Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Viscosity of materials key to cell differentiation

Researchers from IBEC have improved understanding of how MSCs sense environment viscosity, a key factor in differentiation into different tissue types. Viscosity affects cell behavior and promotes differentiation into softer tissues like cartilage.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2024

Shedding light on how tissues grow with sharply defined structures

Scientists create synthetic biology approach to mechanistically study tissue patterning and engineer organoid structures by combining morphogens with cell adhesion control. The model system reveals a key feature of E-cadherin for forming sharp boundaries in synthetic tissue domains.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2024

A new sensor shows brain cells making and then breaking contact

Researchers from Osaka University developed a fluorescent sensor to visualize Pcdh interactions in live neurons, allowing for the first time to observe dissociation of these interactions. This technique has potential applications in understanding brain disorders such as autism and epilepsy.

SourceOsaka University·JournaliScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 18, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

A twisted cell-cell adhesion molecule complex structure revealed by single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and high-speed atomic force microscopy

Researchers have elucidated the mechanism of CELSR cadherin dimerization, revealing a twisted cell-cell adhesion molecule complex structure. The extracellular domains of CELSR cadherins exhibited strand- and globule-like portions, which bound through strand-like structures in an antiparallel orientation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

New insights into the mechanisms causing diabetes

Researchers at Osaka University identified T-cadherin as a factor that feeds back a lack of insulin to pancreatic β cells, inducing their proliferation. This finding suggests a potential new treatment for diabetes by targeting T-cadherin.

SourceOsaka University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Treating cancer by sticking cells in place

Researchers developed a monoclonal antibody that binds E-cadherin, strengthening cell adhesion and preventing cancer metastasis. The antibody, 19A11, has two binding modes that increase adhesive strength through salt bridge formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

Visualization of binding processes of cell-cell adhesion molecules in solution

The study reveals multiple dimeric structures of cadherins in solution, including W-, cross-, and S-shaped dimers. The researchers propose a novel conformation, the S-shaped dimer, and suggest that binding mechanism progresses through sliding motion followed by flipping motion to form stable SS-dimers.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

'Molecular Velcro' enables tissues to sense, react to mechanical force

A University of Illinois study discovered that cadherin proteins can sense mechanical stress and alter cell communication, promoting tissue growth and tumorigenesis. The findings suggest a potential mechanism for preventing certain types of tissue growth by mutating cadherin molecules.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2022

Velcro-like cellular proteins key to tissue strength

Specialized proteins called cadherins join forces to make cells stick together, forming bonds 30 times stronger than individual strengths. This discovery could lead to more life-like artificial tissues and tumor-busting drugs.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021

Sticking together

Researchers find that cell adhesion proteins and a gradient of signaling molecule Sonic Hedgehog work together to create precise sorting of cells into domains. By combining experiments from biophysics, genetics, and developmental biology, the team successfully solves the puzzle of how patterns are created in developing organisms.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The glue that keeps cells together

A study published in Nature Physics reveals that small changes in physical parameters can significantly impact the formation and growth of cell-cell contacts. The researchers used computer simulations and experiments to investigate the biophysicics of cadherin proteins, which play a crucial role in maintaining cellular bonds.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 14, 2017

Illuminating the contacts

Researchers used super-resolution imaging to map the organization of cadherin-based adhesions in cells. The study revealed a multi-layered structure with compartments separated by an interface layer containing vinculin, which plays a key role in fine-tuning mechanical properties.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 15, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

UBC scientists create mouse that resists cocaine's lure

Researchers at the University of British Columbia genetically engineered mice with higher levels of cadherin to resist cocaine addiction. The study found that extra cadherin prevents synapses from strengthening and forms pleasurable memories, thereby preventing addiction.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 13, 2017

Stability without junctions

Researchers discovered that cadherin clusters prevent cortical deformation by acting as structural anchors in the cell membrane. This new function of non-junctional cadherin clusters regulates cortical movement and stability, allowing for essential processes like cytokinesis to occur without dramatic changes.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 27, 2016

Mechanism discovered for mosaic pattern of cells in the nasal cavity

Researchers at Kobe University have discovered a mechanism for the formation of a mosaic pattern of two different cell types in the nasal cavity. The study reveals that interaction between cadherins and nectins leads to the recruitment of cadherins to cell junctions, resulting in a mosaic pattern.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMar 2, 2016

Which way is up?

A new UCSB study shows that the protein E-cadherin promotes collective cell migration by guiding cells to move and migrate. The researchers used innovative experimental tools to measure forces on E-cadherin molecules, revealing a non-perturbing approach to understanding tissue morphology.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell·DateMay 22, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Force of nature: Defining the mechanical mechanisms in living cells

A study at Stanford University reveals the mechanical mechanisms in living cells, showing that cadherin-catenin-actin structure exerts force inside and between cells in living tissues. This understanding could have implications for biological processes such as tissue development, tumor growth, and complex organism formation.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2012

Smarter toxins help crops fight resistant pests

A UA-led team of researchers discovered a new edge in overcoming resistance to certain pests by modifying the structure of crop-protecting proteins called Bt toxins. The modified toxins were found to be effective against some resistant strains, but not always working as expected and requiring further testing.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 2011
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Cell-cell interactions adapt to the stiffness of the environment

Researchers found that softer surfaces lead to disorganized cytoskeletons, while stiffer surfaces promote larger traction forces and more developed cadherin adhesions. Inhibition of myosin II decreases traction forces and causes cadherin adhesions to disappear.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 16, 2010

Scripps Research scientists reveal pivotal hearing structure

Researchers identified cadherin 23 and protocadherin 15 as crucial proteins in the conversion of physical cues to electrochemical signals. These proteins form a complex called 'tip links' on hair cells in the inner ear, which is believed to have a central function in converting physical cues into electrical impulses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2007

Two-faced protein can stop metastasis or promote it, researchers say

Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that the protein p120 catenin can both suppress and promote metastasis, depending on its interaction with cadherin proteins. The study suggests that a future designer drug could block the beginning of metastasis or stop it once it starts.

SourceMayo Clinic, Jacksonville·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 18, 2006

Scripps Research scientists find deafness gene's function

Researchers have discovered the role of cadherin 23 protein in the mechanotransduction process that converts sound waves into electrical signals. The study provides insights into Usher syndrome and age-related hearing loss, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for treating deafness.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2004

Light shed on vision and hearing disorders

Researchers have identified three genes, Myosin VIIa, Harmonin, and Cadherin 23, that cooperate to shape the sensory hair cell bundle. These findings provide new insights into Usher syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting vision and hearing.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateDec 16, 2002
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Mechanism found that appears to keep body tissues together

Researchers found a three-stage unbinding profile of cadherins, which suggests a 'ratcheting' mechanism that prevents abrupt failure of adhesive junctions. This discovery may lead to the development of gene therapy for diseases associated with malfunctions or mutations of the cadherin protein.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 1999