Researchers at IRB Barcelona identify p38 as a protective mechanism for tumor cells against excessive DNA accumulation, which would cause cell death. Combining p38 inhibitors with chemotherapy shows promise in shrinking tumors and killing cancer cells.
The CENTROBIN protein plays a positive role in flagellum development, while exerting negative effects on primary cilia formation. Its discovery reveals the multifunctional nature of this protein in distinct cell types.
Researchers discovered that DOR protein deficiency stimulates the generation of new adipose cells and leads to a less harmful form of obesity. This type of obesity is characterized by an increase in the number of fat cells rather than their volume, which may be less susceptible to metabolic complications.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have found covalently linked beta-amyloid dimers in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease. These dimers are preserved during tissue extraction and could serve as new biomarkers for early detection.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona found that removing the single mitochondrial protein Opa1 from mouse muscle causes severe inflammation throughout the body, leading to premature death. This study supports the notion that mitochondrial defects underlie diseases of unknown origin involving chronic muscle inflammation.
Researchers found that genes responsible for metastasis can also initiate primary tumour development, driven by the fly model Drosophila melanogaster. This discovery strengthens the notion that same genes can activate tumour growth and metastasis in some tumours.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered that immune system-stimulating treatments combined with a TGF-beta inhibitor are effective against colon cancer. They developed a mouse model that mimics advanced human colon cancer, allowing them to examine how cancer cells evade the immune system.
A team of scientists has identified the protein kinase MSK1 as a key regulator of dormant or latent metastases in estrogen-positive breast cancer. The study found that tumors expressing MSK1 have a longer period of latency with no symptoms, reducing the risk of earlier relapse.
Researchers have identified EXD2 as a critical regulator of mitochondrial protein production, which is essential for energy generation and maintaining cellular homeostasis. The study found that EXD2 targets messenger RNA to facilitate the maturation of the mitochondrial ribosome, leading to increased protein production.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona identify BigH1 histone as crucial for male fertility and sex cell differentiation, promoting reproductive health. The study provides new insights into the role of histones in regulating gene expression and understanding infertility.
IRB Barcelona researchers have discovered a new target for treating advanced prostate cancer, the TFIIF protein. Removing this protein's interaction with the androgen receptor could make treatment effective again in resistant tumors.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics reveals that the DNA error surveillance and repair system is more efficient in protein-coding exons than other genomic regions. This higher efficiency allows for better conservation of essential genetic sequences across species.
A study published in Lancet Oncology identified MAF amplification as a tool to stratify breast cancer patients for zoledronic acid treatment. In MAF-negative patients, the inclusion of zoledronic acid improved outcomes, while non-postmenopausal MAF-positive patients experienced increased adverse outcomes.
Epithelial tumours can grow independently of their microenvironment, driven by a feedback amplification loop that activates the JNK stress signalling pathway. This internal mechanism triggers proliferation in non-proliferating cells, leading to chromosomal instability and loss of epithelial polarity.
Researchers reveal histone 1 prevents accumulation of lethal R-loops and genome instability in heterochromatin, contradicting long-held hypothesis.
Researchers found that aged stem cells reprogram their circadian functions to focus on tissue repair and stress response, rather than maintenance. A low-calorie diet also preserves the rhythmic functions of stem cells.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified histidine as a crucial component in the machinery that enables Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to acquire and spread antibiotic resistance. This discovery could lead to the development of molecules to prevent the spread of resistant strains, offering new hope in tackling hospital infections.
The study reveals that TLK2 is vital for placenta and embryo viability in mice, with implications for human intellectual disabilities. The researchers found that mutations in the TLK2 gene may cause impaired placental function, leading to insufficient oxygen during development and potential neurological disorders.
The study reveals that morphogens, such as Dpp, are necessary for tissue growth but their concentration gradients do not direct wing growth. The research suggests an alternative mechanism regulates the size of the final wing structure.
Researchers discovered that a small group of hypothalamus neurons, called POMC, modulate the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas. The study reveals new molecular mechanisms involved in this connection and highlights the importance of mitochondrial dynamics in glucose sensing and insulin release control.
A recent study published in eLife provides a deeper understanding of p38α's structure and activation mechanism. The research reveals novel conformations that could be used to uncover new inhibitors, as well as important electrostatic interactions that may allow for alternative activation pathways with increased specificity.
Scientists at IDIBAPS and IRB Barcelona developed a novel strategy to genetically modify viruses that selectively target tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. The study's results show promising effectiveness in controlling tumor growth and destroying cancer cells, offering hope for new cancer therapies.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered a new group of quiescent intestinal stem cells that are resistant to chemotherapy. These cells, estimated to be one in ten compared to active stem cells, play a crucial role in tissue regeneration and can produce any type of intestinal cell.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by directly observing the structure of protein machinery in living cells, allowing them to study its functions in unprecedented detail. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cellular biology and developing new therapeutic strategies for diseases.
The study reveals that CPEB4 is essential for driving the liver stress response and preventing fatty liver disease. By understanding the molecular function of CPEB4, researchers can develop predictive markers and treatments to prevent this condition, which affects millions of people worldwide.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona identify a fundamental role of JAK/STAT signalling pathway in regulating limb development and growth. The study reveals three key functions of JAK/STAT in specifying wing formation and growth, with implications for understanding human congenital diseases.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered 10 new drug combinations that show high synergy in treating breast cancer, outperforming individual treatments. These combinations aim to overcome treatment resistance by attacking tumour cells from multiple angles.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona identify CD36 as a general marker of metastatic cells, which are responsible for initiating and promoting metastasis in several types of human tumors. High-fat diets have been shown to enhance the formation of metastases in mice inoculated with oral cancer cells.
Researchers developed a novel simulation technique called eBDIMS to predict protein movements, which can be done on standard PCs. This approach uses low-resolution models, simplifying the structure of proteins, allowing for precise predictions in minutes, not months.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have made significant advances in developing shuttle peptides that can transport drugs across the blood-brain barrier. These peptide vectors show promise for treating neurological diseases with improved efficiency and lower side effects.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have rediscovered the utility of disordered regions in proteins as drug targets for various diseases. The study reveals that certain disordered proteins can be highly structured in their natural context, making them potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers have identified two proteins that safeguard skin stem cells, which are essential for skin renewal and regeneration. The study reveals that without these proteins, skin stem cells collapse and disappear from the tissue.
A study at IRB Barcelona discovered that Mitofusin 2 is required to preserve healthy muscles in mice, with its loss associated with muscle wastage and sarcopenia. The protein could serve as a therapeutic target to ameliorate sarcopenia in the elderly.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified a molecular system of protection that involves the androgen receptor protein in Kennedy's disease. The study suggests that targeting specific regions of the protein may lead to new therapeutic targets for the condition.
A study by IRB Barcelona reveals the genetic code stopped evolving at 20 amino acids due to limitations in tRNA molecules. The researchers explain that new amino acids can't be introduced without causing problems with protein synthesis and translation.
Researchers discovered that breast cancer cells require fatty acids from the extracellular environment to proliferate. LIPG enzyme is crucial for tumor growth, and its inhibition may lead to more efficient chemotherapy treatments.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona discovered a new protein RingoA crucial for meiosis, the cell division process that gives rise to sex cells. The protein is active at telomeres, allowing chromosomes to attach to the nuclear membrane, enabling recombination and DNA exchange.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have identified two molecular signals and a pathway that allows differentiated cells to regain their stem cell properties. This discovery has implications for cell reprogramming, regenerative medicine, and understanding cancer.
A study published in the EMBO Journal has identified a gene candidate, GEMC1, associated with a subtype of ciliopathy. GEMC1 regulates key genes involved in this disease, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for rare diseases affecting 5 in 10,000 people or fewer.
A recent study published in Developmental Cell reveals that 68% of solid tumors are aneuploid, meaning they have an abnormal number of chromosomes. Aneuploidy contributes to genomic instability and cancer progression by triggering cell death and proliferation signals.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have synthesized peptides that target the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) protein, which accelerates tumour cell growth. These peptides show promise as a potential treatment for cancer, and further studies are underway to develop stronger compounds.
A study published in Gastroenterology reveals that the inhibition of CPEB4 protein can prevent the development of abnormal blood vessels associated with cirrhosis. This finding has significant implications for the treatment of this disease, which is responsible for a high rate of hospital admissions and use of health resources.
The EU-funded project aims to lay the groundwork for 3D genomics by standardizing experiments, storing data, and developing protocols. The goal is to move from 1D genomic studies to understanding DNA structure and function in a 3D context.
The researchers have developed a new model that allows atomic-level simulations of DNA dynamics, achieving extraordinary accuracy in just 5 years of work. The data is stored in a public website with over 4 Terabytes of information.
A recent IRB Barcelona study has questioned the widely accepted premise about the number of molecules and shape of amyloid beta protein's initial aggregates. The research found that Abeta 40 and Abeta 42 form the same aggregation states, contradicting previous findings, which used a technique that may be biased.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered the MAF gene is a reliable predictor of breast cancer bone metastasis. The study, published in JNCI, analyzed over 900 clinical samples and found that MAF-altered tumors are 14 times more likely to develop bone metastasis.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have revived an old tissue transplant technique from 1935 to aid tumour growth studies in Drosophila melanogaster. The approach has been successfully reproduced and implemented by labs worldwide.
A new approach to tag proteins has been developed using plant protein epitopes, inntags, which are stable and do not compromise native function. The smallest protein domains with strong structural determinants were selected for tagging purposes.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona found that tumor suppressor genes restrict the growth of neighboring cell populations, a mechanism that may contribute to cancer development. This discovery could provide insight into the early events of tumorigenesis and the selection of tumour-initiating cells.
Researchers have identified a key protein in cilia assembly, which is essential for sensing chemicals and mechanical forces in the body. The discovery, published in Current Biology, sheds light on how cilia are assembled and could lead to a better understanding of ciliopathies, a group of disorders affecting millions worldwide.