From Health Lab: Study defines key driver of aggressive ovarian cancer

Story originally posted on Michigan Medicine Health Lab, written by Nicole Fawcett.

Study defines key driver of aggressive ovarian cancer

Researchers created a mouse model to understand how the gene CDK12 drives high-grade serous tubo-ovarian carcinoma and identify potential treatment approaches

High-grade serous carcinoma. Credit: Kathleen Cho, M.D.

A study explains the genetic underpinnings of a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer – and offers a potential pathway for new treatments.

High-grade serous carcinoma, the most common type of ovarian cancer, usually begins in the fallopian tube, before spreading to the ovaries and other pelvic organs

The Path to Discovery

Jennifer Brazil, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pathology at Michigan Medicine began her own research laboratory in 2018. She continued to research the mechanisms by which polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and epithelial glycans can be targeted to alter neutrophil transepithelial migration and neutrophil function under conditions of intestinal inflammation and repair.

Enhancing Heart Failure Patient Care with the MOS Dashboard

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which measures your heart’s ability to pump oxygen-rich blood out to your body, remains a leading cause of death and hospitalization worldwide. Over the last three decades, clinical trials have highlighted the efficacy of four key medication classes- Beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis), angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i).

The Art of Science

Like prisms spread light in a variety of hues, Dr. Yang Xiao’s talents spread across multiple disciplines, creating a spectrum of color in this world. Dr. Xiao is one of Pathology’s newest faculty members and was recruited as a tenure-track assistant professor. However, she is not only a member of Pathology but also holds joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics departments and is a member of the Bioscience Initiative Single-Cell Spatial Analysis Program (SCSAP).

The Unseen Heroes of Healthcare

Pathology Laboratory Professionals Week is an annual celebration honoring the vital contributions of medical laboratory professionals to patient care and public health. This year, we celebrate from April 21 to 25, 2025.

Using Technology to Advance Patient Care and Safety

In decades past, people often lived lifelong within a narrow geographic region and received healthcare from one institution. Today, our population is highly mobile. Individuals may receive healthcare from locations across the United States and globally. This causes significant safety issues for patients who need blood transfusions, especially those who are unable to relay their medical history.