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Kadimastem has secured shareholder approval for a merger with NLS Pharmaceutics, aiming to achieve a Nasdaq listing and advance its cell therapy treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). < Back Kadimastem Renews Push for Nasdaq Listing Kadimastem has secured shareholder approval for a merger with NLS Pharmaceutics, aiming to achieve a Nasdaq listing and advance its cell therapy treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Kadimastem is getting a second chance for Nasdaq, after failing last year. The shareholders of cell therapy developer Kadimastem have approved the merger with NLS Pharmaceutics , a biotech that went public in 2021, potentially paving the path for its much-awaited listing in the exchange. Israel-based Kadimastem develops off-the-shelf cell therapy treatments, with its lead candidate targeting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS. Kadimastem almost had a non-binding agreement to merge with IM Cannabis almost a year ago, securing it on Nasdaq. That deal was aborted after the planned legalization of cannabis in Germany meant that IM Cannabis backed out of the deal. Come July, Kadimastem had another path forward when it inked a binding term sheet with NLS. In 2023, NLS slashed it's headcount by 50% and began looking for strategic alternatives. Kadimastem saw NLS as an opportunity to get its stock listed on Nasdaq. The scheme was approved by Kadimastem's shareholders this week, and NLS is expected to convene in the coming weeks to seek the final approval of its own investors. Under the deal, Kadimastem would reach U.S. public markets and the much-needed cash to support its pipeline of cell therapies. The financial hurdle is not very high; the completion needs only $600,000 from NLS and $3.5 million from Kadimastem. Once the deal is closed, the Israeli biotech intends to start an ALS candidate Phase 2a U.S. trial. So far, Kadimastem's cell therapy has given promising results in early testing. It treated 10 ALS patients before COVID-19 forced a halt in a Phase 1/2a trial. The treatments seemed to slow disease progression at three months using the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R). By the six- and twelve-month follow-ups, the rates of patients' deterioration were back to the pre-treatment levels. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

Cambridge biotech’s Activace™ platform offers a scalable, DNA-preserving method to unlock cancer biomarkers from liquid biopsies < Back Tagomics Breakthrough Study Showcases New Epigenomic Profiling Technology in Cell Reports Methods Cambridge biotech’s Activace™ platform offers a scalable, DNA-preserving method to unlock cancer biomarkers from liquid biopsies Cambridge-based biomarker discovery company Tagomics Ltd. has unveiled a groundbreaking study that could reshape the way scientists study the human epigenome and advance liquid biopsy diagnostics. Published this week in Cell Reports Methods , the peer-reviewed paper highlights the company’s Active-Seq technology, the foundation of its proprietary Activace™ platform, which enables genome-wide profiling of unmethylated DNA with unprecedented precision. The research, titled “Genome-wide profiling of unmodified DNA using methyltransferase-directed tagging and enrichment” , builds on work from the University of Birmingham. It demonstrates how Tagomics’ enzymatic approach to epigenomic profiling can identify biomarkers linked to cancer and other diseases by targeting unmethylated DNA regions, critical signals often missed by current technologies. Traditional methods for measuring DNA methylation, the chemical modifications that regulate gene activity, have long been a challenge in liquid biopsy applications, where only trace amounts of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are available. Active-Seq sidesteps these limitations with a conversion-free workflow that preserves the DNA sequence and works with inputs as low as one nanogram. Integrated into the streamlined Activace platform, this approach allows for scalable, high-resolution analysis across large patient cohorts. In their colorectal cancer study, Tagomics scientists used Active-Seq to detect thousands of abnormally methylated genomic regions, both hyper- and hypomethylated, in tumour-derived samples. These signals, strongly associated with cancer biology, could enable earlier detection and improved characterisation of disease through non-invasive blood testing. The study also points to the potential of this technology to trace the tissue of origin of cfDNA, a key hurdle in liquid biopsy diagnostics. Dr. Robert Neely, Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Tagomics, called the publication a “major milestone” for the company: “We show that our platform enables the sensitive detection of unmethylated genomic regions, which are key markers for DNA tissue of origin,” Neely said. “This paper highlights the insights our approach can deliver into the biology of cell-free DNA, and we’re excited about the opportunities it opens up for cancer diagnostics and patient safety monitoring.” With Activace positioned as a scalable solution for biomarker discovery, Tagomics is aiming to push the boundaries of epigenomic research and accelerate the development of liquid biopsy diagnostics for oncology and beyond. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

The pharmaceutical giant invests in AviadoBio, giving them an option to acquire the London-based biotech's gene therapy aimed at frontotemporal dementia (FTD). < Back Astellas Pharma Invests $50 million in AviadoBio to Bolster Gene Therapy Offering The pharmaceutical giant invests in AviadoBio, giving them an option to acquire the London-based biotech's gene therapy aimed at frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Astellas Pharma has invested $50 million in AviadoBio, giving the pharmaceutical giant an option to acquire the London-based biotech's gene therapy aimed at frontotemporal dementia (FTD). AviadoBio's innovative approach targets a specific protein deficiency associated with the disease, aiming to deliver long-term therapeutic benefits. Specifically, Astellas is interested in AviadoBio's single dose AAV-based gene therapy, AVB-101, currently in phase 1/2 clinical trials. The partnership also includes potential milestone payments if development progresses successfully, showcasing Astellas' commitment to gene therapy as a major focus for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The deal is part of Astellas’ broader strategy to expand its gene therapy pipeline. AviadoBio's CEO, Lisa Deschamps , commented “As we complete dosing of the first cohort of patients in our phase 1/2 ASPIRE-FTD trial of AVB-101, we are excited about the potential of this collaboration to help address the unmet need that exists today in frontotemporal dementia". Of the $50 million total sum being paid by Astellas Pharma, $30 million constitutes an upfront payment while the remaining $20 million comes in the form of an equity investment. In return, Astellas will be granted the option of being the therapy's exclusive global license holder. Astellas Pharma is a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies in various areas, including oncology, immunology, and gene therapy. It is heavily investing in cutting-edge medical technologies, such as gene therapies, to address complex diseases. AviadoBio , a London-based biotech, specializes in gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. The company is working on treatments that target specific genetic causes of these conditions, with a particular focus on frontotemporal dementia (FTD), aiming to deliver durable therapeutic benefits. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

Camena Bioscience and Constructive Bio are partnering with global researchers to create the first fully synthetic chloroplast genomes. < Back International Team to Build First Fully Synthetic Chloroplast Genomes Camena Bioscience and Constructive Bio are partnering with global researchers to create the first fully synthetic chloroplast genomes. In a bold step for synthetic biology, Camena Bioscience and Constructive Bio have joined forces with the Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology (MPI-MP) to attempt what has never been achieved before: designing and assembling fully synthetic chloroplast genomes. The £9.1 million project, funded by the UK’s Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), unites global leaders in plant science and genome engineering, including researchers from the University of Essex and UC Berkeley. Their mission is to overcome the formidable complexity of chloroplast genomes; DNA molecules 120–170 kilobases long, highly AT-rich, and riddled with repetitive regions that make them notoriously difficult to sequence, synthesise, and assemble. Chloroplasts, the photosynthetic “powerhouses” of plant cells, play a central role in capturing energy and enabling plants to adapt to environmental change. Understanding and rewriting their genomes could transform plant biology, enabling crops to better withstand climate stress while creating sustainable platforms for producing biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials. To tackle this challenge, Camena will deploy its enzymatic DNA synthesis platform, capable of building long, accurate DNA sequences at scale, while Constructive Bio brings its large-scale genome assembly toolkit, designed to precisely stitch together vast and complex genetic constructs. Together, these innovations will establish a robust pipeline for writing and assembling entire organelle genomes, an achievement that would mark a new era for synthetic biology. “Chloroplast genomes are among the most intricate DNA molecules in nature,” said Dr. Steve Harvey , CEO of Camena Bioscience. “By combining our strengths, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in DNA synthesis and plant genomics.” Dr. Ola Wlodek , CEO of Constructive Bio, added: “Synthetic chloroplasts could revolutionise both fundamental biology and sustainable innovation. This collaboration will lay the foundations for a new class of tools to study plant evolution, photosynthesis, and bioengineering at an unprecedented scale.” The project is led by Dr. Daniel Dunkelmann at MPI-MP, with contributions from Dr. Pallavi Singh (University of Essex) and Dr. Patrick Shih (UC Berkeley). Together, the team aims to deliver a proof-of-concept that could change how scientists design and study complex genomes, moving synthetic biology beyond microbes and into the intricate genomic landscapes of plants. By tackling one of the biggest technical hurdles in plant genomics, this ARIA-backed effort positions the UK and its partners as global leaders in synthetic biology innovation, advancing science toward a future where entire organelles, and eventually whole plants, can be written, redesigned, and optimized from the ground up. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

BAFFR-targeted CAR T cell therapy shows promise in treating relapsed follicular lymphoma. < Back PeproMene Bio Reports Complete Remission in First Follicular Lymphoma Patient from Phase 1 Trial BAFFR-targeted CAR T cell therapy shows promise in treating relapsed follicular lymphoma. PeproMene Bio, Inc . (PMB), a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on developing innovative treatments for cancer and immune-related conditions, announced that the first follicular lymphoma (FL) patient enrolled in its Phase 1 PMB-102 study has reached complete remission just one month after receiving therapy. The ongoing PMB-102 trial is evaluating PMB-CT01, a BAFFR-targeted CAR T cell therapy, in patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHL). The company confirmed that this latest result brings the total number of patients achieving complete remission (CR) in the study to seven, all of whom have shown durable responses with a safety profile described as manageable. "We are excited to report that a patient with r/r FL has achieved complete remission after treatment with PMB-CT01, bringing the total to seven patients—all achieving a 100% CR rate with durable responses and a manageable safety profile. Notably, this patient had previously undergone 7 prior lines of therapy including chemoimmunotherapies, CD19 CAR T cells, an investigational trispecific antibody, and an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Remarkably, the patient experienced no CRS or ICANS," said Elizabeth Budde M.D., Ph.D., lead principal investigator for the study and associate professor of hematology at City of Hope, one of the country’s leading cancer research and treatment centers. Follicular lymphoma is recognized as the most prevalent slow-progressing type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for roughly 20% of NHL cases in the United States. Although current therapies can help manage the disease, FL remains incurable, and relapse is common. With each recurrence, remission tends to become shorter, and the need for new treatment strategies becomes more urgent. "IFLI is dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative treatment options for patients with r/r FL," said Dr. Michel Azoulay, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at the Institute for Follicular Lymphoma Innovation. "I am very excited that PMB-CT01 has shown promising efficacy and safety in this first FL patient." Hazel Cheng, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer at PeproMene Bio, added: "Most of the PMB-102 trial participants relapsed after CD19 CAR T therapy and/or presented with CD19 negative tumors. PMB-CT01 could present a viable alternative option for patients facing this challenging scenario. We are deeply committed to the development of this first-in-class BAFFR CAR T therapy and are excited to advance our study into a multi-site expansion phase that will include r/r MCL, DLBCL and FL patients." Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

Study evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on progression on the 43 Sustainable Development Goals indicators. < Back COVID-19 Pandemic Deepens Global Health Disparities and Slows Progress Towards Sustainable Development Goals Study evaluates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on progression on the 43 Sustainable Development Goals indicators. A new study , published on July 24, 2024, authored by Wanessa Miranda from Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and her team, provides critical insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health and economic disparities. This research underscores the pandemic's role in exacerbating existing inequalities between wealthy and low-income countries, with significant implications for health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs, established in 2015, encompass a broad agenda aiming to eradicate poverty, enhance well-being, and address socioeconomic inequalities. The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted these goals, affecting global health and causing extensive economic damage. The study's analysis, which utilized data from the United Nations SDG database, focuses on how economic disruptions have impacted progress toward health-related SDGs. The researchers developed a yearly projection model to estimate trends from 2020 to 2030, comparing pre-pandemic baseline projections with scenarios reflecting the pandemic's aftermath. Key findings include: Economic losses due to the pandemic are estimated at 42% and 28% for low and lower-middle-income countries, respectively, compared to 15% and 7% for high- and upper-middle-income countries. These disparities are anticipated to exacerbate global health inequalities in critical areas such as infectious diseases, injuries and violence, maternal and reproductive health, health systems coverage, and neonatal and infant health. Low-income countries are projected to experience an average loss of 16.5% in progress across all health indicators. In contrast, high-income countries may see losses as low as 3%. Certain countries, including Turkmenistan and Myanmar, could face progress losses up to nine times greater than the average loss of 8%. The most severe impacts are expected in Africa, the Middle East, Southern Asia, and Latin America. The authors conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing economic and health disparities, significantly impacting the achievement of the 2030 SDG Agenda's health-related targets. The research emphasizes the need for concerted efforts to address these inequities and mitigate their effects on global health outcomes. Overall, understanding these dynamics can help industry professionals better navigate the evolving global health landscape and contribute to more equitable health solutions worldwide. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

EU-funded PhD research program focuses on improving methods for predicting drug metabolism. < Back Optibrium Joins Forces with TalTech to Develop Sustainable AI-Driven Drug Discovery EU-funded PhD research program focuses on improving methods for predicting drug metabolism. The announcement of Optibrium ’s partnership with Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) under the EU-funded INNOCHEMBIO programme marks a significant move in the continuing evolution of computational drug discovery. This initiative reflects a growing recognition that to meet the twin imperatives of efficiency and sustainability, the industry must further integrate cutting-edge machine learning with domain-specific scientific understanding. The goal of this collaboration is to improve the predictive accuracy and computational efficiency of models used to simulate drug metabolism. Specifically, the research will focus on developing machine learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) tailored to drug-like molecules and Cytochrome P450 enzyme-mediated metabolism, one of the most critical and complex pathways in pharmacokinetics. Given that P450 enzymes handle the metabolism of the vast majority of small-molecule drugs, improving predictive power in this domain is no small achievement; it has broad implications for toxicity risk assessment, attrition rates, and project timelines. Crucially, the team isn’t working in a theoretical vacuum. The integration of these models into Optibrium’s StarDrop™ platform ensures that this is not research for research’s sake. As Mario Öeren notes , “Industry-academia collaborations like this provide PhD candidates with unique insights into real-world challenges whilst ensuring their research has immediate practical impact.” That commitment to translation from bench to software deployment is one of the clearest signals that this partnership is not only visionary but also grounded in real-world utility. From a market and strategic standpoint, the move also aligns closely with two megatrends in pharma R&D: the push toward greener, more sustainable workflows, and the increasing reliance on AI/ML-driven decision-making in early-stage design. As Matthew Segall rightly points out, “Faster and more accurate predictive models allow teams to operate more cost-effectively while minimising waste and conserving resources.” In an era of mounting ESG scrutiny and constrained R&D budgets, this kind of capability is not just a scientific advance, it’s a competitive differentiator. Finally, the programme’s foundation within the Marie Sklodowska-Curie COFUND framework underlines the EU’s broader strategy to equip the next generation of scientists with not only technical expertise but also a systems-level understanding of sustainability in chemistry and biotech. Optibrium’s role here is not incidental; it is a demonstration of how the private sector can actively participate in shaping that future talent pool. In short, this partnership represents a strong convergence of scientific ambition, industrial relevance, and sustainability principles, a model for how computational chemistry can and should evolve in the coming decade. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

German biotech, Ovo Labs, claims breakthrough treatment could nearly halve chromosome errors in eggs, potentially transforming success rates for women over 35. < Back First Human Egg ‘Rejuvenation’ Offers Hope for Older IVF Patients German biotech, Ovo Labs, claims breakthrough treatment could nearly halve chromosome errors in eggs, potentially transforming success rates for women over 35. For women over 35 undergoing IVF, the statistics are sobering: ~35% of all their eggs contain abnormal chromosome numbers (aneuploidy), a primary driver of treatment failure and miscarriage. The figure rises to ~90% at age 44. Research presented in Edinburgh this week at the British Fertility Conference suggests this age-related defect might be reversible, marking what could be the first successful rejuvenation of human eggs. Ovo Labs , a Munich-based biotech startup focused on improving IVF outcomes, has revealed first-time efficacy data showing that microinjections of a single protein, EmbryoProtect 1 (EP1), can significantly reduce chromosome abnormalities in eggs donated by fertility patients. The treatment targets a vulnerability that emerges as eggs age, when the molecular ‘glue’ holding chromosomes together begins to weaken. In a preclinical study involving over 100 eggs from patients aged 22 to 43, admittedly a small sample size for a preclinical trial, the proportion of eggs showing defects dropped from 53% in control samples to 29% in those receiving the protein injection. For women over 35, the improvement was similarly pronounced, though statistical significance was limited by the small sample size of just nine eggs in this age group. Although this data has not been through peer-review yet, these findings are of great importance to IVF for women with repeated problems in IVF. ‘Overall we can nearly halve the number of eggs with [abnormal] chromosomes. That’s a very prominent improvement,’ said Prof Melina Schuh, a director at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Gottingen and co-founder of Ovo Labs. ‘Most women in their early 40s do have eggs, but nearly all of the eggs have incorrect chromosome numbers. This was the motivation for wanting to address this problem.’ The findings are generating cautious optimism among the scientific and fertility community, and, of course, experts are rightly calling for more comprehensive data before drawing firm conclusions. Professor Richard Anderson, Elsie Inglis Professor of Clinical Reproductive Science at the University of Edinburgh, called the results potentially transformative. "Being able to treat eggs to make this process work better would be a huge advance, and is what Ovo Labs are claiming to be able to do," he said, though he cautioned that "the details are rather sketchy" and emphasized the need for confirmatory clinical trials addressing safety issues. The decline in egg quality drives a steep drop in IVF success rates as women age. The problem stems from meiosis, the specialised cell division that occurs in sex cells. But in older eggs, Schuh’s team has discovered , the chromosome pairs begin loosening at their midpoint well before fertilisation. This causes the X-shaped structures to drift chaotically rather than lining up properly, resulting in uneven splits that produce embryos with too many or too few chromosomes - aneuploidy. This leads to failed implantation, miscarriage, or chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome. Schuh and colleagues previously identified that a protein called Shugoshin 1 (SGO1), which appears to function as a molecular glue for chromosome pairs, declines sharply with age. Their latest experiments in both mouse and human eggs suggest that restoring this protein through microinjection can reverse the premature separation problem. Professor Robin Lovell-Badge of the Francis Crick Institute recognised the significance of these early results and, interestingly, was keen to understand why Schuh’s lab focused on SGO1 rather than SGO2 as previous research has indicated that there is a clear link between SGO2 and age-related aneuploidy. Dr Güneş Taylor of the University of Edinburgh, who was not involved in the research, described the findings as "really promising.", noting that "if there's a one-shot injection that substantially increases the number of eggs with properly organised chromosomes, that gives you a better starting point." Ovo Labs was founded in 2025 by Schuh along with co-CEOs Dr Agata Zielinska and Dr Oleksandr Yagensky, and is now working toward clinical trials. The company builds on more than two decades of research from Schuh's laboratory, which has published extensively on egg biology in top-tier journals including Science, Cell, and Nature. Dr Zielinska emphasized the potential impact for patients who currently face repeated IVF cycles with limited prospects for success. "Currently, when it comes to female factor infertility, the only solution that's available to most patients is trying IVF multiple times so that, cumulatively, your likelihood of success increases," she said. "What we envision is that many more women would be able to conceive within a single IVF cycle." If validated in clinical trials, the EP1 treatment could result in an additional one million babies born through IVF annually worldwide, potentially the most significant advance in IVF success rates in decades. Professor Antonio Pellicer, founder of IVRMA, the world's largest IVF clinic network, described the approach as "scientifically grounded and could not be more clinically relevant." Aside from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), there are currently no treatments involving microinjections into eggs, but Schuh's team does not anticipate major safety hurdles and is in discussions with regulators about trial design. A critical question for future research will be whether the observed improvements in chromosome organisation translate into embryos with fewer genetic errors and, ultimately, higher live birth rates. The approach would not extend fertility beyond menopause, when the ovarian reserve is depleted. However, for the growing population of women attempting conception in their late 30s and 40s, the prospect of improved egg quality represents a potential paradigm shift in reproductive medicine. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

University of Iowa researchers have uncovered an unexpected double-ring structure in the DNA repair protein RAD52, revealing new insights that could guide the development of next-generation cancer drugs. < Back Unexpected Protein Structure May Lead to New Cancer Treatments University of Iowa researchers have uncovered an unexpected double-ring structure in the DNA repair protein RAD52, revealing new insights that could guide the development of next-generation cancer drugs. A University of Iowa -led study ( published in April 2025) has revealed the unexpected structure adopted by the DNA repair protein RAD52 as it binds and protects replicating DNA in diving cells. This new structural and mechanistic understanding of the RAD52-DNA complex may help researchers develop new anti-cancer drugs. “RAD52 is a coveted drug target for treating cancers that have DNA repair deficiencies, including breast and ovarian cancers, and some glioblastomas,” explains Maria Spies, PhD, UI professor of biochemistry and molecular biology in the UI Carver College of Medicine and senior author of the new study that was published April 2 in Nature. “This protein is an attractive target for new anti-cancer drugs because while it is dispensable in healthy human cells, RAD52 becomes essential for survival of cancer cells, which are deficient in DNA repair function, such as those with defects in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.” Cancers with DNA repair deficiencies depend on other proteins to provide backup pathways for DNA repair, which allows the cancer cells to proliferate fast and survive despite DNA damage. RAD52 is one of those proteins. This means that molecules that block RAD52 and prevent it from functioning could be useful for treating these types of cancer. It has already been shown that RAD52 inhibitors can selectively kill cancerous cells and minimize the toxicity associated with radiation and chemotherapy. This ability is similar to the action of the first drugs approved to target BRCA1/2 deficient cancers, the so-called PARP (poly-ADP-ribose polymerase) inhibitors, which are now in clinical use. While almost 15% of patients treated with the PARP inhibitor olaparib remain disease free for more than five years, many develop resistance within the first year. “Targeting RAD52 (independent of or together with PARP inhibition) will increase the repertoire of available therapies,” Spies says. “However, to develop drugs that will inhibit RAD52 in cancer cells, we first need to understand how RAD52 functions at the molecular, structural, and cellular level.” A new shape reveals possible targets for drug therapy The fact that RAD52 appears to be dispensable in normal human cells but essential for survival of cancer cells experiencing defective DNA repair creates both an advantage and a challenge. The advantage is that inhibiting RAD52 should kill cancer cells with minimal negative effect on the patient’s healthy cells. The challenge is figuring out what functions and features of RAD52 should be targeted. In the new study Spies and her UI team, collaborating with Pietro Pichierri at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità, in Rome, Italy, and M. Ashley Spies, PhD, in the UI College of Pharmacy, have discovered structural and functional information about RAD52 that may help them develop new, specific ways to inhibit this protein. Double ring structure protects DNA Spies and Pichierri had previously discovered that RAD52 is important in protecting stalled DNA replication forks. Their work suggested that this new function of RAD52 facilitates the survival of cancer cells. In the new study, Spies’ team used cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM) to show that RAD52 proteins form an unexpected spool-like structure composed of two rings of RAD52, each containing 11 copies of protein, that engages all three arms of the “DNA replication fork”, rearranges the fork structure and protects it from unscheduled activity of motor proteins. To obtain this image, the team created a DNA substrate, which resembles a stalled DNA replication fork. The substrate fixes the RAD52 complex in place by bringing the two rings together with all three DNA arms. Both single and double stranded DNA features interact with RAD52 and hold the structure in place, allowing the team to obtain a detailed 3D structure of the whole protein-DNA complex. Using specialized microscopes built in Spies’ lab, the researchers were also able to monitor the RAD52-DNA transactions at the single-molecule level, revealing that the fork protection occurs through dynamic protein-DNA interactions. “Although the single ring structure had been observed previously, this is the first structure showing the two rings together on the DNA, doing something unexpected,” Spies says. “This new structure provides clues about which important areas of the protein can be targeted for future drug discovery.” Targeting RAD52 to create new cancer drugs Spies’ team already has small molecules that bind and inhibit RAD52, but to develop these molecules into testable drugs, they need to be further refined and modified to make them more effective and more specific. The results of Spies lab’s structural and biophysical work were complemented by computational studies by Ashley Spies (UI College of Pharmacy), and cell-based and super resolution imaging by the Pichierri group in Rome. In combination, the labs’ efforts revealed the importance of the two-ring RAD52 architecture to its ability to act as a DNA replication gatekeeper and to the survival of cancer cells. “This work and our structure-activity knowledge gained in this study sets up future work on understanding the RAD52 activities and regulation, and offers new targets for its inhibition,” Spies says. “Hopefully, this information will help us develop new inhibitors of this protein and tap the potential of RAD52 as an anti-cancer drug target.” The project was led by Maria Spies, PhD, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. Under her direction, the Spies laboratory conducted and coordinated the study, with significant contributions from shared first authors Masayoshi Honda, PhD, and Mortezaali (Ali) Razzaghi, PhD. Dr. Honda performed the biochemical and single-molecule fluorescence analyses, while Dr. Razzaghi led the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) studies. Paras Gaur, PhD, served as a second author, contributing his expertise by carrying out the mass photometry experiments and assisting in the interpretation of single-molecule data. The study further benefited from collaborations with Pietro Pichierri, PhD (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome), M. Ashley Spies, PhD (University of Iowa College of Pharmacy), and Nicholas J. Schnicker, PhD (University of Iowa Protein and Crystallography Core), who provided additional structural and computational insights. The study was funded in part by grants from the National Cancer Institute, part of the NIH (R01 CA232425 and P30 CA086862, which supports HCCC); Ali Razzaghi was supported by a postdoctoral fellowship from the NIH NCI T32 in Free Radicals and Radiation Biology training program CA078586. Overall, the work led by the Spies laboratory highlights a newly identified RAD52 structure and its implications for cancer therapy. If you're interested in learning more you can read the original research paper in Nature here . You can also find out more about the study lead, Maria Spies, via her profile on the University of Iowa website here . Author Jennifer Brown with corrections from Dr Maria Spies Previous Next

We explore the essentiality of parasites and the argument that they are fundamental ecosystem components deserving of conservation. < Back On the Importance of Conserving Parasite Species We explore the essentiality of parasites and the argument that they are fundamental ecosystem components deserving of conservation. Parasite conservation? Hear us out Parasitism defines a relationship between two organisms in which one benefits at the expense of the other. Such organisms have been around for millions of years, and this relationship has been observed in every ecosystem, from the sea to the Sahara. Given the nature of a parasitic relationship, infection usually leads to disease or death of the host organism. Parasitic infections, though observed all over the world, are generally most present in developing countries, with a prevalence rate of 30-60% . The potential harm to health due to infection has resulted in a widespread negative perception surrounding parasite species, so much so, that the word ‘parasite’ is often used in a derogatory manner. However, parasites are a hugely diverse group of organisms. According to some scientists, around half of all living organisms can be classified as parasitic, although the exact number of parasites in existence is still yet to be determined. Whilst some parasites do cause debilitating diseases with huge economic, mortal, and sociological costs, most parasites play vital roles in the ecosystems they inhabit. This article will explore some of the beneficial roles of parasites, adding fuel to the argument that they are fundamental ecosystem components deserving of conservation, just as any other organism. Parasite-derived ecosystem benefits Parasitic species can provide invaluable information on the state of an ecosystem. Studies have found that some parasites can be used as biological indicators of habitat degeneration, or fragmentation, as well as changes in climate change . In marine environments threatened by ocean acidification, parasitic abundance has been shown to be associated with increased levels of carbon dioxide. Some parasitic species are able to accumulate pollutants from hosts. For example, some helminth (parasitic worm) species can bio-accumulate metals such as zinc and cadmium. Studies have found that in saltmarsh ecosystems, parasites are responsible for concentrating over 50% of the heavy-metal pollutants in the system. Parasites as therapeutics Despite their connotation with disease, and death, parasites might have application as therapeutic organisms for treating autoimmune problems. Scientists have been increasingly exploring a theory known as the “ health hypothesis ”. This theory suggests that decreased parasite/pathogen exposure (usually resulting from urbanisation), is responsible for an increase in the frequency of allergies and other diseases (e.g., type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis). As such, some scientists have begun exploring this by intentionally infecting mouse models with hookworms, and it has been found that infection stimulates an immune response that can help protect tissue from autoimmune problems . In humans, therapies have been used involving whipworm infections, to downregulate the patient’s immune response and achieve remission in Crohn’s disease . Parasitic influence on the host communities Perhaps most important of all is the effect that parasite species have on both individuals and host communities. After infection, the parasite will begin to remove resources from the host body which would otherwise be used for growth, reproduction, and development. Hosts will attempt to compensate for the negative effects by altering other traits not directly associated with the parasite (e.g., dispersal patterns or developmental rate). By altering the host traits, parasites can cause variation in host growth, survival or reproductive rate, thus altering the structure of the whole host community . Final thoughts Whilst some researchers are starting to take note of parasite importance, in many cases their negative reputation precedes them, discouraging potential sponsors, academics, and even the public from taking an interest in parasitic research. Though there has been some movement to conserve parasites on a global scale , this is still a long way off and would require a drastic change in public opinion. This change will not come about easily – parasites and the illnesses they bring are still responsible for millions of deaths worldwide every year. There is also the added issue of climate change; as the Earth’s temperature rises and species struggle to adapt to changing conditions, many are going extinct before science can catch up. Given their reputation, parasitic species are at even greater threat of extinction as they do not attract or inspire the same attention or funding as other more charismatic species. As a result, parasite species are mainly absent from threatened species lists and are not protected by legislation. Parasites have always existed, co-evolving alongside species. Even the earliest writings describe parasites and the infections they caused. However, as the world continues to warm, and many parasitic species continue to be ignored, scientists worry about how this could impact our world, and the species that inhabit it. Perhaps not all parasitic species deserve conservation attention, however it is important to recognise and understand their roles in nature. Parasites are weaved into the fabric of our world, and without them, life would certainly look very different. Author Olivia Kolasinski , freelance contributor Previous Next

Read our run down of the cutting-edge biotech industry trends revolutionizing the life science industry. < Back The 10 Biotech Industry Trends Shaping the Future Read our run down of the cutting-edge biotech industry trends revolutionizing the life science industry. The 10 Biotech Industry Trends Shaping the Future Developments in biotechnology sit at the cutting-edge of science and the start-line of industrial revolutions. A new biotech innovation can transform human society. Around six thousand years ago, Homo sapiens harnessed the biological processes of microorganisms to make bread and alcohol. Today, biotechnology connotes a far more advanced manipulation of biological processes; indeed, we are now modifying DNA in highly specific ways to genetically engineer therapeutics that improve lives around the world. From providing solutions to food security challenges through to developing new and improved therapeutic drugs, biotechnology has revolutionized human society. Here, we pick out the 10 key biotech trends that look set to further propel the life science industry, and society, forward. 1. Gene editing revolution Gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 continue to revolutionize biotech, offering precise and efficient methods for editing genetic material, with applications ranging from disease treatment to agricultural enhancement. One notable example is the treatment of sickle cell disease using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. In 2019, researchers at Stanford University used CRISPR to correct the genetic mutation responsible for sickle cell disease in human stem cells, paving the way for potential gene therapies to treat this inherited blood disorder. 2. Personalized medicine Advancements in genomics and bioinformatics enable the development of personalized medicine tailored to individual genetic profiles, enhancing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. The drug Herceptin (trastuzumab) is often regarded as the ‘poster child’ for personalized medicine in oncology. Herceptin specifically targets cancer cells that overexpress the HER2 protein, which is present in about 20% of breast cancer patients. By identifying patients with HER2-positive breast cancer through genetic testing, physicians can prescribe Herceptin only to those women with these types of tumors, leading to improved treatment outcomes. 3. Immunotherapy breakthroughs Immunotherapy, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, is making strides in cancer treatment by harnessing the body's immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, offering promising outcomes for patients. CAR-T cell therapy has demonstrated remarkable success in treating certain types of blood cancers. Novartis's Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel) and Gilead's Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel) are two FDA-approved CAR-T cell therapies that reprogram a patient's own immune cells to target and eliminate cancer cells, offering new hope to patients with refractory or relapsed leukemia and lymphoma. 4. RNA-based therapeutics RNA-based therapies, including mRNA vaccines and RNA interference (RNAi) therapies, are gaining traction for their potential to target a wide range of diseases, from infectious diseases to genetic disorders. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna represent a groundbreaking application of RNA-based technology. These vaccines use synthetic mRNA to instruct cells to produce a viral protein, triggering an immune response that protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The rapid development and successful deployment of these vaccines exemplify the potential of RNA-based therapeutics. 5. Bioprinting innovations 3D bioprinting technologies are advancing rapidly, allowing the fabrication of tissues and organs for transplantation, drug testing, and regenerative medicine applications. A new era of tissue engineering is emerging as a result of this technology. In 2019, researchers at Tel Aviv University successfully 3D bioprinted a heart using human cells and a biocompatible scaffold. This achievement marked a significant milestone in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, demonstrating the feasibility of creating complex organs for transplantation using bioprinting technology. In the bioprocessing industry, a recent study demonstrated how 3D printing of a bioreactor holds immense promise for advancing the efficiency of upstream bioprocessing. 6. Microbiome research Understanding the human microbiome's role in health and disease is a burgeoning field, with implications for developing novel therapeutics, diagnostics, and dietary interventions to modulate microbial communities. The development of microbiome-based therapeutics for gastrointestinal conditions is exemplified by the success of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in treating recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT involves transferring fecal matter from a healthy donor to a patient with C. difficile infection to restore a healthy gut microbiota composition, leading to resolution of symptoms in many cases. 7. Synthetic biology expansion Synthetic biology approaches enable the design and engineering of biological systems for various applications, such as biofuel production, drug synthesis, and environmental remediation, driving innovation across industries. Recently, synthetic biology has emerged as a potential way of better controlling activation intensity of CAR-T cells, which is pivotal for CAR-T cell therapy effectiveness. We explore the mechanisms behind this exciting development here . 8. Digital health integration The convergence of biotech and digital technologies facilitates remote monitoring, personalized healthcare solutions, and data-driven insights, empowering patients and healthcare providers with actionable information. The wearable glucose monitor developed by Abbott, FreeStyle Libre , exemplifies the integration of biotech and digital health technologies. This continuous glucose monitoring system allows individuals with diabetes to track their glucose levels in real time using a wearable sensor and a mobile app, enabling better glucose management and reducing the need for traditional fingerstick tests. The highly advertised ZOE app, another glucose monitoring product, shows how digital health integration can be used to develop personalised diet strategies. This app is also the ‘largest in-depth nutrition study in the world’. Read about the recent hype - and contention - around this product in What’s Up With Glucose? 9. Sustainable biomanufacturing Biotech companies are increasingly adopting sustainable biomanufacturing practices, including renewable feedstock utilization, process optimization, and waste reduction, to minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability. Biotech company Amyris utilizes renewable feedstocks, such as sugarcane, to produce sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived products, including biofuels, cosmetics, and fragrances. By leveraging fermentation technology and green chemistry principles, Amyris reduces reliance on fossil fuels and minimizes environmental impact in the production process. 10. AI-driven drug discovery Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are revolutionizing drug discovery and development processes by accelerating molecule screening, predicting drug efficacy, and optimizing clinical trial design, leading to faster and more cost-effective drug discovery pipelines. Atomwise , a leading AI-driven drug discovery company, uses deep learning algorithms to screen millions of small molecules for their potential to bind to specific protein targets implicated in diseases. This approach accelerates the identification of promising drug candidates and facilitates rational drug design, potentially expediting the development of new therapies for various medical conditions. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next

Researchers have developed a new gene-editing technique called bridge editing, which uses bacterial "jumping genes" to precisely insert large DNA sequences into the human genome without causing harmful DNA breaks, offering a safer and more efficient method for treating genetic disorders. < Back Using Jumping Genes for Safer, More Accurate DNA Editing Researchers have developed a new gene-editing technique called bridge editing, which uses bacterial "jumping genes" to precisely insert large DNA sequences into the human genome without causing harmful DNA breaks, offering a safer and more efficient method for treating genetic disorders. In a groundbreaking development in the world of genetic engineering, researchers have introduced a new gene-editing technique that harnesses the natural mobility of bacterial “jumping genes” to make precise alterations to human DNA. This method, known as bridge editing, offers a novel approach to genetic modification, allowing for the insertion of desired DNA sequences into the human genome without the need to induce double-strand breaks, which is a common feature of many traditional gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR. Jumping genes, also known as transposons, are sequences of DNA that can move around within a genome. These genes were first discovered in bacteria, and their ability to "jump" from one location in the genome to another has now been harnessed for more precise genetic interventions. The bridge editing technique takes advantage of this natural mechanism by using a specially designed molecule, called bridge RNA, which acts as a guide to insert genetic material into a target site in the genome. The bridge RNA can simultaneously recognize both the target DNA sequence and the donor DNA, guiding the DNA insertion with high accuracy. Unlike traditional gene-editing approaches, such as CRISPR-Cas9, which rely on creating double-strand breaks in DNA to induce the insertion of new genetic material, bridge editing works by directly integrating the desired DNA sequence into the genome. This method eliminates the need for cellular repair mechanisms that often introduce unwanted mutations, making it a safer and more efficient way to edit genes. By avoiding the introduction of DNA breaks, bridge editing significantly reduces the risk of off-target effects and other complications associated with other gene-editing techniques, making it a promising tool for clinical applications. One of the most notable advantages of bridge editing is its ability to work with large or complex genetic sequences. Current gene-editing technologies face significant challenges when attempting to address genetic disorders that involve large DNA sequences or complex genes. Diseases such as muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, certain cancers, and various neurological disorders often require the insertion of entire genes or large segments of DNA, which has been difficult to achieve using traditional tools. Bridge editing offers a solution to this challenge, as it allows researchers to insert these large DNA sequences with high precision and minimal risk of error. Moreover, the simplicity and versatility of the bridge RNA system make it a potentially revolutionary tool for gene therapies. Traditional gene therapies often rely on complex delivery methods to introduce genetic material into cells, and the process can be difficult to control. The bridge RNA system, on the other hand, could simplify this process, making it easier to deliver genetic material across a wide range of cell types and tissues. This could open the door to new therapies for conditions that are currently difficult to treat or manage, with the potential for more effective and widely applicable treatments. Additionally, bridge editing holds promise for applications beyond therapeutic gene editing. In research, it could serve as a tool for studying gene function and regulation by enabling scientists to introduce specific genetic changes in a controlled and predictable manner. This could lead to new insights into the underlying mechanisms of genetic diseases and provide a deeper understanding of how genes influence health and disease. Although still in its early stages, bridge editing is a significant step forward in the field of genetic medicine. Researchers are currently working on optimizing this technique for use in human cells, and early results have shown promising outcomes. In the future, it could complement existing gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, offering a broader range of options for correcting genetic mutations. Its high precision, ability to handle large genetic sequences, and reduced risk of unintended mutations make it an exciting prospect for researchers, clinicians, and patients alike. Looking ahead, the potential of bridge editing could transform the landscape of gene therapy and personalized medicine. With its ability to precisely alter the human genome, it could offer new hope for patients with previously untreatable genetic disorders. As more research is conducted and this technology evolves, bridge editing could emerge as a powerful tool for both curing genetic diseases and advancing the field of gene-editing as a whole. The development of bridge editing represents a monumental advancement in genetic engineering. By utilizing jumping genes to precisely and safely insert genetic material, this technique could revolutionize the way we approach gene therapies, offering a more efficient, accurate, and safer method for genetic modifications. While the technology is still in the experimental phase, its potential applications are vast, ranging from therapeutic treatments to fundamental research. As research continues, bridge editing may become a cornerstone of the next generation of genetic medicine. Author BioFocus Newsroom Previous Next