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'Kick-starting' male fertility

Researchers found that eggs that don't fertilise due to defective PLCz protein can be treated with human PLCz, initiating fertilisation and improving pregnancy chances. The study strengthens potential use of PLCz in treating male infertility.

SourceCardiff University·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateSep 21, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 13, 2010

Researchers have identified a mechanism that could explain why flu infections may help prevent asthma in children. Infection with influenza A virus protects mice from asthma by expanding NKT cells, which are immune cells that play a key role in the body's response to infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 13, 2010

New step in DNA damage response in neurons discovered

Researchers have identified a crucial biochemical step involved in nerve cells' response to DNA damage. Cdk5 activation is necessary before ATM can function in neurons, suggesting it as a potential drug target for neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of ataxia telangiectasia and other neur...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 18, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 15, 2008

Researchers have identified a new genetic cause of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), also known as 'Boy in the bubble syndrome'. A mutation in the DNA-PKcs gene has been found to be associated with T-B SCID, where patients lack both T and B cells. Further analysis revealed that the mutant protein retained kinase activity but was...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 15, 2008

A mechanism for the development of obesity-associated conditions

A new study found that targeting liver CB1 receptor may treat obesity-related conditions without brain-side effects, reversing severe insulin resistance and fatty liver in mice fed high-fat diets. The research indicates liver-specific CB1 is necessary for high-fat diet-induced fatty liver and related hormonal changes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2008

Gene predicts heart attack response and cardiac damage

A protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been found to activate AMPK, a key regulator of cellular energy balance, protecting the heart from injury during a heart attack. MIF may help identify individuals at higher risk for cardiac damage during a heart attack based on their genetic characteristics.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJan 30, 2008

Exercising our immune system

Research finds that elite rowers show a significant reduction in lactoferrin concentration after five months of sedentary lifestyle, but experience an increase in salivary proteins following moderate and high-intensity exercise. This study aims to test the effectiveness of nutritional interventions on the immune system.

Cooling analgesia harnessed to relieve chronic pain

Researchers have identified a protein called TRPM8 that mediates sensations of coolness and is expressed in nerve cells in the skin, responding to both cool temperatures and cooling chemicals like mint oil. This discovery has great potential for relieving chronic pain patients with approaches using cooling compounds

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 21, 2006

Protein plays broader role than originally thought in neurofibromatosis

Researchers found that restoring Ras-GAP activity through expression of the human NF1 GAP-related domain restored normal cardiac development in mice with Neurofibromatosis type I disease. However, this approach did not fully restore all pathologies associated with neurofibromin loss, indicating a more complex role for the protein.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 2006

Newly discovered small molecules

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered small molecule activators of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), which could minimize dosage and reduce resistance. The findings hold promise for increasing the clinical efficacy of BoNT, a toxin with a range of therapeutic uses.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 14, 2006