Researchers discovered a potential way to prevent long-lasting brain damage in newborn children by targeting the histamine H2 receptor. A protein known as the histamine H2 receptor inhibits the formation of mature oligodendrocytes, leading to improved recovery from hypoxia-ischemia in mice treated with cimetidine.
Studies published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that sticky webs of DNA released from immune cells cause much of the tissue damage associated with severe COVID-19. Blocking the release of these DNA webs could be a new therapeutic target for managing severe forms of the disease.
Researchers found that mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells were reduced in the blood of severe COVID-19 patients but increased in their airways. Highly activated MAIT and iNKT cells were associated with better outcomes, suggesting a beneficial role during severe COVID-19.
Researchers identified a non-coding RNA molecule, ALAL-1, that aids lung cancer cell proliferation and immune evasion. Lowering ALAL-1 levels reduces tumor growth in mice, suggesting it as a possible therapeutic target.
Glioblastoma patients with mutated Wnt signaling exhibit increased PD-L1 production and reduced T cell infiltration. Targeting the Wnt pathway could improve immunotherapy's efficacy in treating various cancers.
Researchers created a new mouse model to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease, accelerating the development of treatments and vaccines. The model suggests that type I interferon signaling may play a pathological role in COVID-19 respiratory inflammation.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a technique to detect minute amounts of p-tau-217, a protein fragment linked to Alzheimer's disease in the blood. The levels of this protein are elevated during the early stages of the disease and can accurately predict the presence of amyloid plaques in PET scans.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have created new surrogate viruses to test neutralizing antibody activity against SARS-CoV-2, enabling rapid testing in biosafety level 2 labs. The tools will help assess vaccine efficacy and develop antibody-based therapies.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine discovered that breast cancer cells can alter the function of NK cells to facilitate their spread. The study suggests preventing this reprogramming might stop breast cancer from metastasizing, a major cause of death in breast cancer patients.
A phase I/II clinical trial suggests that vaccines prepared from a patient's own tumor cells may prevent mantle cell lymphoma from returning after treatment. The vaccines are a safe and effective way to induce the immune system to attack any tumor cells that could cause disease relapse.
Researchers found that continued nicotine use promotes brain metastasis in lung cancer patients, who often struggle to quit due to nicotine addiction. Parthenolide, a compound from the herb Feverfew, blocks this effect and may prevent brain tumors, offering new hope for treatment.
A key cell signaling pathway drives cancer-associated muscle loss, and targeting this pathway with a drug like GKT137831 could prevent cachexia. The study found that restoring SIRT1 levels can prevent muscle degeneration and extend the life of mice with pancreatic cancer
Researchers discovered that herpes simplex virus (HSV1) targets the STING protein in brain cells to evade the immune response, promoting viral infection. This finding could lead to new antiviral treatments, particularly for immunocompromised patients with severe HSV1 brain infections.
Researchers found that Bifidobacteria accumulate in tumors and activate the stimulation of interferon genes pathway, enhancing anti-tumor efficacy of CD47 immunotherapy. Supplementation with Bifidobacteria improved treatment response in mice with previously non-responsive tumors.
Researchers have discovered a new quality control system that allows cells to clear misfolded proteins from their surroundings. The Clusterin protein and heparan sulfate proteoglycans work together to bring misfolded proteins into cells for degradation, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative disorders like...
Researchers found that a specific type of immune cell accumulates in older brains and that activating these cells improves the memory of aged mice. Activating these cells also increases the formation of new nerve cells in the hippocampus and reduces inflammation.
Researchers have identified a key protein, Importin-11, that transports the cancer-causing protein βcatenin into the nucleus of colon cancer cells. Inhibiting this transport step could block the growth of most colorectal cancers caused by elevated βcatenin levels.
Researchers have discovered how Zika virus protein NS1 reshapes host cell ER to facilitate viral replication. Blocking this process could lead to novel treatments for patients infected with Zika or similar viruses.
Researchers have solved a critical piece of the puzzle by showing how insulin interacts with its receptor at a second binding site. This new understanding will allow researchers to design improved treatments for insulin-related disorders, such as diabetes.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in the SFTPA1 gene that causes idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease characterized by scar tissue buildup. Inhibiting necroptosis, a cell death pathway, could be a new therapeutic approach to treating IPF.
Researchers discovered that some cancer cells survive chemotherapy by consuming neighboring tumor cells, providing energy to stay alive. This process helps senescent cancer cells initiate tumor relapse after treatment completion.
New research suggests that the risk of developing microcephaly due to Zika virus infection depends on the types of antibodies produced by pregnant mothers. Antibodies from mothers of babies with microcephaly are more effective at neutralizing the virus, but also show enhanced ability to boost viral entry into human cells.
A genetic mutation in the IL18BP gene has been identified as a cause of fatal response to hepatitis A infection. Targeting this pathway may prevent liver failure and death from viral infection.
A human liver cell protein called CXCR4 helps Plasmodium parasites develop into forms capable of infecting red blood cells. Targeting this protein may be a way to block the parasite's life cycle and prevent malaria development.
Researchers discovered MYC's new roles in cancer cell efficiency and protein production. High MYC levels stimulate specific mRNAs translation into respiratory complex proteins, fueling growth. This study reveals MYC regulates metabolic enzymes and immune receptors in lymphoma cells.
Researchers found that long-term antibiotic treatment alleviates Alzheimer's disease symptoms in male mice by reducing inflammation and slowing amyloid plaque growth. However, the same treatment had no effect on female animals, with changes in the gut microbiome leading to increased proinflammatory factors.
Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target for metastatic prostate cancer by inhibiting the PHLPP2 protein, which stabilizes the oncogenic protein MYC. This finding has implications for treating other cancers driven by MYC and could lead to efficient new drugs.
A study has identified early changes in RNA molecules present in the blood that can predict the likelihood of preeclampsia in lupus patients. The researchers also found that failure to modulate immune pathways during healthy pregnancy is associated with complications in pregnant lupus patients.
Researchers discovered that adiponectin, a hormone secreted by fat cells, protects female mice from liver cancer. In contrast, increased testosterone levels in male rodents reduce tumor growth and lower adiponectin levels.
CAR T cells kill cancer cells directly, rather than relying on other immune cells. Reducing encounters with circulating B cells can enhance CAR T cell infiltration and persistence, improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that EZH2 delays AML development but facilitates tumor growth once established. Inhibiting EZH2 prolongs animal survival, prevents AML cell growth, and has therapeutic potential for treating the blood cancer. The study highlights a dual role of EZH2 in AML.
Researchers found that active genes restrict DNA movement by organizing it into a network of interconnected domains. Chromatin becomes more mobile when gene transcription is inhibited or cells enter quiescence.
Researchers found that certain Gαs-coupled receptor agonists, including adrenaline and prostaglandin E2 and D2, prevent T cells from activating their integrins after recognizing their target. Sleep helps to decrease these molecules' levels, leading to higher integrin activation in T cells.
Scientists have created a human cell-based model to study the initiation and progression of small cell lung cancer, identifying critical tumor suppressor genes. The new model allows researchers to study the disease at different stages, enabling further studies on treatment strategies.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered that antibodies targeting the hemagglutinin protein on influenza viruses also inhibit the neuraminidase enzyme. This inhibition enhances antibody neutralization and activation of innate immune cells with anti-viral activity. The study suggests a promising approach for uni...
A study suggests that regular use of aspirin or other NSAIDs can improve the survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who have mutations in the PIK3CA gene. This is due to the reduction of prostaglandin E2, an inflammatory molecule that promotes tumor growth.
Researchers found that genetically engineered protein 3K3A-APC protects against Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice by reducing amyloid-β toxin accumulation and inflammation. The study suggests 3K3A-APC as an alternative therapy for early stage Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that metformin relaxes the key heart muscle protein titin, allowing the heart to properly fill with blood before pumping it around the body. This reduces blood supply to the rest of the body, leading to shortness of breath with exertion and difficulty exercising.
Researchers discovered that ovarian cancer cells colonize the omentum after being caught in DNA 'webs' extruded by immune cells. Inhibiting NET formation reduces metastasis in mice, suggesting a new approach to limit ovarian cancer spread. This study provides insights into improving ovarian cancer treatment.
Researchers found that breast tumors can recruit bone marrow-derived fibroblasts to boost growth and metastasis. These cells lack key signaling proteins and produce clusterin, promoting blood vessel formation and tumor progression.
Researchers have identified a novel human immunodeficiency syndrome caused by a mutation in the IKBKB gene. The mutation disrupts the immune system, resulting in excessive inflammation and reduced numbers of antibody-producing B cells and effector T cells.
Researchers found that ACE inhibitors can block the activation of brain cells called microglia, which contribute to memory loss and cognitive impairments in SLE patients. The study suggests that these drugs may be used to preserve the memory of lupus patients.
A team of researchers at the University of Florida has identified a novel approach to treating Alzheimer's disease by harnessing the power of an immune cell protein. Soluble versions of TLR5 can reduce amyloid plaque buildup and prevent neuronal damage in mouse models.
A new technique called TSA-Seq measures distance of every gene from specific nuclear landmarks, building a 3D picture of the genome’s organization. Genes closer to nuclear speckles tend to be more active than those near the nuclear lamina.
Researchers discovered that host antibodies can alter bacterial gene expression, allowing beneficial bacteria to cooperate and form a community that protects against disease. This discovery has implications for the development of new therapies or prophylaxis for inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism of estrogen receptor signaling regulated by fibronectin, which boosts cancer cell growth and survival. Fibronectin prolongs the activity of estrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, allowing them to become resistant to common endocrine therapy drugs.
Microglia, specialized immune cells in the brain, have been found to gobble up the remnants of injured neurons, preventing damage from spreading to neighboring neurons. This discovery could lead to new strategies for boosting microglial clearance and limiting neurodegeneration after brain or spinal cord injury.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a protein called Munc13-4 that helps cancer cells secrete exosomes, stimulating tumor growth. Exosome release is dependent on calcium levels and can transfer oncogenes to neighboring cells, contributing to tumor progression.
Researchers found that cells use septins to form cage-like structures around viral particles, inhibiting their release and preventing the virus from spreading. The study provides new insights into the cellular mechanisms that control viral infections.
Researchers at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre discovered that epigenetic proteins promote mammary gland stem cell proliferation in response to progesterone. Inhibiting these proteins with drugs could potentially prevent breast cancer development in women at high risk of the disease.