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Salk Institute


The 'S' stands for surprise

Researchers found that mice lacking protein S suffered massive blood clots and defective blood vessels, highlighting the protein's dual role in coagulation and inflammation. Protein S also binds to receptors that regulate immune responses, suggesting new targets for gene therapy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2009

Tumor suppressor pulls double shift as reprogramming watchdog

A study by researchers at the Salk Institute has found that tumor suppressor p53 plays a crucial role in controlling somatic cell reprogramming. The study showed that p53 activation prevents cells from reverting back to a less specialized state, which could have implications for cancer development and pluripotent stem cell technology.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 9, 2009

On the move

Researchers at the Salk Institute found that human brain cells harbor astonishing genomic variability due to mobile DNA elements. This phenomenon may drive evolution and create neural diversity, making each person unique.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2009

Newborn brain cells show the way

Researchers discovered that newborn neurons in the hippocampus help separate individual events and form temporal relationships, improving spatial memory. This breakthrough sheds light on the purpose of neurogenesis and its role in adult brain function.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2009

Hungry cells

Scientists have identified a new approach to detect and treat Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a rare inherited cancer syndrome, by exploiting tumors' weak spot in glucose metabolism. They found that targeting mTOR pathway with rapamycin can stop tumor growth, offering new treatment options.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2009

Good fences make good neighbors

The study reveals how a single event can trigger the collapse of molecular fences, leading to the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and the initiation of tumorigenesis. The researchers discovered that the loss of PARlation marks on CTCF protein allows it to fail to regulate critical genes, including p16 and RASSF1A.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 14, 2009

Repairing a 'bad' reputation?

A team of scientists found that the p75 receptor molecule has a neuroprotective effect on the sympathetic nervous system in mice with Alzheimer's disease, challenging the prevailing view of its harmful role. The study suggests that p75 could be a target for new protocols to manage dementia and memory loss.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2009

Potential pathway for drug intervention

A newly identified molecular pathway directed stem cells to produce glial cells, providing insights into the neurobiology of Down's syndrome and central nervous system disorders. The study found that synaptojanin-1 is essential for glia production, which may lead to the development of drugs that inhibit glial proliferation.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateMar 13, 2009

Understanding natural crop defenses

Researchers found that reduced light quality leads to decreased sensitivity to jasmonic acid, a hormone involved in plant defense. This allows plants to redirect resources away from defense and towards growth, but may increase vulnerability to herbivores in densely planted crops.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2009

Involuntary maybe, but certainly not random

Scientists have long debated the function of microsaccades, but researchers at the Salk Institute found they are actively controlled by the superior colliculus. The study reveals that individual neurons in this area are highly specific about which microsaccade directions and amplitudes they command.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2009

Newborn brain cells 'time-stamp' memories

A computational model suggests that newborn brain cells add a unique time-related code to memories formed around the same time. This allows for recall of events from a certain period and connects independent events that occurred during the same hyperactive period, explaining why memories can be triggered by specific details.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateJan 28, 2009

FoxJ1 helps cilia beat a path to asymmetry

New research reveals FoxJ1 helps create left-right asymmetry by orchestrating the formation of nodal cilia, which generate fluid flow to orient tissues. The study finds that increasing FoxJ1 levels leads to the formation of ectopic cilia, challenging current theories on its role.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 16, 2008

Novel regulatory step during HIV replication

Scientists have identified a crucial role for sulfonation in HIV replication, finding that inhibiting this pathway can compromise viral gene expression and render host cells resistant to infection. This discovery provides a promising new target for HIV/AIDS therapy.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 13, 2008

Streamlining brain signals for speed and efficacy

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that the signal transmission between neurons in the brain stem, which controls balance and breathing, is linear, unlike most other signals. The study sheds light on the mechanisms controlling these vital functions and may lead to new biotherapeutic agents.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateOct 22, 2008

A fine balance

V3 neurons play a vital role in maintaining balance between both sides of the body, ensuring robust stepping rhythms. The discovery provides an important milestone in understanding neural circuitry that coordinates walking movements.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateOct 8, 2008

What HIV needs

Researchers at Salk Institute and Burnham Institute for Medical Research have identified 295 human host cell factors involved in HIV infection. This study may lead to the development of novel therapies aimed at disrupting human-HIV interactions and preventing viral replication.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 2, 2008

How plants fine tune their natural chemical defenses

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that only a few mutations in an enzyme can shift the output of plant compounds, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This finding has implications for developing environmentally friendly fungicides and pesticides, as well as new flavors and fragrances.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 7, 2008

Distinguishing between 2 birds of a feather

A study published in the Journal of Computational Neuroscience found that brain cells processing visual information adjust their filtering properties to make sense of incoming data. The researchers discovered that odd-symmetric components induce systematic changes across the population of neurons in the V1 area of the visual cortex.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalJournal of Computational Neuroscience·DateAug 8, 2008

Exercise in a pill

Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified two signaling pathways activated in response to exercise that converge to increase endurance. They discovered a drug, GW1516, that simultaneously triggers both pathways, turning laboratory mice into long-distance runners and conferring many exercise benefits.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 31, 2008

Can you hear me now?

Researchers discovered a record number of tyrosine kinase genes in Monosiga brevicollis, a single-celled microbe. The microbe's signaling network is more diverse and elaborate than found in any multicellular organism.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008

Perfect vision but blind to light

Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered that eliminating a third light sensor called melanopsin leaves mammals' circadian clocks blind to light but preserves perfect vision. This finding may lead to new treatments for jet lag, insomnia, and depression by resetting the body's biological clock.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 10, 2008

Life without TORC is 1 big struggle

A team of researchers found that the protein TORC2 is crucial for glucose production and fat storage in Drosophila, a genetic switch that regulates metabolism in both flies and human livers. Without functional TORC, fly lifespan was cut in half and their ability to store energy was impaired.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 6, 2008

Salk study links diabetes and Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a probable molecular basis for the interaction between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The study found that damaged blood vessels in the brain of young diabetic mice suffered from significant memory loss and inflammation before any overt signs of Alzheimer's disease appeared.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateApr 30, 2008

AMPK signaling: Got food?

Scientists discovered that when food supplies dwindle, mammals activate the AMPK signaling pathway to conserve energy. The study reveals a link between cancer and diabetes, suggesting that type 2 diabetes drug metformin may also antagonize tumor growth.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 24, 2008