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UMBC researchers identify promising new target for ovarian cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County have identified USP15 as a promising new target for ovarian cancer treatment, which appears to rely on the enzyme for survival, division, and spread. Reducing USP15 levels makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs, potentially leading to less harm to healthy cells.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalMolecular Therapy Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2026

Cellular scaffolding secrets unlocked: Scientists discover key to microtubule growth

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the University of Dundee have discovered how microtubules decide whether to grow or shorten, a fundamental mechanism governing cellular processes. This breakthrough sheds new light on cell division and opens potential avenues for cancer treatment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2025

The role of RNF114B, a key gene in the progression and treatment of lung adenocarcinoma, has been discovered

The study identified RNF144B as a tumour suppressor that prevents genomic instability, but low expression leads to poor prognosis and treatment resistance in lung adenocarcinoma. The research suggests that even non-mutated genes like RNF144B can have a significant impact on cancer development.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2024

Damage to cell membranes causes cell aging

A recent study published in Nature Aging suggests that mechanical damage to the cell membrane can induce cellular senescence, a state characterized by cell cycle arrest and tissue dysfunction. This mechanism involves calcium ion influx and the tumor suppressor gene p53, offering new insights into the aging process.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

When growth becomes a weakness

Cancer cells' uncontrolled growth leads to a loss of ability to divide due to genetic damage accumulation. Simultaneous treatment with growth and division inhibitors can restore cellular function.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2023

A modified mRNA aids heart attack recovery in mouse and pig models

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a modified messenger RNA that can temporarily induce cardiomyocyte cell division, leading to reduced infarct size and improved heart function. The treatment has shown promise in mouse and pig models without increasing the risk of deadly arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023

Investigating the placenta: Discovery from Stowers Scientists shows why this often-overlooked organ should be given more attention

A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals the placenta's polyploid cells play a vital role in supporting healthy embryonic development. The modified cell cycle controlling polyploidy is governed by the regulatory gene Myc, which supports DNA replication and prevents premature cellular aging.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Cells avoid multitasking

Researchers at the University of Groningen discovered that cells separate essential biochemical reactions into different time periods. This separation explains metabolic oscillations leading up to cell division and has implications for our understanding of cellular physiology, cancer, and aging.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023

Study shows how cells prevent harmful extra DNA copies

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have identified a crucial mechanism that prevents cells from replicating extra DNA, reducing the risk of cancer and genome instability. The study reveals that a licensing protein called CDT1 acts as a brake on DNA replication, preventing it from progressing once licensed sites are established.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 24, 2023

Beyond the average cell

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and Purdue University used single-cell data to develop a new framework for understanding the relationship between cell growth, DNA replication, and division in bacteria. They found that individual cells can exquisitely coordinate these processes, despite the 'noisiness' of each process.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

The October issue of SLAS Technology highlights an experimental device for generating temperature gradients on a microtiter plate

A new experimental device has been developed to generate temperature gradients on a microtiter plate, allowing for the simultaneous testing of different temperatures. This innovation solves a common challenge in biological studies of living cells, unlocking new possibilities for studying cellular growth and development.

New understanding of how faulty metabolism triggers adrenal cancer

A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham reveals how impaired metabolism due to mutations in succinate dehydrogenase B disables a normal bioenergetic sensing mechanism, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. This discovery sheds light on how cancer cells divide despite having a less efficient energy production.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2022

How the genome is packed into chromosomes that can be faithfully moved during cell division

The Gerlich Group at IMBA found that histone acetylation establishes a sharp surface boundary on chromosomes, resisting microtubule perforation. Chromatin phase separation and DNA looping by condensin cooperates to build mitotic chromosomes with unique physical properties.

In fine print: Study sheds light on mechanisms driving 1,2-dichloropropane-induced cancer in the printing industry

A new study led by Tokyo University of Science researchers identifies altered gene expression and cell function changes that drive DNA damage and neoplasia in cholangiocytes exposed to 1,2-dichloropropane. The findings highlight the importance of macrophage involvement in carcinogenesis.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Herbs that protect the heart: Bilobalide reduces cardiac damage in myocardial ischemia, says new study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis

Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022

Hitting the brakes on the cell cycle for the formation of plant stomata

Researchers discovered that a transcription factor called MUTE induces a cell cycle inhibitor SMR4 to slow down the cell cycle, allowing for asymmetric division. A variant with excess SMR4 showed a longer cell cycle during symmetric division, revealing a crucial regulatory mechanism in plant stomatal development.

Hungry yeast are tiny, living thermometers

Researchers discovered that yeast cells can actively regulate temperature-dependent phase separation in their membranes. This process is crucial for membrane function and cell division. By adjusting the temperature, yeast cells can maintain a consistent state of phase separation, which may be essential for optimal cellular performance.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

Slow release of a drug, TT-10, improves heart attack recovery in a mouse model

Researchers found that slow release of TT-10 from nanoparticles improved heart function after a heart attack, accompanied by increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and smaller infarct size. The study suggests that PLGA nanoparticles could be used to improve treatment administration efficiency for cardiovascular drugs.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021