Scientists have found complex signaling pathways in cells, using a technique called fluorescence microscopy to visualize nanodomains beneath the cell membrane. These domains can be thought of as pop-up factories that process signals from receptors on the cell surface.
Researchers have introduced a new mRNA delivery method to treat muscular dystrophy, which has already proven successful in mice. The method uses messenger RNA to correct genetic defects and has shown promise in clinical trials.
Researchers have successfully created artificial egg cells from northern white rhino stem cells using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. This breakthrough brings the team closer to achieving their goal of creating artificially generated rhino oocytes, a crucial step towards saving the subspecies from extinction.
A research team has discovered how the Covid virus reproduces itself by taking over the cell's protein factory. The team identified a specific structure in viral mRNA that allows the virus to access the ribosome and produce its own proteins, while blocking cellular production. This discovery opens up new avenues for antiviral treatments.
Researchers have found that statins can inhibit the formation of tumors and metastases in animals with increased MACC1 expression. A study analyzing data from over 300,000 patients prescribed statins also showed a correlation between statin use and reduced cancer incidence.
Researchers created a comprehensive genomic regulatory map of a 24-hour-old zebrafish embryo, identifying millions of regulatory segments that control gene transcription. The study used single-cell technologies and machine learning algorithms to analyze genome data from over 23,000 nuclei.
A study reveals that changes in gut microbiota and metabolome are associated with cardiovascular disease development, particularly coronary heart disease. The research found that alterations in the gut microbiome occur long before the onset of heart disease, suggesting a potential role for the microbiome in its early pathogenesis.
Researchers identify eleven rare genetic variants associated with eczema, accounting for over 20% of the disease's heritability. The variants are found in genes that code for proteins involved in inflammatory reactions, providing promising targets for new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center have developed a therapeutic agent to improve treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The new approach targets alternative splicing in cardiac disease, using antisense oligonucleotides to stabilize sensitive molecules and trigger desired response.
Cancer cells alter the large blood vessels in lymph nodes, disrupting their function and allowing tumor cells to evade attack by the immune system. The researchers identified identical findings in mice and humans, providing a deeper understanding of how lymphomas protect themselves from the body's defenses.
Researchers developed two model systems to study peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer patients. Biomarkers were identified, including severe mutations of the BRCA2 gene, which predict therapy response. These findings offer new hope for treating advanced cases.
Research reveals how genetic mutations in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases cause CMT by halting protein production and inducing integrated stress response. The study's findings provide new avenues for therapies against the disease.
Scientists have identified two new candidate genes, ULK4 and PTTG1, that positively influence the development of an embryo by restoring a strong Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway. This finding provides new insights into the causes of holoprosencephaly, a congenital malformation affecting around one to four in every 1,000 unborns.
A new project aims to create a cell atlas of the pediatric heart, filling the knowledge gap in molecular mechanisms involved in childhood death causes. Researchers will analyze healthy heart tissue from children using single-cell analysis and gene expression studies.
Researchers used a hamster model to study COVID-19 lung damage, discovering that the immune system's response plays a crucial role in disease progression. They found that certain cells involved in lung immunity ingest the virus, triggering an inflammatory response that can be brought under control by T cells.
A team of researchers has successfully analyzed over 8,000 proteins in fixed lung cancer tissue samples, providing a detailed understanding of molecular processes in cancer cells. The study aims to help identify the best treatment for each tumor and may lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Researchers will examine regulation and disease relevance of alternative splicing in different types of heart cells. The project aims to map the path from splicing factor discovery to drug development.
Researchers developed a technique to spatially track RNA molecules within cells, revealing ten times more genes with localized RNA than previously known. These genes are hard-wired into the fertilized egg cell, dictating cell differentiation and potentially influencing diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have discovered that low levels of N-acetylglucosamine are associated with progressive MS, clinical disability and neurodegeneration. The simple sugar may serve as a biomarker and promote myelin repair, offering potential new avenues for treating the disease.
Research found that high salt concentrations suppress the activation and function of immune cells called monocytes, which can lead to reduced efficiency in fighting infections. The effects are reversible, but continuous exposure to high salt intake may pose a risk, particularly when combined with other factors.
Researchers have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to edit genetic mutations in patients with muscular dystrophy, enabling the development of a potential therapy. The treatment involves removing stem cells from a patient's muscle tissue, editing them outside the body, and then injecting them back into the muscle.
Researchers use CRISPR-Cas9 to introduce thousands of mutations into C. elegans worms, then analyze the effects on physical traits and functions. They discover a surprise finding that mutations in specific microRNA binding sites can affect gene expression.
A five-day fast followed by a healthy diet reduces inflammation and promotes beneficial gut bacteria, improving cardiovascular health. Long-term effects include lower body mass index, reduced blood pressure, and decreased antihypertensive medication use.
Researchers have identified YAP as a key regulator in the development and spread of basal-like breast cancer. Inhibiting YAP activity with medication can significantly reduce tumour volume, offering new hope for patients' survival.
Researchers discovered that oscillation in muscle tissue is critical for transforming stem cells into muscle cells. The Delta-like1 protein plays a key role in this process, regulating the balance between self-renewal and differentiation.
Researchers at Max Delbréck Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association have made significant findings on the role of chromatin modulators in tumor cell identity changes. By using a combination of CRISPR and molecular reporter technology, they found that chromatin proteins significantly influence how tumor cells change t...
A study reveals how SARS-CoV-2 exploits an immune system defense mechanism to multiply in mucous membrane cells, leading to severe illness. Researchers found that a strong immune response can increase the virus's ability to enter cells, paving the way for infection.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center used advanced microscopy to determine that CXCR4 receptor on cancer cells appears in both transient pairs and alone, depending on receptor density. This knowledge may lead to more effective cancer drugs with fewer side effects.
Researchers found that naked mole-rats use distinct dialects within each colony, which strengthens social bonding. The animals can recognize their own dialect and respond selectively to it, demonstrating a unique form of communication.
Cell velocity depends on surface stickiness, and researchers have figured out the precise mechanics. A mathematical model captures forces involved in cell movement, matching experimental results for various cell types. The findings could provide new targets to interrupt tumor metastasis.
Scientists have created a new method for combating non-Hodgkin's lymphomas by equipping immune cells with an antenna that targets the CXCR5 receptor on cancer cells. In laboratory experiments and mouse models, this approach showed promising results in fighting follicular lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Researchers have developed molecular reporters that reveal how immune cells strengthen brain tumors, making them more aggressive. The technology has the potential to guide therapy development and is applicable to various biological systems.
Researchers discovered that the cancer stem cells' ability to form tumors is regulated by a molecular switch called Mll1. Blocking this enzyme can specifically target cancer stem cells, offering hope for more effective treatments. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the use of Mll1 inhibitors in head and neck tumors.
A team of scientists has discovered that muscle fibers contain a surprising variety of nuclei with distinct gene expression patterns. This finding could help better understand muscle diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy and shed light on the underlying mechanisms of cellular function.
Researchers found that the USH2A protein, produced by the Meissner corpuscle, is essential for maintaining normal touch perception. The protein helps transmit touch vibrations from the outside of the fingertip to the nerve ending inside the corpuscle.
Researchers use single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze kidney cells' gene expression, enabling the reconstruction of their spatial arrangement and functional information. The algorithm succeeds in completing a 3D puzzle, providing new insights into kidney disease.
Researchers observed that brain ventricles expanded in MS patients during inflammation, but then shrunk back to normal size after symptoms subsided. This finding suggests that ventricle volume fluctuations may be reversible and have clinical relevance for monitoring disease progression.
Researchers discovered two genetic mutations in moles that lead to the development of ovarian and testicular tissues, resulting in high levels of testosterone and aggression. The study sheds light on how DNA changes contribute to evolution and the formation of unique sexual features in mammals.
The LifeTime Initiative aims to track, understand and treat human cells throughout an individual's lifetime, improving health outcomes and treatment efficiency. Breakthrough technologies will enable earlier disease detection and more effective therapies for individual patients.
Two MDC scientists, Dr. Kathrin de la Rosa and Dr. Ilaria Piazza, have been awarded European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants to fund their innovative projects in proteomics and immunology.
Researchers found widespread imbalances in chromosomal gains and losses between cells taken from different parts of tumors, indicating ongoing evolution and selection for preferred traits. This high-level variation was observed across all tumor types analyzed, with some regions showing mirrored subclonal allele imbalance.
Scientists found that most cAMP molecules are bound to proteins, creating nanometer-scale 'prisons' that regulate signaling pathways. This discovery could lead to new targets for cancer and cardiovascular research.
MDC researchers are using neuromuscular organoids to investigate how ALS mutations cause motor neuron death. They will sequence the organoid tissue samples to understand RNA activity in space and time, aiming to identify potential interventions or treatment targets for the incurable disease.
Researchers at MDC developed Janggu, a universal programming tool converting genomics data into a format compatible with deep learning models. This allows for flexible and efficient analysis of large datasets, enabling the investigation of various biological questions.
Researchers discovered a protein called Pdap1 that supports B cells in producing effective antibodies while protecting them from cell death. The protein helps B cells cope with stress and promotes antibody gene diversification, ensuring a strong humoral immune response.
The ApoE4 variant prevents the recycling of sortilin, a receptor that supplies neurons with essential fatty acids. This disruption leads to reduced lipid uptake and increased inflammation in brain cells, making them susceptible to cell death.
Scientists at Max Delbrück Center develop mouse model to study sarcomere structure and function, identifying key proteins involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. They discover that myosin enters the Z-disc, challenging current models of sarcomere mechanics.
Jan Philipp Junker and his team will use a combination of experimental, sequencing, and machine learning tools to reconstruct gene regulatory networks in normal embryonic development of zebrafish. This could lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Researchers have identified a new potential agent for treating preeclampsia using small interfering RNA molecules that target the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In animal models, the treatment reduced symptoms of preeclampsia and improved fetal nutrition, suggesting a safe therapeutic option.
Researchers have identified a promising new target for multiple sclerosis therapy by focusing on monocytes rather than T and B cells. By targeting the Cxcl10+ monocyte subset, disease symptoms in mice were significantly improved, suggesting potential preventive measures against MS side effects.