Despite the remarkable benefits of nusinersen and other disease-modifying therapies in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), patients may still experience clinical manifestations of the disease. Here we assessed the potential for high-dose nusinersen to rapidly slow neurodegeneration and lead to improved outcomes for patients. The global, three-part, phase 2/3 DEVOTE trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of high-dose nusinersen (50-mg loading dose; 28-mg maintenance dose) in individuals with SMA. In Part B, treatment-naive individuals (n = 75) were randomized 2:1 to 50/28 mg or 12/12 mg nusinersen. In a supportive open-label cohort (Part C), nusinersen-experienced individuals (12/12 mg for more than 1 year) were enrolled. The primary endpoint (Part B infantile-onset participants) was a 6-month change in the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP-INTEND) total score comparing 50/28 mg with matched ENDEAR participants (n = 20) who received sham. DEVOT

High-dose nusinersen (50mg loading, 28mg maintenance) in SMA phase 2/3 trial shows promise; potential for better outcomes. PMID:41634391, Nat Med 2026, @NatureMedicine https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-04193-6 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

04.03.2026 02:10 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Genome-wide discovery and phenotyping of non-coding transcripts in A. fumigatus reveals lncRNAs with a role in antifungal drug sensitivity | Nature Communications Recent data suggests one fungus, Aspergillus fumigatus, causes more deaths annually than HIV or malaria combined. Coupled with rapid emergence of antifungal drug resistance, the limited range of effective treatments, and mortality rates of >50%, aspergillosis represents a major challenge in infectious diseases. Recent studies have identified long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in drug resistance and virulence in pathogenic yeasts such as Candida spp. However, there is very limited knowledge of lncRNAs in human pathogenic moulds, including A. fumigatus. Here we exploit transcriptomics data of A. fumigatus exposed to different environments to annotate transcripts mapping to 2388 genomic loci. After manual curation we generate a database of over 1000 lncRNAs. We observe that the lncRNAs display orchestrated transcriptional profiles upon drug treatment and many are proximal to genes involved in azole sensitivity. We knock out a set of intergenic lncRNAs and perform a large-scale phen

Discovering 345 lncRNAs in A. fumigatus reveals their role in drug sensitivity, addressing >50% mortality. Rethinking antifungal strategies! PMID:41673015, Nat Commun 2026, @NatureComms https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-68543-9 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

03.03.2026 10:10 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkag088 No description available

Exciting insights! Human NEXT & PAXT adaptors directly link with transcription termination/processing, aiding RNA quality control. PMID:41641703, Nucleic Acids Res 2026, @NAR_Open https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkag088 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

03.03.2026 05:10 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5331 No description available

A 3y/o boy's pruritic skin eruptions resisted treatment, revealing a novel SD𝑀₂ variant mimicking acrodermatitis enteropathica. PMID:41604188, JAMA Dermatol 2026 https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5331 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

03.03.2026 02:10 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5565 No description available

Two cases of Kaposi sarcoma linked to mogamulizumab in patients with primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas reported in JAMA Dermatology. PMID:41671006, JAMA Dermatol 2026 https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5565 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

01.03.2026 22:00 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5662 No description available

Study compares Methotrexate and Mycophenolate Mofetil in Juvenile Localized Scleroderma. Promising results in tolerability and adherence! PMID:41604178, JAMA Dermatol 2026 https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5662 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

01.03.2026 01:10 β€” πŸ‘ 8    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Colonic spatial single-cell proteomics and murine models link mitochondrial dysfunction to dimeric IgA-secreting plasma cell deficiency in Crohn’s disease | Nature Communications Secretory IgA (SIgA) is critical for maintaining the intestinal barrier. A dysregulated B-cell compartment and altered Ig secretion have been well documented in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients, although their origin is unknown. To unravel the role of mucosal humoral immunity in CD pathogenesis, we in-depth phenotype colonic plasma cell (PC) differentiation in CD at the single-cell level, linked to ex vivo functional characterization and experimental mouse models with a congenital mitochondrial defect or under glucose-free high-protein dietary intervention. Here, we demonstrate that despite expanded colonic B cells, CD patients in remission present significantly diminished mucosal dimeric IgA and fecal SIgA. Colonic plasmablasts and immature CD19+CD45+ PCs are increased at the expense of the mature CD19-CD45- phenotype. Accordingly, CD-derived ex vivo differentiated PCs display impaired maturation into dimeric IgA-secreting PCs. In this study, patient-derived data from colonic RNA-seq, sp

Single-cell proteomics reveals mitochondrial dysfunction links to a 50% shortage of dimeric IgA-secreting plasma cells in Crohn's disease. Let's discuss! PMID:41680132, Nat Commun 2026, @NatureComms https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69069-w #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

27.02.2026 13:10 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Motor learning and dopamine-dependent striatal synaptic plasticity are controlled by astrocytic MEGF10 | Nature Communications Dopamine regulates motor learning by modulating striatal synaptic plasticity in medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Despite its well-established role in synaptic plasticity, dopamine’s involvement in glia-mediated synapse remodeling remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the astrocytic phagocytic receptor MEGF10 (Multiple Epidermal Growth Factor-like Domains Protein 10), but not MERTK (MER Proto-Oncogene, Tyrosine Kinase), is required for the elimination of corticostriatal excitatory synapses on MSNs during motor learning. Deletion of astrocytic Megf10 impaired long-term potentiation and depression (LTP and LTD), and reduced learning-induced increases in synaptic strength. Notably, chemogenetic activation of corticostriatal transmission or dopamine release from the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) selectively enhanced astrocytic synapse elimination. Furthermore, elevated dopamine and motor learning differentially regulated postsynaptic elimination in MSNs depending on dopamine recepto

Astrocytic MEGF10 is key for motor learning, driving dopamine-dependent synaptic changes in the striatum as it eliminates corticostriatal synapses on MSNs. PMID:41730862, Nat Commun 2026, @NatureComms https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69129-1 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

27.02.2026 12:10 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5443 No description available

Study: Risk of acne in adults with atopic dermatitis using JAK inhibitors vs. Th2 cytokine inhibitors. Analyze data, spot differences! 🧐 PMID:41563775, JAMA Dermatol 2026 https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5443 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

27.02.2026 09:10 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5723 No description available

Study on RDEB shows COL7A1 genotype-phenotype links. Key for clinical prognostication & therapy design. Dive into data for insights! PMID:41637086, JAMA Dermatol 2026 https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2025.5723 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

27.02.2026 01:10 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Mechanistic insights into PCBP1-driven unfolding of selected i-motif DNA at G1/S checkpoint | Nature Communications I-motifs are non-canonical, four-stranded DNA structures in cytosine-rich genomic regions, yet their protein-mediated regulation remains underexplored. Here, we identify PCBP1 (Poly(rC)-binding protein 1) as a selective i-motif-binding protein that unfolds specific i-motifs depending on their protonation and hairpin-forming propensities. Systematic truncation reveals that individual K-homology (KH) domains of PCBP1 cannot selectively bind or unfold i-motifs, but their coordinated actions restore wild-type PCBP1 functions. Using biochemical, biophysical, and molecular dynamics studies, we demonstrate that KH1+2 domains remodel i-motifs, recruiting KH3 to facilitate unfolding and efficient DNA replication. Chromatin and cell-based investigations reveal that PCBP1-knockdown increases i-motif formation at specific genomic loci, coinciding with G1/S arrest and elevated Ξ³H2AX, indicative of genomic instability. During G1/S transition, PCBP1 occupancy peaks at these i-motif loci, ensuring i-m

PCBP1 selectively unfolds i-motifs at G1/S checkpoint. While individual KH domains are ineffective, their coordinated action is crucial for modulation. PMID:41629296, Nat Commun 2026, @NatureComms https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-68822-5 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

26.02.2026 13:10 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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CDK2 inhibitor BLU-222 synergizes with CDK4/6 inhibitors in drug resistant breast cancers through p21/p27 induction | Nature Communications Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) combined with endocrine therapy are the standard first-line treatment for hormone receptor-positive, HER2βˆ’negative (HR+/HER2βˆ’) metastatic breast cancer, but resistance inevitably develops. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the efficacy of CDK4/6i remains uncertain. Our study shows that the selective CDK2 inhibitor BLU-222, while effective alone, enhances synergistic activity when combined with CDK4/6i in resistant HR+/HER2βˆ’ and TNBC models, leading to increased apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In vivo, combining BLU-222 with palbociclib or ribociclib produced significant antitumor activity across eight resistant models, driving durable tumor regression and prolonged survival. Mechanistically, BLU-222, alone or with palbociclib, upregulated p21 and p27 expression, enhanced p21 binding to CDK2 as well as p21 and p27 binding to CDK4. CRISPR knockout of p21 or p27 in palbociclib-resistant cells eliminated this synergy. Further, RNA se

CDK2 inhibitor BLU-222 synergizes with CDK4/6 inhibitors, inducing p21/p27, and overcomes resistance in HR+/HER2- and TNBC models. PMID:41571637, Nat Commun 2026, @NatureComms @OTSociety @NAR_Open https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67865-4 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

26.02.2026 07:10 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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De novo design of potent CRISPR–Cas13 inhibitors | Nature Chemical Biology CRISPR–Cas systems are transformative tools for gene editing that can be tuned or controlled by anti-CRISPRs (Acrs)β€”phage-derived inhibitors that regulate CRISPR–Cas activity. However, Acrs that can inhibit biotechnologically relevant CRISPR systems are relatively rare and challenging to discover. To overcome this limitation, we describe a highly successful and rapid approach that leverages de novo protein design to develop new-to-nature proteins for controlling CRISPR–Cas activity. Here, using Leptotrichia buccalis CRISPR–Cas13a as a representative example, we demonstrate that Acrs designed using artificial intelligence (AIcrs) are capable of highly potent and specific inhibition of CRISPR–Cas13a nuclease activity. We present a comprehensive workflow for design validation and demonstrate AIcr functionality in controlling CRISPR–Cas13 activity in bacterial and human cells. The ability to design bespoke inhibitors of Cas effectors will contribute to the ongoing development of CRISPR–Cas

Check out Nature Chem Biology's latest: De novo protein design crafts potent CRISPR-Cas13 inhibitors. Game-changer for gene editing! PMID:41588195, Nat Chem Biol 2026, @nchembio @OTSociety @NAR_Open https://doi.org/10.1038/s41589-025-02136-3 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

26.02.2026 06:10 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A missense variant in ASCL5 leads to lobodontia | Nature Communications Lobodontia, a rare dental anomaly marked by supernumerary cusps and a single pyramid-shaped molar root, has been previously linked to a variant in the CACNA1S gene without definitive evidence. This study investigates 17 patients with lobodontia from Thai and Croatian families. Microsatellite genotyping defines a 15.4 Mbp critical region encompassing CACNA1S and ASCL5 among Thai families. While genome sequencing confirms the CACNA1S variant only in the Thai patients, all 17 patients harbor the ASCL5 c.274 G > A (p.Glu92Lys) variant, which is absent in 12 unaffected members. Functional studies using CRISPR/Cas9-generated Ascl5 knock-in mutant mice demonstrate the dental anomalies resembling lobodontia in Ascl5Mut/WT, while Ascl5Mut/Mut display severe defects in tooth and jaw development, underscoring the essential role of ASCL5 in craniofacial patterning. Transcriptomic analysis of E17.5 mandibular dental arches reveals differential expression of key craniofacial developmental ge

A missense variant in ASCL5 is found in all 17 patients with lobodontia. The study involves Thai and Croatian families. PMID:41673016, Nat Commun 2026, @NatureComms @OTSociety @NAR_Open https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69323-1 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

25.02.2026 12:10 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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A short-acting psychedelic intervention for major depressive disorder: a phase IIa randomized placebo-controlled trial | Nature Medicine Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet many patients have inadequate responses to current treatments. Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a serotonergic psychedelic with rapid onset and short duration, shows promise as a potential antidepressant (AD), although clinical evidence in MDD remains limited. We conducted a phase IIa, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous DMT (SPL026; DMT fumarate) in adults with moderate-to-severe MDD. Participants received a single 21.5-mg dose of DMT or placebo infused over 10 min, along with supportive psychotherapeutic support, followed by a 2-week assessment. A subsequent open-label phase offered all participants a second DMT dose. The primary outcome was the change in Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes included response (β‰₯50% reduction in MADRS score) and remission (MADRS ≀ 10). A total of 34 participants

Phase IIa study: 34% MDD patients improved with intravenous DMT (SPL026), highlighting potential rapid antidepressant effects. PMID:41699126, Nat Med 2026, @NatureMedicine https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-04154-z #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

25.02.2026 11:10 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Targeting excessive cholesterol deposition alleviates secondary lymphoedema | Nature Lymphoedema is a chronic debilitating disease caused by impaired lymphatic drainage and is characterized by tissue swelling, fat expansion, inflammation and fibrosis1,2. However, the exact mechanisms that drive lymphoedema are poorly understood. Although lymphatic vessels are known to transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the systemic circulation3, the importance of impaired lymphatic drainage for cholesterol clearance in humans and its relevance to lymphoedema remain unknown. Here we show that lymphatic drainage insufficiency in human lymphoedema leads to excessive cholesterol accumulation in the lymphoedematous dermal tissue and around lymphatic vessels. Cholesterol deposition resulted in dermal adipose tissue remodelling, characterized by adipocyte hypertrophy and dysfunction, progressing to death and dermal fibrosis. Surgical intervention improved lymphatic drainage and reduced cholesterol deposition. Using two mouse models that reproduce features of human lymphoede

Study unveils that targeting cholesterol buildup can relieve secondary lymphoedema symptoms like swelling, fat gain, and inflammation. Discover new relief! PMID:41673147, Nature 2026, @Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-10016-y #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

25.02.2026 07:10 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adx9954 No description available

Innovative "Trikines" form 3-chain cytokine receptor complexes, activating unique pSTAT5 and pSTAT3 pathways unlike IL-2 or IL-10. PMID:41712697, Science 2026, @ScienceMagazine https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adx9954 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

25.02.2026 03:10 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adv2600 No description available

Exciting findings: Mutating a CUG codon blocks toxic DPR production, rescuing ALS/FTD phenotypes without affecting repeat RNAs. [74]-times! PMID:41643021, Science 2026, @ScienceMagazine https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adv2600 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

25.02.2026 02:10 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
A synthetic system for RNA-responsive pyroptosis based on type III-E CRISPR nuclease-protease | Nature Communications Pyroptosis plays a crucial role in immune defense against infections and endogenous threats by eliminating harmful cells and modulating the immune response through inflammation. However, the natural activation of pyroptosis involves intricate signaling pathways, posing significant challenges for its artificial manipulation in research and therapies. Here, we present DAMAGE (Death Manipulation Gene), an innovative system that integrates gasdermins within the type III-E CRISPR framework, enabling the specific recognition of target RNA (tgRNA) and triggering pyroptosis. This mechanism allows DAMAGE to selectively identify and eliminate virus-infected, cancerous, and senescent cells, all of which exhibit altered RNA transcriptomes. Additionally, DAMAGE exhibits considerable promise as a platform for mRNA-LNP therapy. Our study highlights the potential of this CRISPR-based system in the controllable induction of pyroptosis, offering an innovative therapeutic strategy for treating RNA-h

Discover how DAMAGE (Death Manipulation Gene) innovatively fuses gasdermins with type III-E CRISPR, enhancing pyroptosis control. PMID:41667457, Nat Commun 2026, @NatureComms @OTSociety @NAR_Open https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-69179-5 #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

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Hearing loss related genes: ESPN, TRIOBP, MYO6, ANKRD24, ADGRV1, HOMER2, CLRN2, COL11A1, OTOR, ILDR1, MARVELD2, TMPRSS3, ATP6V0A4, LOXHD1, MSRB3, PJVK, STX4, EYA4, REST, CCDC2. Let's write an literature review paper to review each of them. Interested in, let's contact!

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Innate antiviral and immune functions associated with the HIV reservoir decay after anti-PD-1 therapy | Nature Medicine Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV but does not eliminate the latent viral reservoir, which persists in programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-expressing CD4+ T cells. Anti-PD-1 therapies have reduced the HIV reservoir in people living with HIV (PLWH) and cancer; however, the individuals who benefit and the mechanisms driving reservoir reduction remain unclear. We performed a prespecified exploratory, longitudinal multiomic profiling of 30 PLWH (29 males and one female) with cancer in the phase 1 CITN-12 clinical trial, in which pembrolizumab was evaluated for safety and preliminary antitumor activity. The therapy was generally well tolerated, with most adverse events graded 1–2 and objective antitumor response observed in five participants (one complete response and four partial responses). Within 24 hours of treatment, we observed an expansion of proliferating HIV-specific effector CD8+ T cells and a decline in plasma TGFΞ². Furthermore, among the 14 participants tracked to t

Study: Anti-PD-1 therapy reduces HIV reservoirs in CD4+ T cells in 30 PLWH (29M, 1F); explores mechanisms behind this reduction. PMID:41680482, Nat Med 2026, @NatureMedicine https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-025-04139-y #Medsky #Pharmsky #RNA #ASHG #ESHG πŸ§ͺ

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