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Pusan National University study reveals engineered bacterial vesicles to combat antimicrobial resistance

Researchers from Pusan National University have developed engineered bacterial vesicles that use a novel surface-displaying protein to selectively target and eliminate E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. These vesicles, derived from lactic acid bacteria, offer a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2025

How researchers are shining a light on kidney disease

Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a way to identify and track material carried by extracellular vesicles, which play a key role in the development of renal diseases like polycystic kidney disease. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies for patients with PKD, a common genetic disorder.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2025

Adipocyte-hepatocyte signaling mechanism uncovered in endoplasmic reticulum stress response

A team of Chinese researchers identified a novel intercellular signaling mechanism between adipocytes and hepatocytes in endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The study reveals that ceramide, a fat molecule, plays a key role in activating the unfolded protein response pathway in hepatocytes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2025

Missing protein keeps mice slim, even on a high-fat diet

Researchers found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean despite a high-fat diet, while control mice developed obesity. The study suggests CD44 inhibitors could serve as a complementary treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2025

UMass Amherst researchers ID body’s ‘quality control’ regulator for protein folding

UMass Amherst researchers have identified the 'quality control' regulator for protein folding, a crucial process that ensures essential cellular functions. The discovery of this regulator, Sep15, could lead to new treatments targeting misfolded proteins associated with diseases like Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2024

ACE-ing protein detection in single cells

A new DNA-powered signal amplification technology called ACE significantly enhances the sensitivity of mass cytometry, enabling the detection of multiple proteins in single cells. This breakthrough allows researchers to investigate complex biological processes and study immune cell functions with unprecedented depth.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2024

Tiny brain bubbles carry complete codes

Scientists discovered that tiny brain bubbles called small extracellular vesicles carry more complete instructions for altering cellular function than previously thought. Researchers found nearly 80% of identified mRNAs were full-length, allowing them to be transcribed by recipient cells into viable proteins.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2024

Paper coating biomaterials derived from anaerobic granular sludge may be cost-effective

Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to create waterproof and grease-resistant paper coatings using extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from anaerobic granular sludge. The study found that EPS derived from waste sludge can improve paper coating properties, including water/grease-proofing behaviour.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2024

An important molecular pathway for control of aging is discovered

Researchers found that dysregulation of RNA transfer between cells in different tissues shortens lifespan in roundworms. They demonstrated that this phenomenon, termed Intercellular/Extracellular Systemic RNA imbalance (InExS), can be caused by an increase in RNA uptake from the environment, leading to a reduction in organism's lifespan.

Stalking a silent killer

Researchers aim to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by targeting amino acid transporter SLC6A14 and compensatory nutrient scavenging mechanisms autophagy and macropinocytosis. Using alpha-methyl-L-tryptophan and hydroxychlorquine, the study seeks to improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Researchers reveal a map to study novel form of cell-to-cell communication

A team of researchers has created a new map of candidate extracellular RNA binding proteins and their associated RNAs in various bodily fluids. This resource was developed using computational analyses and validated experimentally, providing a foundation for understanding exRNA biology and its potential use in liquid biopsies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Genomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2023

Glomerular fibrosis now all the RAGE

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveals a critical role for RAGE protein in glomerular fibrosis, a major driver of chronic kidney disease. The research sheds light on potential therapeutic targets to mitigate this devastating condition.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 12, 2001

Secret to Listeria's virulence provides clues to workings of other deadly intracellular pathogens, UC Berkeley scientists report

Listeria monocytogenes has discovered a mechanism for managing infection by living comfortably inside cells until ready to break out and spread the infection. The bacteria use a pore-forming toxin, listeriolysin O, that is modified with a PEST sequence tag, allowing it to evade the host's immune system.