Add BrightSurf on Google Email

The clinical and experimental research on the treatment of endometriosis with thiostrepton

Researchers studied thiostrepton's effects on endometriosis using an endometriotic rat model. Thiostrepton, a FOXM1 inhibitor, reduced expression of key proteins in endometriotic lesions. This suggests thiostrepton may inhibit endometriosis growth by decreasing FOXM1 expression and exerting a pro-apoptotic effect.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalAnti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry·DateApr 4, 2018

Cells communicate in a dynamic code

Caltech scientists have discovered that cells can transmit multiple messages through the Notch signaling pathway by encoding them rhythmically over time. This discovery reveals that cellular messaging is closer to sending smoke signals than texting, and cells use temporal patterns to differentiate between similar ligands.

Discovery of the 'pioneer' that opens the genome

Researchers at the University of Montreal have identified a key molecule, Pax7, which acts like a pioneer factor to open specific parts of the genome. This discovery provides insight into mechanisms of genome access and has significant implications for our understanding of cell diversification and disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 23, 2018

New insights into complex processes

Scientists at the University of Würzburg discovered differences in gene expression between embryonic endothelial cells of the central nervous system and other organs, shedding light on the blood-brain barrier's development and maturation. The study also identified transcription factors involved in this process.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 18, 2017

Neurons that regenerate, neurons that die

A new study found that a specific transcription factor can help certain neurons regenerate, but simultaneously kill others, in the optic nerve. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for restoring vision or repairing injury by regenerating functional connections and considering combination therapies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

Clear view on stem cell development

Researchers developed an algorithm to correct images and make hitherto hidden development steps visible, allowing for more accurate detection of regulatory proteins active during stem cell development. The 'BaSiC' software can correct changes in the background of time-lapse videos, making it a valuable tool for stem cell researchers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2017

Epigenetic program leading to vessel differentiation

A collaborative research group found that histone code changes and a transcription factor group essential for blood vessel differentiation play key roles in vessel formation. They also discovered that the regulatory genomic region of the transcription factors has gradually switched from suppressing to activating transcription.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 19, 2017

Maternal and paternal cooperation

A study by Prof. Dr. Thomas Laux and colleagues reveals that plants employ an intracellular signal pathway activated by sperm to activate gene transcription in zygotes. This collaboration between paternal and maternal factors enables the regulation of embryogenesis in plants, challenging the traditional parental conflict theory.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 8, 2017

400 million years of a stable relationship

A team of scientists has identified a transcription factor called MYB1 that regulates the lifespan of arbuscules in arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular basis of balance in AM symbiosis and could lead to more effective symbiosis, potentially improving crop yields.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 7, 2017

Barcodes to identify gene regulators

A group of biologists from the University of Geneva developed a novel technology to identify all transcription factors involved in any process and in response to any signal. The BC-STAR-PROM screening method enables researchers to monitor the activity of thousands of promoters simultaneously, saving time and work.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 6, 2016

Study suggests ways to improved immunity in older people

A new study from the University of Oxford suggests that preserving immune function in older people is possible through the identification of critical factors like transcription factor Foxn1. By understanding how Foxn1 regulates T cell development, researchers have identified potential strategies for maintaining thymus function with age.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 22, 2016

Directly reprogramming a cell's identity with gene editing

Duke researchers have successfully converted mouse fibroblasts into neuronal cells using a modified CRISPR technique. This breakthrough could lead to improved models for neurological disorders and personalized medicine. The study's findings suggest that the newly generated neurons retain their properties even after the CRISPR activator...

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateAug 11, 2016

Proteins team up to turn on T cells

Researchers at Caltech investigate the genetic switch that directs cells to become T cells, discovering a multi-tiered process involving four proteins that work together in three distinct steps. This finding has potential applications in boosting T-cell populations and fighting diseases such as AIDS.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 15, 2016

Penn study brings new understanding to how fundamental DNA sequences govern gene activity

Researchers from Penn School of Medicine shed light on how DNA sequences called enhancers govern gene activity, influencing which genes are 'on' or 'off' in each type of cell. They found that pioneer factors help expose DNA to regulatory proteins, allowing enhancers to activate genes and promote normal cell functions.

Complex grammar of the genomic language

A recent study from Karolinska Institutet shows that the human genome's 'grammar' is more complex than even intricate spoken languages. The findings contribute to understanding how genetic differences affect disease risk and pave the way for cracking the genetic code controlling gene expression.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2015

Researchers discover an epilepsy switch

A team of researchers has decoded a signaling pathway involved in the onset of seizure disorders, discovering that a central switch called MTF1 plays a key role. By inhibiting this switch, they were able to reduce seizures in epileptic mice, offering new potential for diagnosis and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2015

How a single molecule turns one immune cell into another

Researchers discover a single molecule, C/EBPa, can transform a B cell into a macrophage by 'short-circuiting' gene expression. This process involves the convergence of two DNA enhancer pathways, allowing for unnatural transdifferentiation. The findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 30, 2015