LONDON – A vast new body of genomics research has identified thousands of rare genetic variants that are predicted to cause loss of function in protein coding genes, providing novel in vivo models of human gene inactivation.

Variants in the APOE gene are the strongest genetic risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Now, researchers at Rockefeller University have demonstrated that APOE variants also affected the risk of progression and metastasis as well as the response to immunotherapy, in melanoma.

BioWorld looks at translational medicine, including: SIRPa blockade wakes up macrophages post-infection; Lasting immunity to SARS-CoV-2 looks possible; Atherosclerosis, AD meet at the myelin; T cell aging induces broad senescence; P53 loss leads to immune evasion; Early roots of ALS visible in teeth; SLAPping down MDR gram-negatives; ALK is candidate thinness gene; Can N-BPs become MVP again?

Researchers at Duke University have identified a region in the central amygdala – more often thought of as a processing hub for emotions – that could suppress pain when activated.

So far, the excitement surrounding “living drugs” is that of pioneer work, with the Carl June and Steve Rosenberg playing the roles of Lewis and Clark or the Wright brothers.

CYBERSPACE – At the virtual annual meeting of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, CAR T cells were the subject of both historical overviews and cutting-edge research alike.

By delivering the protein follistatin via gene therapy, researchers at Washington University in St. Louis were able to increase skeletal muscle mass, decrease fat, and reverse obesity-related arthritis in mice who developed osteoarthritis as a result of a high-fat diet.

BioWorld looks at translational medicine, including: T-cell mutations contribute to GVHD; Nexavar halts NASH; New MVP against SVMP; Copper escort alleviates Menkes disease; Liver-specific pre-eclampsia treatment is maternal-specific, as well; Integrated herpesvirus-6 is pre-eclampsia risk factor; Prying mantis identifies disease genes; Carbohydrate metabolism implicated in neuropathy.

The climate crisis in the time of COVID-19 illustrates the difference between the important and the urgent. There is, of course, no alternative to focusing on the current pandemic. But at the same time, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has not changed the fact that the climate crisis is a coming wave whose health consequences will ultimately dwarf those of any single infectious agent.