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Bacteria to the rescue again

The study introduces a synthetic, animal-free gel that enables the long-term growth of 3D organoids, overcoming limitations of traditional animal-derived gels. The PIC–invasin gel offers robustness, consistency, and potential for widespread use in research and clinical settings.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

A newly discovered mechanism rejuvenates aging cells

A newly discovered mechanism has identified a key protein, AP2A1, that toggles between 'young' and 'old' cell states. By suppressing AP2A1 in older cells, researchers were able to reverse senescence and promote cellular rejuvenation. This breakthrough may lead to new treatment targets for diseases associated with old age.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCellular Signalling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Study raises possibility of immunotherapy treatment for ALS

Researchers at OHSU identified a type of monoclonal antibody that can slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by modulating immune cells. The study used a mouse model and confirmed results in human brains affected by ALS, revealing a promising potential treatment for this fatal neurodegenerative disease.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Cell groups push, rather than pull, themselves into place as organs form and cancers spread

Researchers discovered that cells in moving group push the front of their group, contrary to previous findings that they pull with their front edges. The discovery sheds light on how tissues apply force in groups to generate motion in living organisms, which could have implications for cancer spread.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022

Texas Heart Institute, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and 7 Hills Pharma pioneer significant vaccine research

Researchers have identified the potential of 7HP349 as an oral medication to strengthen the effectiveness of vaccines, particularly for populations that struggle with immunosuppression. The study suggests adding 7HP349 to standard vaccination can improve vaccine efficacy without reformulating the vaccine.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·Journalnpj Vaccines·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Staying in touch!

Researchers identified key enzyme PPM1F that regulates integrins' detachment from ECM, allowing cells to move in protein meshwork. The discovery sheds light on how cells balance attachment to versus detachment from extracellular matrix.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 6, 2020

Biological ballet: Imaging technique reveals complex protein movements in cell membrane

Researchers have developed an imaging method for live cells that suppresses photobleaching, allowing observation of individual molecules for up to 400 seconds. This enables study of protein movements and interactions in the cell membrane, shedding light on cellular behavior and potential targets for cancer treatment.

Breakthrough for peptide medication

Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a strategy for designing peptides that can be administered orally, overcoming the major challenge of stability and absorption. This breakthrough simplifies the creation of peptide medications, potentially offering new treatments for various diseases.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 21, 2018

How cells are able to turn

Researchers have demonstrated that cells navigate using molecular force from within, enabling them to turn and potentially leading to the development of new drugs. This discovery was made possible by the study of integrins, which are essential for cell interactions.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2018

Proteins keep a grip on cells

Scientists have identified where laminin 511 interacts with integrins, crucial adhesion molecules that determine cell function and shape. The discovery reveals the gamma chain directly interacts with integrins, stabilizing the laminin-integrin bond.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 2017

How cells move

A study by Lund University researcher Pontus Nordenfelt reveals how cells move using integrins, actin, and an adaptor protein. The technique enables measuring mechanical force acting on integrins, which could lead to targeted drugs to strengthen the immune system against infections.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2016

LJI researchers gain new understanding of how neutrophils latch onto vessel walls to protect from infection and clean up injured tissue

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a novel mechanism by which neutrophil receptors latch onto vessel walls, dampening inflammation. Integrins assume an unorthodox shape that exposes the high affinity patch but maintains a bent conformation, preventing it from binding to ICAM-1 expressed on blood vessel cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2016

Adhesion ABC

Cells form early adhesions from integrin clusters, a consistent size of 100 nanometres, even on soft or hard surfaces. These modular units enable cells to sense and migrate on surfaces with different rigidity, a hallmark of metastasis.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 5, 2016

New technique reveals immune cell motion

Researchers developed a new technique to study neutrophil motion in confined spaces, revealing a second mode of motion that doesn't rely on integrins. The findings suggest that physical confinement is key to reproducing this motion and may lead to the development of new drugs to optimize neutrophil movement in specific tissue types.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 19, 2014

Mass. General study identifies path to safer drugs for heart disease, cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a path to safer drugs for heart disease and cancer. By analyzing the structure of an extracellular matrix protein and its interaction with an integrin, they have discovered a high-affinity version that can bind strongly without inducing unintended receptor activation.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 23, 2014

Understanding cell organization to tackle cancer

Scientists have discovered a vital interplay between transport machinery and integrin receptors that ensures proteins are transported to the correct area of the cell. This understanding could lead to better diagnosis for cancer patients as it reveals how cells become disorganized in early stages of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateDec 23, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 6, 2010

Researchers have discovered a link between decreased alpha-2 integrin expression and increased tumor dissemination in breast and prostate cancer patients. Additionally, targeting blood vessel growth has been found to alleviate psoriasis symptoms by reducing angiogenesis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2010