A research team at the University of Georgia has discovered a critical role for the cancer-causing gene Myc in stem cell biology, which could revolutionize medicine by enabling patient-specific stem cells. The study found that Myc sustains pluripotency by repressing a master regulator gene, and its absence triggers differentiation.
A special issue of CBE—Life Sciences Education journal introduces new ways to integrate mathematical thinking into biology education and vice versa. The articles explore teaching modeling, DNA microarray analysis, fractal geometry, and more to bridge the gap between math and biology skills.
A team of researchers at the University of Oregon has made a groundbreaking discovery about stem cell division, finding that cortical proteins help position a cleavage furrow in the right location. This new mechanism has important implications for understanding how stem cells divide to produce unique cell types.
The University of South Florida researchers warn that the growing number of stem cell journals may compromise the quality of research in the field. They recommend authors to follow Good Publications Practices when choosing a publication outlet.
The NYU Urothelial Biology Team has received a five-year, $8.2 million grant from the NIDDK to investigate bladder biology and diseases such as UTI. The team aims to understand how disease-causing bacteria interact with host urothelial cells, which is crucial for developing novel treatments for recurrent UTI and other urologic diseases.
Researchers discovered that specific cadherin molecules expand molecular diversity and specificity in cell-cell adhesion, shedding light on autism and mental retardation. The study's findings could lead to a better understanding of synapse formation and brain circuit assembly during normal development.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute identify CSI1 protein involved in cellulose synthesis, linked to improved cell wall digestibility and energy generation. The discovery aims to increase animal feed efficiency and tap into plant cell walls as a renewable energy source.
A recent study reveals that the JNK protein controls the cell cycle by regulating key drivers of cell growth. The findings suggest that hyperactive JNK activity may contribute to genomic instability and promote tumor growth.
Researchers discover Lgl and Mahjong proteins help identify how healthy cells fight cancer cells. Normal cells surround cancer cells, leading to their death, while cancerous cells break free and divide.
The study found that histone H1 phosphorylation is associated with changes in gene activity, particularly in active genes during interphase. H1 phosphorylation also controls ribosomal RNA gene transcription in the nucleolus, a novel discovery that could lead to new treatments for diseases.
Leading stem cell researcher Irving Weissman warns of unproven treatments being marketed on the internet, putting patients at risk of harm. His organization has launched a website to educate patients and provide guidance on how to spot fraudulent clinics.
Researchers discovered a key regulator of spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal by manipulating the STAT3 protein. This process may be linked to degenerative diseases in humans, highlighting the importance of understanding stem-cell activity in disease prevention and treatment.
The 2009 Journal Citation Reports reveals a surge in Impact Factors for Cell Press journals, with Cell Stem Cell and Cell Host and Microbe leading the charge. Cancer Cell also continues to grow, while Molecular Cell sees an impressive 13% increase, demonstrating the growing importance of these publications in the scientific community.
A new study reveals that a protein called Flower marks weaker cells for elimination, allowing fitter neighbors to dominate. This process of cell competition may provide insight into pathological conditions like cancer and aging.
A UCLA team of scientists discovered a relationship between DNA methylation and nucleosome positioning, which compact and regulate access to DNA. This finding could lead to techniques to control DNA methylation patterns and prevent cancer.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been awarded a four-year $2.45 million grant from the New York Stem Cell Science Program to create an upstate center of excellence for basic stem cell research. The grant will be used to build sophisticated laboratories with high-throughput culture and imaging equipment, enhancing stem cell research...
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have identified a rare hybrid cell that can switch the immune system on or off, expressing indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase to turn off T cells. This unique cell has properties of both dendritic and B cells, with potential implications for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis therapies.
A recent Hastings Center workshop examined the moral implications of synthetic biology, raising questions about humanity's relationship with nature. The project aims to address pressing ethical concerns in emerging technology, involving experts from various fields.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that bacterial cells 'vote' on their fate based on sub-cellular variables, rather than random chemical events. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that cell fate decisions are determined by environmental noise.
Einstein will increase research space and recruit new stem cell scientists with the new facility expansion, focusing on four broad themes: stem cell biology, genetics, cancer stem cells, and translational stem cell research. The renovation is expected to create 150 new jobs and drive scientific innovation for multiple diseases.
A new switch has been discovered that enables Salmonella bacteria to sabotage host cells, allowing it to replicate and establish an infection. This finding could lead to the development of drugs to combat Salmonella-related diseases.
The Rutgers Stem Cell Research Center has derived new human embryonic stem cell lines, addressing concerns of contamination in previously approved lines. The center also offers a training course for stem cell scientists, with over 100 trained researchers to date.
Researchers solve the decade-old mystery of fragile human embryonic stem cells by discovering two novel synthetic small molecule drugs that promote cell survival. The team also unravels the mechanisms behind e-cadherin's role in cell signaling, providing a new understanding of stem cell biology and paving the way for potential therapies.
A new initiative called Cell-All aims to equip cell phones with sensors capable of detecting deadly chemicals. The technology uses a chip costing less than a dollar and can alert the user and authorities in under 60 seconds, reducing false positives and improving response time.
Researchers at the NIA have discovered a key to ES cell rejuvenation in the gene Zscan4, which restores telomere length through recombination. This process enables infinite generations of functional ES cells, offering new insights into aging research and regenerative medicine.
Researchers found that mouse Bloom's syndrome protein is involved in proper homologous chromosome pairing and segregation during meiosis. The protein also plays a role in synapsis without affecting the entry into prophase I stage.
Researchers have gained new understanding of Arl13b's function in Joubert syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by developmental delay and low muscle tone. The study reveals that Arl13b regulates ciliary transmembrane protein localization and transport to the tip of the cilium.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report that hematopoietic stem cell subtypes exist and act as previously thought, contradicting the idea of a single stem cell giving rise to all types of blood cells. The study reveals distinct populations of stem cells over time, with implications for treatment.
A new study reveals that chromatin regulatory proteins, Smc2 and Smc4, play a crucial role in maintaining genome stability in embryonic stem cells. The authors found that condensins promote mitotic progression and interphase chromatin compaction, leading to massive DNA damage and cell death when blocked in these cells.
Researchers identified a key protein that controls bacterial cell division and found the biological clock's role in regulating this process. The study's findings provide insights into the evolution of circadian clocks between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Researchers discovered that sceptrin reduces cancer cell motility and limits cell contractility, a critical function for cell movement. The naturally-derived compound and its synthetic version showed effectiveness in combating metastasis in various cancer types.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism by which yeast cells transport damaged proteins to mother cells using conveyor-like structures called actin cables. This process ensures that newly formed daughter cells are born without age-related damage, paving the way for potential treatments of age-related diseases.
Researchers verified that three commonly used esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines were actually from lung carcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, and gastric fundus carcinoma. This finding highlights the importance of authenticating cell lines to ensure accurate treatment strategies for esophageal cancer patients.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine will coordinate a consortium of national experts in stem cell research, with a focus on regenerative therapy and new clinical therapies. The seven-year grant aims to advance the field at a faster pace and realize potential for new treatments sooner.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a cellular mechanism that enables cells to transform their state, which could lead to new insights into diseases. The study found that a regulatory protein removes a lid from genes, allowing the cell to change its identity.
Researchers describe molecular anatomy of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a small bacterium that can survive on its own. The study reveals intricate networks and multifunctional molecules, challenging the idea of a 'minimal' cell.
A study from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center reveals the interaction between Wnt/Wingless and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis through activation of beta-catenin.
Researchers have identified and grouped the genes responsible for cell wall development in maize, enabling better study of biomass production. The discovery expands their ability to discover ways to produce biomass suitable for biofuels production.
Phillip A. Sharp has been awarded the 2010 Herbert Tabor Lectureship for his groundbreaking research on small RNAs, RNA interference, and its potential to revolutionize biology and generate new therapeutics. Sharp's work builds on his landmark discovery of RNA splicing in 1977, which earned him a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
The American Society of Plant Biologists has launched 'Teaching Tools in Plant Biology' in The Plant Cell, a monthly online feature with regularly updated sets of teaching materials on important themes in plant biology. Peer-reviewed tools are designed for upper-level undergraduates but can also be adapted for introductory courses.
Mother and daughter cells differ in gene expression and regulation, leading to varying cell cycles. Researchers found that proteins Ace2 and Ash1 control the commitment to divide, with daughters receiving these proteins at birth.
An international research team has discovered a common genetic program for programmed cell death in plants and animals, which is evolutionarily related and functions similarly. This finding highlights the importance of comparative studies across different species to understand fundamental cellular mechanisms.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has awarded $16.7 million to researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for developing stem- and progenitor-cell tools and therapies. The goal is to identify and characterize progenitor cell lines and develop new clinical strategies to address blood diseases.
The American Society for Cell Biology will create an online image library of cell images, videos, and animations. This resource aims to advance science, health, and education by visualizing cellular structure and behavior.
A new study resolves the mystery of Merkel cell development, finding that they originate from the embryonic epidermis. Adult skin stem cells also replenish the Merkel cell population as they die off over time.
A new study has associated Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer. The study found that nearly all patients with Merkel cell carcinoma carried antibodies against MCPyV, suggesting a strong link between the virus and the disease.
The Canadian Stem Cell Foundation has released a charter that unifies supporters of stem cell research, outlining five principles for advancing the field. The charter aims to promote responsible science, protect citizens, and empower the public to speak out on behalf of stem cell research.
The Wilson Center's Synthetic Biology project has received two National Science Foundation grants to support research on the implications of synthetic biology for sustainability science and policy. The projects will explore emerging issues in synthetic biology, including its potential contribution to sustainable development.
Research shows prolonged stress can induce cell death in aging-related diseases like atherosclerosis and neurodegeneration by triggering the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to release calcium stores. ER proteins ERO1-alpha and IP3R play a crucial role in this process, suggesting potential new targets for treatment.
Researchers have identified a new molecular mechanism underlying Anaphase B, a previously understudied stage of cell division. The discovery has implications for understanding chromosome abnormalities and their link to cancer.
Scientists developed a quantitative mathematical model of DNA replication and cell division for Caulobacter crescentus, an alpha-proteobacterium crucial to global carbon cycling. The model accurately represents the sequence of physiological events during cell division and predicts the impact of specific mutations on cell function.
The Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) is a new visual language for graphically representing biological information, aiming to make complex models accurate, efficient, and easy to understand. Developed by researchers worldwide, SBGN will benefit systems biologists working on various biochemical processes.
The Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) provides a standardized visual language for representing biological information, making it easier to exchange complex information. The new standard will benefit systems biologists working on various biochemical processes, including gene regulation, metabolism, and cellular signaling.
Scientists identify key molecular players responsible for reversion of adult cells into a primordial, stem cell state. By reducing activity of Jak and STAT proteins, researchers found fewer cells to revert back to stem cells, with only 60% regaining their stem cell population.
Researchers developed a 'Multiplex cell Contamination Test' to identify 37 different cell contaminations in a single run, detecting viruses and mycoplasmas with high sensitivity and specificity. The test has been tested in over 700 samples and found frequent contamination rates in some laboratories.
Researchers used high-speed microscopy to observe NK cell behavior when interacting with healthy or diseased cells, discovering that the cell's surface receptors determine whether it kills or leaves a cell alone. Understanding this process could lead to new ways of boosting immune defenses to treat disease.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich used new bioimaging techniques to show that hematopoietic progenitor cells are instructed by cytokines, steering their lineage choice. This discovery confirms the influence of environmental factors on cell differentiation and has important implications for optimizing therapeutic stem cell applications.
Cells experiencing DNA damage send signals to neighboring cells, triggering an inflammatory response that can lead to cancer and accelerated aging. The discovery provides a new target for preventing these processes.
Researchers advocate for systems biology in cancer treatment, promising improved diagnostic tools and new drug targets. The approach integrates mathematical modeling, simulations, and experiments to understand complex cancer processes.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have identified gibberellin as a hormone controlling plant root growth by regulating cell proliferation and expansion rates. The study highlights the importance of understanding hormone regulation in plant biology for improving crop yields.