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Gene ‘silencer’ in junk DNA prevents fatal neurological disease

A team of geneticists discovered a gene 'silencer' in junk DNA that prevents the devastating neurological disease autosomal dominant leukodystrophy (ADLD). The silencer element regulates lamin B1 expression, only affecting one type of cell, and its presence can spare patients from fatal symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2025

Aging | Lamin A to Z in normal aging

A new study suggests that prelamin A, a precursor of lamin A, accumulates with age and may drive normal aging. Researchers propose this protein as a target for intervention strategies to extend healthspan and lifespan.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 9, 2022
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Lamin c facilitates repair of damaged nuclear envelope in human and mouse cells

A team of researchers identified the precise mechanism of nuclear envelope repair, finding that lamin C, BAF, and cGAS work together to facilitate rapid repair. The study provides insights into rare genetic disorders such as laminopathies and has potential applications for understanding and treating related diseases.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Mouse cell studies show that correcting DNA disorganization could aid diagnosis and treatment of rare inherited diseases

A study with lab-grown mouse cells reveals that lamin C plays a key role in maintaining the structural network under the cell's nucleus, ensuring proper DNA organization. This finding has significant implications for diagnosing and treating genetic disorders linked to DNA disorganization, such as progeria and muscular dystrophy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 14, 2021

It's never too late to treat progeria

Researchers from the CNIC and CIBERCV have created an animal model of HGPS, allowing them to study its effects and test treatments. They found that suppressing progerin expression and restoring lamin A can increase life expectancy by up to 84.5% in mice with mild symptoms, even if treatment is started late.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Earthquake in the cell

The study revealed that loss of Lamin A/C acetylation results in softened nuclei prone to mechanical pressure and eventual breaking. Nuclear blebs and micronuclei are more likely to form under these conditions, posing a risk to genetic material integrity.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateOct 1, 2019

Putting the brakes on aging

A new gene therapy using CRISPR/Cas9 targets the accumulation of toxic proteins in progeria syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The therapy improves health and life span in mice, providing insight into molecular pathways involved in accelerated aging.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2019

Organizing a cell's genetic material from the sidelines

A team of biologists has shed light on how lamins maintain the relative positions of DNA segments throughout the nucleus, influencing gene expression. This finding has implications for understanding lamin-associated aging and diseases, including premature aging, neuropathies, heart defects, and organ decay.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 28, 2018
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Brain cell death in Alzheimer's linked to structural flaw

A new study has revealed multiple leads for pursuing potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease by targeting a structural flaw in brain cells. The researchers found that the tau protein aggregates in the brains of patients disrupt the lamin nucleoskeleton, leading to DNA relaxation and gene activation.

SourceGenetics Society of America·DateJul 13, 2016

Mesh-like scaffold is disordered in Alzheimer's-affected cells

Researchers found a disordered mesh-like scaffold in Alzheimer's-affected cells, which surrounds the nucleus and controls brain cell function. This discovery may lead to new treatments for the earliest biological events leading to Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Preventing chromosomal chaos: Protein-based genome-stabilizing mechanism discovered

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that protein lamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining genomic structural stability by forming 'cross-links' that limit genetic material's freedom of movement within the nucleus. This creates a stable and linked polymeric structure promoting chromosomal integrity.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2015

A cause of age-related inflammation found

Researchers discovered that lamin-B protein plays a key role in suppressing immune responses in aging fruit flies, leading to chronic inflammation and gut hyperplasia. The findings have implications for understanding age-related immunosenescence in humans.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCell·DateNov 6, 2014

Possible links: Epigenetics, aging, nucleus protein mutations to cancer, rare disorders

A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that epigenetic factors play a role in senescence, a process linked to normal aging and tumor suppression. The researchers found large-scale changes in gene expression and chromatin architecture when a nuclear protein called lamin B1 is deleted in senescent cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 30, 2013

Stem cell clues uncovered

Lamins are essential proteins supporting the organization of stem cell niches, which regulate proliferation and differentiation of germline stem cells. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of diseases caused by lamin mutations and their impact on tissue degeneration.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 12, 2013
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Clues point to cause of a rare fat-distribution disease

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel modification of the lamin A protein that disrupts normal patterns of fat distribution in familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD). The discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying FPLD, a rare disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation in certain areas...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateMar 20, 2013

In fight against cancer, a closer look at nuclear blebbing

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a mathematical model that sheds light on the mechanisms causing bulges in cells' nuclear membranes. This study may provide potential therapies for related diseases by preventing bleb formation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2013
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.

Programming cells: The importance of the envelope

The study reveals two independent mechanisms for fixing heterochromatin to the inner face of the nuclear envelope, using lamin A/C and the lamin-B receptor. This discovery sheds light on how the nuclear architecture in rod cells of nocturnal animals differs from normal cells.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateFeb 1, 2013

Surprise role of nuclear structure protein in development

Researchers have found that B-type lamins are necessary for proper organ development, but not for the replication and differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Mice deficient in B-type lamins were born with developmental defects, highlighting the protein's importance in tissue organization.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 2011

Factor in keeping 'good order' of genes discovered

Researchers found that lamin filaments are essential for proper gene positioning and organization, a crucial factor in maintaining nuclear shape and function. Mutations in lamin genes cause 14 different diseases, including Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, by disrupting muscle-specific gene reorganization.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 2, 2011

Engineers probe mechanics behind rapid-aging disease

Researchers at MIT and Carnegie Mellon used molecular modeling and simulation to study the behavior of lamin A protein tails, finding that mutant protein tails are actually more stable than healthy counterparts. The discovery validates the application of civil engineering methodology to studying diseased cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Structural Biology·DateSep 14, 2011
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

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Aging, interrupted

Scientists at Salk Institute successfully generated induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a rare disorder that accelerates aging. The cells displayed signs of vascular aging and were differentiated into smooth muscle cells that showed premature aging phenotypes.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateFeb 23, 2011

Uncovering the trail behind growing too old, too soon

Scientists have created the world's first human cell model of progeria, a rare genetic disease causing severe premature ageing in children. The model reveals defects in mesenchymal stem cells and vascular smooth muscle cells that exacerbate symptoms of ageing.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 23, 2011

Lamin B locks up Oct-1

Perturbation of lamin B1-Oct-1 interactions can affect the expression of genes regulated by Oct-1, leading to increased reactive oxygen species production. This could be a key mechanism underlying the aging process.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 12, 2009

Lamin A/C deficiency is 'unnerving'

Research reveals that mutations in the LMNA gene disrupt neuromuscular junction organization, leading to muscle fiber innervation disruption. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJan 5, 2009
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A fly lamin gene is both like and unlike human genes

Researchers have characterized mutant phenotypes of fly lamin genes, showing they cause neuromuscular defects and premature aging similar to human laminopathies. This study provides insight into the divergence of gene expression and function through evolution, promising greater understanding of lamin functions and diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2007

New clues for treatment of disease that causes accelerated aging

Researchers discover that infants who died of mysterious illnesses had unique LMNA gene mutations, leading to increased production of the bad protein lamin A. Treating these cells with a drug meant for progeria patients showed promising signs of improvement.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalHuman Mutation·DateMay 2, 2007
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

JCI table of contents: March 1, 2006

Researchers block C5a receptor to prevent or induce asthma-like symptoms in mice, identifying mechanism by which C5aR signaling prevents response. C5aR blockade also reduces severity of asthma-like symptoms after allergen exposure.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2006

Genetics of muscular dystophy

Researchers identified altered expression of proteins involved in muscle differentiation, leading to reduced myoblast differentiation potential. Forced expression of MyoD or desmin restored this defect, providing new mechanistic insight into LMNA mutations contributing to muscular dystrophy.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 14, 2006
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Blazing a new path for Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy

Researchers created a mouse model of EDMD to investigate gene expression changes in the heart. They found increased expression of MAP kinases, which play roles in other forms of cardiomyopathy. This discovery opens possibilities for treating lamin-related cardiomyopathies with MAP kinase inhibitors.

SourceAmerican Society for Cell Biology·DateDec 11, 2005

Cancer drug might help kids with fatal 'aging' syndrome

Researchers found that farnesyl transferase inhibitors can normalize abnormal nuclei in progeria cells. The treatment targets a genetic mutation causing lamin A protein production issues.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2005

Blocking a premature aging syndrome with anticancer drugs

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that anticancer drugs can reverse the nuclear structure abnormalities caused by a rare genetic disorder, progeria. The researchers successfully treated cells with progerin, a mutated protein linked to accelerated aging, using farnesylation inhibitors.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2005
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Anti-cancer drugs may hold promise for premature aging disorder

A study published in PNAS suggests that farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) may reverse nuclear structure abnormalities in progeria cells. Researchers treated progerin-carrying skin cells with FTIs, reducing cell blebbing and improving cellular function.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2005
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.

Discovery of gene for premature aging syndrome reported in Science

A France-based research team has discovered the gene responsible for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, a disease that causes young victims to age five to ten times faster than normal. The discovery is a critical step toward developing therapies for the disorder and programs to screen individuals for the defective gene.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2003

Researchers identify gene for premature aging disorder

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome affects 1 in 8 million newborns worldwide and is characterized by accelerated aging. The researchers identified a single-letter misspelling in the LMNA gene as the cause of this disorder.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 16, 2003

The nucleus: Not just a bag of chromosomes

New research reveals nucleus is more than just a bag of chromosomes, with key findings including the discovery of rope-like proteins called lamins linked to human diseases. The study also sheds light on the orchestrated process of nuclear breakdown during cell division.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·DateFeb 17, 2003
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Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.