How size splits cells
Researchers discovered that cells use the cdr2p protein to probe their surface area and determine when to divide. The study challenges previous models suggesting that another protein senses cell length.
Cell Division
Articles tagged with Cell Division
Researchers capture 'most complete' picture of gene expression in cancer cell cycle
A team of researchers has created a detailed analysis of protein activity in human cancer cells, revealing the dynamic patterns of gene expression during the cell cycle. The study provides new insights into how genes work over time in cancer cells and could lead to the development of safer new drugs.
Researchers find protein 'switch' central to heart cell division
Scientists have discovered a molecular 'switch' that regulates heart cell division and could potentially be used to regenerate damaged heart tissue. The discovery was made by studying infant siblings with a rare heart defect, who exhibited unusual heart cell proliferation.
Epigenetic regulation required to ensure correct number of chromosomes
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that a subtle epigenetic change facilitates structural changes of the centromere prior to cell division, ensuring proper chromosome distribution. This mechanism is highly similar in human cells and yeast cells, suggesting its key role in preventing incorrect chromosome numbers.
Cell division finding could boost understanding of cancer
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified shugoshin as a critical protein in ensuring accurate cell division. The study found that disabling shugoshin led to increased abnormal chromosome numbers, highlighting its importance in preventing aneuploidy and potentially cancer.
Impaired cell division leads to neuronal disorder
A crucial amino acid signal regulates centrosome duplication and its absence leads to pathologically altered cells found in people with microcephaly. This discovery sheds light on the development of this neurodevelopmental disorder.
Plant scientists unravel a molecular switch to stimulate leaf growth
Researchers at VIB and Ghent University discovered a protein complex that regulates the transition from cell division to cell specialization in leaves. By extending the activity of this complex, more cells divide, resulting in larger leaves.
Cell division discovery could offer fresh insight into cancer
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a set of proteins that stabilise cell division, which could lead to new avenues in drug discovery for fighting cancer. The findings shed light on how cells duplicate their DNA and separate into two new cells, each identical to the original.
CNIO team turns tumor suppressor into anti-cancer target
Researchers at CNIO discovered blocking Cdh1 protein prevents cellular proliferation in rapidly dividing cells. This could lead to new therapies targeting cancer.
CNIO researchers delve into the behavior of cohesins
Researchers discovered two variants of Pds5 proteins that modulate cohesins' behavior, essential for proper cell division. Understanding this regulation can improve diagnosis and treatment for cancer patients and Cornelia de Lange Syndrome sufferers.
Spanish researchers sequence non-infiltrating bladder cancer exome
Researchers at CNIO have sequenced the exome of 17 patients with non-infiltrating bladder cancer, revealing new genetic pathways and genes involved in the disease. These findings provide a first step towards understanding the biology of bladder cancer and improving patient management.
Discovery of cell division 'master controller' may improve understanding and treatment of cancer
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine discovered that cyclin A plays a crucial role in ensuring faithful chromosome segregation during cell division. In contrast to normal cells, cancer cells often fail to correct errors, leading to abnormal numbers of chromosomes and resistance to chemotherapy treatments.
Flexible throughout life by varying numbers of chromosome copies
Researchers found yeast cells can multiply up to six of their chromosomes during cell division and reverse this process, allowing for rapid adaptation to environmental conditions. This discovery provides a new model organism for studying aneuploidy and its potential implications for diagnosing and treating human diseases.
Scientists discover how rapamycin slows cell growth
Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered how rapamycin prevents cells from dividing, potentially slowing cancer progression and other diseases of abnormal growth. The study reveals that TOR sends a signal to shut down B cyclin production through an intermediary protein.
ALBA Synchrotron used for first time as a microscope to determine protein structure
Researchers determined the three-dimensional structure of a protein pair, LC8 and Nek9, which plays a crucial role in cell division. This discovery has implications for studying diseases related to cell division processes like cancer.
New insight into double-protected dance of cell division
Researchers have discovered how two proteins shelter each other to ensure smooth and safe cell division, a process crucial for growth and response to environmental changes. By understanding these molecular mechanisms, scientists may uncover new clues for understanding diseases like cancer.
Association found between length of biological marker and development of respiratory infection
Researchers found that shorter telomere lengths in certain cells are associated with an increased risk of developing upper respiratory infections. The study, published in JAMA, suggests a link between telomere shortening and immune system dysfunction in younger, healthy populations.
Understanding 'master regulator' genes could lead to better cancer treatments
Researchers have identified how two genes, Ipl1 and Mps1, work together to correct mistakes in chromosome distribution during cell division. This understanding could lead to targeted cancer treatments by controlling these master regulator genes.
Molecular twist helps regulate the cellular message to make histone proteins
A team of researchers from the University of North Carolina and Columbia University discovered how two key proteins in messenger RNA communicate via a molecular twist to regulate histone production. This complex interaction helps maintain the balance of histones and DNA, ensuring proper cell growth and division.
NYU biologists identify proteins vital to chromosome segregation
Researchers have identified key proteins involved in loading a vital protein into the centromere, a critical region for cell division. Disruption of this process can lead to abnormal numbers of chromosomes, common in 90% of cancer cases.
Scientists create 'endless supply' of myelin-forming cells
Researchers have created a plentiful supply of glial progenitor cells, which produce myelin, by mastering the chemical symphony that instructs them to divide. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for diseases like multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.
Scientists discover how the brain ages
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that brain cells follow the same molecular pathway as senescent fibroblasts, leading to cell damage and age-related diseases. This discovery opens new possibilities for understanding and treating conditions like dementia and motor neuron disease.
Stop and go
A new protein called Lem4 has been discovered to direct a crucial step in cell division by preventing the addition of phosphate tags to BAF while promoting their removal. This process is essential for cellular growth and division, and its regulation may be key to understanding various cellular processes.
Giraffes are living proof that cells' pressure matters
Physicists developed a two-component model accounting for cell expansion and fluid dynamics. The model revealed that homeostatic pressure, not fluid pressure, drives cell division in biological tissues. This discovery could help understand cancer growth by disrupting homeostasis.
Study discovers genetic pathway impacting the spread of cancer cells
Researchers identified a genetic pathway that influences the spread of cancer cells, which could lead to new treatment avenues. The study found that changes in genetics affect DNA methylation, causing cells to divide uncontrollably.
Study resolves debate on human cell shut-down process
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have resolved the debate on the mechanisms involved in human cell shut-down during division, finding that receptors can transport nutrients but are temporarily blocked. This discovery may lead to future studies on manipulating this process to prevent harmful infections.
Study: Muscle regeneration may provide ideal environment for rhabdomyosarcoma
A Nationwide Children's Hospital study found that muscle regeneration may create an ideal environment for rhabdomyosarcoma to arise. The research uses mouse models of muscular dystrophy to investigate the growth of eRMS, a fast-growing and highly malignant tumor subtype.
Ultra short telomeres linked to osteoarthritis
Research shows that ultra short telomeres in osteoarthritic knees are associated with increased severity of OA and proximity to the most damaged section. Abnormally shortened telomeres may lead to senescence, failure of joint repair and progression of the disease.
Treatment of psoriasis gets new hope
Researchers at Linköping University have identified a new target for treating psoriasis: the psoriasin protein, which stimulates cell division and angiogenesis. By inhibiting psoriasin, they believe they can reduce disease severity and minimize side effects.
Flatworm flouts fundamental rule of biology
Researchers have discovered that flatworms can regenerate without centrosomes, a cellular structure essential for cell division in all animals. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that centrosomes are crucial for cell division.
How old yeast cells send off their daughter cells without the baggage of old age
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that aging yeast cells retain protein aggregates in mother cells during cell division, preventing them from passing on to daughters. This process is facilitated by the limited mobility of protein aggregates and the narrow opening of the bud neck.
Chromosome centromeres are inherited epigenetically
A team of scientists has discovered that the histone protein CenH3 is both necessary and sufficient to trigger the formation of centromeres and pass them on from generation to generation. This discovery may help develop artificial human chromosomes for gene therapies in medicine.
New insight in how cells' powerhouse divides
A recent study published in Science reveals that mitochondrial division occurs at points where the two structures, mitochondria and ER, touch. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of cell organization and the development of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke.
NIH awards WSU researcher $1.39M to study chromatin's role in cell division
A recent NIH award of $1.39M will support a study led by Dr. Lori A. Pile to investigate the alteration of chromatin structure during cell division, which is crucial for normal cell growth and cancer development. The findings aim to refine cancer treatments currently undergoing clinical trials.
Keeping it together
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory have discovered a protein complex called condensin that keeps chromosome arms folded and easy to transport. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of how chromosomes are organized during cell division, with implications for our own cells' ability to divide properly.
Scientists find 'brake-override' proteins that enable development of some cancers
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a mechanism enabling cancer cells to sustain abnormal growth by nullifying natural defense against uncontrolled division. Cks proteins overexpression causes incipient cancer cells to ignore braking signals, leading to unchecked cell division.
The good, the bad and the ugly: The many roles of c-JUN in cancer
Researchers discovered c-JUN's ability to prevent methylation of p16INK4a and Cdk6, accelerating tumour formation and stabilizing these genes. This new function reveals a complex role for the protein in cancer development.
New light shed on cell division
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding the assembly of centromeres in human cells, revealing an essential division of labor among specific proteins. By visualizing these proteins in living cells, they discovered that certain proteins like CENP-A play a crucial role in carrying genetic information to the centromere.
Johns Hopkins researchers link cell division and oxygen levels
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered a direct link between MCM proteins and the oxygen-sensing HIF-1 protein. The study found that MCM proteins mediate crosstalk between cell division machinery and environmental factors, controlling cell growth based on oxygen availability.
2 unsuspected proteins may hold the key to creating artificial chromosomes
Researchers discover CENP-C and CENP-T proteins, which are essential for kinetochore assembly and can potentially overcome the current obstacle of outfitting artificial chromosomes with kinetochores. This finding could lead to new genetic research tools and efficient creation of artificial human chromosomes.
T cells outpace virus by getting a jump-start on division
Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) get a head start on viral replication by dividing early during their journey to infected tissue. This allows them to quickly respond to the virus upon arrival, making them more effective in defending against infection.
In tiny fruit flies, researchers identify metabolic 'switch' that links normal growth to cancer
In a study published in Cell Metabolism, researchers discovered a genetic switch called dERR that supports cell division and proliferation in growing fruit flies. This switch is controlled by a nuclear receptor and transcription factor similar to human ERRs, which are associated with breast cancer.
Trigger mechanism provides 'quality control' in cell division
Scientists have discovered a previously undiscovered trigger mechanism that monitors the structure of the cell's nucleus and delays cell division if it's not correct. This discovery may shed light on how cancer starts and could lead to new research into cancer prevention.
On the trail of the epigenetic code
Researchers develop test system to investigate histone modification function and its influence on gene expression and cellular division. The study reveals a complex interplay between histone modifications and the genetic code.
Genetic switch underlies noisy cell division
Researchers have identified a specific gene circuit that acts as a 'switch' to tell cells when to divide. This discovery may help scientists better understand cell biology and establish a library of cancer-causing pathways.
Scientists unwrap DNA packaging to gain insight into cells
Researchers identified thousands of proteins involved in compacting DNA, a crucial process for cell division. This discovery could help explain why cell renewal can go wrong, leading to cancer or miscarriage.
VIB and UGent researchers identify key mechanisms of cell division in plants
Researchers have discovered over 100 new proteins involved in plant cell division, revealing the machinery behind this process for the first time. The newly developed Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) Platform enables rapid unraveling of protein interactions, advancing crop yield optimization.
Rediscovery: MBL scientists confirm role for mysterious cell component, the nucleolinus
Researchers have confirmed the nucleolinus's role in cell division by associating it with structures required for separation of chromosomes. The discovery provides insight into recent studies suggesting a critical role for the nucleolus in cell cycle regulation.
Apples grow larger when cells don't divide, study shows
Researchers found that a new apple variety, Grand Gala, grows larger due to endoreduplication, where cells make copies of DNA but don't divide. The apples are about 38% heavier and have a diameter 15% larger than regular Galas.
Breakthrough in understanding cell development
Researchers have discovered a crucial protein controlling cell division and acquisition of characteristics in plants. This breakthrough provides new insights into the co-ordination of cellular processes and may have implications for animal biology and organ formation.
Data mining algorithm explains complex temporal interactions among genes
A new data mining algorithm called GOALIE reveals how biological processes are coordinated in time. The algorithm uses gene expression data to reconstruct temporal models of cellular processes, improving our understanding of cell division and metabolism.
Florida State researcher uncovers protein's role in cell division
A Florida State University researcher has identified the important role that CDK5RAP2 plays in maintaining centriole engagement and cohesion, thereby restricting centriole replication. This discovery could lead to a greater understanding of stem cells and their connection to human diseases such as small brain syndrome.
Blocking DNA repair protein could lead to targeted, safer cancer therapy
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have discovered that inhibiting a key molecule in a DNA repair pathway could make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy while protecting healthy cells. This approach could provide a new means to target and treat cancer more effectively.
Sluggish cell division may help explain genital defects
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that a gene called Sonic hedgehog controls the speed of cell division, which may contribute to genital defects. The study found that slower cell division rates can lead to underdeveloped and malformed genitalia in mice.
Flower organ's cells make random decisions that determine size
A team of scientists led by Caltech biologists found that cell-cycle length and chromosome duplication without division play key roles in determining sepal cell sizes in Arabidopsis thaliana. This probabilistic development process results in unique patterns and proportions among sepals.
How microtubules let go of their attachments during cell division
Researchers have determined how cells regulate microtubule attachments during cell division, a process critical for proper chromosomal distribution. The system relies on phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of key proteins, controlled by enzymes Aurora B and PP1, to correct attachment problems and maintain accurate chromosome separation.
Artificial light at night disrupts cell division
A new study found that just one pulse of artificial light at night damages circadian cell division, a key process affected in cancer. The research reveals changes in gene expression, including genes connected to cancer formation and anti-cancer defense.
Bacteria divide like clockwork
Researchers have discovered how cyanobacteria's rate of cell division is regulated by the same circadian clocks that control human sleep patterns. The study found that cells divide once per day at specific points in the 24-hour cycle, with implications for understanding cellular renewal and cancer.
Biologists discover how biological clock controls cell division in bacteria
Researchers identified a key protein that controls bacterial cell division and found the biological clock's role in regulating this process. The study's findings provide insights into the evolution of circadian clocks between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Sweet! -- sugar plays key role in cell division
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that sugar-based protein modification called O-GlcNAcylation regulates cell division. Disrupting this process can lead to polyploidy, a condition exhibited by many cancer cells. The findings have implications for new treatments for diseases like cancer.