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Trapping DNA damage

Researchers at Kyoto University have uncovered how XRCC1 protein disarms PARP traps, preventing DNA damage accumulation. This discovery may lead to improved cancer treatments using PARP inhibitors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 10, 2021

UBC scientists find clues to queen bee failure

Researchers discovered elevated markers associated with heat stress and pesticide exposure in failed queens from B.C., suggesting temperature fluctuations during transportation and potential pesticide effects may contribute to queen bee failure. A diagnostic test is proposed to help beekeepers understand and prevent this issue.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBMC Genomics·DateSep 8, 2020

Study examines women, men and brain marker of Alzheimer's disease

A study examining nearly 300 clinically normal adults found that women showed more tau deposits in the brain than men, associated with greater Aβ plaque deposits, supporting potential reasons for differences in AD risk between men and women. The findings may be limited by the study population's age and demographic characteristics.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 4, 2019

Blood marker may predict postmenopausal women's risk of bone fractures

Researchers discovered a blood marker that can predict the risk of bone fractures in postmenopausal women, independent of other measures. High levels of periostin protein fragments were found to be associated with an increased risk of fractures, suggesting they reflect additional bone properties.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateAug 16, 2017

A 'pause button' for cells

Scientists have created an optogenetic process that inhibits intracellular membrane vesicle trafficking, effectively pausing cellular activity. This innovation enables the observation and control of cell membranes, opening up new avenues for studying diseases like neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 14, 2016

Light signals from living cells

Researchers from Goethe University and MIT have developed a new method to deliver protein markers with nanometre precision into living cells. The technique, called cell squeezing, uses high pressure to incorporate fluorescent probes with an efficiency rate greater than 80 percent.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

Necrostatin-1 counteracts aluminum's neurotoxic effects

New study links aluminum accumulation to neuronal cell death and identifies necrostatin-1 as a substance that counteracts aluminum's neurotoxic effects. In mice treated with aluminum, Nec-1 demonstrated strong protection against cell death and improved cognitive function.

SourceIOS Press·JournalResuscitation·DateAug 5, 2013

Levels of C-reactive protein in the blood do not cause diabetes

Researchers from Royal Free and University College London Medical School used Mendelian randomization to examine the association between CRP levels and type 2 diabetes risk. They found that elevated CRP levels in the blood are unlikely to cause diabetes, challenging previous research suggesting a potential causal link.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 11, 2008

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

Cancer-detecting microchip - a micromachined cantilever - is sensitive assay for prostate cancer and potentially other diseases, researchers report

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a sensitive assay for detecting proteins associated with prostate cancer, which could lead to fast screening and molecular profiling for various diseases. The technique uses micromachined cantilevers that can detect levels of protein markers 20 times lower than the clinically relevant threshold.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 30, 2001

Clinical study confirms single gene change in chloroquine-resistant malaria

A clinical study has confirmed a single gene mutation as the cause of chloroquine-resistant malaria. The study developed a molecular marker that can diagnose individuals with chloroquine-resistant malaria, helping doctors select the best therapy and public health officials set country-wide treatment guidelines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 23, 2001

Molecular Marker May Identify Bladder Cancer Patients Most Likely To Recur

A new study found that patients with tumors expressing low levels of the tumor suppressor protein p21 are more likely to recur and die from bladder cancer than those with elevated p21 levels. The study suggests that knowing both p53 and p21 status is a more powerful indicator of risk, allowing for clearer treatment decisions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 15, 1998

New Gene Therapy Technique Results In Efficient Gene Delivery

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed a new gene therapy technique that efficiently delivers genes to targeted cells by linking viruses with specific receptors. The technique, which uses a protein bridge made of growth factor EGF and ALV receptor proteins, allows for precise targeting of cell types, including cancer cells.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 1998

Scientists Identify Protein Essential For Iron Absorption, Boost Understanding Of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Researchers at University at Buffalo and Children's Hospital have identified a critical protein involved in iron metabolism. The discovery is expected to boost understanding of iron-deficiency anemia, the most prevalent disease worldwide, and provide insights into treating hemochromatosis, an inherited iron overload disorder.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 1998