The contribution of alternative RNA splicing in the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been deeply explored. In a recent study, the RNA-binding protein RNA binding fox-1 homolog 2 (RBFOX2) was investigated, since its role in modulating alternative splicing in PDAC is not well understood.

JAK1 signaling promotes skin inflammation and is a major therapeutic target for atopic dermatitis-related itching. But in a study appearing in the Jan. 4, 2024, print issue of Cell after earlier publication online, researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, led by dermatologist Brian Kim, found that intrinsic JAK1 signaling in sensory neurons had an immunoprotective effect in the lung. The findings suggest a more precise and personalized approach is required to potentially expand JAK inhibitor use to a wider range of allergy and inflammatory disorders.

Researchers from Epics Therapeutics SA presented preclinical data for EP-102, a novel small-molecule inhibitor of N6-adenosine-methyltransferase catalytic subunit (METTL3), being developed for the treatment of cancer.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapies targeted against CD19 have been widely used for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. However, the down-regulation of CD19 can lead to relapse, and autologous CAR T therapies have limitations that need to be addressed.