A new study by Prof. Sarah-Maria Fendt and her PhD student Ilaria Elia found that breast cancer cells require pyruvate to reshape the lung environment and create a pro-tumor niche. In contrast, normal bone cells rely on glutamine for this process.
Research by De Rybel (VIB-UGent) and Helariutta (SLCU) reveals that DOF-type transcription factors control plant radial growth, enabling targeted breeding for higher biomass production. This understanding can improve atmospheric carbon sequestration and increase crop yields.
Researchers discovered a novel metabolic pathway in cancer cells that produces an unusual fatty acid, sapienate, allowing them to bypass fatty acid metabolism inhibition. This finding can explain the resistance of certain cancer types to therapy and opens new avenues for targeted treatment.
A population-level study identified specific gut bacteria linked to depression and found that a wide range of gut bacteria can produce neuroactive compounds. The study used faecal microbiome data from 1,054 individuals and validated its results in independent cohorts.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven discovered a genetic mutation that can cause a juvenile form of inflammatory joint disease. The study used next-generation sequencing and immunology approaches to unravel the disease mechanism, providing insights into the development of targeted therapies.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have developed new methods for 3D microscopy, including ALMOST, which provides unprecedented imaging of reflective opaque objects. Additionally, a modernized Golgi staining technique has been optimized to study neurons in more detail, preserving ultrastructural details.
Researchers discovered rare subsets of unconventional T cells in SpA patients, which produce pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-17. These cells can be targeted with RORγt inhibitors, potentially treating IL-17 driven diseases, including spondyloarthritis.
A team of scientists has uncovered the amyloid precursor protein's modulating effect on neuronal signal transmission through binding to a specific receptor. This finding may lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.
A new mouse model has revealed the crucial role of PARL in maintaining mitochondrial respiratory chain function and structural integrity. The study found that mice lacking PARL display symptoms reminiscent of Leigh syndrome, highlighting the importance of understanding the protein's mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers reveal that dendritic cell partnership with CD4 T cells is crucial for disease development in both diseases, offering new insights into treatment options. The study also highlights the importance of targeting multiple pathways to treat patients with these immunological disorders.
Natural killer T cells use a stress-related pathway to produce cytokines, which play a crucial role in protecting against diseases. This unique mechanism highlights the selectivity of this response to this particular cell type.
Researchers have discovered a new central enzyme in the steroid biosynthesis pathway, challenging long-held evolutionary views. The finding has potential applications for controlling toxic algae and parasitic infections in aquaculture.
Researchers have gained a better understanding of how cells regulate hydrogen peroxide, an intracellular messenger linked to several diseases. This discovery may enable the development of more sensitive and specific fluorescent biosensors to visualize endogenous H2O2 in real-time.
Researchers discovered that Clostridium difficile toxins induce apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, providing a defense mechanism against the pathogen. The findings suggest that this cell death response protects the host from C. difficile infection, raising potential for therapeutic strategies to target gastrointestinal pathogens.
Researchers from NERF used Neuropixels probes to measure electrical activity of hundreds of neurons simultaneously, revealing that both visual cortex and thalamus are affected by movement. This discovery suggests that locomotor modulations may improve processing of fast-changing visual scenes during exploration and navigation.
Researchers found LZTR1 contributes to human diseases by acting as part of ubiquitin ligase complex that mediates conjugation of ubiquitin to RAS proteins, reducing its activation and downstream signalling. This discovery may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for RAS-driven diseases.
Biomechanical forces play a key role in the development of joint inflammation and erosions in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The study identifies hot spots in the musculoskeletal system where mechanical loading leads to increased inflammation and tissue damage.
Researchers identified a scaffolding protein POLAR that regulates GSK3-like kinase activity, driving asymmetric cell division and promoting stomatal formation. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of plant development, suggesting potential targets for crop improvement.
Researchers at VIB and KU Leuven uncovered a critical role of the long non-coding RNA SAMMSON in boosting protein synthesis, enabling unrestrained cell growth. The study identifies SAMMSON as an essential step in melanoma initiation.
Researchers at VIB and Ghent University have discovered a novel method to block immunosuppression in cancer by targeting the protein assembly that dampens immune responses. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapies to stimulate immunity against tumor cells.
Scientists at VIB and KU Leuven identify a new protein interaction that regulates the formation of specific synapses between pyramidal neurons and mossy fibers in the hippocampus. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that govern unique interactions in neuronal networks.
Researchers found that Hsp90 stimulates exosome release, a process linked to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. This novel function could inform drug development for these conditions.
Researchers identified three key proteins that determine blood vessel growth and behavior, which may become new therapeutic targets. A novel approach focusing on endothelial cell metabolism could outperform current anti-VEGF therapies in efficacy.
Researchers developed an immunotherapy that induces antitumor immunity by provoking necroptosis in cancer cells, destroying tumors while protecting against secondary tumor formation. The treatment provides protection against disseminated tumors and stimulates the immune system to attack persistent surviving cancer cells.
Researchers have identified two protein domains that mediate toxicity in ALS and FTLD, revealing a key role for stress granules in disease progression. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have identified 52 distinct cell types in lung tumors, far more than previously thought, offering new avenues for treatment and research. The study's findings will help develop strategies to fight tumor growth and test new immunotherapy targets.
Researchers discovered a molecular code that determines synapse formation and function in the brain. Three adhesion molecules precisely define how connections between neurons are made, shedding light on autism and schizophrenia. This finding could lead to better understanding of brain disorders and potential new therapies.
A team of scientists has created a comprehensive map of gene expression in individual brain cells during aging, using fruit fly models and AI to analyze vast amounts of data. This breakthrough atlas provides unprecedented insights into brain function and may lead to early diagnosis and personalized treatments for diseases.
A team of researchers has identified lipid defects in the brain as the cause of sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease. Restoring the balance of a key lipid, phosphatidylserine, improves sleep patterns in genetically modified fruit flies and suggests a potential new treatment direction.
A team led by Prof. Stein Aerts uncovers how access to relevant DNA regions is orchestrated in epithelial cells, shedding light on biological mechanisms of gene regulation and potential new avenues for cellular reprogramming. Grainyhead, a pioneer factor, acts as a key that can be used to access specific DNA regions.
Researchers found that human-specific NOTCH2NL genes regulate cortical neurogenesis and contribute to the growth of the cerebral cortex. This discovery sheds new light on human cognitive evolution and may lead to breakthroughs in treating brain developmental disorders.
A team of scientists has uncovered the molecular details of protein crystal nucleation, a process with great medical and scientific relevance. They developed a new methodology to study this elusive system, providing insights into polymorph selection and guiding the crystallization process to produce desired crystal forms.
Two genes, JAK3/STAT5 and HOXA9, have been found to cooperate in triggering leukemia development. This cooperation leads to more rapid and aggressive disease progression. The discovery provides a basis for targeted therapies, not only for acute lymphoblastic leukemia but also for other leukemias.
Researchers at VIB & KU Leuven have identified a trio of complementary ion channels in sensory neurons that detect acute, harmful heat. The presence of three redundant molecular heat-sensing mechanisms provides a powerful fail-safe mechanism to protect against burn injuries.
Researchers have identified plant-derived volatiles with potent vapour-phase-mediated anti-Candida activity, offering a potential solution to the growing problem of drug resistance. Approximately half of the tested essential oils and their components showed activity against the most drug-resistant type of Candida.
Researchers at VIB have devised a novel approach to develop antibacterial drugs using protein aggregation technology, which can effectively target Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli. The technology has shown strong antibacterial activity against these resistant bacteria and will be further explored by biotech company Aelin Therapeutics.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting HDAC6 improves the structural stability of cells, protecting against neuronal damage. This finding has therapeutic potential for treating peripheral neuropathies caused by Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and chemotherapy side effects.
Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for eczema that also reduces asthma severity, offering hope for effective treatments for both conditions. The study found that alleviating skin inflammation can significantly reduce asthma symptoms.
A study published in Immunity reveals that the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-23's pro-inflammatory activity critically depends on structural activation of the cytokine by its receptor, IL-23R. The findings provide new insights into autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have identified Caveolin-1 as a key player in suppressing metastatic growth in lung tumors. By studying macrophages at metastasis sites, they revealed that upregulation of this protein hinders cancer progression.
The VIB-KU Leuven team presents a novel approach to analyzing gut microbiota, enabling the calculation of bacterial loads in fecal samples. This allows for a more accurate understanding of the relationship between microbiome composition and health parameters.
Researchers have unraveled a direct link between LRRK2 protein dimerization and genetic mutations in Parkinson's disease. This process could lead to a promising new therapy route, as the kinase inhibitor causes lung and kidney problems.
A team of researchers used stem cell technology to generate motor neurons from ALS patients with FUS mutations, revealing axonal transport defects. Genetic correction and pharmacological inhibition of HDAC6 restored axonal transport, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for ALS.
Researchers found a link between sugar consumption and cancer development through yeast cell research, clarifying the Warburg effect. The study suggests that high sugar metabolism in cancer cells stimulates tumor growth.
Researchers have identified melanocytes as the origin of cutaneous melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. These cells are reprogrammed to become invasive and migratory cancer cells, leading to tumor formation.
Researchers have discovered a new brain area, the retrosplenial cortex, that plays a crucial role in spatial memory and navigation. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how our brains process spatial information and may shed light on neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered molecular basis of hereditary Alzheimer's disease, revealing a crucial role in the cleavage process of APP protein. Stabilizing Gamma Secretase-APP interaction may prevent release of toxic amyloid beta fragments, delaying or preventing the disease.
Researchers from VIB lab discovered functional amyloids formed by bacteria with dedicated biological functions, differing from toxic pathological amyloids. They developed a novel microscopy method to study real-time growth and regulatory characteristics of these fibers.
Researchers have developed a diagnostic test for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using neurofilaments, which can confirm the presence of the disease. The test has shown promising results in accurately diagnosing ALS patients, with a good correlation between neurofilament levels and motor neuron loss.
Scientists developed a new way to enhance the function of immune cells that destroy tumors in multiple myeloma. By blocking a hormone-related mechanism, they restored the ability of these cells to battle tumor growth. The research sheds light on a new form of cancer immunotherapy with promising prospects for cancer patients.