Add BrightSurf on Google Email

When bugs swipe left

Researchers discovered a single protein called Gr8a that plays an inhibitory role in mating decision-making, helping flies avoid inter-breeding with the wrong partner. The findings provide insight into how signal production and perception are tied together, shedding light on pheromone communication.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023

Aging | Genetic deficiency and pharmacological modulation of RORα regulate laser-induced choroidal neovascularization

In a mouse model of laser-induced CNV, RORα expression was highly increased in the choroidal/RPE complex post-laser, while loss or inhibition of RORα worsened CNV with increased lesion size and vascular leakage. RORα negatively regulates pathological CNV development by modulating angiogenic response and inflammatory environment.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

Can algae enhance skin regeneration and wound healing?

Researchers have developed a system using microvesicles from algae that promote skin cell proliferation and migration, leading to increased collagen synthesis. The findings show promising results for the treatment of wounds and skin regeneration.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJan 11, 2023

A CNIC study shows that cells possess 2 mechanisms to allow them to respond to different force ranges

The CNIC study reveals two distinct mechanisms by which cells detect and respond to forces of varying strength, one mediated by caveolae and the other by newly discovered dolines. This finding has significant implications for understanding pathological processes such as atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2023

Study discovers triple immunotherapy combination as possible treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a novel triple immunotherapy combination targeting checkpoints in T cells and myeloid suppressor cells, improving anti-tumor responses and survival rates in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The study found that neutralizing specific immunosuppressive mechanisms dramatical...

How selfish genes succeed

A study published in PLoS Genetics reveals the mechanism by which a selfish gene in yeast, wtf4, enables its function using a poison-antidote strategy. This strategy involves the production of poison protein that can kill spores, but is countered by an antidote protein produced only by those spores that inherit the drive allele.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Scientists uncover new genes linked to multiple sclerosis

Researchers have identified three new genes, SHMT1, FAM120B, and ICA1L, and their expressed proteins that may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease and prioritizes promising targets for future therapy research.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateDec 7, 2022

On the trail of missing genes and cancer clues

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a direct link between TET protein loss of function and missing genes in embryonic stem cells, which can lead to cancer growth. The study found that TET proteins are crucial for maintaining genome stability, and their loss results in aneuploidies, a common feature of cancer cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Evidence for new theory of genetic recombination

Researchers found evidence supporting a new theory on how chromosome recombination is regulated during sexual reproduction. By manipulating protein expressions in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, they discovered that boosting HEI10 levels significantly increased crossovers, while disrupting ZYP1 expression had a similar effect.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

RNA origami enables applications in synthetic biology

Researchers at Aarhus University use RNA origami sponges and CRISPR technology to regulate protein production levels and gene expression in bacteria and yeast. This approach generates stable, interactive molecules for synthetic biology-based regulation, enabling unique applications in industrial, diagnostic, and therapeutic fields.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

Major discovery exposes immune system’s ‘off button’

Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism that controls MR1, a protein responsible for alerting white blood cells to bacterial infections or cancer. By regulating MR1's activation, the immune response can be stimulated or inhibited, offering new potential for harnessing and controlling immunity.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2022

Researchers decipher the mechanism that enables skin cancer to metastasize to the brain - and inhibited its spread by 80%

Tel Aviv University researchers discovered that skin cancer cells interact with astrocytes in the brain, promoting metastasis. By inhibiting this interaction using existing treatments, they delayed the spread of melanoma to the brain by 60-80%. This breakthrough has implications for treating advanced-stage melanoma.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 20, 2022

Molecular changes in the brain in the aftermath of a traumatic event may help explain long-term susceptibility or resilience

Researchers found that stressed mice exhibited decreased neuron excitability in the dorsal hippocampus, which may drive social avoidance, while resilient mice showed increased excitability. This difference was linked to changes in stress hormone receptors and HCN1 protein expression.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 20, 2022

New labeling approach enables examination of packages cells send out to gain insight about health

Researchers have developed a new labeling technique to analyze exosomes from specific cell types, providing insights into their role in both health and disease. The technique allows for the identification of protein cargo and RNA in exosomes, enabling the study of cellular communication and potential monitoring of response to treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateAug 30, 2022

Researchers developed a small molecule that makes immunotherapy available to all cancer patients

Researchers developed a small molecule that effectively controls tumor growth by inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 binding, overcoming accessibility and cost issues of existing antibody treatments. The new molecule has advantages in terms of affordability and oral administration, making immunotherapy more accessible to all cancer patients.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateAug 8, 2022

Scientists identify what makes the Delta variant dangerous and explain the recent surge in COVID-19 infections

Researchers analyze delta variant's biophysical characteristics, revealing unique traits that evade neutralizing antibodies and contribute to severe symptoms. The study sheds light on why vaccinated individuals can still contract the virus and why delta variant hospitalizations are higher than other variants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2022

Hidden genes may be tapped for new antibiotics

Rice University bioscientists have developed a novel approach to control the expression of 'silent' genes in bacteria using CRISPR technology. This strategy could lead to the discovery of new antibiotics and has potential applications in antifungal and anticancer agents, as well as agriculture.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Bioproduction Breakthrough: New method for developing Pichia pastoris yeast strains with high productivity of useful proteins

Researchers at Kobe University have successfully identified and disrupted genes in Pichia pastoris yeast to increase its secretory production of useful proteins. Through a series of processes, they developed new host strains that can produce high yields of proteins for industrial enzymes and biomedical antibodies.

SourceKobe University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022

Threat of bioaccumulation: New study investigates impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on bay scallops

Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalFish & Shellfish Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Mount Sinai researchers discover how early-stage breast cancer can become a silent killer in some patients

Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which not-yet-malignant breast cancer cells can travel to other organs and 'turn on' to become metastatic. The study identified potential diagnostic biomarkers, including the transcription factor NR2F1, that could help predict relapse.

Genetic mechanisms of coral metamorphosis identified

Researchers have identified key molecular mechanisms driving coral metamorphosis, a radical transformation from free-swimming larvae to sedentary adult reef-builders. Alterations in gene expression and receptor signaling regulate the irreversibility of this process, enabling corals to adapt to their environment.

SourceTohoku University·JournalZoological Letters·DateMar 9, 2022

Novel acute myeloid leukemia subtypes identified

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry have discovered a new subtype of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) characterized by high amounts of mitochondrial proteins and altered mitochondrial metabolism. This subtype, called Mito-AML, shows clinical resistance to chemotherapy and can be effectively combated with inhibitors again...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCancer Cell·DateMar 7, 2022