Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) has emerged as a paradigmatic growth factor, defining cell- and context-specific actions attributed to many growth factors. Dr. Anita Roberts will discuss TGF-α's role in wound healing, autoimmune disease, fibrosis, and cancer, and several therapeutic strategies based on the growth factor.
Dr. Walsh will focus on his research on nonribosomal peptide synthetases, which biosynthesize a variety of biologically active peptides. He will discuss the molecular logic of enzymatic assembly lines and tailoring enzymes that modify the peptides.
The ASBMB-Avanti award recognizes Dr. Dowhan's work on lipid-protein interactions, which has expanded our understanding of lipids' roles in cellular processes. His research has established the molecular basis for new lipid functions and impacts a wide range of investigators.
The ASBMB-Merck Award lecture will focus on the role of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in cellular signaling and cancer. Recent research has shown that PTPs can function as tumor suppressor genes, with the PTEN gene being a key example.
Orphan nuclear receptors are structurally related to well-known hormone receptors but lack known ligands. Dr. Forman's work identifies novel signaling pathways and regulatory molecules that contribute to critical diseases, including fat cell formation, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol homeostasis.
Researchers identified mutations in the sialin protein, responsible for transporting sialic acid out of lysosomes. The study found that even milder forms of the disease involve reduced transport activity and potential therapeutic targets.
Research identifies DDR2 as critical signaling molecule in osteoarthritis progression, leading to increased MMP-13 expression and cartilage degradation. The study suggests that DDR2 inhibitors may slow down osteoarthritis progression, offering a potential new approach for treatment.
Researchers discovered that IRAK1 activates the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which may play a role in preventing excessive inflammation and contributing to plaque stability. This finding provides a new therapeutic target for treating atherosclerosis.
Researchers have identified a new species of amyloid β-peptide, Aβ46, which is 46 amino acids long and produced by γ-secretase at a novel cleavage site. This discovery may provide new insights into the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease and open up avenues for treatment and prevention.
Researchers at Wyeth determined the three-dimensional structure of PKCΘ, a key signaling molecule in T lymphocytes. This discovery has potential to identify selective inhibitors for autoimmune diseases by disabling T cell activation.
Researchers discovered that overexpression of Down Syndrome Critical Region 1 (DSCR-1) reduces tumor growth and blocks blood vessel formation. This breakthrough could lead to novel strategies for inhibiting endothelial cell dysfunction and abnormal blood vessel formation.
A newly discovered protein, PICT-1, has been found to regulate PTEN stability by regulating phosphorylation. This discovery represents a huge breakthrough in understanding the tumorigenic pathways of breast and prostate cancers.
Researchers have identified a new region on the bcl-2 gene that regulates its expression and stability. This discovery may lead to the development of new cancer therapies by targeting the CA-repeated Region (CAR) to reduce bcl-2 levels in cancer cells.
Huberman and Yompakdee found a stretch of DNA surrounding late-firing origins that contains repeats rich in the nucleic acid component guanine. These repeats, called Late Consensus Sequences (LCS), affect replication timing, with more copies causing regions to replicate late.
Scientists have successfully created a mouse lacking both MAO A and MAO B, revealing the combined actions of these enzymes in neurotransmitter regulation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into anxiety- and stress-related disorders.
Researchers identified human VPS37 proteins as crucial in HIV-1 budding and protein sorting. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs targeting these proteins to prevent infection spread. Human VPS28 was also found to bind to TSG101, essential for HIV-1 replication.
Researchers have identified a crucial function for microcephalin, a protein involved in primary microcephaly, a rare neurological disorder. The discovery links microcephalin's function to DNA damage responses that prevent cancer development, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.