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JCI Journals


JCI table of contents: May 24, 2010

Two teams of researchers identified biomarkers that predict excellent graft function in kidney transplant recipients who stop taking immunosuppressive drugs. A molecular signature indicative of future organ failure was also found. The signatures may help physicians design personalized treatment regimens for kidney transplant recipients.

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

Eliminating the source of asthma-causing immune molecules

Researchers at Genentech Inc. developed a way to specifically eliminate IgE-producing B cells, providing a new approach to treating asthma and other allergic diseases. The monoclonal antibody neutralizes the effects of soluble IgE molecules in the blood, reducing their levels and numbers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 10, 2010

The protein tPA provides protection for nerve cells

The protein tPA provides protection for nerve cells in the hippocampus by preventing death caused by reduced blood flow during stroke. Analysis of tPA's protective process reveals implications for therapeutic strategies to prevent nerve cell death.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2010

Conquering a severe complication of celiac disease

A team of researchers has identified IL-15 as a key player in the development of enteropathy-associated T cell lymphoma, a high-grade invasive lymphoma associated with severe celiac disease. Treatment with an antibody directed at IL-15 successfully wiped out intraepithelial lymphocytes in mice overexpressing human IL-15.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: May 3, 2010

A study found that the protein tPA protects nerve cells in the brain from death caused by reduced blood flow, leading to two proposed models for its protective effect. Another study identified IL-15 as a potential new target for treating type II refractory celiac disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 3, 2010

JCI table of contents: April 26, 2010

Researchers found that folic acid promotes nerve cell regeneration in injured rodents through a molecular pathway. Additionally, two separate studies identified distinct roles for proteins PLA2s in male fertility and sperm function, suggesting potential targets for new contraceptive agents and treatments for infertility.

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

New requirements for male fertility

Researchers have identified two proteins, sPLA2-III and group X secreted PLA2 (mGX), as crucial for sperm function and fertility in mice. Mice lacking these proteins had decreased fertility due to impaired sperm maturation and fertilization efficiency.

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

Breathe easy with the protein LPCAT1

Researchers identified LPCAT1 as a key protein in lung surfactant production, essential for air breathing transition in mice. Decreased LPCAT1 expression may underlie fatal respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.

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

A good mimic promotes nerve cell survival

Researchers developed a two-step screening strategy to identify small molecules that bind to TrkB but not other related proteins. These compounds have shown promising therapeutic potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions by activating TrkB signaling and preventing neuronal degeneration.

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

JCI online early table of contents: April 19, 2010

Researchers have identified small molecules that bind to TrkB, a protein involved in nerve cell survival, and demonstrated their potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, a new compound has been found to prevent anaphylactic shock by targeting the SphK1-S1P pathway, which may lead to the development of new thera...

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

JCI online early table of contents: April 12, 2010

Chronic stress accelerates tumor growth in ovarian cancer patients by protecting cells from anoikis, a process that allows tumor cells to survive and grow. Stress hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine activate the protein FAK, leading to accelerated mortality.

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

Immune molecules target swine- and avian-origin influenza

Researchers found that individuals vaccinated with seasonal influenza vaccine produce antibodies targeting H5 HA, protecting mice from pandemic H1N1 and several H5N1 viruses. However, more work is needed to determine antibody levels and vaccination effectiveness against different influenza virus subtypes.

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

Clinical trial drug exacerbates tuberculosis in mice

The study found that Poly-ICLC treatment increased lung bacterial load and damage in mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This was attributed to the recruitment of myeloid immune cells, which supported bacterial growth and exacerbated lung damage.

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

Genetic form of anemia defined molecularly

A recent study identifies the GLRX5 gene as essential for generating iron-sulfur clusters and maintaining normal iron levels in human cells. The protein deficiency leads to sideroblastic anemia by impairing heme biosynthesis and depleting cytosolic iron in red blood cells.

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

Combinatorial therapy allows viruses to destroy tumors

Researchers developed a combinatorial approach using viruses to destroy tumors, which was shown to provide substantial regression and cure of tumors in mice. By targeting tumor blood vessels, this approach could potentially treat a wide range of cancers, offering new hope for cancer treatment.

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

JCI online early table of contents: April 1, 2010

Researchers have developed a new approach to treating cancer using viruses to infect and kill cancer cells. In mice, combining this with standard therapy led to substantial tumor regression and cure. Additionally, modulating VEGF signaling allowed the cells lining tumor blood vessels to be targeted by viruses, suggesting a potential wi...

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

JCI online early table of contents: March 15, 2010

Researchers have made significant progress in treating spinal muscular atrophy with targeted gene therapy, improving muscle strength and coordination. Additionally, a new approach to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy heart disease has been discovered using membrane-sealing poloxamer. Furthermore, a cancer drug has shown promise in m...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: March 8, 2010

Recent studies suggest that triggering TLR7 and TLR8 can actually increase tumor cell survival, while a new soluble factor IFN-beta represses tumor growth by limiting blood vessel formation. Additionally, microRNA-31 has been identified as an oncogenic factor promoting lung cancer through the repression of specific tumor suppressor genes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 2010

Warning sign for potential anti-cancer approach

A new study suggests that stimulating human lung cancer cells with TLR7 or TLR8 agonists can lead to increased tumor cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. This approach is being investigated as an adjuvant for anticancer immunotherapies, but caution should be exercised due to these potential risks.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: March 1, 2010

Researchers at the NIH have identified a key role for the protein Slc23a1 in controlling vitamin C levels in mice, which is essential for perinatal survival. Additionally, they discovered that treating multidrug-resistant leukemia cells with a specific drug can resensitize them to glucocorticoids and other cytotoxic agents by activatin...

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

JCI table of contents: Feb. 22, 2010

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have found that disrupting the SDF-1/CXCR4 interaction can prevent the recruitment of vasculogenic cells to the tumor site, blocking postirradiation development of functional tumor vasculature and tumor regrowth. This approach may be applicable to treating glioblastoma multiforme.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 15, 2010

In this study, researchers discovered autoantibodies that target the natural protein Trib2 in narcolepsy patients with cataplexy, indicating that narcolepsy may be an autoimmune disorder. Additionally, a team of researchers identified a potential therapeutic target for neuroblastoma by studying human neuroblastoma cells and mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2010

Immune system turns on the body in narcolepsy

A new study identifies autoantibodies targeting Trib2 protein in narcolepsy patients with cataplexy, supporting the theory that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disorder. Elevated levels of these antibodies were found in narcolepsy patients, furthering research on the underlying causes of the condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 8, 2010

Researchers have identified CD99 as a potential new drug target for Ewing sarcoma. A novel type of cellular senescence has also been found to suppress prostate tumorigenesis. Additionally, the protein USAG-1 has been linked to the development of Alport syndrome, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2010

Preventing pancreatic islet loss after transplantation

Researchers have identified a potential new set of targets to improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation. The study found that treatment with an antibody targeting HMGB1 prevented early pancreatic islet loss and inhibited IFN-gamma production by NKT cells and Gr-1+CD11b+ cells.

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

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

Researchers identify potential new targets for preventing early loss of transplanted pancreatic islets, which could improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation. Meanwhile, studies show that engineering macrophages to store triacylglycerol protects mice from diet-induced insulin resistance and inflammation.

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

JCI table of contents: Jan. 25, 2010

Researchers found that adding three specific molecules to a vaccine increased the effectiveness of protective T cell responses in mice. The quality, not just the quantity, of these responses was enhanced. This discovery could lead to new adjuvants for improving vaccine efficacy.

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

JCI online early table of contents: January 19, 2009

A team of researchers has identified a potential mechanism by which the tobacco-specific carcinogen NNK promotes lung tumor formation. They also found that statins may protect against invasive pneumococcal infections in children with sickle cell disease. Additionally, a new oncogenic protein called Nlp was discovered to be expressed at...

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

New use for statins in children with sickle cell disease?

Researchers identified statins as a potential new use for treating sickle cell disease in children, finding they reduced bacterial invasion and prevented cell death. The study suggests that prophylactic treatment with statins may reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal infections in these patients.

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

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 11, 2010

Researchers question the safety of gene therapy targeting I-1c in treating heart failure after finding it can cause abnormal heartbeats and sudden death. Additionally, a study reveals that certain anticancer drugs can cause heart failure by triggering PDGFR-beta signaling in heart muscle cells.

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

I-1c gene therapy: Not such a good idea in heart failure?

Researchers found that gene therapy to express a constitutively active form of protein I-1c in heart muscle cells improved contractile function in young mice, but led to abnormal heartbeats and sudden death under stress. Older mice developed characteristic features of heart failure after treatment.

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

JCI online early table of contents: Jan. 4, 2009

Researchers identified a strategy to target human breast cancer stem cells by blocking the protein CXCR1. The approach selectively depleted cancer stem cells in mice xenotransplanted with human breast cancer cells, leading to reduced tumor growth and metastasis. This finding provides hope for women with breast cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2010