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Helmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))


Scientists map surface of immune cells

Researchers have created a detailed atlas of surface proteins on naive CD4+ T cells, which play a crucial role in the development of immunological memory. The findings provide insights into the cell's maturation process and could lead to new therapeutic approaches for allergies and asthma.

Mini-breast grown in Petri dishes -- a new tool for cancer research

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich developed an assay to rebuild mammary gland tissue architecture using human breast epithelial cells. The mini-mammary glands exhibit properties similar to those of aggressive breast cancer cells, suggesting a link between normal breast stem cell function and tumor progression.

New approach for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have identified FKBP10 as a potential new target molecule for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic lung disease. Analysis of patient data revealed elevated levels of the protein in IPF patients, which may lead to a new therapeutic approach.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 8, 2015

New method enables drug target validation for COPD treatment

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have developed a new method to validate drug targets for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. The technique enables the study of lung tissue repair mechanisms in patient-derived tissues, providing valuable insights into COPD pathologies and potential therapeutic avenues.

A new cellular response to radiation exposure: Must we reconsider the risks of low doses?

Scientists at Helmholtz Munich discovered a novel lncRNA called PARTICLE that regulates cells' response to ionizing radiation by limiting DNA methylation. This finding contradicts the established LNT model and raises questions about the risk of low-dose radiation exposure.

Particulate air pollution: Exposure to ultrafine particles influences cardiac function

A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that exposure to ultrafine particles can induce immediate changes in heart rate variability in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism or diabetes. The research suggests potential health risks and demands for threshold limit values for environmental standards.

Combination of imaging methods improves diagnostics

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München developed an approach to quantify gadolinium-based contrast agents in tissue using MALDI-MS imaging, correlating it with MRI images. This combination improves diagnostic value by detecting tissue-related kinetics of contrast agents used in myocardial infarction models.

Twist1: Complex regulator of cell shape and function

Researchers discovered that Twist1, a developmental regulator, primes cells for stem-cell-like properties when activated transiently. This leads to cellular plasticity and regenerative potential. Conversely, chronic Twist1 activity promotes invasive, non-proliferative phenotypes in tumor cells.

Rule of 3: Hormone triplet offers hope for obesity and diabetes

Researchers have successfully designed a substance combining three metabolically active hormone components (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon) to fight metabolic diseases. The triple hormone reduces body weight by around 30 percent while improving insulin sensitivity, essentially curing obesity and diabetes in animal models.

Ferroptosis, a novel form of non-apoptotic cell death, holds great therapeutic potential

Researchers have discovered ferroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis that occurs in various pathological conditions. Ferroptosis inhibitors, such as Liproxstatin-1, offer novel therapeutic opportunities to mitigate diseases previously thought to be untreatable.

Immune cells in the liver drive fatty liver disease and liver cancer

A team of scientists led by Prof. Mathias Heikenwälder found that immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells and NK T cells, play a crucial role in the development of fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and liver cancer. The study suggests that an existing metabolic imbalance triggers the activation and migration of...

New infrared marker for bio-imaging

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a novel fluorescent marker that excites in the far-red spectrum and emits in the infrared range, enabling better-quality images with advanced bio-imaging. This technology allows for the delineation of tumor and metastasis, tracking drug responses within whole-body imaging.

Mortality rates increase due to extreme heat and cold

A study by Helmholtz Munich found that extreme heat and cold increase mortality rates, particularly among the elderly with pre-existing medical conditions. The researchers observed a significant rise in cardiovascular events and stroke during hot temperatures and up to two weeks after cold weather.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the prevention of autoim-munity by Roquin revealed

A team of scientists has revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying Roquin's role in preventing autoimmune diseases. The study found that Roquin recognizes a range of RNA binding partners to control T-cell functions, regulating a larger number of genes than previously thought.

New diagnostic test to distinguish psoriasis from eczema

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a diagnostic procedure that uses only two genes to reliably differentiate between psoriasis and eczema. The new test is expected to pave the way for personalized medicine in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, reducing the need for expensive treatments.

Diabetes: Good self-management helps to reduce mortality

A study published by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that patients with good diabetes self-management have a significantly lower mortality risk than those with poor self-management. The study, which analyzed data from 340 participants, showed that active participation in treatment and lifestyle modifications can lead to better healt...

Type 1 diabetes: Gut microbiota networks may influence autoimmune processes

Researchers found that gut microbiota diversity and interaction networks vary significantly between children with and without autoantibodies, influencing the body's immune system. The study suggests that identifying parameters affecting negative microbiome characteristics can lead to new approaches in preventing autoimmune processes.

Type 1 diabetes in adults: Antibody affinity is decisive

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have found that GAD antibody affinity is a key indicator of LADA disease progression. The study used GAD vaccination to examine the impact on antibody affinity in 46 LADA patients, finding no influence from vaccination. Patients with high affinity had low insulin production and required insulin therapy s...

Diabetes and obesity more common in socioeconomically deprived regions

Research finds that living in a socioeconomically deprived region increases the risk of diabetes and obesity, regardless of individual social status. The study analyzed data from over 33,000 people and found significant correlations between regional deprivation and type 2 diabetes and obesity rates.

Degradation of viral DNA in the cell nucleus is opening up new treatment

Scientists have discovered a way to selectively degrade viral DNA in the cell nucleus of infected liver cells, opening up new treatment options for hepatitis B. This breakthrough may allow for the development of a treatment that can heal hepatitis B without damaging the host cell.

Insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have made a breakthrough in creating insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells. By understanding the molecular regulation of stem cell differentiation, they can generate functional specialized cells for regenerative therapy approaches to chronic diseases like diabetes. This discovery has significant i...

Type 2 diabetes: New associations identified between genes and metabolic markers

Scientists from Helmholtz Zentrum Muenchen discovered new associations between two major Type 2 diabetes risk genotypes and altered plasma concentrations of metabolic products. The study, published in PLOS ONE and Metabolomics, reveals specific metabolic effects, particularly for the TCF7L2 genotype.

New multiple action intestinal hormone corrects diabetes

Scientists have developed a new therapeutic approach for Type 2 diabetes using a novel single molecule hormone that acts on GLP-1 and GIP receptors. The hormone reduces weight and improves blood sugar levels, and may offer unprecedented potential for personalized therapies.

Study explains why diabetic retinopathy is difficult to treat

Researchers investigated how drug treatment affects signal carriers in diabetic retinas, finding half of proteins normalized by metformin treatment. However, other essential proteins remained unchanged despite improved blood glucose levels, suggesting a need for further combination therapies to effectively treat diabetic retinopathy.