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How the drug isotretinoin zaps acne

Researchers have discovered how isotretinoin, the most potent acne treatment, works by triggering cell death in sebaceous glands. The study found that agents targeting Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin may provide a new approach to treating acne.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 3, 2008

New genetic association with schizophrenia found by researchers

Researchers discovered a new genetic link between the MEGF10 gene and schizophrenia, finding that a variant of the gene is associated with increased heritability risk. The study also found that the MEGF10 gene is expressed more extensively in post-mortem brain tissue from individuals with schizophrenia.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 28, 2008

How 'IAP antagonist' chemicals kill tumors

New compounds that target Inhibitor-of-Apoptosis (IAP) proteins have been shown to induce apoptosis in tumor cells. The IAP antagonists block the anti-death proteins and engage other players that lead to cell death, with little effect on healthy cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateNov 15, 2007

Relationship between environmental stress and cancer elucidated

A recent study elucidates the relationship between environmental stress and cancer by revealing how stress-inducing agents reduce SIRT1 enzyme activity, leading to increased cell survival. By targeting this process, researchers aim to develop new treatments that increase SENP1 activity to promote programmed cell death in cancer cells.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 5, 2007

New cell death pathway involved in sperm development

Researchers have uncovered a new pathway that regulates killer proteins called caspases, which are essential for trimming down heavy sperm to make them better swimmers. This discovery provides insights into the causes of human infertility and opens up opportunities for developing drugs that can alter cell death for therapeutic purposes.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 17, 2007

'Fetal' neurons play role in adult brain

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that approximately 10% of subplate neurons survive into adulthood and maintain functional connections. These cells generate electrical signals and receive inputs from neighboring neurons, undergoing plasticity to adapt to experience and activity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuroscience·DateSep 11, 2007

JCI table of contents: Sept. 6, 2007

Researchers discover ghrelin promotes thymopoiesis during aging, boosting T cell output, while also finding PPAR-gamma agonists exacerbate cardiac dysfunction due to glucolipotoxicity. Additionally, a study finds osteopontin deficiency in mice leads to improved insulin sensitivity despite obesity.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 6, 2007

Preventing cancer without killing cells

Aging cells with dysfunctional telomeres can promote tumorigenesis, but p53-mediated senescence may suppress spontaneous cancer development. Activating the senescence pathway is sufficient to prevent tumorigenesis in mutant mice with dysfunctional telomeres.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateMar 30, 2007

HIV protein enlisted to help kill cancer cells

Researchers have found a way to deliver a messenger into cancer cells that forces them to respond to death signals using an HIV protein. This approach has shown promise in killing cancer cells and could provide new treatment options for patients with deadly cancers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateFeb 15, 2007

Tumor cells evade death through autophagy

Researchers found that tumor cells treated with agents inducing apoptosis were more likely to undergo autophagy when p53 expression was inhibited. Inhibiting autophagy increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy and delayed tumor recurrence in mouse models.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 18, 2007

Forsyth scientists discover early key to regeneration

Scientists at The Forsyth Institute have discovered that programmed cell death is necessary for regeneration to occur. Apoptosis plays a critical role in development and a novel role in regeneration, allowing medically therapeutic regeneration. The study uses the Xenopus tadpole as a model organism.

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalDevelopmental Biology·DateDec 13, 2006

Elevated testosterone kills nerve cells

A Yale University study reveals that high levels of testosterone can lead to programmed cell death in nerve cells, associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Elevated testosterone also triggers behavioral changes such as hyperexcitability and suicidal tendencies.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2006

Ethnicity and cancer susceptibility

Researchers have identified a genetic variation that affects cancer susceptibility in people of African descent, which may influence drug metabolism and response. The p53 tumor-suppressor protein is regulated by the ASPP family of proteins, with one form linked to increased cancer risk near the equator.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 10, 2006

How secondhand smoke injures babies' lungs

Researchers found that environmental tobacco smoke suppresses nuclear factor kappa B signaling, increasing apoptosis in infant monkey lungs. This study highlights the dangers of secondhand smoke for unborn and newborn children, emphasizing the need to avoid exposure to prevent permanent lung damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 15, 2006

Key event in cell death occurs as single, quick event

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered that a key event during apoptosis occurs as a single, rapid event, rather than a step-by-step process. This finding sheds new light on how cells 'commit suicide' and highlights the importance of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization in regulating apoptosis.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2006

Using statins to potentially treat rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers found that statins, such as fluvastatin, can induce apoptosis in RA synovial cells through the inhibition of protein geranygeranylation. This suggests that statins may be ideal therapeutic agents for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Further clinical trials are proposed to confirm these findings.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateJan 30, 2006