Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Pre-basophils: A basophil origin story

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have identified a previously unknown intermediate cell type, pre-basophils, which plays a critical role in the differentiation of precursor cells into mature basophils. These newly discovered cells exhibit higher proliferation capacity and distinct surface protein expression profiles...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2023

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

A common metabolite may help treat autoimmune diseases

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered itaconate's modulatory effect on T helper and T regulatory cells, potentially leading to new treatments for autoimmune diseases. The study found that itaconate inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and promotes Treg cell development, reducing disease symptoms in mice models.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2023

A soft, stimulating scaffold supports brain cell development ex vivo

A new type of electrically conductive hydrogel scaffold has been developed to support brain cell growth and differentiation. The scaffold mimics the soft conditions of brain tissue and enables the creation of implantable biohybrid BCIs that integrate with a patient's brain tissue.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Mice show METTL in DNA blood repair

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered METTL16's role in DNA repair and erythropoiesis, a process generating 200 billion new red blood cells daily. Tiny methyl groups on specific mRNAs play a pivotal role in this process, involving mechanisms mediated by RNA-binding proteins.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

‘Primordial super-enhancers’ provide early snapshot of the mechanisms that allowed for multicellularity

Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that yeast cells use membrane-less compartments to drive high-level gene expression in response to environmental stress, mirroring a mechanism used by mammalian cells. This finding has implications for understanding human diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 22, 2022

Two hits to the mitochondria causes severe anemia

A study found that impairing mitochondria in two different ways can cause severe anemia. Researchers used mouse models to investigate the role of mitochondria in blood cell differentiation and found that disrupting mitochondrial function and dynamics causes anemia through distinct mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPharmacological Research·DateOct 17, 2022

Tumor-infiltrating B cells and plasma cells influence early-stage lung cancer biology, immunotherapy responses

A new study provides valuable insights into the roles of B cells and plasma cells in early-stage lung cancer biology, highlighting their influence on tumor development and treatment outcomes. The research also reveals environmental factors and molecular features that contribute to the landscape of infiltrating immune cells.

New study discovers novel inhibitory roles of hnRNPK in skeletal muscle cell differentiation

Researchers uncover the pleiotropic functions of hnRNPK in regulating skeletal muscle cell differentiation, including inhibition of myoblast differentiation and suppression of genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress. The study suggests that targeting hnRNPK could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating human disorders.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Intestinal cells change functions during their lives

Recent studies found that intestinal cells can change specializations in response to BMP signaling. This process, called zonation, is crucial for the proper functioning of the gut. Researchers used organoids and mouse models to confirm this discovery, which may lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

Txikispora philomaios, a parasite that will help to explain the origin of animal multicellularity

Researchers discovered a new parasite, Txikispora philomaios, which evolved shortly after the common ancestor of animals and fungi, before its multicellularity was developed. The study provides insights into how animal multicellularity developed through cell communication and specialization.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Eukaryotic Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2022

The origin of neuronal diversity

Researchers developed a new technique to analyze brain cell development, finding that cells of similar types are often unrelated and can converge from different progenitors. Conversely, different cell types can diverge from the same progenitor, determining their fate during differentiation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2021

Building the ovarian environment from stem cells

Researchers at Kyushu University successfully reconstitute the ovarian follicle from mouse stem cells, generating functional egg cells and growing viable mice. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infertility and help conserve endangered animals through egg cell production.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Strong signals

A team of scientists at the University of Tsukuba created a computer simulation that models the Delta-Notch signaling pathway in biliary cell differentiation. The study reveals the importance of fine-grained differentiation and proper development, dependent on the rates of production of Delta ligands and Notch receptors.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateJul 20, 2021

Down to the bone: Understanding how bone-dissolving cells are generated

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered the significance of protein Cpeb4 in the formation of osteoclasts, bone-dissolving cells responsible for osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that Cpeb4 plays a critical role in osteoclast differentiation, with its relocalization to nuclei influencing cell behavior.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJun 9, 2020

Danforth Center uncovers a genetic mechanism that could enhance yield in cereal crops

Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have discovered a genetic mechanism that controls developmental traits related to grain production in cereals. The study found that precise regulation of plant hormones, specifically brassinosteroids, can modulate growth and differentiation of unique inflorescence morphology.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJan 4, 2018

Regulatory pathway in brain development possible basis for malformations

A team of researchers at UCSD School of Medicine has identified a genetic regulatory pathway that controls the choice between proliferation and differentiation in neural cells. Defects in this pathway result in brain malformations, such as Dandy-Walker malformation, which affects motor development and causes progressive skull enlargement.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2006