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Karolinska Institutet


Brain structure reveals ability to regulate emotions

Research found that healthy individuals with difficulties regulating emotions exhibit smaller volume in orbitofrontal cortex, a region also affected in people with borderline and antisocial personality disorders. The study suggests a continuum in emotional regulation ability, with extreme variants leading to psychiatric diagnoses.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJul 24, 2015

Hope for patients with chronic wounds

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that microRNA-132 plays a critical role in regulating the transition from inflammation to proliferation during wound healing. The researchers identified miR-132 as a therapeutic target for promoting healing and developing new treatments for chronic skin wounds.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2015

Artifical neuron mimicks function of human cells

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created an organic bioelectronic device that can receive chemical signals and relay them to human cells, mimicking the function of a human nerve cell. This innovation has the potential to improve treatments for neurological disorders by bypassing damaged nerve cells.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJun 24, 2015

New mechanism for male infertility discovered

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new link between male infertility and autoimmune prostatic inflammation. The study found that the immune system reacts to a protein called transglutaminase 4 in men with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1, leading to reduced fertility.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 17, 2015

Subconscious learning shapes pain responses

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that people can be conditioned to associate images with specific pain responses without conscious awareness. This study suggests that unconscious learning may have a significant impact on higher cognitive processes, including pain perception.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2015

Sex crimes more common in certain families

A nationwide study in Sweden found that men convicted of sex crimes are more likely to have relatives who also commit similar offenses due to genetic factors. The study suggests a substantial family risk increase and may inform preventive treatment strategies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 8, 2015

How blood group O protects against malaria

Researchers from Karolinska Institutet identified the key role of RIFIN protein in protecting blood type O individuals from severe malaria. The protein binds strongly to A blood cells but weakly to O, explaining why O individuals are less susceptible to the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 9, 2015

New brain mapping reveals unknown cell types

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have created a detailed map of cortical cell types and the genes active within them using single-cell sequencing. They identified 47 different kinds of cells, including hitherto unknown types, which can help shed more light on diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2015

Cellular extensions with a large effect

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that cilia on pancreatic beta cells are covered with insulin receptors, and altered ciliary function is associated with type 2 diabetes. The research found that ciliary defects impaired insulin release, leading to elevated blood glucose levels in mice.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 6, 2014

Childhood trauma could lead to adult obesity

A meta-analysis of 112,000 participants found that childhood trauma significantly increases the risk of obesity in adulthood. The study revealed a 34% higher risk among adults who experienced abuse as children, with physical and emotional abuse leading to increased risks of 28% and 36% respectively.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalObesity Reviews·DateSep 2, 2014

Gene behind unhealthy adipose tissue identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified the EBF1 gene driving unhealthy adipose tissue development, associated with increased risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The study found that individuals with large fat cells had lower EBF1 expression, altered lipid mobilization, and insulin resistance.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMay 22, 2014

Researchers transplant regenerated esophagus

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully transplanted a regenerated esophagus into rats, showing regeneration of nerves, muscles, epithelial cells and blood vessels. The breakthrough could improve survival and quality of life for patients with oesophageal disorders.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2014

New general concept for the treatment of cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new way of treating cancer by inhibiting the MTH1 enzyme, which cancer cells require for survival. This approach differs from previous treatments that target specific genetic defects and offers a potential breakthrough in fighting the disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateApr 2, 2014

New approach makes cancer cells explode

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new mechanism to kill glioblastoma cells using Vacquinol-1, which causes uncontrolled vacuolization leading to cell explosion and necrosis. This approach may lead to new cancer treatments, potentially working for other cancer diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateMar 20, 2014

Outside the body our memories fail us

Studies show that when participants experience an 'out-of-body' illusion, their memories are fragmented and stored improperly. The research suggests a close relationship between body experience and memory, with implications for understanding psychiatric conditions such as PTSD and schizophrenia.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2014

New discovery solves problem of anti-inflammatory substance

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have successfully produced a molecule that blocks LTA4 hydrolase from producing LTB4, while maintaining the inactivation of Pro-Gly-Pro. This could lead to new hopes for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and various types of inflammatory skin diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2014

New drug candidate starves dormant cancer cells

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new drug candidate, VLX600, that selectively kills dormant cancer cells in solid tumors by starving them. The drug works by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration, causing the cells to die from starvation. A clinical study is planned to take place this year.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2014

Acidic tumor pH inhibits drug effect

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that acidic tumor pH counteracts chloroquine's ability to inhibit autophagy in cancer cells. The results may explain the lack of efficacy of chloroquine in clinical studies, particularly in tumors with low oxygen and acidic pH.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAutophagy·DateFeb 11, 2014