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Align or die

Researchers at ISTA discovered that misaligned protein filaments 'die' and re-assemble to form a well-aligned ring structure essential for bacterial cell division. This mechanism could lead to the development of synthetic self-healing materials.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 12, 2024

Combination of drugs produces promising results in combating cancer and will be clinically trialed in Europe

Researchers developed a new approach to combat cancer by hyperactivating tumor cells, making them stressed and vulnerable to specific drugs. The combination strategy showed promising results in colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma models, paving the way for potential treatment options.

Discovered a RNA molecule that helps prevent DNA replication errors

A long non-coding RNA called lncREST has been identified as a crucial component of the stress response during DNA replication. Its absence leads to impaired stress signalling, resulting in severe DNA defects and cell death. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing anti-tumour therapies.

SourceCentro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA) Universidad de Navarra·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2024

Double trouble at chromosome ends

Scientists have discovered two new end-replication problems in DNA replication, affecting both the leading and lagging strands. This revelation changes our understanding of telomere biology and may hold clinical implications for individuals with telomere disorders, such as Coats plus syndrome.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2024

First atomic-scale 'movie' of microtubules under construction, a key process for cell division

For the first time, scientists have visualized the process of microtubule formation in human cells at an atomic scale. The study reveals how microtubules are triggered to form during cell division, providing new insights into their role in cellular biology and potential therapeutic applications.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Moderation surpasses excess

The study identifies FAM53C as a cytosolic-anchoring inhibitory binding protein of the kinase DYRK1A, regulating its activity and cellular location. This finding may provide potential clinical insights into treating Down syndrome and related diseases.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Boosting beta cells to treat type 2 diabetes

A preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers reveals that activating a pathway to promote cell division can expand insulin-producing cells without impairing their function. The study's findings support the concept that beta cell mass can be expanded without compromising function.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2023

Why do some men not produce sperm?

Researchers discovered that a single mutation in a key synaptonemal complex protein can cause infertility in mice and is likely to have the same effect in humans. This finding may lead to new technologies for treating male infertility by pinpointing the exact location of the defect.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2023

How new plant cell walls change their mechanical properties after cell division

New plant cell walls exhibit significantly different mechanical properties compared to surrounding parental walls, enabling cells to alter their local shape and influence the growth of plant organs. Researchers have discovered that new cell walls in some plants are 1.5 times stiffer than the parental cell walls.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Researchers uncover NSMF protein’s role in relieving DNA replication stress

Researchers discovered NSMF protein's role in alleviating DNA replication stress by displacing weakly bound RPA proteins and promoting phosphorylation. This mechanism accelerates relief of replication stress, offering a new direction for treating various diseases, including cancer and age-related conditions.

Unveiling the mechanism of 3D folding of cell sheets

A Kyoto University team reveals the Dumpy protein as the key factor in controlling 3D tissue structures through external cues. This finding challenges traditional understanding of morphogenesis and opens up new avenues for manufacturing controllable 3D tissue folding with coordinated cell behaviors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2023

How bacteria surf cargo through the cell

Researchers discovered that bacteria employ 'surfing' proteins called ParA/MinD ATPases to transport cargo across the cell. These systems interact with each other, enabling complex movements before cell division. The findings provide a basis for developing synthetic biology tools and understanding bacterial pathogens.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Like beads on a chain

A team of researchers developed a computational simulation that explains key mechanism of DNA segregation, providing new insights into the distribution of genetic information during bacterial cell division. The study reveals fundamental biochemical principles relevant to synthetic biology and medical applications.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

CNIO researchers help to understand the functioning of the protein that makes DNA loops in the human genome

Researchers at the CNIO have elucidated a key point about how cohesin attaches to DNA and forms loops. The study suggests that NIPBL is not necessary for cohesin to bind to DNA, but only for it to move and form DNA loops. This finding may be important in understanding Cornelia de Lange syndrome.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

New insights into centromere structure

Researchers at Osaka University used cryogenic electron microscopy to study the structural change of the centromere during cell division. The study revealed a complex interaction between proteins involved in cell division, providing new insights into the correct division of chromosomes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Tweezers untangle chemotherapeutic’s impact on DNA

Etoposide's impact on DNA structure has been untangled by Cornell researchers using optical tweezers and magnetic tweezers. The study found that etoposide promotes DNA loop trapping and barrier formation by topoisomerase II, enabling the creation of sensitive screening tools for improving patient treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 30, 2023