Scientists have engineered a system replicating the womb lining to investigate embryo-mother interactions during implantation. The new model reveals crucial details about the complex communication between the embryo and endometrium, shedding light on causes of implantation failure and pregnancy complications.
Research from Babraham Institute uncovers importance of RNA binding proteins in regulatory T cell function. The study sheds light on how the immune system maintains balance and forms foundation for understanding age-related inflammation.
Scientists have discovered a key mechanism that holds genes in a poised state, enabling proper cell type specialization. The study identified the protein interactors responsible for reading bivalent marks and regulating gene expression, shedding light on developmental biology and regenerative medicine approaches.
Researchers studied PTPRK's role in colorectal cancer, finding it acts as a tumour suppressor by regulating cell adhesion and growth factor signalling. The protein also promotes intestinal repair, with mice lacking PTPRK showing impaired wound-healing and increased susceptibility to damage.
Researchers have developed a cell culture system that differentiates human pluripotent stem cells to amniotic and surface ectoderm, which are essential for human embryo development. The study found that the degree of cell crowding influences cell identity decision.
A foundational public dialogue project in the UK found broad public support for extending the 14-day rule on human embryo research, which aims to inform future policy development and research governance. The project engaged diverse participants to consider early human embryo research and its applications.
A new mechanism of protein quality control has been identified in C. elegans pharyngeal muscles, which acts as a 'safety net' to prevent toxic protein build-up and restore function to the organ. This tissue-specific protection may help explain why some brain areas are more resistant to protein aggregation.
Researchers identified how prostate cancer cells achieve cell growth free from usual growth cues and regulators. A protein called PLEKHS1 was found to be a major driver of PI3K activation and cancer growth progression in mouse models.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute have discovered that the 3D organisation of DNA in B cells allows for genes far away from each other to come together during antibody generation. This finding has implications for understanding why antibody diversity declines with age and suggests potential interventions.
Researchers found that a healthy diet from an early age can suppress senescence and loss of fitness in yeast, even late in life. The study proposes an alternative to calorie restriction for improving healthy ageing through dietary change.
Research reveals that age-dependent changes in germinal centres lead to reduced vaccine response in older people. The study demonstrates that reversing these changes can be achieved through interventions.
Researchers have developed a preventative therapeutic approach that prevents stress-induced cell death in pancreatic cells, a hallmark of type 1 diabetes. The treatment targets the GLIS3-MANF pathway common to both major types of diabetes.
Researchers used single-cell gene expression analysis to study DNA methylation's impact on cell fate. They found that maintaining correct DNA methylation suppresses past and alternative cell identities, while removal of methylation allows certain cell types to form.
A detailed understanding of interleukin 2's role in the immune system has been gained through a new mouse model, enabling scientists to identify potential new uses as an immune-modulating biologic drug. This breakthrough may lead to optimized autoimmune and cancer treatment while avoiding unwanted side effects.
Researchers develop targeted delivery system to boost regulatory T cells, which manage inflammation and reduce brain damage. The treatment increases IL2 levels, allowing regulatory T cells to survive and reducing cognitive impairment.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute found that two RNA binding proteins, ZFP36 and ZFP36L1, play a crucial role in T cell development and function. The absence of these proteins enhances the potency of T cells during viral infections, leading to improved cytotoxic immune responses.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute have successfully developed a method to 'time jump' human skin cells by 30 years, restoring their specialized function. The new technique uses a partial reprogramming approach, allowing cells to retain their unique characteristics while still rejuvenating.
A genome-wide functional screen identified critical regulators of naïve stem cell reprogramming, enabling the creation of high-quality, stable stem cell populations. The study also uncovered epigenetic factors that hinder or help reprogramming, including the essential PRC1.3 complex and inhibitory HDAC2 protein.
Researchers discovered a new human embryonic stem cell population that closely resembles the 8-cell embryo stage, allowing them to map key genomic changes during early development. This model will help advance knowledge of genome activation errors in developmental disorders and embryo loss.
Researchers mapped genetic interactions in C. elegans to identify new genes influencing lifespan and their human equivalents. The study reveals that most key longevity genes belong to transcription factors and metabolic genes.
A recent study published in eLife found that limiting inflammation at the time of vaccination may boost immune responses in older people. The researchers discovered that pro-inflammatory signalling pathways negatively impact an optimal vaccine response in older individuals.
Researchers identified molecular markers to purify unstable regulatory T cells, which can switch from protective to damaging function. Exposing these cells to a destabilizing environment also removes the unstable cells, leaving behind stable regulatory T cells for therapeutic use.
Researchers have developed a single-cell technique to assess the effects of age on egg cells in mice, identifying genomic and epigenetic factors that affect reproductive competence. The study provides new insights into mechanisms underlying egg quality and could lead to techniques to assess human egg cell quality.
A study published in Clinical and Translational Immunology found that individuals with severe COVID-19 responses exhibit increased levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), a suppressor of cell inflammation. This discovery could provide a warning light for disease progression, but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers at Babraham Institute used cellular signalling knowledge to discover ERK5 protein's binding location affects inhibitors, potentially leading to unwanted cell growth. This finding prevents wasted resource in commercial pharmaceutical companies' drug discovery efforts.
Researchers discovered a population of brain-resident immune cells that transfer information from the body to the brain environment. The presence of these cells is crucial for normal brain development in mice, and their absence affects behavior and brain development.
Researchers have identified a non-protein coding 'dark matter' region of the genome that affects immune responses, revealing a key genetic switch that helps keep the immune system in check. This study provides insight into complex autoimmune and allergic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and asthma.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute found that applying genital wart treatment can enhance the immune system of older mice and humans. By boosting T follicular helper cells, they were able to rescue age-dependent defects in immune cell types, offering hope for improving vaccination response in older populations.
Researchers charted immune system development in sub-Saharan African children to improve vaccine efficacy. Their findings suggest that a child's age, location, and health status influence their immune response to vaccines.
The study reveals how embryonic cells may be deviated from a default state and awoken to new developmental possibilities during gastrulation. Researchers used scNMT-seq and MOFA computational methods to analyze gene expression, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility in single cells from mouse embryos.
Researchers found that gene duplication and DNA circle formation can be actively driven by the environment, allowing yeast to adapt faster. Older cells may gain an advantage by holding onto more DNA circles than they pass on, a phenomenon resembling a cellular insurance policy.
Autophagy, a cellular recycling process, is repressed during cell division to protect the genome. The researchers identified CDK1 as the key regulator of this repression, decoupling conditional control and halting autophagy until the cell division process is complete.
A new study by immunologists at the Babraham Institute has shown that fecal transplants from young mice can replenish and boost the gut microbiome of older mice, rejuvenating their immune system. The research suggests that targeting the gut microbiome could be a way to treat age-related symptoms and facilitate healthy aging.
Cancer cells' acquired resistance to anti-cancer drugs can be exploited as an Achilles heel, according to research that shows removing a MEK1/2 inhibitor drug causes reversal of drug resistance in colon cancer cell populations. This finding may inform decisions about intermittent use rather than continuous exposure.
Researchers have developed a community-agreed model of worm metabolism, which has been re-optimised for relevance to metabolic changes during ageing. The model predicts that Oxaloacetate production becomes limiting in aged worms, potentially leading to extended lifespan by up to 20%.
Immunology researchers at the Babraham Institute discovered how lung tissue is remodelled to support an immune response to influenza, producing antibodies with cross-protection against multiple strains. The findings may lead to more robust seasonal influenza vaccination and new therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute have identified two proteins, Dppa2 and Dppa4, as key factors responsible for activating the zygotic genome. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular regulation of early development in mammals, shedding light on a previously unexplored area of human development.
A new generation of chemists and biochemists is advancing lipid research with the help of a newly established database. The LIPID MAPS database, developed by UC San Diego researchers, provides a gold standard classification system for lipids, enabling better study and diagnosis of acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer.
Researchers have identified three chemicals that could develop into a new type of anti-cold drug by analyzing changes in cellular fat molecules during the infection process. By studying lipids, the researchers found changes to prevent key virus replication and limited further infection.
Researchers identify dominant immune cells contributing to tumor tolerance and find that silencing these cells allows T cell attack on tumors. Jointly inhibiting both cell types substantially inhibits tumor growth in mouse models.
Researchers analyzed blood and tissue samples from kidney transplant recipients to understand how immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus works. They found that it reduces the number of T follicular helper cells, a key player in antibody production.
A new study reveals that 68% of genetic mutations causing fetal death affect the placenta, highlighting its critical role in development. Placental defects often occur alongside brain, heart, and circulation issues.
Researchers have identified over 250 genes involved in brain aging, including Dbx2, which can prematurely age stem cells. The study found that increasing the activity of Dbx2 in young brain stem cells slows their growth, causing them to behave more like older cells.
Researchers at the Babraham Institute have discovered that good bacteria in the gut can control gene expression by producing short chain fatty acids, which increase crotonylations and affect gene activity. This process may help prevent cancer and fight infections, highlighting the importance of a healthy diet and gut bacteria.
A team of scientists discovered how epigenetics helps place egg cells in stasis by adding distinctive patterns of marks to their DNA. The MLL2 protein plays a key role in this process, and its absence can cause disease.
Researchers have identified key epigenetic marks and proteins that control the production of antibodies in the immune system. By understanding these systems, scientists hope to develop new diagnostic tests and therapies to boost the body's response to infection.
A recent study published in Cell Stem Cell has discovered a mechanism to prevent genetic chaos caused by transposons in early human development. The research found that endosiRNAs, a type of small interfering RNA, play a crucial role in regulating transposon activity during epigenetic reprogramming.
The study found that loss of PTEN leads to high levels of PI(3,4)P2, which could result in hyperactivation of AKT, a key regulator of cell growth. This discovery may help identify patients who will benefit from targeted therapies.
A new study reveals how the immune system avoids becoming cancerous by using a hair-trigger protein called Tia1. This protein controls the production of proteins needed to fix damaged DNA, allowing B cells to produce effective antibodies while preventing lasting harm.
Researchers found that older wombs have trouble supporting placenta growth, leading to poor blood supply and birth defects. The study suggests that aging wombs may contribute to increased risks of pregnancy complications in humans.