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Plant death may reveal genetic mechanisms underlying cell self-destruction

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered that hybrid plant cells induce programmed cell death due to protein aggregate accumulation. The study used imaging tools and a chemical chaperone to halt the process, paving the way for genetic improvement techniques to enhance crop varieties' disease resistance a...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2019

Resist! TAK1 enables endothelial cells to avoid apoptosis

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that TAK1 preserves endothelial cell survival in an inflammatory environment, suggesting its potential as a target for anti-angiogenic therapy. The researchers used a unique mouse model to show that TAK1 is essential for endothelial cell survival during inflammation and injury.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJan 17, 2019

Simple method rescues stressed liver cells

Scientists from Uppsala University have devised a simple method to rescue stressed liver cells by temporarily reducing cellular stress. This approach allows suboptimal human hepatocytes to be revived with restored functionality, increasing the availability of high-quality cells for laboratory experiments.

SourceUppsala University·JournalArchives of Toxicology·DateDec 21, 2018

Scientists shed new light on infection process of gastrointestinal pathogen C. difficile

Researchers discovered that Clostridium difficile toxins induce apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, providing a defense mechanism against the pathogen. The findings suggest that this cell death response protects the host from C. difficile infection, raising potential for therapeutic strategies to target gastrointestinal pathogens.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2018

Elephants resist cancer by waking a zombie gene

Researchers discovered elephants' ability to resist cancer stems from the 'zombie LIF6' gene, which kills cells poised to become cancerous. This strategy may inspire new treatments for humans by mimicking the gene's behavior or activating its existing copies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 14, 2018

The fewer the deadlier

Researchers discovered that HTLV-1 survives by evading immune surveillance through transient Tax expression in infected cells. This unique strategy allows the virus to maintain a population of infected leukemic cells, making it a potential target for new therapies.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2018

How obesity dulls the sense of taste

A study published in PLOS Biology found that obesity is associated with a decline in taste buds due to chronic inflammation and fat accumulation. Mice fed an obesogenic diet had 25% fewer taste buds than lean mice, with increased apoptosis rates and decreased progenitor cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 20, 2018

Confronted with bacteria, infected cells die so others can live, Penn study finds

In a new study, researchers led by Igor E. Brodsky identified a mechanism that allows host cells to overcome the strategies used by pathogens like Yersinia bacteria to evade the immune system. By understanding this 'back-up alarm' system, scientists may be able to develop new therapies to target tumor cells and promote their demise.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 29, 2017

Back from the brink

Researchers discovered anastasis has two distinct stages and cells hold onto pro-survival molecules even when dying. The study's findings suggest this process may enable cancer cells to bounce back after treatment, raising questions about the long-term cellular effects of anastasis.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateSep 27, 2017

Trigger for fatty liver in obesity

Researchers identified a signaling pathway in liver cells that contributes to fatty liver disease in obesity. The study found that increased Fas content leads to liver steatosis and insulin resistance, while low BID content protects against fatty liver development.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2017

How protein interactions drive cellular death

A team of researchers has decoded the complex interplay of three components in a protein network regulating programmed cell death, also known as apoptosis. Their findings suggest that interaction between Bcl-2 proteins is key to understanding this process and its link to diseases such as cancer.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2017

Deadly nanoparcel for cancer cells

Scientists develop a hybrid nanomaterial that releases a free-radical-generating prodrug inside tumor cells, destroying them even in oxygen-depleted conditions. The material damages cells by a ROS-type radical mechanism without the need for oxygen.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 4, 2017