New insights from Whole Genome Sequencing: BCLAF1 deletion as a structural variant that predisposes cells towards cellular transformation.

Cancer arises from a multi‑step cellular transformation process where some mutations may be inherited, while others are acquired during the process of malignant transformation. Aberrations in the BCL2 associated transcription factor 1 () gene have previously been identified in patients with cancer and the aim of the present study was to identify structural variants (SVs) and the effects of gene silencing on cell transformation. Whole‑genome sequencing was performed on DNA isolated from tumour biopsies with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

New antiviral approaches for human parainfluenza: Inhibiting the haemagglutinin-neuraminidase.

Human parainfluenza viruses cause acute respiratory tract infections and disease predominantly in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Currently, there are no vaccines to prevent hPIV infections, nor licensed anti-hPIV drugs. There is therefore a need for specific antiviral therapies to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with hPIV diseases.