Researchers at University of Tsukuba uncover how stratifin causes lung adenocarcinoma to emerge, identifying two drugs with other clinical uses that could be applied effectively in this disease. The study's findings raise hopes for more powerful treatment tools and value drug repositioning as a potential solution.
Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have isolated bacteria that break down cyclic imines, a key component in medicines for hypertension. The discovery highlights copper amine oxidase as the enzyme responsible for this process.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identify diclofenac as a factor promoting cardiac reprogramming in postnatal and adult fibroblasts, while inhibiting COX-2 and suppressing inflammatory signaling. This finding has important implications for developing new therapies for cardiac regeneration in pediatric and adult patients.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba identified a gene controlling how legume roots form symbioses with rhizobia bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi. The study reveals the role of this gene in establishing complex plant-microbe interactions, essential for plant nutrition.
Research led by Professor Yukie Sato found that male spider mites' aggressive behavior varies depending on their geographical location. In colder regions, males display low aggression, while in hotter regions, they show high aggression. This variation is linked to climate and the resulting population dynamics.
Simulations of nuclear fission using quantum-mechanics show that pear-shaped deformation is favored by strong Coulomb repulsion in fragments. This mechanism explains asymmetric fission in several systems and improves predictions for exotic nuclei.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that dopamine neurons are key to inhibiting preplanned actions in monkeys, suggesting a possible mechanism for treating diseases with impaired inhibition. The study used gaze fixation experiments to train monkeys to redirect their attention and measure neuronal activity.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have identified a potential alternative strategy for treating insomnia by targeting adenosine A2A receptors. The study found that enhancing endogenous adenosine A2A receptor signaling induces slow-wave sleep without affecting body temperature and cardiovascular function.
Research reveals PRMT1-mediated alternative splicing is strongly linked to dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition. The study's findings provide new insights into the mechanism of DCM and may lead to the development of new treatments.
A team at University of Tsukuba developed a tool to image atherosclerotic plaque development in mice, allowing for the evaluation of drugs and analysis of individual patient risk. The method involves expressing fluorescent protein in immune cells that congregate in plaque, enabling accurate measurement of plaque quantity and progression.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that a single mutation in SIK3 protein increases non-REM sleep and wakefulness when conscious, providing insights into human sleep disorders.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba identified two molecules, Ptf1a and Meis, that specify the development of a hypothalamus-like region in sea squirt embryos. These findings have implications for understanding brain development and potentially treating diseases like Parkinson's disease.
This Inter Faculty volume delves into the importance of engagement in human sciences, discussing identity, linguistic concepts, and ethical interpretation. Research papers explore topics such as maintaining national minority rights, grammatical gender in Japanese and Ancient Greek languages, and Confucian ethics.
Thrombospondin-1 plays a critical role in mechanotransduction and elastic fiber organization, contributing to the development of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms. Deletion of Thbs1 prevents aneurysm formation, restoring aorta biomechanical properties.
Researchers have identified Tbx6 as a key transcription factor in the formation of mesoderm from stem cells. The study found that Tbx6 induces mesoderm formation and controls cardiac versus somite lineage diversification, with potential applications in regenerative medicine.
Researchers identified genetic determinants of the lateral plate ectoderm in Ciona intestinalis, showing interlocking regulatory interactions. The study suggests that the entire lateral plate may be the source of both placodal and neural crest derivatives in vertebrates.
Researchers discovered a large bone belonging to the extinct marine mammal Paleoparadoxia, which lived in Japan and the western coast of North America 23-10 million years ago. The well-preserved fossil provides valuable insights into the locomotion of hind limbs.
A University of Tsukuba-centered study reveals that nucleolar integrity during interphase is essential for proper cell cycle progression. The study's findings suggest that the maintenance of nucleolar structure regulates the activity of Cdk1, a kinase that controls mitotic entry.
University of Tsukuba researchers developed a method to balance catalyst activity and stability in acidic liquids using graphene coatings. The approach resulted in nanoparticles with high durability and similar catalytic activity to expensive platinum-based catalysts.
Researchers at Japan's University of Tsukuba found that phosphoproteins accumulate when mice are awake and dissipate during sleep. The study identified 80 proteins, dubbed the Sleep-Need-Index-PhosphoProteins (SNIPPs), which change their phosphorylation state along with sleep need.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba and the University of Dayton discovered a novel gene, Newtic1, expressed in red blood cells that may contribute to adult newt limb regeneration. The study found that Newtic1-expressing erythrocytes play a crucial role in releasing growth factors into regenerating blood vessels.
A novel mechanism of action has been identified for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, showing promise for a new therapeutic approach. The study discovered that an orally active small molecule, ER-464195-01, suppresses leukocyte adhesion by binding to calreticulin and inhibiting integrin activation.
Researchers identified a mutated mouse line with reduced fear responses to fox odorants due to a Trpa1 gene mutation. The study found that the trigeminal system, not the olfactory system, triggers instinctive fear responses.
A Japan-US research collaboration found that taurine absorption by sperm cells helps regulate osmotic stress during fertilization. The study, published in FEBS Journal, revealed that taurine deficiency leads to increased male infertility rates and altered sperm shape.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have created an electrode based on 'holey' graphene that efficiently catalyzes the hydrogen evolution reaction in acidic electrolyte, making it cheaper and more effective. The new system outperforms regular non-holey graphene electrodes in acid conditions.
A team of University of Tsukuba-centered researchers discovered a novel biomarker, citrullinated ITIH4 protein, that is highly specific to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The levels of this protein decreased in correlation with the reduction of disease activity score after effective treatment.
A research team led by the University of Tsukuba has successfully imaged single Li+@C60 molecules using scanning tunneling microscopy. The study provides valuable insights into the electronic properties of lithium-doped fullerenes, which can be used to optimize their performance in optoelectronic and switching devices.
A team of University of Tsukuba researchers uncovered the essential role of a specific gene region in regulating blood pressure homeostasis. By deleting certain regions of the renin gene, they found that one particular region, known as -5E, plays a crucial role in the basal expression of the gene.
Scientists at University of Tsukuba create effective fluorescent sensor for detecting solvent vapor, utilizing a branched molecule called a dendrimer. The sensor can distinguish between various solvents through changes in emission color and intensity.
A study using landscape genetics identified a decline in the endangered maple Acer miyabei's population due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The research highlights the importance of preserving forests along rivers and surrounding them to maintain gene flow, ensuring the long-term survival of this unique species.
A study has identified a key genetic pathway in the legume Lotus japonicus that regulates nodulation in response to nitrogen levels in the soil. The researchers found a gene called NRSYM1 that, when mutated, causes the legume to continue forming new nodules even when nitrate is present in the soil.
Researchers performed synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiments on titanium disulfide and compared results with theoretical calculations. They found that interlayer interactions are stronger than theory indicates, involving significant electron sharing.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new kind of thermoelectric system that can harness small energy differences at low temperatures, producing an electrical energy of 2.3 meV per cycle. The device has shown promising prospects for large-scale heat energy recovery and could help industries become more efficient.
Researchers used high-speed pulse-chase imaging to study fungal growth, revealing precise timing of vesicle movement and motor protein involvement. The technique provided unprecedented precision, allowing for the discovery of different types of vesicles moving at varying velocities along the hypha.
A new species of marine worm Xenoturbella has been discovered, providing insights into the early evolution of complex animals. The discovery sheds light on the origins of structures such as kidneys and a centralized nervous system.
A new study published in Nature Communications finds that the nucleus accumbens, associated with motivation and pleasure, can produce sleep. This discovery may explain why people tend to fall asleep in boring situations, as it suggests a strong ability of this brain region to induce sleep.
Researchers warn of the dangers of cannabinoid abuse, particularly seizures, caused by synthetic cannabinoids like JWH-018. A potential treatment with CB1R antagonist AM-251 has been proposed for cases of cannabinoid overdose.
Bacterial membrane vesicles are nanoscale spheres formed by bacteria, potentially used in cancer treatment and nanotechnology. Researchers visualized their formation using live cell imaging and electron cryotomography, revealing that endolysin enzymes play a crucial role in their production.
A study found that octacosanol, a compound rich in sugarcane and other natural products, can reduce stress and restore normal sleep in mildly stressed mice. The researchers also suggest that octacosanol may be useful for treating insomnia caused by stress due to its potential to increase sleep.
Researchers successfully altered the flower color of Japanese morning glory from violet to white using CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology. The study highlights the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 for studying and manipulating genes in horticultural plants.
Researchers have successfully developed a non-peptide compound that promotes wakefulness and remedies narcoleptic symptoms in mouse models. The compound, YNT-185, penetrates the blood-brain barrier and induces significant wakefulness without desensitization or sleep rebounds.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have uncovered a molecular mechanism that coordinates growth spurts in filamentous fungi. The team discovered that cellular calcium levels oscillate, triggering the assembly of actin chains that guide vesicles to the site of growth.
Researchers found that Sapporo mai-mai snails live longer in trees due to fewer predators and better food sources. Tree-dwelling snails also eat epiphytic lichens and mosses, unlike ground-dwelling counterparts.
A study found that triethylene glycol (TEG), an active component of Ashwagandha, induces non-rapid eye movement sleep significantly and changes rapid eye movement sleep slightly. TEG's physiologically sound sleep is comparable to normal sleep, offering a potential natural solution for insomnia and related disorders.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that KLF4 promotes metabolic shift towards glycolysis and inhibits oxidative phosphorylation, enabling cells to acquire pluripotency. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying induced pluripotent stem cell generation.
A team at the University of Tsukuba has created a novel approach to measure fluid drag on the body during front-crawl swimming, which overcomes previous limitations. The new method, utilizing load cells and underwater motion analysis, allows for accurate determination of active drag and comparison to passive drag states.
Researchers found that subcutaneous injection of orexin can improve survival rates in mice with endotoxin shock by restoring body temperature and increasing heart rate. Future studies aim to validate the effect of peripherally administered orexin in primates with septic shock.
Research has identified Ovo as a critical regulator of germline development in both mice and fruit flies, with the protein essential for the proper formation of eggs and sperm cells. This discovery suggests that Ovo acts as part of a conserved mechanism controlling reproductive cell development across different animal species.
A new study reveals that the head, upper arms, upper legs, and thighs are significant sources of drag for downhill skiers, with potential applications in designing better ski equipment and improving performance.
Researchers found that moderate exercise improved spatial memory impairments in type 2 diabetic rats, possibly due to increased lactate levels and normalization of glycogen levels. Exercise also normalized MCT2 expression, which may be a key mechanism underlying the improved memory function.