Scientists discover that constant stimulation of antigens is necessary to maintain anergy in self-reactive B cells, which can lead to autoimmune diseases. The study suggests that pro-inflammatory products or bacterial infections may trigger the loss of anergy and activate these cells.
The study classified duplicate pairs of genes involved in yeast metabolism into four functional categories: back-up, subfunctionalization, regulation, and gene dosage. These mechanisms play a substantial role in maintaining duplicate genes in the genome.
Researchers identify 64 genes used to separate breast cancer patients with good and poor prognoses. The technique of DNA microarray analysis could help predict patient response to adjuvant therapy, avoiding unnecessary treatments.
Researchers have discovered a novel T helper cell type, called THi cells, that produce the potent cytokine IL-17 and are responsible for initiating chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. The study's findings suggest that targeting these cells could lead to effective treatments for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and asthma.
Researchers identified genetic signatures that predicted patient prognosis and response to treatment, outperforming existing clinical markers. The technique of DNA microarray analysis holds promise for developing new prediction methods, sparing patients from unnecessary treatments.
A synthetic pheromone has been found to effectively control Great Lakes lamprey populations by attracting them to traps and sterilizing males. The pheromone, PADS, was isolated after 15 years of research and is expected to be environmentally friendly and less expensive than current methods.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University identified a genetic mutation in the Stratifin gene that causes abnormal skin development and cancer in mice. The study found that mice with the mutation developed severe skin defects, including cyclical hair loss and skin cancer late in life.