Articles tagged with Metabolism
A study reveals that ribonuclease 4, derived from pancreatic islet β cells, promotes β cell proliferation and blood glucose homeostasis regulation. Rnase4 supplementation reverses β cell disorders triggered by genetic defects or chemical damage.
Scientists have found a way to simulate metabolic processes in the absence of cell membranes using heat flow across thin, water-filled pores. This breakthrough provides new insights into the origin of life and offers approaches to biotechnology for creating synthetic living entities.
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...
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have identified the REDD2 gene, which is activated by metabolic stress and damages pancreatic β-cells, leading to reduced insulin secretion and the onset of diabetes. Suppressing REDD2 expression protects β-cells from damage, even under stress from overeating, preventing the onset of diabetes.
Researchers used time-restricted feeding to restore microbial rhythms in mice fed a high-fat diet, identifying bile salt hydrolase as a key enzyme protecting metabolic health. Engineered gut bacteria showed improved glucose control and reduced body fat in mice, suggesting potential targeted therapies for obesity and diabetes.
The University of Gothenburg, AstraZeneca, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and Region Västra Götaland are partnering to tackle metabolic disorders. The SEK 200 million initiative aims to deepen understanding of obesity's mechanisms and develop effective treatments.
Researchers from Rutgers University have identified complementary brain circuits that control hunger and satiety. The studies suggest refining current weight-loss drugs and developing new therapies targeting specific pathways.
UC San Diego researchers have identified hundreds of new N-acyl lipids involved in immune and stress responses, shedding light on the biochemical language of cells. These findings suggest a potential link between the gut microbiome and neurological function, particularly in individuals with HIV.
Researchers have discovered a novel cell-clearance pathway linked to diseases such as Chediak-Higashi Syndrome, which affects immune system function. The study used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology and live imaging to characterize this pathway and identify key genes involved.
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.
Researchers found that amino acids can actively promote RNA polymerization under mild, prebiotic conditions, increasing formation by up to 100-fold. This process is driven by acid-base catalysis, enabling the shuttle of protons in the reaction. The study suggests a mutual dependence between RNA and amino acids, reshaping our understand...
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.
Researchers identified biomarkers like uric acid and bile acids as critical regulators of arterial stiffness and inflammation in adolescents with obesity. These findings provide new avenues for early intervention to prevent the progression of vascular stiffness and cardiovascular disease.
Scientists have uncovered fast chemical reactions in living cells that may protect against cell damage. These reactions involve the amino acid cysteine and could lead to new anti-aging strategies.
A new study found that eating two servings of mangos daily for two weeks significantly reduced blood pressure and cholesterol in healthy postmenopausal women. The study also showed measurable improvements in key heart health markers, including a reduction in total cholesterol by nearly 13 points.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that nerve cells can sense mechanical forces in fat tissue, regulating brown fat activity and influencing energy balance. Mice lacking this sensing ability were resistant to obesity and metabolic conditions.
A global study by UniSA researchers found that 94% of people who use wearable activity trackers are open to sharing their health information with healthcare providers. This could lead to more personalized and responsive care. The demand for personalized healthcare is on the rise, and wearable activity tracker market is increasing.
Researchers found that texture-derived differences in meal eating rate influence energy intake from ultra-processed foods. Participants consuming a diet with slower textures had an average energy intake reduction of 369 kcal per day. The study's findings highlight the importance of food texture in guiding eating rate and intake.
Researchers resolved a longstanding question in cellular biology by determining the high-resolution cryo-EM structure of the human MON1A-CCZ1-RAB7A complex. This study provides insights into the activation mechanism of RAB7A, facilitating autophagosome-lysosome fusion and cargo degradation.
Researchers discovered biomarkers in gut bacteria and metabolites that can help diagnose and treat gastrointestinal diseases. The study found that certain biomarkers could predict multiple diseases, including gastric cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
A recent study found that individuals with a specific type of gut bacteria (Firmicutes) had higher bone mineral density and better metabolic health. The researchers suggest that promoting the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria could be an effective strategy for maintaining bone mass and preventing osteoporosis.
Researchers at UCSF have successfully engineered a shapeshifting protein that can change shape in response to signals, potentially leading to breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental applications. This achievement marks the first step towards creating stable yet dynamic proteins using AI-augmented protein engineering.
Roundworm C. elegans avoids deceased conspecifics due to olfactory cues from metabolites AMP and histidine, leading to reduced fitness and increased egg laying. The detection of these signals may be an evolutionarily maintained mechanism for detecting cellular death.
A genetic variant of ACSF3 has been identified as contributing to the co-evolution of increased human height and basal metabolic rate. This variant is found in humans but not in non-human primates, suggesting a link to the dietary shift towards meat consumption that occurred during modern human evolution.
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which ATP enters the endoplasmic reticulum, a process crucial for cellular function. The study reveals SLC35B1 as the key transporter protein, providing a promising target for therapeutic intervention.
A new study reveals that Aspergillus fumigatus infection can unbalance the lungs by creating a microaerophilic niche for bacteria like Ligilactobacillus murinus. This interaction may influence disease progression and enable new treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of understanding the gut-lung axis.
Researchers discovered that Chd1 induces two conformations of exit DNA and inhibits its activity when the DNA is unwrapped. The mechanism involves a positively charged motif in Chd1, known as the exit-DNA-binding loop (EDBL), which binds to unwrapped exit DNA, acting as a molecular brake.
Researchers identified poly-metabolite scores in blood and urine associated with ultra-processed food consumption, providing an objective measure of UPF intake. The study found hundreds of metabolites linked to energy from UPFs, enabling the creation of a score predictive of diet quality.
A study published in Cell Metabolism finds that a combination of gut bacteria and acetate reduces obesity in mice. The researchers discovered that the specific combination of Bacteroides species and acetate leads to increased fat burning and reduced sugar storage, resulting in weight loss.
A recent study identifies LPCAT1 as a critical culprit in TNBC's aggressive behavior, which can be silenced with siRNA-delivering nanoparticles. This approach starves tumors of their energy supply, dramatically reducing tumor growth and lung metastasis.
Researchers at Zhejiang University discovered that Baf60c regulates fat tissue thermogenesis via Musclin signals. By controlling Musclin gene expression, Baf60c influences energy balance, reducing obesity risk.
A recent study found that an enzyme called hyaluronidase-1 (HYAL1) helps suppress excessive glucose production in the liver, particularly after meals. This breakthrough could lead to new strategies for managing type 2 diabetes by enhancing HYAL1 activity or manipulating HA levels.
Women who experience menopause before age 50 are at higher risk of developing fatty liver disease and its related metabolic risk factors. The study found that early menopause is associated with increased risks of pre-diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
A recent study reveals that mitochondrial activity and gene expression vary significantly between tissues, even within the same person. The researchers found minimal correlation in mitochondrial function between tissues, with some cases showing negatively correlated functions.
Researchers analyzed metabolites in blood plasma to evaluate dietary patterns, revealing promising data on the foods we eat. The study found that specific metabolites changed significantly with the portfolio diet, providing potential biomarkers for assessing adherence to similar dietary patterns.
New research from the University of Copenhagen found that reducing skeletal muscle NAD+ levels in mice by 85% did not accelerate aging or impair whole-body metabolism. The study suggests that skeletal muscle can tolerate substantial NAD depletion without loss of function or accelerated aging.
A recent study reveals that DHHC5 plays a pivotal role in regulating intestinal lipid absorption by controlling VEGFR2 localization in lipid rafts. This process is crucial for lacteal function and chylomicron transport, leading to improved lipid metabolism and lymphatic system stability.
Researchers developed a new method for imaging enzyme activity in whole organs with high-resolution 3D mapping. This allowed them to visualize differences in aminopeptidase N activity and the effects of inhibitors in mouse kidneys. The study opens up an unbiased evaluation method for drug development.
Researchers from OIST and Hebrew University developed a novel method to measure energy usage during movement using video and 3D-tracking via deep learning. This innovative approach expands the study of movement energy in ecology, physiology, and beyond, enabling the accurate measurement of energy consumption in smaller animal species.
Research discovers mitochondrial respiration impairment accelerates skeletal ageing by altering cell metabolism and reducing regenerative abilities. The study highlights the role of mitochondria in skeletal health and potential therapeutic avenues.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have found that the brain forms memories of cold experiences and uses them to control metabolism. The discovery may lead to new treatments for conditions such as obesity and cancer, which are influenced by thermoregulation and metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have observed wild chimpanzees consuming and sharing fermented African breadfruit containing ethanol, raising questions about the potential benefits of alcohol consumption in primates. The study suggests that chimps may be seeking out alcohol for social bonding and relaxation, similar to humans.
Researchers have discovered how a mitochondrial pyruvate carrier transports a molecule vital for energy production into the cell's powerhouses. Blocking this process could lead to new treatments for various conditions, including diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and cancer.
Flexible wearable systems enable comprehensive health surveillance, detecting anomalies in cardiopulmonary functions, neuromuscular performance, and circadian rhythm regulation. However, technical barriers persist, including device reliability, secure data management, and multi-parametric data fusion challenges.
Professor Atsushi Suzuki, Chair of Endocrinology at Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Japan, received the IOF President's Award for his exceptional contributions to IOF. He has shared his expertise as a mentor and engaged member of the Capture the Fracture Governance.
A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals a novel mechanism connecting prolactin, estrogen, the brain, and metabolic adaptations during lactation. Hormonal changes during lactation lead to increased hunger and reduced fat-burning, which are sustained by a specific area of brain cells called ERα neurons.
A two-week in-patient study found that eating during the day but not at night reduced cardiovascular risk factors in healthy young participants after simulated night work. This finding supports adjusting food timing to mitigate health risks associated with shift work.
A new simulation of brain metabolism has revealed potential targets for future dementia treatments, according to a study published in Frontiers in Science. The model, available on the Open Brain Platform, could help scientists accelerate research into interventions promoting healthy brain aging.
A study from Tanzania found that a Western diet can cause inflammation and reduce immune response, while an African diet rich in vegetables and fermented foods has positive effects on the immune system. The study suggests that short-term dietary changes can have long-lasting effects on health.
A new imaging technology has been developed that combines super-resolution imaging with artificial intelligence to reveal subcellular structures and dynamics in living cells. This breakthrough enables scientists to better understand the root causes of diseases, leading to improved treatments.
A recent study found substantial rural-urban disparities in cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiovascular diseases among US adults. Social risk factors are identified as the primary driver of these disparities, with efforts to address socioeconomic conditions in rural communities critical to reducing the gap.
Researchers used ancestral sequence reconstruction to study the evolution of enzyme thermostability and cold adaptation. They identified key amino acid substitutions that enhanced catalytic activity at low temperatures, revealing a structural shift between intermediate ancestral enzymes.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that postpartum female mice prefer cooler temperatures due to changes in the preoptic area of the brain, particularly a decrease in estrogen receptor alpha neurons. These changes affect the animal's warmth-seeking behavior and are regulated by reproductive experience.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus identified significant mitochondrial dysfunction in lymphoblast cell lines from children with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. The findings suggest that mitochondrial defects play a role in the metabolic dysfunction observed in Dravet syndrome.
A new study by Uppsala University found that coffee machines in workplaces frequently produce coffee with high levels of cholesterol-elevating substances, which can affect LDL cholesterol levels and future cardiovascular disease risk. Regular drip-filter coffee makers filter out most of these substances.
Researchers at the Center for Redox Processes in Biomedicine have identified new inhibitors of h15-LOX-2, a protein involved in inflammatory and metabolic processes. These compounds may provide promising candidates for developing new drugs to boost studies on the enzyme's biological role.
Researchers have discovered a protein called MdfA that enables bacteria to shut down into dormant spores under extreme conditions. This process allows bacteria to survive in uninhabitable places and evade hospital cleaning, making them potentially deadly superbugs.
Researchers found that hibernating lemurs' telomeres got longer, contrary to the usual decrease with age, suggesting a potential way to reverse cellular aging. This study, conducted at Duke University and the University of California, San Francisco, provides insights into the mechanisms behind lemur's remarkable survival strategy.
A recent study found that a brief consumption of highly processed foods can alter the brain's sensitivity to insulin in healthy individuals, potentially leading to obesity and type 2 diabetes. This effect was observed even after returning to a balanced diet for one week.
Scientists are studying how microplastics affect microbial communities in ponds, with potential implications for carbon cycling and the global biosphere. Microbes have adapted to plastic surfaces, which could impact aquatic environments.