Researchers have identified a new compound, BMS-354825, that successfully sidesteps the problem of Gleevec resistance in some patients. The compound prolongs survival of mice with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and inhibits the proliferation of bone marrow progenitor cells resistant to Gleevec.
The report recommends the development of antiviral drugs against smallpox due to its high lethality and ease of transmission. Research on poxvirus mechanisms and animal models is crucial to understand how the virus kills and develop effective treatments without using antiviral drugs.
Scientists discovered that certain brain systems remain intact in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, enabling the retention of implicit memory capabilities. Structured training programs may be an effective approach to improving cognitive function.
Researchers found that expressing LARGE protein in cells from patients with distinct gene defects can restore alpha-dystroglycan's ability to bind to the extracellular matrix, leading to improved muscle structure and function. This approach may have clinical benefits for patients with muscular dystrophy.
Researchers have identified proteins that determine which mice succumb to mousepox and which do not. Strains resistant to infection produce type-1 cytokines, while susceptible ones produce type-2 cytokine IL-4. The discovery could enable better protection for humans against smallpox.
Researchers found that condensin proteins cause DNA to extend in stepwise 'clicks' like Velcro unzipping, with the process reproducing identically every time. The energy-containing molecule ATP plays a regulatory role, allowing the bound protein to recondense DNA when tension is lowered
Researchers identify source of random noise in gene expression, finding that promoter preparation and remodeling contribute to variability. This variation can affect protein levels and cell behavior, with implications for evolution and development.
Researchers analyzed DNA samples from 414 dogs representing 85 breeds to discover previously unappreciated relationships between existing breeds. They found four genetic clusters, including a cluster containing ancient breeds with wolf-like ancestry.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is awarding $49.7 million in grants to support undergraduate science programs at 42 colleges across 17 states and Puerto Rico. The funding will enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM education, with a focus on underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged students.
Researchers have identified critical stretches of ultra-conserved DNA sequences in the human genome, found near well-studied genes and involved in regulating transcription. These elements were also conserved across multiple species, including rats, mice, chickens, and even ancient genomes like those of sea squirts and roundworms.
New studies suggest that embryonic stem cells or mature beta cells are the primary source of new beta cells for diabetes treatment. The findings highlight a significant proliferative capacity of beta cells, offering a potential clinical direction for boosting insulin production in patients with residual beta cells.
Researchers at HHMI argue that supplementing lectures with active learning strategies leads to better understanding and success in science courses. The study recommends revamping introductory courses, training scientists to teach, and changing the reward system to emphasize good teaching.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is providing 80 scientists with five-year grants to conduct basic biomedical research in their own countries. This initiative aims to combat emerging and established infectious diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, and support the development of scientific capacity in regions hit by brain drain.
Scientists studying stickleback fish discovered that small changes in gene regulation can lead to rapid skeletal changes without disrupting essential genes. The researchers identified a single region on the chromosome responsible for most of the changes in spine and pelvic morphology, pointing to the key role of the Pitx1 gene.
Research reveals leptin rewires neural feeding circuits by suppressing appetite-stimulating neurons and enhancing those that decrease hunger. The study suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between neuronal changes and behavioral changes, potentially contributing to obesity.
Researchers have created new RNA libraries that can selectively inactivate human genes, enabling efficient screening for genetic defects. The libraries, made widely available to the research community, will greatly aid in understanding human biology and disease.
Scientists have discovered a key relationship between two inherited eye disorders, Norrie disease and FEVR, linked to blood vessel malformation and activation of the Wnt pathway. The study sheds light on potential treatments for these conditions and raises questions about specialized vascular development systems in other tissues.
Researchers establish that different strains of prions can be accounted for by misfolded conformations of the same protein. The study provides insights into how amyloid proteins form and propagate, potentially guiding future studies of strain properties in mammalian prions.
The new cell lines, derived from private funds by Harvard University researchers, offer a robust and easy-to-handle alternative to existing human embryonic stem cells. The availability of these cell lines is expected to quicken the pace of discovery in stem cell biology, particularly in research related to type 1 diabetes.
Researchers successfully cloned mice from olfactory cell nuclei, demonstrating totipotent development and normal brain function. The study expands understanding of neuronal diversity and offers insights into reprogramming mature cells.
Researchers develop high-throughput method to systematically interrogate gene function using RNA interference, identifying genes involved in cell growth, survival and metabolic processes
HHMI's international programs aim to train and retain young scientists, build centers of excellence, and foster public-private partnerships. The Institute has invested over $100 million to support scientific research and education in 32 countries on six continents.
The study found that subtle alterations in the influenza virus's infectivity led to its deadly spread. The researchers determined that a key contributor was the hemagglutinin protein, which allowed the virus to bind to human receptors in an antigenically favorable way.
A study led by Bruce Lahn found that the Abnormal Spindle-Like Microcephaly Associated (ASPM) gene shows strong evidence of accelerated evolutionary changes in the primate lineage leading to humans. These changes are most prominent after humans parted ways from chimpanzees, suggesting a possible key role for ASPM in human brain evolution.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a critical regulatory role of protein CTCF in controlling gene imprinting in eggs. The study found that lower levels of CTCF resulted in higher DNA methylation and reduced fertility in female mice.
A team of researchers identified a molecular mechanism driving drug resistance in prostate cancer, revealing that hormone-refractory cells develop an altered androgen receptor. The findings suggest that even low levels of testosterone can activate these receptors, leading to the conversion of anti-androgen drugs into agonist drugs.
Understanding insulin-regulatory pathways is crucial to identifying health-enhancing and disease-endangering manipulations. Research has identified components of key insulin-controlled signaling pathways, including IRS1 and IRS2, which regulate body growth, glucose homeostasis, and female fertility.
Researchers discovered that mice lacking calcium channels exhibit constricted coronary arteries and fibrous tissue in their hearts, suggesting a potential target for treating cardiovascular disease. The study found that drugs targeting the T-channel, responsible for relaxation, might be used to open arteries.
Scientists successfully designed and built an artificial protein using a novel computational approach, opening up new possibilities for medicine and industrial applications. The achievement represents a significant breakthrough in understanding protein folding and design.
Researchers have developed a new technique called CLIP, which helps identify target RNAs regulated by RNA-binding proteins like Nova. This technique has potential to aid in understanding the cause of many human diseases, including Fragile X syndrome.
Zebrafish provide a unique window into blood cell development, allowing researchers to distinguish individual cell types and transplant genetically altered cells. The technique enables the study of cellular defects in mutant fish, which can inform human transplantation strategies.
Researchers have discovered that specific receptor molecules on the tongue trigger taste cells to transmit signals to the brain, governing sweet and umami tastes. The study's findings suggest individual variations in 'sweet tooth' responses may stem from subtle genetic differences in these receptors.
The Gene Expression Nervous System Atlas (GENSAT) provides a comprehensive map of gene expression in the central nervous system. Researchers can use this tool to explore molecular machinery and chart functional circuitry of the brain and spinal cord, leading to better understanding of neurological disorders.
Researchers found that adding clay to fatty acid micelles greatly accelerated vesicle formation, and even demonstrated growth and division in these physical-chemical systems. This discovery offers a possible pathway for the evolution of living cells, with implications for understanding the origins of life on Earth.
Researchers have created a comprehensive atlas of yeast proteins, allowing for the measurement of abundance and localization with high sensitivity. This breakthrough enables insights into protein function and cellular behavior, surpassing previous methods that only detected abundant proteins.
Researchers discovered that healthy astrocytes and glia can rescue motor neurons containing ALS-causing mutations from degeneration. The study suggests inserting healthy astrocytes into ALS patients may reduce or prevent motor-neuron degeneration.
Researchers found that eliminating or overexpressing the cdx4 gene affected blood-cell formation and Hox gene expression in zebrafish. The study's findings could help reveal how cdx4 fusions disrupt normal hematopoiesis and contribute to human leukemias.
Studies with yeast prions show that small mutations can cause transmission barriers, potentially explaining species barriers for mammalian prions. The findings suggest a new approach to treating disorders like Alzheimer's by influencing toxic protein folding.
Researchers discover key mechanism underlying Hirschsprung disease by identifying genes that control neural crest stem cell migration. The findings may lead to potential correction of the disease through transplantation of neural stem cells.
Researchers found that loss of <i>H2AX</i> gene leads to increased genomic instability and cancer in mice. The study suggests that <i>H2AX</i> deficiency may be a major player in cancer-causing genomic instability, particularly in the context of human tumors with alterations in chromosome 11.
Researchers measured DNA's torsional stiffness, finding it 40% more resistant than previously reported. This breakthrough enables understanding of energy costs and mechanical behavior in biological processes.
A research team led by H. Ronald Kaback solved the three-dimensional structure of the bacterial membrane transport protein lacose permease (LacY), shedding light on its mechanism and function. The resulting structure revealed intricate interactions between amino acids, sugars, and protons, providing crucial insights into membrane trans...
Researchers have identified key genes controlling skeleton development, including Hox10 and Hox11. These paralogous genes orchestrate construction of ribs, spine, and limb bones, with knocking out all forms revealing dramatic effects on development.
Researchers have identified gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) as a key signaling molecule that triggers plant reproduction and guides the growth of pollen tubes. In contrast, mutants with deficient GABA degradation produce a massive increase in the chemical signal, overwhelming the pollen tubes and disrupting their guidance.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant in the calcineurin pathway that may be linked to schizophrenia. The study found that mice lacking this gene exhibited severe behavioral abnormalities similar to those seen in humans with the disorder, including hyperactivity and social withdrawal.
Researchers have identified a set of genes specifically associated with breast cancer's ability to metastasize to bone. The study found that these 'poor prognosis signature' genes enable tumor cells to home in on bone and trigger growth of blood vessels. The discovery does not invalidate the classical model of tumor cell metastasis, bu...
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded grants to promote science education and literacy in diverse communities. Programs will engage students and teachers from underrepresented groups and focus on standards-based learning.
Researchers at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies identified a distinct shade-avoidance syndrome signaling pathway in plants. This discovery could lead to improved crop yields by delaying premature flowering under shaded conditions.
The human Y chromosome contains euchromatic sequences representing active genes and heterochromatic sequences that are nonfunctional. The final sequence reveals a mosaic of genomic sequences, including X-degenerate, X-transposed, and ampliconic sequences.
Researchers develop technique to visualize individual vesicles after release, discovering three modes of recycling: kiss-and-run, compensatory and stranded. The study reveals the rate of synaptic vesicle recycling determines information transmission in nerve cells.