Researchers developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic test that screens for cytomegalovirus, BK polyomavirus, and CXCL9 mRNA in urine samples to monitor kidney transplant patients. The assay is highly accurate even at low target concentrations, offering a promising alternative to traditional blood tests and biopsies.
Researchers discovered that tumors in lymph nodes are distinct from solid tumors, with a unique pattern of branching and signaling pathways. They identified VEGF-C as the primary driver of angiogenesis in early stages of lymphoma, which can be targeted to slow tumor growth.
Researchers at MDC found that mice detect warmth and cooling with the same acuity as humans, relying on a population of neurons increasing activity during warming. Blocking neural pathways associated with warming reveals perception is diminished but not gone.
A team of researchers has systematically characterized 145 regulatory proteins that control the cytoskeleton's dynamic remodeling process. This comprehensive database reveals a new perspective on how these proteins work together to coordinate processes such as cell division, differentiation, embryonic development, and wound healing.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center have identified protein EHD2 as a key regulator of fatty acid uptake in fat cells. The study found that people with normal weight produce more EHD2 than those who are overweight, suggesting a correlation between EHD2 levels and fat metabolism.
A team of researchers has created a detailed cell atlas of an entire salivary gland tumor in a mouse model, revealing that the tumor is composed of various cell types, including cancer stem cells. The study uses single-cell RNA sequencing technologies to identify these cells, which make up less than one percent of the tumor population.
Researchers at MDC have found a weakness in the most common form of kidney cancer by identifying stem cells that depend on two critical biochemical signals. Blocking these signals hinders tumor growth in several laboratory models, suggesting a promising new approach to treating human patients.
The study analyzed 3,000 cancer patients' genomes to identify common mutation patterns, revealing a significant role for structural alterations in gene expression. By integrating genome and transcriptome data, researchers gained insight into the complex interplay between DNA mutations and RNA alterations.
Researchers developed functional neuromuscular organoids that form complex neuronal networks directing muscle tissue contraction. These organoids overcome limitations in studying human neuromuscular diseases, which are caused by defects in the control of body movement.
A team of scientists studied grizzly bears' muscles during hibernation and found that they produce non-essential amino acids, which can stimulate cell growth. This discovery could lead to the development of new methods to prevent and treat muscle atrophy in humans.
Researchers have identified a new subtype of satellite cells that can regenerate muscle tissue without the transcription factor PAX7. This discovery could lead to new gene therapies for people with muscular dystrophy, such as Lavin, who has a rare genetic mutation preventing her from producing this protein.
MDC researchers used new imaging techniques to track titin's entire lifecycle, revealing its dynamic nature and unexpected pool of soluble titin outside the sarcomere. This breakthrough provides novel insight into muscle tissue formation and could lead to understanding of human diseases associated with mutated sarcomeric proteins.
A study by Max Delbrück Center researchers explains that avian influenza A viruses are unable to transform infected human cells into effective virus factories due to a lack of the matrix protein M1. The virus requires this protein to export its genetic material from the cell nucleus, which is necessary for building new viruses.
A new deep-learning platform, maui, analyzes multiple 'omics' datasets to identify relevant patterns and features associated with colorectal cancer. The platform was found to be more accurate and faster than other machine learning algorithms, and could potentially improve diagnosis and treatment options for patients.
The article sheds light on Käthe Beutler's life, from her early days as a pioneering female doctor in Berlin to her family's perilous emigration from Nazi Germany. Her story highlights the challenges faced by women, particularly Jewish ones, under the National Socialist regime.
Researchers have created a spatial map of gene expression for individual cells in various tissues, including the liver and intestinal epithelium. The new algorithm, called 'novoSpaRc', uses machine learning to track gene activity and reveals new insights into tissue organization and regulation.
A team of researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to understand herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infections. They found that the NRF2 transcription factor slows infection progression and identified a drug, bardoxolone methyl, that inhibits HSV-1 by activating this factor.
Researchers have discovered that a gene mutation in the chloride channel causes hyperaldosteronism, leading to abnormally high blood pressure and kidney damage. The study used a mouse model to investigate the pathological mechanisms of the disease, providing insights into the effects of an open chloride channel on aldosterone production.
Jane Reznick has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant to investigate the metabolism of naked mole rats, which live up to 30 years old without heart disease or cancer. Her research aims to understand how these animals adapt to oxygen deficiency and potentially develop new therapies for humans.
Scientists discovered a protein called LIN-53 that controls muscle integrity, lifespan and levels of an essential sugar. The protein is an epigenetic factor that affects gene expression and heritable traits.
Researchers have developed BigStitcher software to process large amounts of data from light-sheet microscopy, allowing for the creation of high-resolution 3D images. The algorithm enables users to visualize and analyze cellular structures in detail, even in areas with poor image quality.
Researchers have discovered a molecular machine that reorganizes the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is essential for energy production in cells. The study sheds light on the hereditary disease optic atrophy and may lead to new therapies.
A team of scientists is using single-cell sequencing to map the diversity of cells in the human heart, aiming to understand how different cell types contribute to its function. The research, part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative, aims to provide a reference for future studies on heart diseases.
A team of researchers has discovered unknown mini-proteins in the human heart, which were previously unknown. The proteins are used for energy production and could hold promise for treating heart disease.
Researchers discovered that the highveld mole-rat is impervious to AITC due to altered ion channels, particularly the constitutively open channel NALCN. This change allows the highveld mole-rat to coexist with venomous ants.
Researchers identified LTA as a key player in Hodgkin's lymphoma progression, activating NF-kB and promoting cancer cell proliferation. This discovery suggests LTA could be a target for new treatment strategies.
Researchers aim to understand molecular mechanisms behind dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), two leading causes of heart failure. The study seeks to identify key genes and proteins involved in these conditions.
Researchers discovered that muscle stem cells produce proteins MyoD and Hes1 in an oscillatory manner, ensuring a sufficient supply of stem cells. This phenomenon is crucial for muscle regeneration and differentiation. The study aims to develop new therapies for muscular disorders by understanding the oscillation mechanism.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center found that B1-typical B-cell receptor can reprogram B2 cells into B1 cells, suggesting a new origin for B1 cells. This discovery provides clear evidence for the validity of the second hypothesis on the origin of B cells.
Researchers found that a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, propionate, helps defend against the effects of high blood pressure, including atherosclerosis and heart tissue remodeling. A diet rich in fiber can increase survival rate and reduce damage to the cardiovascular system.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center develop strategy to selectively make cancer cells aggressive, making them vulnerable to anti-inflammatory substance. This approach aims to overcome chemotherapy resistance in certain types of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer.
Researchers found that gut bacteria partially recovered six months after antibiotic treatment, but with a loss of sensitive bacterial species. Resistance genes also increased in the remaining bacteria. Over time, good microbes like bifidobacteria took over, normalizing the microbiome.
A research team at Max Delbrück Center identified tiny huntingtin protein fibers that precede larger deposits in Huntington's disease, enabling prediction of disease onset months in advance. These findings hold promise for diagnosis and potential new treatments by testing pharmaceutical substances against the fibers' harmful activity.
A study led by Professor Matthias Selbach found that minute changes in Glut1 protein structure can lead to severe cellular disturbances, causing genetic disorders. The research identified a mechanism where flexible regions of proteins interact with other molecules, disrupting cellular processes and leading to disease.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine found significant differences in male and female mice microglia structure and function. Male microglia are more active and respond differently to injury, but may also be less protected against environmental insults.
A study by Philipp Maass and Anja Weise found that chromosomes 12 and 17 frequently interact with each other across different individuals, resulting in recurrent patterns. This interaction is linked to a human genetic condition, brachydactyly, where the deletion of a specific gene alters chromosomal arrangements and disturbs interactions.
Researchers have discovered how polarized cells coordinate heart tube remodelling through tissue-scale polarisation of actomyosin activity. A disrupted PCP signalling pathway alters cytoskeleton structure, leading to impaired heart formation and most congenital heart diseases.
Researchers from Max Delbrück Center have published a comprehensive study on the Schmidtea mediterranea flatworm, creating a detailed cell atlas and lineage tree. The work provides new insights into cellular regeneration processes and offers a powerful approach to studying stem cells and their lineages in multiple animals.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center found that a single spike from pyramidal cells can cause parvalbumin-expressing neurons to fire efficiently and even silence neighboring cells. This mechanism helps the brain filter subtle but important stimuli amidst noise, leading to better signal detection.
Researchers Gary Lewin and Norbert Hübner are investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and heart diseases. They hope to identify ion channel anchors and characterize them at the molecular level, laying the groundwork for therapies that address tactile disorders and heart failure.
Scientists create LINNAEUS technique to map cellular lineage, enabling identification of rare and unknown cell types. The method reveals connections between cells and allows for construction of lineage trees, providing insights into developmental processes and disease mechanisms.
A consortium of 60 scientists will apply single-cell technologies to experimental model systems, combined with genome editing and advanced microscopy. This will help understand how cells stay healthy or progress towards disease and develop effective therapeutics. The project also aims to improve early diagnoses and intervention.
Researchers have discovered that Piezo channels are highly sensitive to changes in membrane voltage, which helps cells protect themselves from mechanical overstimulation. This mechanism has been found to exist in humans, mice, flies, and fish, and is even more pronounced in older species.
A team of international researchers has successfully stopped the growth of malignant melanoma by targeting epigenetic marks on DNA. By blocking enzymes responsible for erasing these marks, they reactivate a natural protective mechanism called cellular senescence, which prevents mutated cells from dividing and forming tumors.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center find GRHL2 protein crucial for concentrating urine and maintaining salt levels in the kidneys. Genetically modified mice lacking GRHL2 produce more diluted urine, highlighting its importance for regulating body fluids.
A large-scale study has identified 136 genetic loci that increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis, hay fever, and asthma. These variants are associated with genes involved in regulating the immune system, suggesting a shared genetic origin for the three diseases.
A study published in Nature found that common salt reduces certain lactic acid bacteria in the gut of mice and humans, impacting immune cells responsible for autoimmune diseases and hypertension. Probiotics ameliorate disease symptoms in mice.
A study published in Nature Communications has identified five genetic risk loci associated with food allergies in children, highlighting the importance of skin and mucous membrane barriers. The research, involving over 1,500 participants, also found that four of the five risk loci are linked to other chronic inflammatory diseases.
The Max Delbrück Center receives funding to collaborate on the Human Cell Atlas project, focusing on understanding heart muscle cells. The goal is to create a three-dimensional model of the human heart and advance personalized medicine.
Researchers identify DLX5 gene as key player in preeclampsia, a complex disease affecting 4% of pregnancies. An in vitro model demonstrates the disorder's dysregulation and opens door to new treatments.