Research Highlights - Autumn 2016 - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Editing sickle cell disease

A new gene editing approach eases the effects of sickle cell disease in blood cells isolated from patients.
Researchers identify master flu assassin

Molecular "master assassin" identified that recognizes flu-infected cells and triggers cell death, raises hope for drugs to prevent flu complications.
Applied math and supercomputing help smooth transition from lab to clinic

A modeling approach used lab data to find the optimal drug dose in a successful clinical trial for children with recurrent ependymoma.
Cancer immune therapy: A potential new avenue

T cells do different jobs in the immune system depending on how much c-Myc protein they make, scientists find. What could this mean for immune therapies?
Targeted antibiotics may help protect bacterial good guys in the gut

Targeted antibiotic is easier on the gut microbiome; highlights a possible antibiotic drug development strategy
Rare genetic variations may solve porphyria mystery

Variations in a porphyrin transport protein may affect symptom severity in patients with porphyria, a rare disorder of skin, liver and nervous system.
Finding new ways to protect patients during chemo

Newly identified type of lung macrophage protects chemotherapy-treated mice from lethal bacterial pneumonia despite absence of neutrophils.
Most teen survivors of childhood cancer are well adjusted

While most teen cancer survivors are well adjusted, some may benefit from more comprehensive psychological screening to identify and treat symptoms