Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have discovered a mechanism that restricts human eye growth and prevents myopia. The study found that LRP2 acts as a clearance receptor for the growth factor Sonic Hedgehog, preventing overgrowth of the mammalian eye.
Professor Thomas Jentsch's discovery of the Torpedo chloride channel in 1990 marked a breakthrough in understanding ion transport processes. He identified nine different CLC chloride channels and transporters, which are essential for human function and contribute to various genetic diseases.
Researchers found that MACC1 expression is a key indicator of survival and recurrence risk in Klatskin carcinoma patients. Patients with low MACC1 levels have a good chance of benefiting from surgery, while those with high levels are at a higher risk of cancer recurrence.
Researchers elucidated dynamin's role in forming a screw-like structure to constrict and release vesicles. Specific mutations impairing dynamin function are linked to congenital muscle disorders.
Researchers from MDC and Charité elucidate the process of skeletal muscle atrophy in patients with congestive heart failure, identifying a new regulator and signaling pathway. The study reveals that angiotensin II induces muscle atrophy through the activation of MuRF1, but also highlights potential therapeutic targets to prevent furthe...
Researchers have discovered that RNA-binding protein ROQUIN regulates the stability of thousands of mRNA molecules, including those involved in cellular inflammation and stress responses. By binding to these mRNAs, ROQUIN influences the activity of the key mediator NF-kappaB, which is essential for regulating gene expression.
Robson Santos will focus on the analysis of alamandine's functions in cardiovascular disease. He recently discovered the hormone as part of his collaboration with Professor Michael Bader at the MDC.
The study found almost double the number of differentially expressed heart and liver genes in translation compared to transcription. This discovery sheds light on the genes and regulatory pathways underlying disease, offering new avenues for research.
Scientists have identified the PDE3A gene responsible for a rare syndrome characterized by hereditary hypertension and short fingers and toes. The gene mutations lead to overexpression of phosphodiesterase, causing blood vessels to narrow and stiffen, resulting in high blood pressure.
A team of scientists discovered CRMP1, a protein that acts as a 'chaperone' to prevent misfolding of the toxic huntingtin protein. In healthy brains and tissues, CRMP1 is present in higher amounts than in those affected by Huntington's disease.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have discovered a method to increase the efficiency of precise genetic modifications using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique. By inhibiting a key enzyme, they achieved an eightfold increase in precision, paving the way for more accurate gene editing applications.
Researchers from MDC have discovered a novel molecular signaling pathway in the kidney that regulates epithelial barrier function and lumen expansion. The Grhl2 transcription factor teams up with Ovol2 to control genes essential for forming an impermeable barrier.
Researchers in Berlin have successfully generated human T cell receptors that specifically recognize and destroy cancer cells. The breakthrough, published in Nature Biotechnology, could lead to new cancer therapies by training the immune system to attack tumor cells.
Researchers discovered that Shp2 blocks protection program senescence, boosting tumor growth in breast cancer. Senescent cells secrete messenger molecules to trigger the immune system's defense against cancer.
MDC researchers identify a crucial gene regulator, GRHL2, that controls placental development in mice and humans. The study reveals that perturbations of this pathway can lead to developmental defects of the placenta and related pregnancy disorders.
Prof. Amanda Fisher, a renowned cell biologist from Imperial College London, has been awarded the Helmholtz International Fellow Award for her outstanding contributions to gene regulation and HIV research. Her work focuses on epigenetic gene regulation and T lymphocyte development.
Researchers aim to convert human liver cells into pancreatic beta cells using a novel factor identified in mouse studies. This strategy could provide a patient-specific, autologous cell-based therapy for type 1 and potentially type 2 diabetes.
The study reveals that more active neurons respond to a broader receptive field and play a crucial role in our sensory perception. The researchers used optogenetic stimulation to activate specific thalamic nuclei, finding that the posteromedial nucleus (POm) elicits a stronger response.
Dr. Jane Holland's study identified the main driver of basal breast cancer's aggressiveness and targeted treatments to combat it. Her work aims to test inhibitors in human breast cancer tissue, potentially leading to new and effective treatments.
Two researchers at the Max Delbrück Center will use $1.9M and $1.5M ERC Starting Grants to investigate DNA repair mechanisms in B lymphocytes and direct cell reprogramming using C. elegans. The grants aim to advance understanding of immunodeficiencies, cancer predisposition, and tissue regeneration.
Researchers discovered that crosstalk between leukemia cells and stromal cells in the spleen is crucial for cancer growth. Blocking chemokine receptor CXCR5 prevents cancer cell entry and proliferation, identifying new targets for future therapies.