A study by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Driever and his team discovered that specific tactile and visual stimuli activate dopaminergic nerve cells in the forebrain, affecting brain function and basic behaviour. This finding could lead to new treatments for conditions like restless leg syndrome.
Researchers found that epigenetic enzyme Lsd1 maintains brown fat tissue's metabolic properties. Inhibiting Lsd1 leads to whitening of brown adipose tissue, storing energy instead of expending it.
Researchers developed a microfluidic chip to study adipose-derived adult stem cells' development into mature fat cells. The platform successfully converted cells into mature fat cells while decoding signalling pathways.
Researchers discovered that the protein Pentagone regulates a concentration gradient in the fruit fly wing, controlling vein formation. This mechanism may also be relevant to human development disorders, where it could influence finger formation.
Researchers have discovered new drugs that can break resistance to Gab2 in CML cells, a type of blood cancer. The study found that sorafenib and axitinib are effective in treating CML model systems, providing potential alternatives for patients who have developed resistance to existing medications.
Researchers from the University Freiburg have developed a new model of T cell activation, demonstrating that cholesterol prevents an immune response even when no antigen is present. The study reveals a specific interaction between cholesterol and inactive T cell receptors, regulating their conformation and activity.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified Kidins220/ARMS as a crucial protein in B cell development and activation. The protein plays a key role in regulating the formation of antibodies and weakening the immune system if it is deficient.
Scientists have discovered compartmentalized protein islands for IgM and IgD receptors on resting B cells, which change upon activation. This study provides direct evidence for the nanoscale organization of the lymphocyte membrane and may aid in vaccine design and treatment development.
Breast cancer researchers have gained new insights into the phases of tumor growth by visualizing and quantifying tumor development in real-time. The study reveals that tumors undergo a dramatic increase in cell number after four weeks, providing valuable information for treatment selection and delivery.
Researchers have identified a toxin from salmonid fish that can be used to treat cancer by inhibiting the switch protein RhoA, which is involved in cell division and tumor metastasis. The toxin, Afp18, attaches a sugar molecule to RhoA, causing it to collapse and blocking cell division.
A team of researchers from the University of Freiburg has discovered how the toxins of Clostridium difficile bacteria enter the interiors of cells. The surface protein LSR receptor is responsible for binding to the CDT toxin, allowing it to penetrate the cell membrane and exert its lethal effect.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a key signal molecule involved in controlling plant stem cell activity. The discovery sheds light on how plants regulate stem cell growth in response to environmental signals.
Scientists have decoded the molecular basis for mitochondrial membrane folds, which allow cells to use food energy efficiently. The discovery of Mic10, a protein component, reveals its role in controlling transport and insertion into the inner membrane system of mitochondria.