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Human-safe drug repairs DNA in a mouse model of Alzheimer's

Scientists at King's College London have developed a human-safe drug that repairs DNA breaks and reduces inflammation in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. This approach targets multiple features of the disease simultaneously, providing a broader therapeutic strategy than previous approaches focused on individual disease hallmarks.

SourceKing's College London·JournalFEBS Open Bio·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Impact of co-exposure of bisphenol A and retinoic acid on brain development

Researchers found that co-exposure to bisphenol A and retinoic acid disrupts neurodevelopmental gene signaling, leading to brain abnormalities. The study suggests a potential link between chemical exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2025

Chung-Ang University researchers use biomolecule-loaded metal-organic frameworks nanopatterns to aid artificial stem cell differentiation

A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

A new way to treat PTSD?

Researchers discovered a new way to treat PTSD by targeting epigenetic modifications. Combining two natural products, SAMe and vitamin A, reversed PTSD-like behaviors in animals. This approach offers hope for a non-toxic treatment that addresses the underlying genetic cause of the disease.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 4, 2021

Cell reproduction dogma challenged

Researchers from CNRS and IGBMC demonstrate that meiosis in mice begins and proceeds normally even without retinoic acid. Meiosis is a crucial process for the transmission of unique sets of genes to offspring, resulting in novel assortments of chromosomes.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 22, 2020

Bird's eye perspective

Harvard Medical School researchers studied chicken embryos to understand the formation of high-acuity spot in the retina, which enables crisp daytime vision. They found that suppression of retinoic acid plays a crucial role in this process.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 23, 2017

Why the flounder is flat

A team of researchers has identified the genetic mechanisms driving the metamorphosis that transforms flounders from symmetrical larvae to asymmetrical adults. The discovery sheds new light on an evolutionary puzzle, but also has practical implications for the fishing industry, which faces significant losses in flounder aquaculture.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 5, 2016

How zebrafish rebuild the skeleton of amputated fins

Researchers have discovered how zebrafish rebuild their skeleton after losing parts of their fins. A critical enzyme called Cyp26b1 helps to regulate retinoic acid levels, allowing osteoblasts to revert and form new bone tissue. The regeneration process relies on a complex navigation system involving signaling proteins and cell types.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalDevelopment·DateAug 24, 2015

Can vitamin A turn back the clock on breast cancer?

Researchers found that a vitamin A derivative, retinoic acid, can reverse the changes in pre-cancerous breast cells, making them resemble normal cells. However, this treatment has no effect on fully developed cancer cells. The study's findings suggest that there may be a narrow window of opportunity for this treatment to be effective.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalInternational Journal of Oncology·DateMar 31, 2014

Regulation of the retinoic acid gradient in zebrafish embryos

Researchers found that zebrafish embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid within a certain range, using an enzyme called Cyp26a1 to degrade excess acid and proteins like fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) to slow down degradation when levels drop too low. This regulation helps maintain a robust gradient of retinoic acid.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 19, 2007

Combination treatment enhances tetanus vaccination

Researchers found that a natural product of vitamin A can regulate immunity and enhance vaccine response when combined with PIC. The combination resulted in a four to seven times better immune response compared to individual treatments.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2005

Reducing side effects of retinoic acid cancer treatment

A Cornell University biochemist has developed a strategy to make tumor cells more sensitive to retinoic acid, reducing required doses and enhancing its anticancer activity. By introducing CRABP-II, a naturally occurring protein, researchers can boost RA's ability to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateAug 13, 2002

UV Radiation Induces Vitamin A Deficiency In Skin

Researchers discovered that UV radiation blocks the ability of skin cells to recognize retinoic acid, a nutrient made from vitamin A. This triggers a cascade of biochemical changes, causing a functional vitamin A deficiency in human skin. Pretreating skin with retinoic acid before UV exposure can limit the damage.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 30, 1999

Clinical Trials Show That Bone Marrow Transplant And Vitamin A Derivative Both Improve Survival From Neuroblastoma

Researchers found that bone marrow transplant significantly improves disease-free survival for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. Additionally, follow-up therapy with high doses of retinoic acid shows promising results, with a three-year event-free survival rate of 55% compared to 16% for those treated with consolidation chemothera...

Retinoic Acid Used In Cancer Treatment

Cornell University researchers found that retinoic acid reverses the growth-promoting effects of oncogenes, which induce cancer. The study suggests enhanced therapies for leukemia and highlights the cancer-prevention role of carotenes in a diet rich in yellow-orange vegetables.

SourceCornell University·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 13, 1998