Publications by authors named "Ardijana Novaj"
Article Synopsis
- Pathogenic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are linked to several types of hereditary cancer, but inactivating both copies (bBRCA1/2) can be lethal in embryos and reduce cell growth.
- Researchers identified specific genetic changes commonly found in bBRCA1/2 tumors that could boost cell proliferation and studied them through various analytical methods, including examining mutation patterns in databases.
- In their results, they discovered that bBRCA1/2 tumors often showed large genomic deletions, identified genes that influenced cell growth, and validated some candidate genes (like RIC8A) as crucial for tumor viability despite the loss of BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Purpose: The importance of the DNA damage response in mediating effects of radiotherapy (RT) has galvanized efforts to target this pathway with radiosensitizers. Yet early clinical trials of this approach have failed to yield a benefit in unselected populations. We hypothesized that ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (Atm)-null tumors would demonstrate genotype-specific synergy between RT and an inhibitor of the DNA damage response protein ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Research suggests that both dietary and pharmacologic strategies can help delay aging and its diseases, highlighting the need for simple, effective whole food options for better health as we age.
- Observational studies indicate that nut consumption, particularly walnuts, may reduce mortality risk due to their beneficial components like n-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
- In a study with mice, walnut consumption alongside a high-fat diet showed some health benefits, such as improved glucose levels and exercise capacity, although it did not significantly impact inflammation, antioxidant capacity, or overall survival.
Disruptions in growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-1) signaling have been linked to improved longevity in mice and humans. Nevertheless, while IGF-1 levels are associated with increased cancer risk, they have been paradoxically implicated with protection from other age-related conditions, particularly in the brain, suggesting that strategies aimed at selectively increasing central IGF-1 action may have favorable effects on aging. To test this hypothesis, we generated inducible, brain-specific (TRE-IGF-1 × Camk2a-tTA) IGF-1 (bIGF-1) overexpression mice and studied effects on healthspan.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDiminished growth factor signaling improves longevity in laboratory models, while a reduction in the somatotropic axis is favorably linked to human aging and longevity. Given the conserved role of this pathway on lifespan, therapeutic strategies, such as insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) monoclonal antibodies (mAb), represent a promising translational tool to target human aging. To this end, we performed a preclinical study in 18-mo-old male and female mice treated with vehicle or an IGF-1R mAb (L2-Cmu, Amgen Inc), and determined effects on aging outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObesity can negatively impact intestinal homeostasis, and increase colon cancer risk and related mortality. Thus, given the alarmingly high rates of obesity in the US and globally, it is critical to identify practical strategies that can break the obesity-cancer link. Walnuts have been increasingly recognized to mitigate cancer risk, and contain many bioactive constituents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially counteract pathways thought to be initiators of obesity-related cancer.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF