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Salk Institute


Discovery of reprogramming signature may help further stem cell-based regenerative medicine research

Researchers at Salk Institute discover a unique molecular signature in induced pluripotent stem cells, consisting of nine genes that govern epigenetic changes. This finding could help overcome hurdles to using induced stem cells in regenerative medicine and provide a new understanding of their safety profile.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2012

Planting the seeds of defense

Scientists discovered that exposure to pathogens causes significant changes in a plant's epigenetic code, which helps the plant develop resistance. These epigenetic changes are linked to genes responsible for coordinating stress responses, suggesting the epigenome plays a role in disease resistance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2012

Scientists discover molecular link between circadian clock disturbances and inflammatory diseases

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that a molecular link between circadian rhythm disturbances and an increased inflammatory response can lead to chronic diseases. The absence of cryptochrome leads to the activation of a signaling system that elevates levels of inflammatory molecules, causing low-grade, chronic inflammation.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2012

Researchers find a way to delay aging of stem cells

Stem cells, essential building blocks of life, gradually lose their ability to maintain tissues and organs as they age. Researchers at the Salk Institute found that the stem cell niche's biological events contribute to this decline, but also discovered a mechanism to reverse it by increasing expression of Imp.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 23, 2012

Salk scientists discover how plants grow to escape shade

Researchers found that phytochrome interacting factor 7 (PIF7) serves as key messenger between plant's cellular light sensors and production of auxins, hormones that stimulate stem growth. This discovery could lead to high-yield crops that gather light more efficiently and make better use of farmland.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 15, 2012

Salk scientists map the frontiers of vision

Researchers at the Salk Institute have produced neuron-by-neuron maps of the mouse brain's visual processing system, laying the groundwork for decoding brain circuitry using genetic research techniques. The study revealed specialized roles for different areas in processing visual information, including direction and fine detail.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateJan 6, 2012

Tweaking a gene makes muscles twice as strong

Researchers have discovered a new way to build muscle by suppressing a natural inhibitor, resulting in mice and worms with super-strong muscles. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for age-related or genetics-related muscle degeneration, as well as applications for athletes and individuals with genetic muscular dystrophy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 18, 2011

Bionic bacteria may help fight disease and global warming

Researchers at Salk Institute developed bacteria that can incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins, enabling the creation of new synthetic chemicals. This breakthrough may lead to the development of drugs that last longer in the bloodstream and environmentally friendly manufacturing methods.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 21, 2011

Are genes our destiny?

Researchers at Salk Institute discover a "hidden" code linked to DNA that allows plants to develop and pass down new biological traits rapidly. The epigenetic code is found to evolve more quickly than the genetic code and strongly influence biological traits.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 16, 2011

It's not easy being green

Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a signaling molecule called heme that drives expression of photosynthesis-related genes. This discovery may help plants overcome stress and improve growth, leading to increased crop yields and better plant health.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 17, 2011

Evolutionary conservation of fat metabolism pathways

A study by Salk Institute scientists reveals that insulin activates a factor called SIK3, which promotes lipid storage during daytime feeding hours by blocking fat breakdown programs. This link between glucose metabolism and lipid storage has potential applications in treating metabolic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 12, 2011

A new ending to an old 'tail'

Researchers at the Salk Institute have uncovered a new structural beacon, called the C-tail, which is found in half of all telomeres in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) tumors. This unique feature may be a key to understanding cancer cell immortality and developing effective treatments.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 21, 2011