Researchers have identified a protein not previously found in the placenta that plays a role in infant vascular development and potentially affects maternal health. Their discovery is described in a new article published in Angiogenesis.

Scientists are highlighting long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as promising targets in the effort to overcome one of cancer treatment’s most persistent challenges: therapeutic resistance. A comprehensive review published in Genes & Diseases examines how these RNA molecules can influence resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy and explores their potential for improving treatment outcomes.

A new review in Genes & Diseases highlights FTO, an enzyme involved in RNA modification, as a potentially important biomarker and therapeutic target across gastrointestinal cancers. The article brings together current understanding of FTO in gastric, liver, colorectal and pancreatic cancers, revealing a complex role in which the enzyme can both promote and suppress cancer progression depending on biological context.

A new review in Genes & Diseases highlights Piezo channels as important biological links between mechanical forces and the cellular processes that shape the face, move teeth and influence oral health. The article focuses on Piezo1 and Piezo2, mechanosensitive ion channels that convert physical forces into cellular signals throughout the craniofacial skeleton and periodontal tissues.

A review published in Genes & Diseases highlights the prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype 4 (EP4) as an important regulator of inflammation and a promising therapeutic target for a wide range of inflammatory and inflammation-related diseases. By examining the diverse actions of the PGE2–EP4 signaling pathway, the article demonstrates how targeting this receptor could provide more precise approaches to controlling inflammation.