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Can algae enhance skin regeneration and wound healing?

Researchers have developed a system using microvesicles from algae that promote skin cell proliferation and migration, leading to increased collagen synthesis. The findings show promising results for the treatment of wounds and skin regeneration.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJan 11, 2023

Dynamic cells linked to brain tumor growth and recurrence

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified oncostreams, highly active cells connected to brain tumor growth and invasion. The team found that eliminating Collagen 1 production from tumor cells reduces tumor aggressive behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treating lethal brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

How air pollution alters lung tissue, increasing cancer susceptibility

A study in eLife found that fine air pollution particles can increase the risk of lung cancer by altering lung tissue structure and reducing immune cell infiltration. The researchers identified peroxidasin as a key enzyme responsible for this effect, which could lead to new approaches for preventing or treating lung disease.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

Pancreatic cancer cells harness normal tissue turnover to build protective barriers

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells trigger the breakdown of collagen proteins, which increases arginine levels and signals stellate cells to build fibrotic meshes around tumors. This process, known as desmoplasia, creates a dense environment that promotes aggressive growth and blocks access to therapies.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2022

Globins - on the hunt to protect your liver

Researchers at Osaka City University found that globin family members can suppress liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice. The proteins' antioxidant capacity was greater than glutathione and vitamin C, suggesting a potential therapy for liver fibrosis.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Revealing the function of Mkx in periodontal ligament homeostasis

A study published at Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that Mkx regulates cellular heterogeneity and gene expression in the PDL, revealing its importance in homeostasis. The results showed that a deficiency of Mkx promotes ossification in the PDL and suggests a compensatory mechanism via Scx to maintain homeostasis.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateFeb 24, 2022

New, promising opportunities for treating skin fibrosis

Scientists have shown that applying an electric field to the skin affects collagen pathways, temporarily reducing production and increasing degradation. This opens new therapeutic perspectives for the topical treatment of skin fibrosis characterized by excessive collagen deposition.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateOct 21, 2021

Engineers uncover the secrets of fish fins

A team of engineers discovered that the unique design of fish fins, with layered structures made up of stiff and soft materials, enables them to achieve remarkable dexterity and flexibility. This finding could lead to new materials and technologies for robotic applications and aircraft design.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

Illuminating tissue formation

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a multi-component molecule that interacts with collagen, allowing for the visualization of new tissue growth in the body. This breakthrough could have applications in oncology and wound healing, enabling surgeons to more accurately remove tumors and investigate tissue formation.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 4, 2021

A novel method for the rapid repair of peripheral nerve injuries

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a novel method for rapid repair of peripheral nerve injuries using nerve guidance conduits filled with engineered aligned collagen gels and NGF-coated magnetic particles. This technique has shown improved axon growth and functional motor restoration in rats with peripheral nerve injury,...

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 21, 2021

Collagen structures get the royal reveal

Researchers have created an algorithm called SCEPTTr that predicts the stability of collagen triple helices, a critical structure in skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The program expands on previous work to understand natural amino acids and provides detailed melting temperatures for each possible combination of sequences.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 15, 2021

Watch immune cells dig tunnels in tissues

Researchers found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) dig slow-moving channels through the extracellular matrix to facilitate fast movement of other CTLs. The study suggests modulating ECM properties could enhance immune response efficiency and lead to new therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateDec 1, 2020

New artificial skin functions like natural skin

Researchers created an artificial skin equivalent that reproduces traction-force balance in the lateral direction, a property controlling skin structure and function. This human-skin equivalent enhances physiological skin function analysis, disease research, and reduces animal testing.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 30, 2020

New insights into wound healing

A team of researchers from Washington University in St. Louis has determined for the first time how the process of wound healing begins, shedding light on fibrosis and cancer metastasis. They discovered a recursive process between fibroblasts and their environment, which can be controlled by manipulating cellular responses to drugs.