Proof-of-concept study advances potential new way to deliver gene therapy
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have developed a novel genetic engineering approach to deliver gene therapy by utilizing a cell's natural process to
Cell Pathology
Articles tagged with Cell Pathology
Fluorescence imaging system lays groundwork for better tumor removal
Researchers developed a low-cost, simple imaging system using tumor-targeting fluorescent molecules to determine tumor depth. The portable system provides quantitative information about the depth of tumor cells in the body, helping surgeons remove healthy tissue around tumors for better outcomes.
High risk/high reward federal grant funds effort to develop a smart drug delivery system to treat multiple Alzheimer’s pathologies all at once
Researchers have designed a smart cell-based delivery system to treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting multiple pathologies, reducing the risk of side effects. The system uses bio-synthesizable drugs and immune cells to deliver combination therapy that addresses all pathologies in a targeted manner.
Gene mutation discovered that causes language impairment, ADHD and myasthenia
Researchers found a specific CAPRIN1 gene mutation linked to impaired protein production, leading to autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, language impairments, and muscle weakness. The study also identified similar symptoms in patients with early-onset ataxia and myasthenia.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022
Mount Sinai researchers use artificial intelligence to uncover the cellular origins of Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders
The study used a weakly supervised deep learning algorithm to analyze human brain autopsy tissues and predict the presence or absence of cognitive impairment. The model identified a signal associated with decreasing myelin staining, which was linked to cognitive impairment in the white matter.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateSep 20, 2022
University of Ottawa and partners embrace leadership role in understanding heart-brain connection
The University of Ottawa-led team aims to bridge the gap between heart and brain health by developing new diagnostic tools and treatments. They will focus on improving patient outcomes for disorders linked to both organs.
Regulation is the name of the game
A new study by Kyoto University found that Regnase-1 gene expression is low in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), mirroring the pathology of humans. The protein's mRNA degradation leads to PAH inhibition, offering a potential new treatment for heart failure and premature death.
Excessive blue light from our gadgets may accelerate the aging process
A new study published in Frontiers found that excessive blue light exposure can alter cellular functions in fruit flies, potentially leading to accelerated aging. The researchers discovered changes in metabolites essential for cell function and communication between neurons.
Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists create nanobody that can punch through tough brain cells and potentially treat Parkinson’s disease
Researchers have created a nanobody that can penetrate tough brain cell coatings and disrupt alpha-synuclein clumps, which contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. The nanobody, PFFNB2, shows promise in preventing disease progression in live mouse brains.
Genetic defect leads to motor disorders in flies
A genetic defect in flies leads to motor disorders, similar to those found in humans with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that Creld, a protein involved in energy production, may play an important role in the development of Parkinson's.
Taste sensors keep proteins in order in flies
A set of genes promoting sweet taste sensation also regulate protein management in flies, according to a new study. The finding suggests a connection between taste-related genes and disorders of protein aggregation.
Post-COVID lung disease shares origins with other scarring lung disorders
Researchers identified common cellular mechanisms and dysfunctional processes driving post-COVID lung disease, similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The study found shared gene expression patterns and endoplasmic reticulum stress as early triggers of both conditions.
Newly discovered: Neuronal cell type for controlling the flow of information in the brain
A new study has identified neurogliaform cells as key regulators of information flow between brain areas. These cells help separate current perception from past experiences, enabling smooth communication between brain regions.
Simple skin biopsy can assess tissue damage related to COVID-19
Researchers found clots in small venous and arterial blood vessels in normal-looking skin from patients with severe COVID-19, distinguishable from other forms of respiratory illness. Antiviral proteins and interferon-induced inflammatory proteins were also detected, associated with disease severity.
Proteomic study of 2,002 tumors identifies 11 pan-cancer molecular subtypes across 14 types of cancer
A proteomic study of 2,002 tumors identified 11 distinct molecular subtypes across 14 tissue-based cancer types, including breast, lung, and brain cancers. These subtypes provide new insights into the deregulated pathways and processes in tumors that make them cancerous.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 10, 2022
Stem cells either overproduce or underproduce brain cells in autism patients
A Rutgers study analyzing brain stem cells of autism patients found irregularities in early brain development, supporting the concept that ASD arises from poor control of brain cell proliferation. The study discovered that some patients had NPCs producing too many brain cells while others had underproduced cells.
Time-reversal asymmetry surpasses conversion efficiency limit for solar cells
Researchers have developed a single-cell PV design integrated with nonreciprocal optical components to provide 100-percent reuse of emitted radiation, breaking the Shockley–Queisser limit. This breakthrough enables a quasimonochromatic radiation converter to reach the theoretically maximum Carnot efficiency.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 1, 2022
New tool for visualizing leukocytes in the brain
Researchers have developed a new tool to visualize leukocytes in the brain vasculature during in vivo two-photon laser scanning microscopy. The tool uses a fluorescent antibody targeting CD45, a ubiquitously expressed protein on white blood cells, allowing for tracking of circulating leukocytes over time and space.
Standard test for multiple myeloma provides clues of a rare, more deadly type
A study found that patients with IgD multiple myeloma have a worse prognosis than other types, with higher mortality rates and more kidney damage. The rare blood cancer produces excessive light chains that can damage the kidneys if left untreated.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInternational Journal of Pathology and Clinical Research·DateMay 19, 2022
Discovery of cell protein that keeps Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus dormant
A UC Davis study found a critical agent keeping KSHV dormant and undetected by the immune system. The virus is linked to various cancers and AIDS-related diseases. The researchers identified CHD4 as a key regulator of the latency-lytic switch, allowing the virus to stay silent.
Double agents: How stomach stem cells change allegiance upon injury
A molecular switch, p57, enables stomach stem cells to change allegiance from normal digestion to injury response, potentially leading to new treatments for gastric pathologies. The study's findings suggest that p57 is a key regulator of reserve stem cell state in gastric chief cells.
SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022
A new mutation behind synucleinopathies
Researchers discovered a novel mutation in the alpha-synuclein gene that causes severe Lewy body pathology, revealing distinct mechanisms of neurodegeneration. The E83Q mutation influences alpha-synuclein's structure and aggregation properties, leading to increased pathology formation and toxicity.
Some autism spectrum disorder symptoms linked to astrocytes
A preclinical study suggests that astrocyte abnormalities may contribute to repetitive behaviors and memory deficits in autism spectrum disorders. Researchers grew human astrocytes from patients with ASD and transplanted them into healthy mice, which developed repetitive behaviors but not social deficits.
Third dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases immune responses in most patients with multiple myeloma
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases immune responses in patients with multiple myeloma, but a subset remains vulnerable. The study found that 88% of patients developed antibodies after the third dose, leading to improved neutralization of the wild-type virus.
Neurexin controls cerebellar granule cells (insight into autism, schizophrenia mechanism)
Researchers at Shinshu University have elucidated a new molecular mechanism controlling the survival of cerebral nerve cells. Neurexin regulates cerebellar granule cell survival independently of synapses, playing a crucial role in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.
Cancer incidence in China and the USA: Scientists discuss changing and converging trends
The study reveals a narrowing gap between cancer profiles in China and the USA, with converging trends in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. China's cancer burden is expected to rise, while the US has seen reduced rates since the 1990s due to effective prevention strategies.
Penn Researchers Shorten Manufacturing Time for CAR T Cell Therapy
Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed a new approach to alter immune cells for CAR T cell therapy in just 24 hours, cutting manufacturing time from nine to 14 days. This could make the therapy more cost-effective and accessible to more patients.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022
Hybrid neuroscience connects the dots for a big picture of the brain
Researchers are combining optogenetics and fMRI to study the links between brain activity and behavior. This hybrid approach allows for targeted manipulation and monitoring of brain function in awake and behaving rodents, providing valuable insights into neural mechanisms.
New study discovers novel inhibitory roles of hnRNPK in skeletal muscle cell differentiation
Researchers uncover the pleiotropic functions of hnRNPK in regulating skeletal muscle cell differentiation, including inhibition of myoblast differentiation and suppression of genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress. The study suggests that targeting hnRNPK could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating human disorders.
SourceFujita Health University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
Trust your gut: how your gut microbiota can save you from cancer
A recent review highlights the effects of different intestinal bacteria on colorectal cancer, exploring new therapies for disease prevention and treatment. Beneficial probiotics, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, exhibit anticancer properties and reduce CRC cell proliferation.
Disruption in lung cell repair may underlie acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases
A new study suggests that incomplete lung cell repair may contribute to the development of chronic fibrotic lung disease in COVID-19 and non-COVID patients. The research proposes novel therapies to promote healthy regeneration and prevent scarring.
Study of Penn patients with decade-long leukemia remissions after Car T cell therapy reveals new details about persistence of personalized “living drug” cells
Researchers discovered two patients with CAR T cell therapy achieved the longest-known remission to date, providing new details about treatment effects and outcomes. The study shows that the infused CAR T cells remained detectable for at least a decade, with sustained remission in both patients.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022
Prodrug that hides like an assassin to kill cancer cells
A research team has developed a new cancer treatment that targets lymph nodes using a prodrug that selectively reacts with glutathione to release nitric oxide. In a metastasis mouse model, the mice treated with the drug showed significantly reduced weight of metastatic cancer cells and improved survival rates.
Four MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researchers awarded American Cancer Society grants
Four MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researchers received American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grants worth $35,000 each. The grants support promising projects that aim to push cancer care forward. Researchers are working on various innovative projects, including a digital literacy training program for community health workers an...
Preserving the goods: A new technique for isolating intact lysosomes from cell cultures
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology develop a novel strategy to quickly separate intact lysosomes with high purity using magnetic-plasmonic hybrid nanoparticles. The technique allows for rapid extraction of lysosomes from cells, reducing the time required compared to existing methods.
Microglial methylation “landscape” in human brain
A new study reveals distinct DNA methylation profiles of human microglia cells across different age groups, disease states, and brain regions. The researchers found that interindividual differences in methylation variability had a larger impact than regional or diagnostic differences.
New research on human brain development sheds light on neurodevelopmental disorders
Researchers have found consistent patterns in GABAergic neuron development between humans and mice, shedding light on the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and schizophrenia. The study uses single-cell RNA sequencing to create detailed maps of gene expression during human brain development.
Changes in the blood, not the heart, may underlie cardiac thrombosis in COVID-19 patients
A study examining autopsy tissue samples from COVID-19 patients found frequent and extensive blood clots within heart vessels, but no typical endothelial cell changes. Instead, hypercoagulability of the blood caused by activated neutrophils was detected as a likely culprit.
New Collaborative Research Center with participation from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
The German Research Foundation has approved a new Collaborative Research Center (CRC) focused on developing sustainable iron alternatives to replace toxic or rare elements. The CRC will investigate iron's potential as a building block for the future, aiming to enhance its properties and make it more affordable and resource-efficient.
Scientists discover potential cause of Alzheimer’s Disease
Researchers found that people with brain buildup but no dementia had normal tau protein, while those who developed plaques or tangles also had a different-handed form of tau. This suggests that a slowdown in autophagy, the process of clearing spent proteins, may be underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease.
Cystic fibrosis faithfully modeled in a human Lung Airway Chip
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021
Researchers discover new insights about tau proteins in people living with ALS
A study published in Brain Pathology found elevated levels of tau protein in the brains of people with ALS who carry a mutation in the C9orf72 gene. The researchers also identified new genetic mutations in the tau gene and discovered that the ratio of different forms of tau protein may be an indicator of disease progression.
SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalBrain Pathology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2021
Ciliopathies: Tiny filament projections from cells send out false signals
A new study on Bardet-Biedl syndrome reveals that defective primary cilia can broadcast signals that worsen symptoms, including kidney problems and intellectual disabilities. Cilia play a crucial role in regulating intercellular communication, and their malfunctioning is responsible for various inherited disorders.
Cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration tested as therapy of Tay-Sachs disease
A new study investigates the effects of cord blood cell transplantation and curcumin administration on Tay-Sachs disease. The results show an increase in enzyme production and a decrease in inflammation after transplantation, as well as improved symptoms and reduced GM2 ganglioside levels when combined with curcumin.
Centriole instability might contribute to some cases of microcephaly
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified γTuRC as a centriole stabilizer, revealing its role in maintaining centriole stability and preventing microcephaly. The study's findings suggest that defects in γTuRC may contribute to various human diseases, including adolescent scoliosis and male infertility.
SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021
Viral infections could promote neurodegeneration
DZNE researchers found that viral molecules facilitate the intercellular spreading of protein aggregates, which are hallmarks of brain diseases like Alzheimer's. The presence of viral ligands increases protein aggregate spreading between cells, potentially contributing to neurodegeneration.
SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021
Chimeric exosomes co-activate immune response and tumor microenvironment for cancer immunotherapy
Researchers have developed chimeric exosomes that co-activate the immune system to combat tumors. The therapy targets solid tumors, where the immune cells are often compromised, and improves treatment outcomes for patients.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 13, 2021
Scientists grow miniature brains that mimic the major pathological features of Parkinson’s disease
Researchers created tiny human midbrain-like organoids that mimic the major pathological features of Parkinson's disease. These organoids enable scientists to study how the human brain develops and communicates, providing insights into the progression of the disease and potential new treatments.
Brain organoids mimic head size changes associated with type of autism
Researchers have created brain organoids from people with 16p11.2 genomic variations, which exhibit differences in brain size seen in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The study revealed new information about molecular mechanisms that malfunction when this region is disrupted, providing opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
New study sheds light on how an autoimmune disorder may underlie male infertility
A new study has found that the absence of Aire protein in mice leads to fertility problems similar to those affecting men with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS-1). Researchers discovered that Aire-dependent central tolerance plays a critical role in maintaining male fertility.
New tumor cell tracking system aims to understand cancer treatment resistance
Researchers developed a new system to track tumor cell evolution and identify resistant cells, which can be used to test treatment effectiveness. The system, ClonMapper, allows for high-resolution study of clonal dynamics during tumor evolution and treatment.
Study reveals structure of receptor implicated in type 2 diabetes and more
Researchers have determined the structure of human leukotriene B4 receptor 1 (hBLT1), a protein involved in inflammation and disease. The analysis reveals how the receptor recognizes its binding partners and interacts with them, opening up avenues for designing better drugs.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2021
Skin cells from frontotemporal dementia patients may prove useful in revealing disease mechanisms and in biomarker and drug research
Researchers discovered that skin fibroblasts from FTD patients exhibit pathological RNA foci, p62 protein-containing vesicles, and defective energy metabolism, which could lead to the development of novel biomarkers and treatments. These findings may also be useful in testing drug effects on FTD patients.
Wake-up call for neural stem cells
Researchers have identified a brain enzyme that activates dormant neural stem cells, enabling them to proliferate and generate new neurons. The study found that the enzyme Pr-set7 plays a crucial role in maintaining genome stability and regulating cell cycle, leading to reactivation of neural stem cells.
Scientists ID brain cells most vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease
Researchers have identified brain cells most susceptible to Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to targeted treatments to boost the brain's resilience. The study found that RORB-expressing neurons are among the first to die in the disease, accumulating tau tangles earlier than neighboring cells.
'Rare' brain disorder may not be so rare anymore, trends in japan reveal
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals a significant rise in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease cases and mortality rates in Japan between 2005 and 2014. The incidence rate increased by an average of 6.4% per year, with the most prominent increase seen among individuals over 70 years old.
New research paves way for developing therapies that could slow down Alzheimer's
Researchers at Lund University have developed a 3D model of human hippocampal tissue from induced pluripotent stem cells, allowing for the study of early cellular dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that patient-specific pathology differs between individuals with extreme symptomatology.
Parkinson's disease may start in the gut
Researchers have mapped out cell types behind various brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease, indicating that the disease may start in the gut. Oligodendrocytes were found to be affected early on, suggesting they play a key role in the early stages of the disease.
New research insights into how a group of novel organelle-based disorders affects cells
A recent study by Professor Michael Schrader and his team has explored the impact of peroxisome alterations on disease. The researchers found that defects in peroxisomal dynamics and division can lead to metabolic disorders, including developmental and neurological abnormalities.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research·DateApr 9, 2020
Leaving its mark: How frailty impacts the blood
Researchers at OIST Graduate University developed a new method to diagnose frailty using metabolomics and identified key biomarkers in the blood. The study found that 22 blood metabolites correlate with frailty, cognitive impairment, and hypomobility, offering potential for early diagnosis and treatment.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020