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JCI Journals


New protein implicated in autism

A new protein, CADPS2, has been identified as a potential cause of autism. Research found that mice lacking this protein exhibited autistic-like characteristics, including impaired social interactions and hyperactivity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 22, 2007

JCI table of contents -- March 22, 2007

Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure has been shown to have long-lasting deleterious effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, and neuroendocrine function in offspring. Additionally, research has identified a protein implicated in both autism and leukemia, with aberrant splicing detected in individuals with these conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 22, 2007

Gallium: A new antibacterial agent?

Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that Gallium inhibits the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and prevents biofilm formation, offering a potential therapeutic solution for cystic fibrosis patients. Inhalation of Gallium also protected mice from P. aeruginosa lung infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2007

Therapeutic unshackles p53 and causes tumor regression

Researchers discovered Nutlin-3a induces apoptosis in human PEL cell lines by disrupting LANA-p53 interaction, causing substantial tumor regression in mice with established PEL. This reactivation of the p53 pathway may provide a viable therapeutic option for individuals with KSHV-induced lymphomas.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2007

JCI table of contents: March 15, 2007

Researchers from the University of Washington developed a new antibacterial strategy using Gallium, which inhibits the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and prevents biofilm formation. Additionally, studies suggest that Nutlin-3a may reactivate the p53 pathway to treat Kaposi's sarcoma virus-induced lymphomas. Another study found that a...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 15, 2007

Therapeutic peptide frees the protein p73 to kill tumor cells

Researchers have discovered a peptide that can free the protein p73, which induces tumor cell death, and effectively kills both p53-sufficient and p53-deficient human tumor cell lines. The study suggests targeting the p73-mediated pathway could provide a new avenue for developing anticancer therapeutics.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 2007

JCI table of contents -- March 8, 2006

A therapeutic peptide, 37AA, has been developed to target the protein p73, which can induce tumor cell death. The study found that the peptide killed both p53-sufficient and p53-deficient human tumor cell lines. Additionally, a tissue-resident population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was discovered in transplanted human lungs, with ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 8, 2007

CDX2 -- A protein that promotes leukemia

Most individuals with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) express CDX2, a protein regulating HOX family genes. Reducing CDX2 levels decreases AML cell proliferation, supporting its causal role in leukemogenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 7, 2007

JCI table of contents -- March 1, 2007

Researchers identified a protein called MARCO that helps immune cells in the lungs clear oxidants, protecting against lung damage. HDL proteins were also found to have anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting new potential treatments for diseases like asthma and COPD.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2007

JCI table of contents -- February 22, 2006

Researchers have identified potential new treatments for three serious diseases: a drug that increases SMN production in mice with spinal muscular atrophy, overexpression of Akt that converts a less invasive to a highly invasive melanoma, and inhibition of PKC-epsilon that prevents insulin resistance in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2007

Drug blocks lethal motor-neuron disease in mice

A study shows that trichostatin A, a hydroxamic acid HDAC inhibitor, increases SMN2 production in both neural tissues and muscles of mice with spinal muscular atrophy, improving survival chances. The treatment attenuates disease symptoms in affected mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 22, 2007

Protein inhibitor tangles with Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified a complex of proteins that plays a key role in alleviating tau accumulation in mice and cultured human cells. The study's findings suggest a pivotal role for Hsp90 in aberrant tau degradation, making an Hsp90 inhibitor like EC102 a promising therapeutic candidate for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 15, 2007

Proteases cause pain in irritable bowel syndrome

Researchers identify serine proteases and PAR2 as therapeutic targets for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) pain. The study found increased levels of these enzymes in colonic biopsies and washes from individuals with IBS, leading to increased pain responsiveness in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2007

JCI table of contents: February 15, 2006

Researchers have identified Hsp90 as a key player in Alzheimer's disease, with a new drug candidate showing promise for reducing tau protein levels. Additionally, serine proteases may be the cause of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome, and targeting them could provide relief.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2007

Possible genetic link to schizophrenia identified

Research reveals genetic variation in the DARPP-32 gene linked to improved cognitive performance and increased risk of schizophrenia. The study's findings suggest a possible genetic connection between the protein and frontostriatal brain structure and function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2007

JCI table of contents -- February 8, 2006

Researchers find vitamin D3 plays a role in immune response after skin wounds, inducing expression of antimicrobial peptides. Genetic variation linked to schizophrenia may be associated with increased expression of DARPP-32, influencing brain communication.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 8, 2007

JCI table of contents: Feb. 1, 2007

Researchers found that an inhaled drug may provide a new therapeutic for asthma by inhibiting Th2 cell inflammatory responses. Additionally, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation enabled infused tumor-reactive T cells to expand and increase tumor regression in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2007

New role in asthma for old drug

Researchers at Erasmus University found that inhaling iloprost, a pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment, inhibits the Th2 cell inflammatory response in mice with allergic asthma. This study suggests targeting dendritic cells via iloprost may provide a new treatment for individuals with asthma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 1, 2007

JCI table of contents: January 25, 2006

Researchers found that increased expression of HO-1 and administration of carbon monoxide protected mice from MS. In contrast, mice lacking HO-1 developed more severe disease. The study suggests modulating HO-1 expression or administering carbon monoxide may be useful therapeutic strategies for treating patients with MS.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2007

New antibody for EGFR causes lung cancer regression

Researchers have discovered a new antibody that effectively regresses lung tumors in mice with two types of lung cancer driven by mutant forms of the EGFR protein. The study highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of this antibody, ch806, for treating patients with specific lung cancer mutations.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2007

Tumor cells evade death through autophagy

Researchers found that tumor cells treated with agents inducing apoptosis were more likely to undergo autophagy when p53 expression was inhibited. Inhibiting autophagy increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy and delayed tumor recurrence in mouse models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 18, 2007

JCI table of contents: Jan. 18, 2007

A study shows that SH2B1 in the brain regulates body weight and fat content, implicating it as a potential target for treating obesity and type II diabetes. Additionally, researchers have found that autophagy represents a survival mechanism for tumor cells treated with agents that initiate tumor cell death.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 18, 2007

JCI table of contents -- January 11, 2006

Researchers found that regulatory T cells (Treg) are impaired in the absence of WASp, leading to systemic autoimmune disease. However, a spontaneous revertant mutation in a patient's Treg cells improved their function, suggesting that a defect in Treg function contributes to the autoimmunity associated with WASp deficiency.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 11, 2007

Genetic mutation alters response to heart failure drugs

A genetic mutation in a single amino acid change in the beta1-adrenergic receptor affects its response to certain beta blockers. The Arg389 variant of the receptor is more sensitive to carvedilol, leading to reduced cAMP signaling and potentially poorer treatment outcomes for black patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2007

JCI table of contents: January 2, 2007

A genetic mutation in the beta1-adrenergic receptor alters the response to certain heart failure drugs, highlighting the potential for personalized medicine. The study found that a single amino acid change in the receptor can affect how well patients respond to beta blockers, with some variants showing increased sensitivity to carvedilol.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2007

JCI table of contents: Dec. 21, 2006

Researchers have discovered that mutations in the p62 gene are associated with abnormal bone cell development, but do not cause full-blown Paget disease. Meanwhile, a study found that GIP and GLP1R hormones influence energy levels beyond the pancreas, affecting brain cells, adipose tissue, and body weight.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 21, 2006

JCI table of contents: December 14, 2006

Researchers have discovered that oxidative stress contributes to neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, they found that IFN-gamma stimulates osteoclast formation and bone loss, while targeting FoxM1 may limit liver cancer progression.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 14, 2006

JCI table of contents: December 7, 2006

Researchers discovered that changes in expression of one component of the TGF-beta receptor, T-beta-RIII, might provide a mechanism for the distinct effects of TGF-beta at different stages of breast cancer. Additionally, analysis of RB functionality could help clinicians determine the most effective therapy for their patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 7, 2006

Silencing the cause of mad cow disease

A study published in JCI Journal shows that silencing the PrPc gene suppresses BSE and CJD accumulation, offering a new approach to treat these fatal diseases. The therapy delayed PrPsc accumulation in mice, providing potential hope for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2006

JCI table of contents: December 1, 2006

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the gene encoding prion protein, suppressing its accumulation in mice. This breakthrough provides hope for developing a new therapeutic approach to treat neurodegenerative disorders like CJD and BSE. Further research is ne...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2006

JCI table of contents: November 22, 2006

A study published in JCI found that overexpression of CaMKII altered sodium channel function, leading to increased susceptibility to ventricular tachyarrhythmias in mice. Additionally, proteasome composition differed between Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, with CD showing increased degradation of an NF-kappa-B inhibitor.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 22, 2006

Repair not destruction: A new approach to treating retinopathy

Researchers propose a novel treatment strategy for retinopathy by repairing abnormal blood vessels instead of destroying them. The study shows that transplanted bone marrow-derived cells can convert leaky blood vessels into normal ones, suggesting a potential therapy for human diseases like ROP.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2006

JCI table of contents: November 16, 2006

Researchers suggest repairing abnormal blood vessels in retinopathy using adult bone marrow–derived myeloid progenitor cells. Dendritic cells form part of granuloma walls containing Listeria monocytogenes, maintaining integrity through immunosuppressive protein IDO.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 16, 2006

How to grow muscle cells in a dish

Researchers successfully generated smooth muscle cells from multipotent adult progenitor cells using TGF-beta and PDGFB, offering a potential source for tissue engineering. This study identifies a model system for studying the effects of therapeutics on SMC development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 9, 2006

JCI table of contents: November 9, 2006

Scientists have found a way to create smooth muscle cells from adult stem cells using the soluble factors TGF-beta and PDGFB. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for heart disease by allowing for the creation of healthy tissue. Additionally, researchers have discovered that regulatory T cell populations are impaired in indiv...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 9, 2006

Gene therapy a possibility for metachromatic leukodystrophy?

Researchers have successfully treated mice with gene therapy, reversing neurological damage and deficits caused by the genetic defect that leads to metachromatic leukodystrophy. The treatment involves using hematopoietic stem progenitor cells genetically modified to express high levels of ARSA protein.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2006

Lack of GBA2: A contraceptive for male mice

A recent study found that mice lacking the GBA2 protein exhibit decreased fertility due to abnormal sperm morphology and reduced motility. The discovery may shed light on the mechanism behind certain treatments for Gaucher's disease, which can also impact fertility.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2006

Decreased TGF-beta signaling might make you demented

Research by Stanford University found that decreased TGF-beta signaling in mice leads to increased neurodegeneration and beta-amyloid peptide accumulation, similar to Alzheimer's disease. Increasing TGF-beta signaling may potentially reduce neurodegeneration and be beneficial for individuals with AD.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2006

JCI table of contents: Nov. 1, 2006

Researchers discovered that GBA2 is necessary for normal sperm function and male fertility in mice. A lack of GBA2 results in abnormal sperm morphology and decreased fertility, similar to a treatment for Gaucher's disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 1, 2006