Scientists have discovered specialized compartments within the sperm nucleus packed with proteasomes, which are responsible for breaking down and recycling proteins. This finding could open new avenues for understanding male fertility and provides an unprecedented look inside sperm cells.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that helps plants stay cool during heat stress by keeping their natural cooling system active. The protein UBP24 plays a key role in regulating leaf pores to allow for evaporation and cooling.
Researchers have created a high-resolution map of how tomato roots respond to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, a symbiotic relationship that improves plant access to nutrients. The study identifies promising new genetic regulators that could be used to engineer more efficient and sustainable crops.
A protein known for sensing cellular stress also acts as a cholesterol sensor in specialized immune cells, enabling them to process dying cells and maintain immune homeostasis. IRE1's removal leads to cholesterol accumulation, negatively affecting cell survival and immune function.
Researchers discovered how cancer cells exploit palmitate to suppress neutrophils' anti-tumor activity, allowing tumors to survive and grow. By disrupting this process, the researchers restored neutrophil function and reduced metastatic growth in liver metastases.
A new study has identified over 100 genes in rare immune cells that may contribute to Crohn's disease risk. The researchers used a novel method to map long-range DNA interactions in these cells, revealing unexpected connections between genetic variants and gene regulation.
Researchers discovered that blocking autophagy in high endothelial venules reduces inflammation in mice with psoriasis, offering a promising new approach for treating chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. This strategy targets the blood vessels rather than the immune system, preserving normal immune function.
Researchers found that fatty liver disease significantly increases the risk of developing replacement metastases, which are associated with poor survival rates. The study highlights the importance of integrating metabolic health into cancer care and identifies potential therapeutic targets tailored to a patient's metabolic condition.
A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that distinct cellular programs and immune-cell states are associated with Alzheimer's disease progression and resilience. Microglial responses were found to be critical in determining whether Alzheimer's pathology leads to dementia, suggesting new avenues for therapies to prevent neurodegen...
The study provides a detailed, cross-species view of how tumor-associated dendritic cells are organized and altered in cancer. It identified over 30 distinct dendritic cell subsets and functional states within tumors, with many populations conserved between mice and humans.
Researchers reveal the intricate structure of the Themis-Grb2 complex, a crucial signaling hub in the immune system. The discovery provides important insights into T cell development and may support new approaches for treating immune-related diseases.
Researchers at VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology identified a previously unknown fibrous network, 'sporesilk', a natural nanofiber net with remarkable properties. This molecular net clusters spores and toxin crystals into compact 'infection units', increasing insect-killing efficiency.
Researchers identified two main groups and five subgroups of Parkinson's disease, providing a framework for more targeted therapies. The study reveals that different genetic forms naturally cluster into distinct subtypes, allowing for subgroup-specific drugs to be developed.
Researchers developed a powerful new way to study immune system behavior in lung tumors by combining a patient-relevant mouse model with single-cell technologies. The team provides one of the most comprehensive immune maps to date of lung adenocarcinoma, closely mimicking how tumors grow in patients.
A tiny binding site in the TRPM3 ion channel is found to be crucial for pain signaling, with even small changes affecting its behavior. The study also reveals that patient-derived mutations can alter drug responses, highlighting the need for personalized pain therapies.
Researchers at VIB–VUB Center for Structural Biology have discovered a counterintuitive principle for designing membrane proteins. Introducing 'imperfections' or negative design enables synthetic membrane proteins to fold and assemble efficiently. This approach can improve the stability of final folded structures without compromising it.
A new software package called CREsted has been developed to analyze and design gene regulatory elements in a systematic and scalable way. The framework turns enhancer modeling from one-off analyses into a reusable workflow, enabling researchers to study enhancer logic across biological systems.
Scientists have discovered that cancer cells exploit healthy lung cells to support metastatic tumor growth in the lungs. Decreasing lipid production in lung cells can hinder cancer growth. The study suggests targeting lung cell lipid production as a new approach to treating lung cancer.
Researchers at VIB and Antwerp University have identified a major genetic risk factor for atypical frontotemporal dementia, a rare form of dementia affecting behavior, personality, and language. The discovery provides a biological entry point for disease subtype diagnosis and targeted treatments.
Researchers found that microglia, a type of brain immune cell, can actively promote the formation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that microglia generate plaques through cellular processes, rather than spontaneous aggregation, and could influence the design of experimental therapies.
Researchers found that peroxiredoxin variants can assemble into mixed complexes, allowing cells to create molecular heterogeneity and fine-tune redox signaling. This ability enables cells to respond to stress in a dynamic and context-dependent manner.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown cellular barrier in the brain called base barrier cells, which provides compartmentalization of the choroid plexus, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid. These cells become vulnerable during systemic inflammation, allowing harmful substances to enter the central nervous system.
A new platform developed by VIB and UGent researchers allows for more accurate prediction of antibody drug effects in humans. The platform uses a next-generation mouse model that closely reflects human immune biology, enabling better decisions early in drug development.
Scientists at VIB and KU Leuven discovered a molecular process that enables motor neurons to maintain protein production, which fails in ALS. By restoring protein synthesis in axons, they reduced disease-related damage in ALS models.
Alveolar macrophages, once seen as peacekeepers in the lung, can actually fuel inflammation during allergic reactions. These cells send signals that attract other immune cells, leading to worsened allergic reactions and potentially life-threatening conditions like asthma.
Researchers have found that early-infancy RSV infection significantly increases the risk of developing childhood asthma, especially in those with family history of allergy or asthma. Protecting newborns against RSV could substantially reduce asthma cases later in life.
Researchers have identified a new immune process that clears toxic amyloid plaques and delays cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. The 'Fc fragment' of the monoclonal antibody Lecanemab activates microglia, the brain's immune cells, to remove plaques more efficiently.
Researchers developed a microfluidic 'MISO' platform that reduces sample requirements for high-resolution cryo-EM structure determination by 100- to 1,000-fold. The approach enables the entire workflow to be carried out in just a few hours from cell lysis to vitrified grids.
Scientists have developed JAXLEY, a new open-source framework that combines precision biophysical models with machine learning techniques, allowing for faster and more realistic brain simulations. This enables researchers to build complex neuronal networks and train them directly on experimental data.
A new imaging study has visualized how brain network development is altered in a rare childhood disorder, KCNQ2-related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. The study found that changes in brain function occurred before behavioral symptoms appeared, suggesting early interventions may be effective.
A genetic mutation previously associated with skin disorders like psoriasis also affects the intestine, leading to reduced gut motility and increased vulnerability to bacterial infections. This finding broadens our understanding of the connection between genetics, immune signaling, and gastrointestinal health.
Researchers found that ATG9A helps prevent inflammation by promoting autophagy-mediated cleanup of inflammatory proteins in skin cells. This mechanism limits TNF-driven STING activation and ZBP1-dependent cell death, preventing severe skin disease.
Researchers discovered a mechanism through which melanoma cells adapt to two proliferative states, with alterations in iron metabolism playing a central role. Targeting iron homeostasis and organelle crosstalk may offer innovative strategies to prevent tumor progression and overcome resistance.
Dendritic cells, key immune messengers, respond differently to vaccine elements, with some promoting a calm and balanced response and others driving a full immune attack. Researchers have mapped these reactions using cutting-edge methods, revealing the potential for safer and more effective vaccines.
Researchers discover vitamin B1 restores mitochondrial energy metabolism, drastically reducing lactate production and increasing survival rates in sepsis. The combination of vitamin B1 and glucose proves to be an effective treatment, promising hope for patients affected by this deadly condition.
Researchers identified a key neural switch that controls instinctive behaviors, fine-tuning the brain for survival based on environment. By comparing two deer-mouse species, they found a hypersensitive response in mice living in densely vegetated environments.
Researchers have developed a novel EV-enrichment method called FAEVEr, which improves the purity and reproducibility of EV-based proteomics. The new platform enables a higher throughput volume by parallel processing of samples in under 2 hours.
Researchers found that cytotoxic NK cells can prevent T cells from attacking tumors in patients resistant to immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Targeting these cells could lead to more effective immunotherapy.
Researchers at VIB-KU Leuven have identified a novel protein complex that regulates the formation of spine apparatus in developing synapses, essential for stabilizing mature synapses and supporting learning and memory. The study reveals that GPR158 interacts with PLCXD2 to control spine apparatus abundance, lifting the brake on synapti...
A team of researchers has developed a predictive model that uses genetic mutations to forecast the age of onset for familial Alzheimer's disease. The model suggests specific correlations between gene mutations and disease progression, enabling clinicians to tailor treatment strategies and improve early diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a new method to genetically improve poplar trees without introducing foreign DNA into its genome. This breakthrough could accelerate the deployment of genetically enhanced trees with benefits for both the environment and the bio-based economy.
Researchers discovered blocking CCR1 increases glucocorticoid sensitivity in multiple myeloma cells, offering a new strategy to improve treatment outcomes. The study found that high levels of CCR1 are linked to worse outcomes and plays a critical role in drug resistance.
A new study found that blocking an enzyme called HPGDS may be a way to improve melanoma treatment for patients who don't respond to immunotherapy. The enzyme promotes tumor growth and metastasis dissemination by blocking T-cell activity, but blocking it boosts the immune response.
Researchers develop a powerful model to study TDP-43 pathology, which accumulates in the cytoplasm and depletes from the nucleus, leading to neuronal death. The 'seeded' protein aggregates recapitulate key features of ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
A recent study revealed that brassinosteroids are distributed unevenly between new cells formed during cell division, influencing root growth and development. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of how these hormones regulate plant growth and development at the cellular level.
Researchers discovered that by targeting the Elovl1 enzyme, T cells can harness fatty acid oxidation for energy, increasing their survival and effectiveness against cancer. This metabolic reprogramming approach enhances antitumor activity and improves treatment outcomes in experimental models of melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
Researchers used deep learning models to compare gene regulation in different cell types of human and chicken brains, shedding new light on brain evolution and providing tools for studying gene regulation. The study found that while some cell types are highly conserved between birds and mammals, others have evolved differently.
Researchers discovered a mechanism involving protein aggregation that allows bacteria to enter a dormant state, making them resistant to antibiotics. The study also found that protein aggregates can promote bacterial survival in stressful environments.
New research reveals that lipid-associated macrophages (LAMs) are crucial for liver repair, while Kupffer cells also adapt to take on a LAM-like phenotype. The Trem2 gene is essential for clearance of dying liver cells and promoting tissue repair.
A recent study has identified distinct features in two types of brain cells, intratelencephalic (IT) neurons and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons, which may affect their vulnerability to neurodevelopmental conditions. The research highlights the importance of understanding how these brain cells exchange information through their synapses.