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Engineered lipid nanoparticles reprogram immune metabolism for better mRNA vaccines

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2026

Potential therapeutic target found to combat tuberculosis, a disrupted NAD(H) homeostasis

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that disrupted NAD(H) homeostasis is a key factor in tuberculosis pathogenesis. The researchers found that the glycolytic pathway can be selectively inhibited using an LDH enzyme with mostly LDHA subunits, which preferentially converts pyruvate to lactate and NADH to NAD+.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

Fundamental cancer metabolism dogma revisited

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that non-dividing colon cancer cells employ Warburg glycolysis to reduce toxic reactive oxygen species accumulation. This adaptation challenges the long-held dogma of the Warburg effect, highlighting the need for single-cell level analysis tools.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Pyruvate as an essential substance for the survival of neurons and Schwann cells under high-glucose milieu

Researchers found that pyruvate supplementation prevents rapid cell death of peripheral sensory neurons and Schwann cells under high-glucose conditions. Exogenous pyruvate may play a key role in maintaining glycolysis-TCA cycle flux by suppressing PARP activity, thereby supporting cellular viability and energy production.

Study finds differences in energy use by immune cells in ME/CFS

Researchers discovered that specific immune T cells from people with ME/CFS exhibit disruptions in energy production, suggesting changes in the immune system. The study found decreased levels of glycolysis and mitochondrial function in affected cells, potentially providing clues to understanding the mechanisms underlying ME/CFS.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 12, 2019

Women's brains appear three years younger than men's

A new study finds that women's brains are metabolically three years younger than men's of the same age, which may contribute to their greater mental sharpness in later years. The researchers used PET scans and machine-learning algorithms to measure brain metabolism and calculate each person's brain age.

For women with kidney cancer, belly fat matters

A new study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that women with kidney cancer who have substantial abdominal fat are more likely to die within 3 1/2 years after diagnosis, while those with little belly fat tend to live longer. For men, the amount of abdominal fat does not appear to affect survival rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalRadiology·DateApr 3, 2018

Out of gas and low on sperm?

Researchers at Kyoto University found that the Myc gene regulates stem cell self-renewal in mice, leading to a slower rate of proliferation and impaired energy production. This discovery may lead to new treatments for infertility by stimulating sperm cell metabolism.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 27, 2016

Sugar-burning in the adult human brain is associated with continued growth, and remodeling

Research published in Cell Metabolism reveals that hotspots of fuel consumption in the adult brain are associated with ongoing development and remodeling. The study identifies 16 brain regions with elevated levels of aerobic glycolysis, which is linked to gene expression related to growth, synaptic transmission, and neurogenesis.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJan 7, 2014

UCLA engineers develop new metabolic pathway to more efficiently convert sugars into biofuels

Researchers at UCLA have created a synthetic metabolic pathway that converts all six glucose carbon atoms into three molecules of acetyl-CoA without losing any as carbon dioxide. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the production of biofuels, with potential applications in biorefineries and photosynthetic microbes.

Tumors disable immune cells by using up sugar

Researchers found that cancer cells' high sugar consumption disables immune cells' ability to produce inflammatory compounds, making it harder for them to fight tumors. This discovery may lead to new treatments by enhancing T cell function and treating autoimmune disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJun 6, 2013

Nutrition and heredity are genetically linked

Scientists discovered a genetic link between glycolysis and DNA replication in Bacillus subtilis, indicating that metabolic signals influence DNA synthesis and stability. This finding suggests a global regulatory function of central carbon metabolism in adjusting cellular functions to nutritional conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 16, 2007