Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a first-of-its-kind mRNA system that switches on therapeutic genes preferentially inside targeted cells—an advance demonstrated in studies in mice that could lay the groundwork for safer, more precise treatments for cancer and other diseases. The system, called the cell-selective modRNA translation system (cSMRTS), is an engineered form of mRNA designed to activate in specific cell populations. The findings were reported in the November 15 online issue of Molecular Therapy, a Cell Press journal.

【Key Research Achievements】

Demonstration that natural bacteria isolated from amphibian and reptile intestines achieve complete tumor elimination with single administration

Combines direct bacterial killing of cancer cells with immune system activation for comprehensive tumor destruction

Outperforms existing chemotherapy and immunotherapy with no adverse effects on normal tissues

Expected applications across diverse solid tumor types, opening new avenues for cancer treatment

T-box transcription factor 4 (TBX4), a highly conserved member of the T-box gene family, plays a foundational role in mammalian development. Known primarily for orchestrating hindlimb formation and lung morphogenesis, TBX4 has recently emerged as a key regulator linking genetic, epigenetic, and signaling networks to diverse human diseases.

A revolutionary quantum sensing project that could transform cancer treatment by tracking how immune cells interact with tumours has been awarded a prestigious £2 million Future Leaders Fellowship.

The four-year fellowship, funded by UK Research and Innovation, focuses on a critical problem: immune cells often fail when they encounter cancer tissue because the tumour environment disrupts their metabolism. The pathbreaking project could enable the development of improved patient-tailored cancer therapies and provide tools for earlier diagnosis and evaluation of anti-cancer drugs.