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Knowing how bacteria take out trash could lead to new antibiotics

Researchers have uncovered how bacteria control their growth and division by destroying key proteins through regulated protein degradation, a critical process for bacterial virulence. Understanding this mechanism may lead to the discovery of new antibiotics targeting pathways that allow bacteria to overcome stressful conditions.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2014

Cell division discovery could optimise timing of chemotherapy and explain some cancers

Researchers discovered that cell division in mammalian cells synchronises with the body's daily rhythm, known as the circadian clock. This synchronization can help explain why people with disrupted circadian rhythms are more susceptible to cancer and may also inform an optimal timing for administering chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2014

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.

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.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 12, 2012

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 3, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2012

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.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJan 10, 2012

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.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2011

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 14, 2011