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Sanford Burnham Prebys


How proteins talk to each other

Scientists at Burnham Institute identified novel cleavage sites for the caspase-3 enzyme, revealing that it targets α-helices as well as unstructured loops. This discovery challenges current dogma and offers new insights into protein signaling pathways.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 21, 2009

New insights into cardiac aging

A study published in Aging Cell found that the conserved protein d4eBP protects heart function against aging, revealing a potential mechanism for cardiac aging. The research also sheds light on the TOR and FoxO signaling pathways, with implications for human heart health.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 14, 2009

When proteins change partners

The study reveals that Fbox proteins alternate between attaching to and being kicked off CRL1 by competing protein CAND1. This process is stabilized by the phosphorylated substrate N8, allowing for efficient degradation of aberrant proteins. The research highlights the importance of the proline residue in Fbox protein-CRL1 interaction.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 11, 2009

The path to new antibiotics

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a key enzyme in bacteria that can be targeted to kill dangerous pathogens. Chemical compounds have been discovered to inhibit this enzyme, showing promise for developing new antibacterial agents.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalChemistry & Biology·DateAug 27, 2009

New insights into limb formation

A new mouse model reveals that hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in skeletal growth, chondrocyte maturation, and joint formation. The discovery opens possibilities for future research into age-related diseases such as arthritis and skin aging.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalDevelopment·DateAug 12, 2009

What makes stem cells tick?

A team of researchers has identified phosphorylated signaling proteins in human embryonic stem cells, shedding light on the mechanisms that determine cell fate. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapies by controlling stem cell differentiation.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 6, 2009

Unraveling how cells respond to low oxygen

Researchers at Burnham Institute for Medical Research discovered that the REDD1 protein is degraded under hypoxic conditions, enabling cells to rapidly restore mTOR signaling. This regulation mechanism plays a crucial role in cellular stress response and may be linked to tumor growth in cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalEMBO Reports·DateAug 5, 2009

Carbohydrate acts as tumor suppressor

Researchers discovered that certain carbohydrates on normal cells and enzymes like β3GnT1 function as tumor suppressors. Upregulation of β3GnT1 reduced tumor activity and metastasis in breast and prostate cancers. The study provides new insights into the role of complex carbohydrates in cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2009

Creating ideal neural cells for clinical use

Researchers at the Burnham Institute developed a protocol to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into committed neural precursor cells, which can be used for transplantation. The C-NPCs were transplanted into mice and became active neurons without generating tumor outgrowth.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateApr 13, 2009

Fruit fly research may lead to better understanding of human heart disease

Researchers have identified a connection between fruit fly genetics and human heart disease, revealing that certain genes play a role in both embryonic and adult heart function. The study found TBX20 mutations in humans with structural congenital heart abnormalities and heart muscle dysfunction, suggesting its potential involvement in ...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 1, 2008

Burnham researcher awarded $8 million grant

Stuart A. Lipton will lead a center studying potential environmental causes of Parkinson's disease, examining chemical reactions that alter protein function and screening compounds to prevent disease progression. The center represents a collaborative effort between scientists at Burnham and other institutions.

Researchers link early stem cell mutation to autism

Researchers at the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have found a direct link between neural stem cell development and Autism. Mice lacking the myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) protein showed smaller brains, fewer nerve cells, and behaviors similar to those seen in humans with Rett Syndrome.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2008

Progress toward new therapies for coronary artery disease

Researchers at Burnham Institute for Medical Research have discovered that stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is essential for coronary vasculature formation. The study provides a new avenue for developing therapies for coronary artery disease, which is a leading cause of mortality in Western countries.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2007

Rosemary chicken protects your brain from free radicals

Researchers discover mechanism by which rosemary's carnosic acid fights off free radical damage in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. The active compound activates a novel signaling pathway, providing a 'pathological-activated therapeutic' approach with reduced side effects.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateOct 30, 2007

AIDS interferes with stem cells in the brain

HIV/AIDS interferes with stem cells in the adult brain, preventing new nerve cells from forming, which is a key feature of AIDS dementia. The researchers discovered a novel molecular mechanism that inhibits stem cell proliferation, possibly triggered in other neurodegenerative diseases as well.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 15, 2007

Alzheimer's enzyme acts as a tumor suppressor

Researchers at Burnham Institute have discovered that gamma-secretase acts as a tumor suppressor by altering the EGFR pathway, which may limit treatment options for Alzheimer's and other diseases. The study also found that APP metabolite AICD negatively regulates transcription of the EGFR gene.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2007

CIRM awards $3.79 million to Burnham Institute

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine awarded $3.79 million to the Burnham Institute for the development of a shared laboratory and expansion of its training courses in human embryonic stem cell research. This funding will support the Institute's partner institutes and researchers, including those at the San Diego Consorti...

CIRM awards $6M to Burnham Institute

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded $6 million in comprehensive grants to the Burnham Institute for Medical Research to support long-range stem cell studies aimed at developing new treatments for heart disease and brain repair. The funds will enable researchers to develop a supply of nerve cells for brain rep...