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Drinkable, carbon monoxide-infused foam enhances effectiveness of experimental cancer therapy

Researchers developed a drinkable foam infused with carbon monoxide to enhance the effectiveness of autophagy inhibition in treating various cancers. The study showed significant reductions in tumor growth and progression in mice and human cancer cells, opening a promising new approach for therapies.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2024

Microautophagy is essential for preventing aging

A study published in EMBO Reports reveals that microautophagy is crucial for repairing damaged lysosomes, which helps prevent cellular aging. The researchers identified key regulators of this process, including STK38 and GABARAPs, and found that their depletion increases the rate of senescent cells and shortens lifespan in C. elegans.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

New study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying lipid recycling within cells

A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology has made significant progress in understanding autophagy and lipid recycling. Researchers used yeast as a model organism to identify key players in the process, including Atg15, Pep4, and Prb1, and demonstrated that Pep4 and Prb1 activate Atg15 to break down phospholipid bilayers.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2023

Exposure to air pollution while in the womb is linked to adverse changes in cell processes in new-born babies

Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

Finding ‘vault’: Unravelling the mysteries of p62-bodies and the cellular recycling pathway

Researchers discovered a novel technique to identify p62-body constituents, revealing a major subunit of the supramolecular protein complex vault. Vault-phagy, the degradation of vault through selective autophagy, regulates homeostatic vault levels and may be associated with liver cancer.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Autophagy mediates a direct synergistic interaction during co-transmission of two distinct arboviruses by insect vectors

Researchers discovered that autophagy plays a crucial role in facilitating the co-transmission of two distinct arboviruses by insect vectors. The study found that RSMV nucleoprotein activates complete anti-viral autophagy, while RGDV nonstructural protein Pns11 induces incomplete autophagy to promote viral propagation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 23, 2023

Harnessing an innate protection against Ebola

School of Veterinary Medicine researchers have identified a cellular pathway that hampers the Ebola virus' ability to exit human cells. By targeting the protein VP40, host cells activate autophagy, a process that digests and recycles proteins, reducing viral particle release into the bloodstream.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2023

New study suggests a promising therapeutic target for sepsis

A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology suggests that promoting autophagy with rapamycin restores intestinal barrier function during sepsis. The study also identifies the PLK1-mTOR axis as a crucial regulator of autophagy and intestinal barrier dysfunction, providing novel insights for treatment of sepsis.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Cell quality control

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have found that gland cells in Drosophila melanogaster can remove defective secretory particles as early as the secretion process begins. This discovery sheds new light on crinophagy, a previously understudied process crucial for maintaining cellular quality and function.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalTraffic·DateDec 15, 2022

Research shows how poliovirus takes over cells from within

Poliovirus researchers at Umeå University have gained a new understanding of how the virus behaves in infected cells, revealing key protein roles and cellular processes involved. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antiviral treatments and vaccines targeting the autophagy system.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateOct 12, 2022

In a study recently published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers at Juntendo University unravel a biomolecule that mitigates eczema in mice

A team of researchers at Juntendo University has identified a biomolecule called human-β-defensin-3 (hBD-3) that can mitigate eczema in mice by regulating autophagy and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling pathway. This discovery provides new insights into the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and potential therapeutic solutions.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

How cells take out the garbage

A team of researchers at Osaka University has identified a specific enzyme complex that initiates the removal of damaged lysosomes from cells. The complex, composed of CUL4A, DDB1, and WDFY1 proteins, acts preferentially during lysophagy to facilitate the degradation process.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Programmed cell death in cancer cells: Overcoming resistance through paraptosis-inducing compounds

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed novel complex-peptide hybrids that induce programmed cell death in apoptosis-resistant cancer cells through paraptosis. The compounds, syn-6 and anti-6, inhibit cell death by uncoupling mitochondrial calcium uptake and inducing cytoplasmic vacuolization, leading to cell death.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBioconjugate Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Study reveals potential target for treatment of diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations

A study by Brazilian scientists reveals that autophagy can modulate the accumulation of mutant mitochondrial DNA in cells during aging. The researchers found that mice with liver-specific atg7 knockout showed reduced buildup of mutant DNA, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations.

Einstein researchers find new strategy for preventing clogged arteries

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that increasing chaperone-mediated autophagy activity can prevent atherosclerosis by protecting macrophages and smooth muscle cells from damage. The study suggests that boosting CMA could be an effective strategy for curbing atherosclerosis and halting its progression, particular...

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2022

Treating TB: uOttawa scientists collaborate to identify new drug for unique therapeutic approach

Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Furthering fat loss in the fasting response

A study by Osaka University investigated the relationship between autophagy and metabolism during fasting. Autophagy was found to play a key role in promoting fat loss during fasting, particularly through the upregulation of adipogenic genes. The findings may have important implications for understanding metabolism during aging.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAutophagy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022

Drug mimics beneficial effects of fasting in mice

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that a cancer drug called ADI-PEG 20 improved insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, and reduced inflammation in mice. The treatment also caused significant weight loss in obese mice, suggesting potential benefits for human obesity treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJan 20, 2022