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Tiny worm points to big promise

Researchers at Northwestern University identified nine core genes that protect cells from protein misfolding, a common cause of over 300 diseases. They also discovered seven classes of small molecules that restore proper protein folding and reduce disease progression.

Preview of articles to be published Jan. 3, 2012

Scientists identify chemokine CCL5 as a crucial signal for endothelial progenitor cell recruitment in wound healing. Meanwhile, researchers discover CBX7 acts as a tumor suppressor, regulating cell growth and preventing cancer progression. Additionally, zinc deficiency is linked to severe skin inflammation due to impaired immune functi...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2012

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 12, 2011

Researchers have identified a protein that contributes to brain tumor resistance to chemotherapy, while also developing a way to predict which liver transplant patients can be weaned off immunosuppressive drugs. High levels of APNG in GBM cells correlated with poorer survival rates, suggesting it may serve as a biomarker for treatment ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 12, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 1, 2011

Researchers found that dental pulp stem cells can repair spinal cord injuries in rats, promoting hind limb function and nerve regeneration. A new vaccine combination boosted BCG's effectiveness against tuberculosis by reducing clinical disease and preventing reactivation of latent infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 3, 2011

A team of researchers has identified a way to accelerate the regeneration of injured peripheral nerves in mice, enabling full muscle function recovery. Clinical data suggests that strategies increasing nerve growth rate may enhance functional recovery in patients after peripheral nerve damage.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 3, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: June 1, 2011

Researchers identified PKC-delta as a critical regulator of cisplatin-mediated kidney toxicity, and inhibiting it protected the kidneys without blocking chemotherapy efficacy in mouse models. Additionally, studies divided breast cancers into subtypes to identify effective therapies for triple-negative breast cancer patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2011

Insulin could be Alzheimer's therapy

A low-dose insulin treatment has been found to suppress the expression of four precursor proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Insulin also showed anti-inflammatory effects on peripheral mononuclear cells, which may lead to a new therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 1, 2011

New mouse model explains common pediatric brain tumor

A new mouse model has been developed to study pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), a common pediatric brain tumor. The model uses expression of a mutant BRAF kinase domain in mice and shows that this is sufficient to induce the formation of PA, closely resembling human disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 14, 2011

DREADD-ing your next meal

Researchers found that chronic stimulation of AgRP neurons induces weight gain by increasing food intake, while inhibition inhibits food intake. Stimulating AgRP neurons also triggers intense food seeking behavior.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2011

Native-like spider silk produced in metabolically engineered bacterium

Researchers have successfully produced native-like spider silk in a metabolically engineered bacterium, opening up new avenues for sustainable materials and biomedical applications. The artificial fiber exhibits comparable mechanical properties to native spider silk, with high strength, extensibility, and stiffness.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2010

Hydrophobic proteins: Potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer

Researchers have identified hydrophobic proteins as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer detection. The study used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to analyze protein profiles from colorectal cancer tissues, revealing differentially expressed proteins related to tumor stages, grades, and patient gender.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJun 24, 2010

A good mimic promotes nerve cell survival

Researchers developed a two-step screening strategy to identify small molecules that bind to TrkB but not other related proteins. These compounds have shown promising therapeutic potential in treating neurodegenerative conditions by activating TrkB signaling and preventing neuronal degeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 19, 2010

I-1c gene therapy: Not such a good idea in heart failure?

Researchers found that gene therapy to express a constitutively active form of protein I-1c in heart muscle cells improved contractile function in young mice, but led to abnormal heartbeats and sudden death under stress. Older mice developed characteristic features of heart failure after treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 11, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 1, 2009

Researchers have identified a new mechanism underlying sex-specific gene expression in mice, with PPAR-alpha repressing genes involved in immunity and steroid production. The study also found that this repression is mediated by sumoylation, a process only occurring in female mice, and suggests potential new approaches to prevent estrog...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2009

'SIRT'ain security: the protein SIRT3 protects the heart

A new study reveals that Sirt3 helps protect the mouse heart by blocking cardiac hypertrophic response through Foxo3a-dependent antioxidant defense mechanisms. Mice lacking Sirt3 developed enlarged hearts, while those overexpressing Sirt3 were protected from cardiac hypertrophy under similar conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 3, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Aug. 3, 2009

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified an immune mechanism responsible for graft failure in a mouse model of IUHCT. Maternal alloantibodies, produced in response to IUHCT, trigger a postnatal immune response that limits engraftment following in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation. This finding opens the...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 3, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: July 6, 2009

Researchers have identified a potential tumor suppressor gene, CST5, that mediates the anticancer effects of vitamin D3 in human colon cancer cells. The study found that cystatin D protein inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and was induced by vitamin D3, suggesting its role as a candidate tumor suppressor gene.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 6, 2009

What is the effect of tea polyphenols on hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes?

Research found that tea polyphenols suppress the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a key role in metabolizing drugs. This suppression leads to reduced liver damage caused by paracetamol overdose. The study provides new insights into the metabolism of tea polyphenols and their potential as hepatoprotective agents.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateApr 18, 2009