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Breast cancer–causing gene predicts shorter survival

A study published in JCI Journal reveals that alpha-basic-crystallin is overexpressed in breast cancer tumors and triggers tumor development. The protein causes dysregulated growth, changes in cell structure, and diminished programmed cell death, ultimately leading to poor clinical outcomes.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 4, 2006

Also in the December 21 Journal of the National Cancer Institute

A study by David L. Rimm and colleagues found that high biomarker antibody concentrations were associated with low patient survival in breast cancer patients, while low concentrations were linked to good outcomes. Another study examined the impact of long-term storage on circulating DNA levels in lung cancer patients.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 20, 2005

Preventing muscle atrophy

Research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory explores novel approaches to preventing muscle atrophy by optimizing exercise and nutritional interventions. The study highlights the importance of combining resistance training with specific nutrient profiles to maintain muscle mass and function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 14, 2005

Seeing what protein C is all about

Researchers used a novel transgenic strategy to create ProC mice with low protein C levels, which spontaneously developed thrombosis and inflammation. The study found that maternal ProC is required for sustaining pregnancy, highlighting the role of protein C in development and disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 5, 2005

Fleshing out the genome

A new method assigns biological functions to unknown genes, enabling genome comparison, by integrating experimental and computational analyses. This approach identifies functional proteins in 97% of hypothetical genes and provides a framework for ranking their precision and confidence.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2005

Genetic link to risky pregnancy

Researchers found a genetic connection between preeclampsia and the interaction between trophoblast cells and natural killer cells. The study suggests that a specific protein combination may be responsible for suppressing the NK cells' ability to stimulate vessel remodeling, leading to decreased blood flow to the fetus.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 11, 2004

JCI Table of Contents

A comprehensive study on anthrax lethal toxin reveals that human infection is not caused by septic shock but rather hypoxia-induced liver failure. The findings suggest that existing therapies for cytokine-mediated sepsis will not be effective in treating anthrax, highlighting the need for new approaches to treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 2, 2003

The making of a brain

The study reveals that the SIX3 protein secures anterior neural cells by blocking out a posteriorizing signal, crucial for forebrain formation. In mouse models and zebrafish, forced expression of Six3 rescues forebrain development, demonstrating its critical role in vertebrate head development.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateJan 31, 2003

'Sloppy genes' behave like their neighbours

Researchers found over 200 groups of adjacent and similarly expressed genes in Drosophila melanogaster, accounting for approximately 20% of the genome. The 'sloppy' regulation may reflect chromatin's packaging and influence gene expression more by accident than design.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Biology·DateJun 18, 2002

Function follows form in developing myocytes

Researchers discover that mechanical deformation, such as stretching, can induce the expression of smooth muscle cell proteins and is crucial for normal lung development. This pathway may be disrupted in fetuses with oligohydramnion, leading to hypoplastic lungs.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 28, 2000

New robotic microarray technology finds novel genes involved in cardiac hypertrophy and recovery

A study using robotic microarray technology has identified 55 genes involved in cardiac hypertrophy, including 30 previously unassociated genes. The research also discovered eight genes associated only with recovery from hypertrophy, providing new insights into the complex relationship between heart stress and gene expression.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2000