Diseases articles from across Nature Portfolio

Children born to mothers with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are less likely to develop T1D than those with an affected father or sibling. We identified modifications of DNA methylation at multiple T1D risk genes in blood samples from children exposed to maternal T1D. These changes were linked to decreased islet autoimmunity risk.

By parsing stimulus-responsive sources of astrocytic reactive oxygen species (ROS), Barnett et al. reveal how mitochondrial complex III-derived signals uniquely shape inflammatory responses and astrocyte–neuron crosstalk, linking mitochondrial redox cues to dementia-related neurodegeneration.

Fifty years ago, researchers from Beecham Pharmaceuticals reported on the structure of clavulanic acid. Itself only a weak antibiotic, clavulanic acid inhibits serine β-lactamases and thus this work pioneered combination therapy to protect antibiotics against the development of resistance.

Targeting TGFBR1 in transplantable mouse colorectal tumor organoids improves response to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Mechanistically, TGF-β abrogates clonal expansion of T effector and memory phenotypes and indirectly inhibits T cell activity by regulating immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophage activity.

Shafqat Ahmad and Gull Rukh discuss a landmark, twin-based, epidemiological study that highlighted how genetic predisposition and environmental factors interact to influence the risk of coronary heart disease.

The German Stem Cell Network (GSCN) connects science, society and policy to advance stem cell research. Since 2013, it has promoted innovation, ethics and public engagement. Recognizing Europe’s need for stronger collaboration, the GSCN aims to build a pan-European network to enhance research and translation, and to support young scientists.

Cholera remains a global health threat across the African continent. Here, the authors discuss the current issues relating to the control of the disease, and make recommendations for its management across Africa.