Scientists chart the epigenome of plant Arabidopsis thaliana, mapping precise DNA modifications and their effects on gene activity. The study provides insights into plant productivity, stress resistance, human genome dynamics, and cancer research.
During embryonic development, ephrin/Eph signaling helps regulate the growth of sensory and motor neurons. When this cross-talk is interrupted, motor neurons can mistakenly join sensory pathways, leading to a 'wiring disaster.' Researchers hope to use these findings to develop new treatments for spinal cord injuries
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a key enzyme involved in auxin synthesis, which allows plants to stretch towards sunlight. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields by manipulating the plant's response to shade avoidance syndrome.
Researchers discovered that roundworms use both G and C motifs to protect chromosomes, each uniquely attached to the DNA
Chronic hyperglycemia disables the molecular switch that normally shuts off glucose production in the liver, leading to insulin resistance and complications. Inhibiting the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway may provide a new therapeutic target for lowering glucose levels and reducing long-term diabetes complications.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified PPAR delta as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can slow down lesion progression and reduce plaque buildup in arteries. Activating this protein may offer a novel approach to treating metabolic syndrome and its associated cardiovascular risks.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a novel link between excessive nutrient levels and insulin resistance. The enzyme OGT plays a crucial role in regulating insulin signaling by slamming the brake on glucose uptake, leading to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a six-amino acid protein sequence, EAR domain, which ensures plants are neither all root nor all shoot. The study clarifies the purpose of the EAR motif and explains how mutations in TOPLESS gene can switch plant cell's fate from shoot to root.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that newborn brain cells play a crucial role in spatial memory and learning. Genetically engineered mice with shut-down neurogenesis showed learning and memory deficits, but not complete loss of function.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that early-stage breast cancer cells with high motility pose an increased risk of metastasis. These cells can wander along milk ducts and seed new tumors within the same breast, suggesting a need for earlier intervention.
Researchers reveal a new, tightly regulated layer of the plant transcriptome that is controlled by the exosome complex. The study provides a genome-wide atlas of Arabidopsis exosome targets and sheds light on the mechanisms of RNA quality control in plants.
Researchers found that boosting autophagy in fruit flies prevented the age-dependent accumulation of cellular damage in neurons and promoted longevity. Boosting autophagy facilitated the removal of damaged molecules that accumulate during cellular aging, which is critical for neurons to stay healthy and functioning.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a molecular pathway that regulates immune inflammation, known as the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase. The study found that activating this pathway can help control chronic autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting an out-of-control inflammatory response.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have created a new chimeric mouse model that can test how drugs affect the liver. The model involves transplanting human hepatocytes into immunodeficient mice, allowing for a natural environment to study drug metabolism and toxicity.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a key signal guiding motor neuron navigation, Magellan, which helps them reach their target destinations. The mutation affects the structure of growing neurons, causing them to lose direction and form abnormal 'kinks' or coils.
Scientists at the Salk Institute report that ATM protein activation depends on both damaged DNA and surrounding flanking regions. This discovery reveals a new mechanism for efficient DNA repair, highlighting the importance of intact chromatin in activating the cellular response.
The study found that aging stem cells in fruit flies experienced a decline in growth factor unpaired (upd), leading to reduced stem cell numbers. Artificially increasing upd levels delayed the loss of germline stem cells, suggesting that the niche's molecular signals govern stem cell behavior.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have solved part of the molecular puzzle behind basil's characteristic warm and sweet aroma, providing a three-dimensional snapshot of the enzyme Eugenol Synthase. The study reveals how this enzyme produces eugenol, a fragrant molecule responsible for basil's spicy overtones.
The study reveals a novel function for COUP-TF1 in balancing the sizes of functional areas in the brain, ensuring proper partitioning into 'frontal' areas controlling emotions and movements versus sensory areas interpreting the environment. This discovery may explain individual differences in behavior and skills.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified TORC2 as a crucial biochemical control point linking feeding, insulin, and elevated blood sugar production in the liver. The study found that insulin turns off the CREB/TORC2 switch during feeding, highlighting potential drug targets for type II diabetes treatment.
A novel intracellular traffic coordinator, SNX27, regulates potassium channel activity in brain cells by pulling them away from their job, reducing excitability. This discovery could lead to new treatments for drug addictions.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that PPARa helps control toxic fatty acids in breast milk, preventing inflammation and hair loss in pups. The discovery sheds light on the genetic program behind breast milk's purity.
Researchers developed a method to catalog genetic variations in Arabidopsis thaliana, revealing regions targeted by natural selection. The study found that one out of 10 genes is very different and many gene families were shaped by evolution. The data have been placed in a publicly accessible database.
Researchers distinguish between two classes of brain cells with distinct roles in visual attention and highlight mechanisms by which they mediate attention. They found that neurons respond more strongly when attention is directed to the stimulus in their receptive fields, with narrow-spiking cells firing more frequently under attention.
Scientists have developed a method to insert unnatural amino acids into living mammalian cells, allowing for precise control over protein structure and function. This breakthrough enables the study of previously inaccessible biological questions, such as the mechanism of ion channels in nerve cells.
A breast cancer cell line has been found to behave like cancer stem cells, allowing researchers to study the dynamics of cancer stem cells in tissue. This breakthrough could lead to targeted treatments for breast cancer by specifically targeting cancer stem cells for destruction while leaving normal stem cells intact.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that newborn neurons tend to form connections with mature brain cells, rather than randomly connecting throughout the network. This allows them to compete out older neurons and ensure proper integration into the existing circuitry.
Researchers at Salk Institute discover critical gene PHA-4 that specifically links calorie restriction to increased longevity in mice and other species. This breakthrough opens the door to developing drugs that mimic calorie restriction's effects, potentially allowing people to reap health benefits without adhering to an austere regimen.
Researchers identified an enzyme called SIK1 that regulates a pathway involving exercise-induced hormones and controls muscle-specific gene expression. Boosting SIK1 levels or inhibiting HDAC activity restored normal muscle function in genetically engineered mice with weak muscles. The discovery may provide clues for improving cellular...
Researchers at Salk Institute discovered a 2-step mechanism for cilia to agree on direction, enabling directional fluid flow. Cilia refinement phase ensures coordinated movement of up to 200 cilia per cell.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that GUN1, a nuclear-encoded protein, plays a crucial role in transmitting distress signals from damaged chloroplasts to the nucleus, triggering a shutdown of photosynthetic genes. This finding sheds light on the complex communication between organelles and the nucleus.
Scientists have successfully traced associative learning to early stages of the visual processing pathway, suggesting a more general property of the brain. By training monkeys to associate objects with specific signals, researchers found that neurons in the middle temporal area responded to both the original stimulus and the associated...
Scientists have analyzed vast amounts of marine microbial DNA, predicting over 6 million proteins and discovering hundreds of new gene families. The study provides a glimpse into the diverse world of protein families and their role in biology.
Researchers at Salk Institute find epidermis controls plant growth signals, allowing them to manipulate growth pathways. Dwarf Arabidopsis plants that lack BRI1 receptor expression are made larger by driving its expression in the outer layer.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that knocking out the urocortin 3 gene protects mice against high-fat diet's harmful effects by reducing insulin production. This study suggests a new peptide plays a role in insulin secretion, offering potential therapeutic benefits for treating type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that brain area sizes must be optimally tuned to perform tasks, with underperforming mice exhibiting reduced tactile and motor behaviors. Genetic manipulation in mice revealed a correlation between area size and performance, which was reversed by genetic rescue experiments.
Scientists at Salk Institute develop tool to identify all neurons connected to a single neuron, shedding light on brain wiring and neural circuits. The modified rabies virus is used to create a wiring diagram of the brain, revealing connections between neurons and correlating them with brain functions.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that motion-sensitive neurons can perform both integration and segmentation tasks, but not simultaneously. They can access information from other neurons to recover true direction of motion, suggesting a flexible processing mechanism.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a novel RPA-like complex that specifically targets the short single-stranded DNA tail end of yeast chromosomes. This complex helps maintain telomere integrity and prevent premature senescence or cancer development.
Scientists have linked telomere loss to both cancer and aging by visualizing chromosomes of cells from patients with Werner Syndrome. Rebuilding structures called telomeres significantly blocks genetic damage seen in cells of patients with Werner Syndrome.
Children with Williams syndrome exhibit universal sociability, but cultural differences influence social behavior in the US and Japan. Their social phenotype is shaped by both genes and interactions with the environment.
A research team at the Salk Institute has successfully regenerated a wing in a chick embryo by activating Wnt signaling, a powerful system controlling vertebrate regeneration. The study opens up new areas of research into the ability of stem cells to build new human body tissues and parts.
Researchers at the Salk Institute reveal how cellular repair proteins recruit a second machinery to create a protective structure at chromosome ends, maintaining chromosomal stability. Telomeres exist to prevent damage and ensure cell division integrity.
Researchers at Salk Institute and collaborators found that antagonists, not agonists, are more effective in targeting tumors. Antagonists can bind to a greater variety of receptor conformations, making them a more efficient target.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a non-structural gene, duboraya, that influences cilia function and regulates left-right patterning in zebrafish embryos. The gene's activation by Wnt signaling pathway helps create a counterclockwise flow necessary for establishing left versus right asymmetry.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that fisetin stimulates signaling pathways that enhance long-term memory in healthy mice. Fisetin was shown to induce differentiation of neural cells and activate a signaling pathway involved in memory formation, called long-term potentiation.
Researchers found that Vax2 protein shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm in response to Sonic hedgehog signaling molecule. In its nuclear state, Vax2 represses Pax6, allowing optic nerve development. In contrast, Pax6 regulates retinal fate. This coordination is crucial for proper eye development.
Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a link between cell size and growth in algae, which may provide new clues to cancer. They found that cells need specific proteins to divide on schedule once they reach a critical size.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that moving eyes helps resolve ambiguous visual inputs, improving object recognition. The brain uses internal image stabilization and eye movement feedback to maintain stable perception despite shaky video streams.
A study published in NeuroImage found structural abnormalities in the planum temporale of individuals with Williams syndrome, which may explain their enhanced auditory skills. Despite smaller brain volumes, the temporal lobe was found to be of normal volume, suggesting that other factors contribute to their unique abilities.