Metabolic Pathways
Articles tagged with Metabolic Pathways
Genetic study in Indians finds new pathways involved in cardiometabolic disease
A study of 3,000 Punjabi Sikhs identified new molecular pathways contributing to cardiovascular disease, including a link between lipid metabolites and immune cell signaling. These findings offer insights into diverse molecular origins of cardiometabolic disease and potential pathways for designing innovative therapies.
Pennington Biomedical Research Advances understanding of how the brain senses diet to control appetite and metabolism
A recent study published in Cell Reports identified a key pathway through which the hormone FGF21 influences eating behavior and energy balance. The findings highlight the importance of nutrition in brain function and suggest that FGF21-based therapies could be optimized to target specific brain circuits.
Exosomal miR-122-3p identified as key driver of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
A study identified exosomal microRNA-122-3p as a key driver of MASLD pathogenesis. Elevated miR-122-3p levels induced triglyceride accumulation and reactive oxygen species production in liver cells.
The brain’s power could also help predict its decline
A team of researchers, led by Bistra Iordanova and Liang Zhan, are developing multiscale models of brain metabolism to predict cognitive decline and dementia. They will analyze data from brain imaging, blood flow, and neural activity to identify metabolic changes that affect brain function in aging.
Scientists discover pathway that activates brown fat
Researchers have identified a key protein that activates brown fat by expanding blood vessels and nerves, which can regulate body temperature and is linked to weight loss. The findings suggest a new approach to treating obesity that deviates from suppressing appetite.
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.
Sugar-processing enzyme has a hidden second job – controlling when cells divide
Researchers discovered that PFK, a key sugar-processing enzyme, has a hidden function controlling cell division by unwinding RNA and promoting gene translation. The enzyme's ability to bind and unwind RNA was found to be crucial for cell cycle progression, with cells lacking PFK2 showing slowed growth and division issues.
Turning over a new leaf in analyses of natural products
Researchers created an automated method to quickly analyze the metabolic effects of natural products, such as kratom, using high-resolution mass spectrometry and molecular network mapping. This breakthrough provides a detailed view of how chemicals are reshaped by human metabolism, marking a major step in natural products research.
Stimulating mitochondria to boost long-term memory
Researchers found that inhibiting LETM1, a protein regulating mitochondrial calcium, can significantly improve performance in tasks requiring long-term memory. This approach enhances metabolic stimulation and leads to overproduction of ATP, prolonging energy production beyond normal brain activity.
From telomere to telomere: A gapless flax genome redefines fatty acid research
A new study delivers the first fully gapless, telomere-to-telomere genome assembly of flax, providing a complete genetic blueprint for advancing flax biology and breeding. The research uncovers previously hidden genes, structural variations, and evolutionary signals that shape fatty acid biosynthesis and genome organization.
Metabolic clues emerge from new molecular map of Alzheimer’s
Rice University scientists create a detailed map of the Alzheimer's brain using hyperspectral Raman imaging and machine learning. The findings show that chemical changes are unevenly distributed across the brain and extend beyond amyloid plaques, revealing broader metabolic differences between healthy and diseased brains.
Green chemistry: Friendly bacteria can unlock hidden metabolic pathways in plant cell cultures
Researchers have discovered that endophytic bacteria can coexist with plant cells without harming them, triggering the production of previously unattainable compounds. This method has the potential to expand the diversity of obtainable plant-derived compounds for various industries.
Vaping zebrafish suggest E-cigarette exposure disrupts gut microbial networks and neurobehavior
A study published in Science of The Total Environment found that e-cigarette exposure alters gut microbiota composition and affects neurobehavior in zebrafish. The researchers observed disruptions in the gut microbiome, with reduced microbial network stability and altered community composition, suggesting potential health risks.
Why do T cells attacking tumors become fatigued?
Active aldehydes promote toxic lipid peroxidation, impairing FAO and activating glycolysis in killer T cells, accelerating exhaustion. This vicious cycle exacerbates T cell differentiation and dysfunction.
Global research team uncovers mechanism by which metabolites guide cellular decisions
Researchers at CIC bioGUNE discovered a mechanism that reformulates our understanding about polyamine actions in health and disease. Polyamines alter the phosphoproteomic landscape, affecting protein function and alternative splicing.
Artificial metabolism turns waste CO2 into useful chemicals
Researchers at Northwestern University and Stanford University develop a new artificial metabolism that converts waste carbon dioxide into acetyl-CoA, a universal metabolite used by all living cells. The system, called Reductive Formate Pathway (ReForm), uses engineered enzymes to perform metabolic reactions never seen in nature.
An ECOG-ACRIN imaging study solves a long-standing gap in metastatic breast cancer research and care: accurately measuring treatment response in patients with bone metastases
A prospective multicenter trial validated an improved method for predicting treatment benefits in hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer with bone metastases. Metabolic change assessed by FDG-PET/CT accurately predicted progression-free survival as early as 12 weeks after treatment initiation.
Scientists observe metabolic activity of individual lipid droplets in real time
Researchers developed a probe to visualize lipid breakdown in living cells, revealing differences in breakdown rates among individual droplets. The study found that an enzyme called ATGL drives these variations, which may contribute to abnormal lipid metabolism in liver cancer cells.
From food to fuel: How leucine enhances mitochondrial energy production
A research team discovered that leucine prevents the degradation of specific mitochondrial proteins, enabling efficient energy production. This mechanism allows cells to adapt to increased energy demands during periods of nutrient abundance.
Fatty winter snacks may trick the body into packing on the pounds
A new study from UC San Francisco found that saturated fat affects the behavior of a protein called PER2, which orchestrates fat metabolism and circadian rhythms. Mice eating a diet high in hydrogenated fats struggled to adapt to winter, whereas those on unsaturated fat diets adjusted easily.
1000-litre “corn-to-carrier” demo turns stover into 10.6 g L⁻¹ microbial lipids
Researchers transform corn stover into microbial lipids using alkaline storage, gentle steam, and squeeze detoxification. The process delivers high sugar recovery and lipid content, reducing water demand by one-third compared to conventional methods.
Final step in the biosynthesis of iridoids elucidated
Researchers have elucidated the final step in the biosynthesis of iridoids, a widespread class of plant secondary metabolites with defense and medicinal properties. The discovery of an enzyme catalyzing cyclisation to nepetalactol paves the way for future biotechnological production of these compounds.
Woodrats’ dietary choices driven by constraints
A new study analyzing the dietary choices of wild woodrats reveals that individual diets may not be as diverse as previously assumed. The research suggests that the costs of specializing on one food source or diversifying one's diet have a strong impact on an animal's ability to survive and thrive.
New study finds distinct city-specific gut microbiota linked to diet
A new study reveals that the human gut microbiota can pinpoint an individual's city of residence with high accuracy, strongly linked to each city's characteristic diet. The researchers identified unique microbial signatures and interaction networks between cities in China, shedding light on how local environments shape our inner biology.
Candida’s hidden toolbox: Scientists discover a previously unknown infection strategy
Researchers find that albumin triggers a shift in fungal behavior, causing previously non-harmful Candida strains to grow strongly and release toxic compounds.
Researchers engineer plants for optimal biofuel production
Researchers have charted how plant metabolism responds to genetic changes that increase oil production, finding simultaneous increases in both oil and protein content. The study's findings will provide scientists with clues for optimizing biofuel production in plants such as camelina and pennycress.
'Power surges' on cancer cell membranes may fuel progression of disease
Cancer cells utilize more energy from a less efficient pathway, but researchers found that power-generating waves on the cell membrane could be used to stage cancers and target drugs. Measuring these waves may help stage cancers in a standardized way.
Neurons burn sugar differently. The discovery could save the brain
A new study from the Buck Institute has uncovered how breaking down glycogen in neurons may protect against toxic protein buildup and degeneration. Researchers found that restoring an enzyme called glycogen phosphorylase can reduce tau-related damage and improve oxidative stress reduction.
New study uncovers brain damage progression in Alzheimer's disease
Researchers analyzed single-cell transcriptomes from early, middle, and late stages of AD to identify subtle shifts in cellular activity. They found that mitochondria in vulnerable brain areas began to fail early in the disease, even before amyloid plaque buildup. The study also identified a gene called MEG3 involved in regulating mito...
AI tool set to transform characterisation and treatment of cancers
Researchers developed an AI tool called AAnet to characterize cancer cell diversity, identifying five distinct cell groups with different gene expression profiles. This could lead to more targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes.
Maternal iron levels: An immense influence on sex determination in embryos
Researchers found that maternal iron deficiency can lead to male-to-female sex reversal in mouse embryos due to impaired Sry gene activation. Iron is necessary for KDM3A's enzymatic activity, which removes histone methylation allowing the Sry gene to become active.
Creatine is safe, effective and important for everyone, longtime researcher says
Creatine has broad health benefits beyond athletic performance, including maintaining energy in stressed cells and preventing muscle loss with aging. Studies have shown no significant side effects from creatine supplementation, contradicting common misconceptions.
Molecule linked to metabolism found to boost plant growth
Researchers at University of California San Diego discover itaconate stimulates seedling development, enhancing crop growth and potentially offering a sustainable solution for increasing food production. The study provides new insights into the molecule's role in plant physiology and its connections to animal biology.
Two plant species invent the same chemically complex and medically interesting substance
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of ipecacuanha alkaloids in two distantly related plant species. The study reveals that both species developed the same pathway independently, with a surprising twist: the first step does not involve an enzyme, but occurs spontaneously.
Aging reduces CAR-T cell effectiveness by impairing metabolism, study shows
Researchers found that aging impairs CAR-T cell function and antitumor activity due to lower NAD levels. Rejuvenating aged cells with NAD-boosting compounds improves their effectiveness.
Beyond photorespiration: A systematic approach to unlocking enhanced plant productivity
A study published in Science Advances has revealed promising alternative pathways to overcome photorespiration, which can reduce crop productivity by up to 36%. The researchers identified mechanisms that could improve plant productivity while adapting to climate change and growing global food demands.
KAIST provides a comprehensive resource on microbial cell factories for sustainable chemical production
Researchers at KAIST evaluated industrial microbial cell factories to identify suitable strains and optimal metabolic engineering strategies. Using genome-scale metabolic models, they calculated maximum theoretical yields and achievable yields under industrial conditions for 235 bio-based chemicals.
Without oxygen: How primordial microbes breathed
Ancient bacteria can respire carbon dioxide and hydrogen into acetic acid to produce ATP. A new mechanism involving sodium ions is activated when acetic acid is produced, driving a molecular turbine that generates energy.
Marshall University research uncovers new strategy to reduce tissue damage from flesh-eating bacteria
Researchers found that disrupting bacterial metabolism can help the body tolerate infection and heal more effectively. By inhibiting a specific metabolic pathway, they successfully reduced tissue damage in a mouse model of necrotizing skin infection.
Potential culprit identified in lingering Crohn’s disease symptoms
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers suggests that sulfur-producing bacteria may be behind lingering Crohn's disease symptoms, even in the absence of inflammation. The study found that these bacteria can lead to increased visceral hypersensitivity and altered intestinal permeability, contributing to persistent symptoms.
An enzyme in training camp
Researchers at Max Planck Institute developed a new, efficient metabolic pathway to convert acetyl-CoA into pyruvate, enabling effective CO2 utilization. The 'lactyl-CoA mutase' enzyme can produce valuable products like 3-hydroxypropionate for sustainable plastics.
A lung pathogen’s dilemma: infect or resist antibiotics?
The study found that P. aeruginosa adapts to the lung's mucus by relying on sugars and lactate, but also needs to synthesize essential nutrients through metabolic independence. Biofilm formation imposes a metabolic burden, slowing down the bacteria's ability to spread, while disrupting biofilms makes them more vulnerable to antibiotics.
Starving cancer cells of fat may improve cancer treatment
Researchers at Van Andel Institute discovered that cutting off cancer cells' access to fat makes them highly sensitive to ferroptosis and drugs that induce it. This finding has promising implications for developing new anti-cancer strategies and potentially tailoring diets to enhance treatment effectiveness.
Identifying the genes that viruses ‘steal’ from ocean microbes
Scientists have identified over 23,000 genes known as auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) that viruses 'steal' from ocean microbes, affecting 37% of metabolic pathways. The research catalogues these genes, shedding light on the vital role of viruses in nutrient cycling and oxygen production.
City microbes surviving on disinfectants, research reveals
A new study has identified novel strains of microbes that have adapted to use limited resources in cities, including those found in Hong Kong's subways and skin. These microbes can metabolize manufactured products, posing health risks if they are pathogenic.
Red milkweed beetle genome offers insight into plant-insect interactions
The red milkweed beetle's genome has been sequenced, providing insights into how it safely feeds on toxic plants. The study found an apparent expansion of genes related to toxin sequestration and metabolic enzymes.
Metabolic reprogramming of T cells may enhance checkpoint inhibitor therapy
Researchers discovered that activating the pentose phosphate pathway makes antitumor CD8 T cells more likely to stay in an immature state, leading to better results in animal models and human organoids. This metabolic reprogramming strategy may enhance checkpoint inhibitor therapy by boosting a long-term supply of active cytotoxic T ce...
From chaos to order: Proteins can re-structure themselves to create important substances
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have observed proteins restructuring themselves to produce inositol, a key substance for metabolism. The study reveals that this process occurs in multiple similar proteins, shedding light on their functions.
How breast cancer goes hungry
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a strategy to kill breast cancer cells and shrink tumors by depriving them of two vital nutrients: glutamine and its backup supply, alpha-ketoglutarate. This approach was successful in lab experiments and effective in treating tumors in mice.
Rare diseases point to connections between metabolism and immunity
A new study reveals a connection between metabolic genes and immune system T cells, suggesting a potential new class of inborn errors of immunometabolism. Researchers identified genetic overlap between disorders of metabolism and immunity, pointing to a continuum between the two conditions.
CNIO researchers discover a 'switch' for the desire to engage in physical activity: Two proteins that get activated in the muscle during exercise
CNIO researchers have discovered a 'switch' for the desire to engage in physical activity, revealing a muscle-brain pathway that controls eagerness to train more when we exercise. Two proteins, p38α and p38γ, get activated in the muscle during exercise, influencing interest in physical activity.
Significant link found between heme iron, found in red meat and other animal products, and type 2 diabetes risk
A new study found a significant association between higher heme iron intake and type 2 diabetes risk. Participants with the highest heme iron intake had a 26% higher risk of developing T2D than those in the lowest intake group. The researchers also identified key metabolic biomarkers associated with this increased risk.
Synthetic biology reveals the secrets of life without oxygen
Anaerobic bacteria have survived for ages in oxygen-free niches, influencing human health and environment. The 'AnoxyGen' project aims to unlock their biosynthetic potential using molecular and synthetic biology tools.
Aging exacerbates oxidative stress and liver fibrosis in an animal model of Down Syndrome
Researchers found increased liver oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defenses in a DS murine model. The study suggests potential therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative stress and lipid metabolism to prevent or mitigate liver-related complications.
GeneMAP discovery platform will help define functions for ‘orphan’ metabolic proteins
A multidisciplinary team developed GeneMAP to probe gene function in metabolism. They identified SLC25A48 as necessary for mitochondrial choline transport and associated it with eight human diseases.
Soil bacteria respire more CO2 after sugar-free meals
Researchers tracked how a mixture of plant waste was metabolized by bacteria to contribute to atmospheric CO2. Microbes respired three times as much CO2 from lignin carbons compared to cellulose carbons, shedding light on the role of microbes in soil carbon cycling and its impact on climate change.
Softer tumors fuel more aggressive spread of triple-negative breast cancer
Researchers have discovered how softer tumor environments prime cancer cells to better survive metastasis. The study found that soft environments alter the cancer cells' preference for 'fuel', equipping them with a more resilient energy pathway.
A KAIST-Seoul National University Hospital research team develops a computational workflow that predicts metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with somatic mutations in cancers
A KAIST-Seoul National University Hospital research team has developed a computational workflow that predicts metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with somatic mutations in cancers. The workflow uses genome-scale metabolic models and mutation data to identify altered metabolic pathways that contribute to cancer progression.
Franco-German research funding in the field of biology
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and their French partners receive funding for two distinctive biology projects through the ANR-DFG program. The EVOMET project investigates plant metabolism, while the NeuroDevFunc project explores how fruit flies process visual motion generated by self-movement.