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JCI Journals


JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 1, 2010

Researchers have identified a potential new drug combination for treating diffuse large B cell lymphoma and found potential therapeutic targets for Noonan syndrome. The combination of an inhibitor of BCL6 with either an HDAC protein or Hsp90 protein showed enhanced killing of cancer cells in vitro and potent suppression of tumor growth...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2010

JCI table of contents: Oct. 25, 2010

Researchers found that maternal KIRs interacting with fetal HLA-C molecules determine trophoblast invasion, affecting recurrent miscarriage and preeclampsia. Meanwhile, a new approach to treating thrombocytopenia involves infusing mature megakaryocytes into mice to generate functional platelets.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2010

Pregnancy outcome affected by immune system genes

A study by Ashley Moffett's team found that specific interactions between maternal cells and fetal trophoblasts play a key role in determining successful pregnancy. The presence of certain maternal immune system genes provides protection against recurrent miscarriage, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 25, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 18, 2010

New study suggests that high levels of NOS2 are a predictor of survival in patients with ER-negative breast tumors and may be a good target for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, researchers identify the H-CDR3 antibody region as a potential key to treating pemphigus by targeting it with specific therapy. However, genetic inactiva...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 18, 2010

Intriguing viral link to intestinal cancer in mice

Research by Sergio Lira at Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that HCMV-infected mice develop intestinal tumors as they age, with increased tumor growth compared to normal mice. The study suggests a potential viral link to intestinal cancer in humans, although further work is needed to confirm the association.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 11, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 1, 2010

Researchers have discovered that growth hormone controls skeletal muscle development through IGF-1, whereas its effect on nutrient uptake is independent of IGF-1. In contrast, aldosterone promotes vascular injury by inducing expression of the protein PGF in mouse and human blood vessel walls.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2010

Going from strength to strength: effects of growth hormone on muscle

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine used mice engineered to lack specific molecules to show that growth hormone controls skeletal muscle development via IGF-1, but not nutrient uptake. This study provides insights into the use of growth hormone or analogs for promoting muscle development and reducing muscle loss.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 1, 2010

JCI table of contents: Sept. 27, 2010

Researchers discovered that Maf protein promotes osteoblast differentiation in mice, reducing bone formation and increasing fat cell generation with age. Additionally, studies found defective immune cells in patients with type 1 diabetes and suggested these cells could be a viable target for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010

Controlling bone formation to prevent osteoporosis

A team of researchers has identified a key player in maintaining bone balance, finding that the protein Maf promotes bone formation and prevents osteoporosis. By understanding this age-related switch in cell type generation, new approaches to treat age-related osteoporosis may be developed.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010

Preserving nerve cells in motor neuron disease

A team of researchers identified a way to preserve nerve cells in motor neuron disease by preventing symptom onset, weight loss, and paralysis. This discovery provides a new avenue for the development of therapeutics for ALS and other motor neuron diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 20, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 20, 2010

Researchers identified ways to preserve motor neuron cells in ALS and enhance CD8+ T cell therapy for leukemia. Expanding immune suppressors via TNFRSF25 could prevent allergic lung inflammation in asthma. These findings may pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for these diseases.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 20, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 13, 2010

Researchers discovered an indirect approach to reducing JAK2 activity by targeting HSP90, which stabilized JAK2. This treatment normalized blood counts and improved survival in mouse models of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Inhibiting c-Met also decreased mTOR signaling and blocked cyst formation in a mouse model of autosomal dominant p...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 13, 2010

Signaling hope for polycystic kidney disease

Researchers identify hyperactive c-Met protein as key player in ADPKD cyst growth, leading to potential therapeutic target. Pharmacological inhibition of c-Met decreases mTOR activity and blocks cyst formation in mouse model.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 13, 2010

'Hi-JAK-ing' cancer by inhibiting Jak2

Researchers describe an indirect approach to reducing JAK2 activity by pharmacologically targeting HSP90. Inhibiting HSP90 normalized blood counts and improved survival in two mouse models of MPN, promoting JAK2 degradation in samples from patients with the disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 13, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 1, 2010

Researchers have identified a way to preserve nerve cells in a rat model of stroke and developed a modified adenovirus vaccine that provides protection against malaria in mice. The vaccine targets a protein called TRPC6, which is involved in protecting nerve cells from death after a stroke.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2010

JCI table of contents: Aug. 25, 2010

Two independent research groups demonstrate that induced pluripotent stem cells can be used to model diseases of the liver and generate functional hepatocytes with proliferative capabilities. These findings expand our understanding of iPS cell technology's potential for cell replacement therapy and modeling human disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 25, 2010

Repairing spinal cord injury with manipulated neural stem cells

A team of researchers has developed an approach to repairing spinal cord injuries using manipulated neural stem cells. In a mouse model, the cells were combined with valproic acid and resulted in impressive restoration of hind limb function. Further work is needed to determine if this approach can be used in human patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 16, 2010

ROCK(2) 'n' roll target for treating autoimmunity

Researchers have discovered that ROCK2 protein is involved in regulating the production of IL-17 and IL-21, which are linked to autoimmunity. Administration of a ROCK inhibitor has shown promise in reducing disease symptoms and ameliorating conditions in mice models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Aug. 9, 2010

Researchers at Columbia University have found that ROCK2 may be a good therapeutic target for treating autoimmune disorders, while targeting CD13+ CSCs in liver cancer could provide a new treatment approach. Additionally, scientists at Stanford University developed ways to enhance RNAi efficacy and persistence while decreasing toxicity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 9, 2010

Boosting the efficacy of anticancer vaccines

Researchers developed an alphavirus vector to overcome neutralizing antibodies and Tregs, inducing clinically relevant immune responses in patients with metastatic cancer. Repeated administration led to longer overall patient survival, making the approach a promising therapeutic option.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 2, 2010

JCI table of contents: July 26, 2010

Researchers have developed a new drug that targets peripheral CB1 cannabinoid receptors to improve cardiometabolic risk in mouse models of obesity. The drug inhibits the same protein as rimonabant, but without neurological side effects. This approach may reduce health risks associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 26, 2010

Predicting drug responsiveness in cancer patients

Researchers identified a way to predict which cancer patients will respond to everolimus, a treatment targeting the protein mTOR. The presence of KRAS gene mutations is associated with lack of response to treatment, suggesting that looking for PIK3CA and KRAS mutations can help predict patient outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 26, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: July 19, 2010

A study found that drugs inhibiting the protein MTOR can impair heart function in patients with ongoing heart dysfunction. Additionally, researchers discovered that deleting the protein 4E-BP1 improved heart function and survival in mice. These findings suggest a potential new therapeutic strategy for improving heart health.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 2010

A dead Sirt(3) to protect preimplantation embryos

A recent study by Hiroki Kurihara's team at the University of Tokyo discovered that Sirt3 helps safeguard mouse embryos against oxidative stress induced by in vitro fertilization and culture. The findings suggest that the negative effects of Sirt3 inactivation can be mitigated by using antioxidants or low-oxygen conditions during IVF.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 2010

Impaired activity of the protein MTOR a strain on the heart

Researchers found that mice lacking MTOR in their heart muscle cells developed a fatal heart condition, highlighting the potential adverse effects of MTOR inhibitors on heart health. Deletion of 4E-BP1 improved heart function and survival, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy for improving heart function in patients with heart failure.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 2010

The hormone IGF-1: A trigger of puberty

A study by Johns Hopkins University researchers confirms IGF-1's crucial role in coordinating puberty onset in mice. Administration of IGF-1 to normal female mice triggered pubertal development, highlighting its importance in timely triggering of pulsatile GnRH production.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 12, 2010

'TIMely' intervention for asthma

Researchers at Biogen Idec Inc. have found that targeting the TIM-1 protein may be effective in treating asthma. The study used a humanized mouse model to show that an antibody binding to a specific region of TIM-1 reduced inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 12, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: July 12, 2010

A study published in JCI Online found that targeting acetylcholine-producing nerve cells in the pedunculopontine nucleus may alleviate gait disorders and falls in Parkinson's disease patients. Meanwhile, another study suggests that blocking TIM-1 protein could provide therapeutic benefits for asthma patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 12, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: July 1, 2010

Researchers have identified biomarkers for life-threatening conditions in preterm infants, such as late-onset septicemia and necrotizing enterocolitis. Additionally, studies on leptin's role in childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes have shed light on the importance of hypothalamic signaling in preventing obesity development, while also...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 1, 2010

Jetting off without the jet lag

A new study has identified a key role for adrenal glucocorticoids in resetting the internal body clock, a finding that could lead to new treatments for jet lag. The research also highlights the importance of timing and location in regulating circadian rhythms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 23, 2010

JCI table of contents: June 23, 2010

Researchers have found that modulating the adrenal gland's production of glucocorticoid hormones can regulate the resetting of the internal body clock, providing a new potential therapy for jet lag. This discovery also has implications for those who suffer from rotating shift work and its associated health problems.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 23, 2010

Selective estrogen targeting to protect the heart and blood vessels

Researchers discovered an estrogen-dendrimer conjugate that selectively targets heart-protective pathways in mice, promoting cardiovascular protection without stimulating uterine enlargement or breast cancer growth. The findings pave the way for potential therapeutic interventions targeting non-nuclear estrogen receptors.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 23, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: June 14, 2010

Research on prion disease found that structural differences affect transmission between species, while gene therapy showed promise in nonhuman primates. Additionally, the protein periostin was discovered to promote heart valve degeneration by inducing angiogenesis and MMP production.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 14, 2010

Sequence and structure key to prion disease transmission

A study by Adriano Aguzzi and Christina Sigurdson found that the local structure of PrPC protein influenced prion transmissibility between different species. The researchers identified a molecular switch controlling interspecies prion disease transmission in mice, providing new insight into food safety risks associated with BSE.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 14, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: June 1, 2010

GSK-3 inhibitors may have adverse effects on the heart, while NMDA molecules could provide nerve cell protection, highlighting the need for careful risk-benefit assessments. These findings have implications for developing new treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2010

Protecting nerve cells the job of the protein NFI-A

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered NFI-A's role in protecting nerve cells from death due to neurologic disorders and stroke. Knocking down NFI-A reduced the neuroprotective effects of sublethal doses of NMDA, supporting its central role in nerve cell survival.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2010

Signatures of kidney transplant rejection and acceptance

Researchers identified biomarkers associated with stable kidney graft function in patients without immunosuppressants and a molecular signature indicative of future organ failure. These findings may help design personalized treatment regimens for kidney transplant recipients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 24, 2010