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Scientists identify new drug target to treat ALS

Researchers identified a cellular mechanism that can be targeted to treat ALS by increasing levels of protein hUPF1, which successfully protected against cell death in both genetic and sporadic versions of the disease. Treating this pathway may also have implications for frontotemporal dementia.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2015

Oil or fat?

A recent study found that saturated fatty acids can induce cell death in cardiac muscle cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids protect these cells from damage. The research suggests a critical role for saturated fatty acids in heart disease development.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalEndoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diseases·DateApr 27, 2015

New method for minimally invasive tissue ablation surgery

A new method for minimally invasive tissue ablation surgery combines electrolysis with reversible electroporation, increasing the effectiveness of the procedure. The technique allows for faster treatment and greater control over the target area, potentially leading to safer and more effective cancer treatment.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateFeb 6, 2015

Mitochondria could be a target for therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease patients

Researchers found that blocking Cyclophilin D and developing surrounding mitochondrial targets may be viable strategies for preventing and treating Alzheimer's disease. The study provides new insights into the mechanism underlying amyloid beta-mediated mitochondrial stress, which links to synaptic plasticity and learning/memory.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 5, 2008

Discovery has implications for heart disease

A study by University of Iowa researchers reveals a new dimension for a key heart enzyme and sheds light on an important biological pathway involved in cell death in heart disease. The team found that oxidation can sustain the enzyme's activity, which is implicated in arrhythmias, hypertrophy, and heart cell death.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCell·DateMay 1, 2008

Mitochondria send death signal to cardiac cells, study shows

Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that the mitochondria send a death signal to cardiac cells when blood flow is restored, leading to cell damage and weakening heart function. The study identifies a specific enzyme, mitochondrial nitric oxide synthase, as a potential therapeutic target to stop this process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateNov 8, 2007

A new jump start for aging blood vessels

Researchers found that inactivating TNFa significantly reduced blood vessel impairment and cell death in aged vessels, suggesting a link between increased TNFa levels and cardiovascular disease. The study's findings could lead to the development of new treatments for age-related vascular diseases.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 28, 2006

Inefficient immune killer cells abet HIV infection

Researchers found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) kill only a fraction of infected cells, with most deaths attributed to other factors. The study suggests that CTL-based vaccines may not prevent or clear HIV infection and could control the number of infected cells instead.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2006

Fat overload kills mammalian cells — key culprit identified

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified EF1A-1 as a critical step in the pathway leading to high cellular fat and cell death. The protein plays a role in protein synthesis and cytoskeleton maintenance, and its presence dictates sensitivity to palmitate-induced cell death.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Biology·DateJan 18, 2006

Size doesn't matter

Researchers found that over half of the 46 known microRNAs are essential for development, affecting it in specific ways. MicroRNAs regulate fundamental processes such as body patterning, morphogenesis, and nervous system development.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJul 1, 2005

Cell death promotes learning growth

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals that cell death promotes learning and growth in the brain. The research found that rats with lower levels of cell death performed better in spatial learning tasks, suggesting a positive correlation between cell death and cognitive function.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 26, 2003