John J Fung

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Researchers created a new tool to better study proteins in yeast by developing a library that allows scientists to control when proteins are broken down. They tested over 5,600 proteins and found that around 90% could be effectively degraded when a specific chemical was added. This method not only helps make clearer connections between proteins and their functions but also uncovered a key protein, GSF2, that plays a role in yeast's ability to resist a certain drug, which could lead to better insights in genetics and cell biology.

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A recent study finds that cadaveric islet transplantation, a treatment for diabetes, is still not available in the U.S. despite being a standard procedure in countries like Canada and Australia. The delay is due to outdated regulations, and advocates are pushing for changes to make this therapy accessible to American patients. This matters because effective treatments are being denied to those who need them, leaving many without an important option for managing their diabetes.

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Researchers studied a new treatment called zimislecel for people with type 1 diabetes, which involves infusing stem cell-derived islet cells into the body. Out of 12 participants who received the full dose, all were free from severe low blood sugar events and maintained healthy blood sugar levels for over 70% of the time after one year; 83% of them did not need to take insulin anymore. These findings are important because they suggest zimislecel may help restore normal insulin production and improve diabetes management, indicating a need for more research.

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This study looks at how mindfulness training can help high-achieving students of color manage stress and improve their health. Researchers will work with 504 students, splitting them into two groups: one will receive mindfulness training, while the other will not. They expect that this training will reduce chronic stress, improve mental health, and lead to better overall health in these students, addressing important health gaps in minoritized communities.

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Dr. Thomas E. Starzl was a groundbreaking figure in organ transplantation, making significant advancements in how organs are procured, preserved, and matched, as well as how surgeries are performed. Over his 60-year career, he authored 2,872 publications, making him one of the most cited scientists in the field. His work not only improved transplant techniques for organs like kidneys and livers but also helped shape our understanding of the immune system, which is vital for patient care in transplantation and beyond.

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Researchers examined the safety of living liver donors after surgery, focusing on early complications that occur within 90 days. They found that there's a need for better care guidelines, including regular monitoring and follow-up to prevent issues like infections and liver dysfunction. Improving these practices is important to ensure the health and safety of living liver donors as this life-saving procedure becomes more common.

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This study analyzed the effectiveness of the antibiotic piperacillin/tazobactam compared to traditional antibiotics for preventing infections in patients undergoing a complex surgery called pancreatoduodenectomy. Out of nearly 2,400 patients, those who received piperacillin/tazobactam had about half the risk of developing surgical-site infections and major complications, along with lower rates of serious pancreatic problems and death. These findings indicate that using piperacillin/tazobactam can significantly improve outcomes for patients undergoing this type of surgery, suggesting it should be adopted as a standard preventative measure.

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Livers stored on ice before transplant suffer ischemia damage that worsens outcomes. This randomized trial tested a portable device that keeps the liver oxygenated and perfused during transport, compared to standard cold storage. The results support that hypothermic oxygenated machine perfusion reduces injury and could become a new standard for liver preservation in the U.S.

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This study looked at how cells repair mistakes in their DNA caused by accidental incorporation of ribonucleotides during cell division. The researchers found that when these mistakes occur and are not properly fixed, they can lead to serious DNA damage, which affects cell health. Specifically, they discovered that a certain genetic repair system they call "nick lesion repair" is crucial for repairing this type of damage, and problems with this repair process can contribute to diseases.

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This study looked at children with biliary atresia (BA) who received liver transplants in the U.S. from 2010 to 2021 and compared their outcomes to those with other liver diseases. Researchers found that 27.7% of BA patients received split liver transplants and 20% received living-donor transplants, with five-year survival rates for transplanted livers being significantly higher for older patients with BA (88.3% vs. 79.5%). These findings highlight that liver transplants for BA are very successful, especially when done using living donors and at transplant centers that perform more procedures.

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This study looked at liver transplants from living donors for patients with advanced liver disease, comparing those with high MELD scores (over 25) to those with low MELD scores (under 25). Researchers found that both groups had similar survival rates after one, three, and five years, and there were no major differences in complications, although high MELD patients were more likely to experience issues like pulmonary infections and longer hospital stays. These findings highlight that living donor transplants can be a viable option for patients with higher MELD scores, which is important as the need for donor livers continues to grow.

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This study focused on a protein called Chs3 in yeast, which needs to be correctly folded in a part of the cell called the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to function properly. Researchers discovered that when Chs3 is properly modified with sugar molecules, it prevents the protein from clumping together and being marked for destruction. The findings highlight the importance of these quality control systems in keeping the right balance of proteins in cells, which could help us understand similar processes in other organisms.

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Researchers studied a new drug called GPC-100, combined with propranolol, to help improve the collection of stem cells from blood for cancer treatment. They found that this combination was more effective at mobilizing stem cells than the standard treatments, resulting in more cells being collected quickly—showing that GPC-100 with propranolol could lead to better outcomes for patients needing stem cell transplants. This matters because it offers a promising new approach to enhance treatment for patients with blood cancers like multiple myeloma.

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Researchers discussed ways to improve living kidney donation, which is the best treatment for people with kidney failure but has not increased in the U.S. in over 20 years. They found that offering rewards for donors could save up to 40,000 lives each year and reduce medical costs, and surveys showed that voters support compensating donors. Experts agreed that to boost donations, barriers in the donor process must be removed, living donor exchanges should be expanded, and donors should not have to pay any costs related to the donation.

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This study looked at kidney transplant patients to see if a specific risk model, called the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM), could predict their chances of dying after the transplant. Out of 360 patients, researchers found that a higher SHFM score was linked to increased risk of death, with a 1-point increase in score making patients 76% more likely to die post-transplant. This is important because it suggests that the adapted SHFM can help doctors assess which kidney transplant patients are at higher risk for mortality, potentially improving patient care.

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This study looked at a complication called small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) that can occur after liver transplants from living donors. Researchers found that managing this condition effectively can improve patient outcomes, with most patients recovering through medical treatment, interventional radiology, or surgery, especially if they seek help early. However, patients are at a higher risk of losing the liver transplant if their bilirubin levels are over 10 mg/dL or their INR is above 1.6 a week after surgery, which emphasizes the importance of timely intervention.

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This study looked at whether delaying the start of a common kidney-suppressing medication (CNI) after liver transplantation helps protect kidney function compared to starting it right away. In a trial with 110 patients, delaying the medication (starting it 10 days later) showed better kidney function after 9 months but not at 12 months, and there were no major side effects linked to the treatment. These findings are important because they suggest that using a specific treatment method could help preserve kidney health in liver transplant patients without increasing risks.

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Researchers studied a method using special fluorescent proteins to track how quickly proteins break down in yeast. They developed a system that allows them to analyze protein turnover in large groups of yeast cells, finding specific patterns and factors that influence how proteins are degraded. This is important because understanding protein turnover can help in studying diseases and developing new treatments by revealing how proteins function and are managed within cells.

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This research paper discusses how islet transplants, which can help people with type 1 diabetes, are stuck in a complicated regulatory process in the U.S. The FDA classifies pancreatic islets as a type of drug, making it costly and time-consuming to approve them for use, and this has delayed access for 20 years. The authors argue that islets should be regulated like other human organs, which would simplify the process and allow more patients to benefit from this effective treatment.

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This paper looks at how liver transplantation (LT) can help patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, particularly when the tumors can't be removed through surgery. The research shows that in some cases, LT can improve survival rates, with patients having a better overall survival and disease-free survival when treated using this method. This finding is important because it offers a new treatment option for patients who previously had limited choices, potentially leading to better outcomes for those dealing with advanced cancer.

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This paper studied how hospitals can prioritize important surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic while facing limited resources and potential risks. Researchers developed a scoring system that helps make decisions about which surgeries to perform based on factors like resource availability and the risk of virus transmission. This method is important because it ensures that patients who need urgent care still receive it, while also considering public health and safety during a crisis.

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Researchers studied liver transplant patients to see if genetic differences in a specific gene related to fat metabolism (adiponectin) affected the occurrence of liver fat buildup after the transplant. They found that 35% of the 111 patients examined had early signs of fat in their liver, and those with certain genetic variations inherited from the transplant recipient (but not the donor) were more likely to develop this condition. This matters because understanding these genetic factors can help identify patients at higher risk for liver issues after transplant, potentially leading to targeted care strategies.

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Researchers studied how certain proteins, called G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), group together in cell membranes to understand their signaling roles. They found that these proteins can form different cluster sizes and respond differently to various conditions, revealing important details about how they work together—like the beta-adrenergic receptor grouping differently than the cannabinoid receptor. This knowledge matters because it helps scientists better understand cellular communication, which is crucial for developing new treatments for diseases.

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This study looked at a new way to protect insulin-producing islets transplanted into people with type 1 diabetes without needing strong immunosuppressive drugs, which can have serious side effects. Researchers found that special immune cells (myeloid-derived suppressor cells, or MDSCs) could be generated from mouse bone marrow and, when given as a treatment, significantly extended the survival of islet transplants. Specifically, these MDSCs traveled to the transplant site and suppressed harmful immune responses, allowing the islets to function better for a longer time. This approach matters because it could improve the success of islet transplants and reduce the risks associated with traditional immunosuppressive therapies.

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This study looked at liver transplant outcomes for patients with hemophilia and hepatitis C, comparing them to patients without hemophilia. They examined data from over 2,500 patients and found that hemophilia itself did not impact survival rates after a transplant; however, patients with both HIV and hepatitis C had a higher risk of dying before and after the transplant. Understanding these outcomes is important for improving treatment and care decisions for liver transplant candidates with hemophilia and HIV.

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This research focused on how to better manage short-gut syndrome, a condition where the intestines are too short to absorb nutrients effectively. The findings show that only a small percentage of these patients actually need a small bowel transplant, as many can improve through proper medical treatment without surgery. Early referrals to specialists can lead to better health outcomes and a higher chance of survival for patients who might otherwise face serious complications from long-term nutritional support.

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This study reviewed liver transplantation as a treatment for patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. Researchers found that while liver transplants were not successful in the past, there is now renewed interest in their use, especially in countries where there are enough donated organs. This matters because if transplantation can improve outcomes for these patients, it may offer a new hope for treating a challenging stage of cancer.

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This study focused on creating a new scoring system, called the HALT-HCC score, to better predict survival rates for patients with liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) who receive liver transplants. Researchers analyzed data from over 400 patients and found that those with higher HALT-HCC scores had significantly lower chances of surviving five years post-surgery, with survival rates dropping from about 79% for the lowest-risk group to around 62% for the highest-risk group. This scoring system is important because it helps doctors evaluate the survival chances of individual patients more accurately, potentially leading to better treatment decisions in liver transplantation.

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This research reviewed studies on liver transplants for patients with liver cancer spread from neuroendocrine tumors. The findings revealed that while liver transplantation can help improve survival—with a one-year survival rate of 89%—recurrence of the cancer occurred in 31% to 57% of patients after the procedure. This is important because it highlights that while transplantation can extend life for some patients, careful selection is vital, given the high chance of cancer returning and the limited availability of donor organs.

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This study looked at a potential treatment for a type of leukemia caused by MLL gene fusion using a drug called I-BET151. The researchers found that while I-BET151 effectively slowed the growth of leukemia cells with the MLL mutation, it did not improve survival in mice with this leukemia, contrasting with earlier findings. These results are important because they highlight the need to further investigate and understand the drug's effectiveness in treating this kind of leukemia.

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This research focuses on liver tumors, which are a major cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It found that the PD-1 protein plays a key role in helping liver tumors evade the immune system, making current treatments less effective. Targeting PD-1 could improve how we diagnose and treat advanced liver cancer, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.

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This post-hoc analysis of a phase III transplant trial examined whether North American patients—who had more diabetes, worse kidney function, and older age at transplant—still benefited from replacing standard tacrolimus with a lower-dose tacrolimus combined with everolimus. Despite these extra risk factors, North American patients on the combination regimen had better kidney function at 12 and 24 months post-transplant, with similar rates of rejection and graft loss. The benefit to kidney function was consistent with the overall trial population, supporting use of this regimen in higher-risk patients.

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Researchers studied how liver cells called hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) affect B cells, which are an important part of the immune system. They found that HSCs can directly reduce B cell activity, including their growth and production of immune responses, by using a specific protein called PD-L1. This is important because it helps explain how the liver regulates its immune response, which could have implications for treating liver diseases and immune-related conditions.

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This study looked at how a substance called adenosine affects blood flow in the liver during organ transplants. Researchers found that giving adenosine increased blood flow in the liver's artery by at least 24%, and in some cases, by over 300%. This is important because improving blood flow can help the liver function better after a transplant without causing side effects, which could lead to better recovery outcomes for patients.

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Researchers from the Banff Working Group focused on improving how doctors diagnose and understand a specific problem called antibody-mediated rejection in liver transplants. They reviewed data from meetings over several years and created new guidelines to help medical professionals identify this type of rejection more accurately. This is important because it helps ensure better management of liver transplant patients and can lead to improved outcomes in their care.

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This study looked at how G-proteins interact with a specific type of receptor (GPCR) called the beta-2 adrenergic receptor when it binds to different molecules that activate or block it. Researchers found that when the G-protein is attached to the receptor, it makes it harder for these activating or blocking molecules to bind, even if no activating molecule is present. This matters because it provides insight into how G-proteins can enhance the effectiveness of drugs targeting these receptors, which are important for many physiological processes and could lead to better treatments for various conditions.

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In this study, researchers compared two types of liver surgery for patients with cancer spread from the colon: minimally invasive surgery and traditional open surgery. They found that patients who had minimally invasive surgery experienced less blood loss (200 mL compared to 400 mL), needed fewer transfusions, and had shorter hospital stays (4 days vs. 6 days), while both groups had similar long-term cancer outcomes. This is important because it shows that minimally invasive surgery is a safe and effective option that can lead to quicker recoveries for patients.

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This study examined the use of split liver transplantation (SLT) in adults, a method that allows a single donor liver to be divided for use in two patients. The research found that when proper conditions are met, SLT can achieve success rates similar to traditional liver transplants, but ongoing challenges like surgical techniques and ethical considerations still limit its use. Understanding and improving these factors is important because it could help more adults receive lifesaving liver transplants.

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This study looked at how blood pressure and oxygen levels change in donors after life support is removed, to see if these changes affect the success of liver transplants. The researchers found that donors could be grouped into three categories based on how their vital signs declined: some gradually declined, some stayed stable for a while and then quickly declined, and others declined quickly right away. They discovered that donors in the first group had a higher risk of transplant failure, while the other groups showed similar success rates despite some having longer initial declines, which can help doctors make better decisions about which organs to use for transplantation.

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This study looked at how surgical guidelines impact decisions for treating patients with advanced liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). It found that following these guidelines, especially the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) criteria, is important because performing more extensive surgeries on patients outside these guidelines can lead to higher risks of complications. This matters because updating these guidelines to reflect new treatment options and consider patient preferences could improve care and outcomes for liver cancer patients.