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Detailed studies reveal how key cancer-fighting protein is held in check

Detailed studies at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reveal the structural details of how p53 attaches to its regulatory protein BCL-xL, enabling scientists to design drugs that release p53 in cancer cells, triggering apoptosis. The findings have significant implications for developing new cancer-fighting treatments.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 15, 2014

What doesn't kill you may make you live longer

Researchers at McGill University found that free radicals stimulate a molecular mechanism that increases cell defenses and promotes longevity. The study used the roundworm C. elegans as a model organism and found that elevating free radical generation induced a substantially longer life.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell·DateMay 8, 2014

Finding a target for tumor suppression

Researchers at Brigham Young University have discovered a potential target for tumor suppression, Programmed Cell Death Protein 5 (PDCD5), which may help prevent cancer cell growth by blocking the production of tubulin. The study provides new insights into how PDCD5 functions and offers a promising direction for future research.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 3, 2014

Anchoring ABL for a better fate

Researchers uncover how ABL regulatory unit controls cell fate in CML, with implications for cancer treatment. The study finds that anchoring ABL on the cell membrane is essential for apoptosis, highlighting a potential target for novel therapies.

SourcePublicase International·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 27, 2013

Biphasic electrical stimulation: A strategy may bring hope to spinal cord injury patients

Researchers have discovered that biphasic electrical stimulation can prevent apoptosis in stem cells used to treat spinal cord injuries, offering new hope for patients. The study's findings suggest that BES may be used to improve cell survival and prevent cell death in stem cell-based transplantation therapies.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateAug 23, 2013

X-linked MeCP2 is first reported to be a new target for treating Parkinson's disease

A new study published in Neural Regeneration Research suggests that X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) may be a promising therapeutic target for treating Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that overexpressing MeCP2 in damaged human cells reduced apoptosis and increased tyrosine hydroxylase levels, indicating potential be...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateAug 11, 2013

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

Protein targeted for cancer drug development is essential for normal heart function

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that protein MCL1 is essential for normal cardiac function, complicating cancer drug development efforts. The study suggests that targeting MCL1 expression in target cells may be beneficial for treating heart muscle damage following heart attacks or other insults.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalGenes & Development·DateJul 10, 2013

Scientists develop new technique to selectively dampen harmful immune responses

A team from The Scripps Research Institute has developed a new technique to selectively repress unwanted immune reactions without disabling the immune system as a whole. This method exploits a natural mechanism to target B-cells responsible for Factor VIII rejection, preventing an unwanted immune response in mice for several months.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 3, 2013

Live and let die

Scientists discover protein c-FLIP-R that confers protection on immune cells against apoptosis, a type of cellular suicide. The discovery reveals mice with elevated c-FLIP levels are less susceptible to Listeria infections, sparking hope for potential therapeutic approaches.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateMay 31, 2013

Cancer cell metabolism kills

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered that the Myc oncoprotein makes cancer cells vulnerable to cell death by activating AMPK, a biochemical sensor. This leads to the activation of tumor suppressor protein p53, which promotes apoptosis in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2013

Engineered bacteria can make the ultimate sacrifice

Scientists have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria that can deliberately die to protect their population, promoting the survival of survivors. The altruistic behavior emerges after sufficient time has passed and can be controlled by tuning the extent of programmed cell death.

SourceEMBO·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateNov 20, 2012

Giving lithium to those who need it

New research found that lithium-responsive patients exhibit increased expression of anti-apoptotic genes like Bcl2 and IRS2, while those who don't respond show decreased Bcl2 levels. This study provides insight into personalized treatment for bipolar disorder.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBiology of Mood & Anxiety Disorders·DateSep 21, 2012

Lace plants explain programmed cell death

Researchers have documented the physiological events in lace plant leaves during programmed cell death (PCD), revealing how cells dismantle and disappear. The study used long-term live cell imaging and staining to observe the progression of PCD, which is essential for producing the characteristic holes in the leaves.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Plant Biology·DateJul 24, 2012

Researchers at IRB Barcelona uncover new clues about the origin of cancer

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified specific combinations of errors in cell integrity processes as crucial to initiating tumors. The study reveals that genomic instability alone is not sufficient for tumor development and highlights the need for further investigation into cancer's complex origins.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2012