Add BrightSurf on Google Email

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.

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 5, 2010

New cell division mechanism discovered

Researchers at Uppsala University have identified a novel cell division mechanism in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, which may provide insights into human cell biology and evolutionary history. The discovery of three genes that form a sharp band between chromosomes suggests a unique process for cell separation.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2008

Being a control freak aids dividing cells

A new study reveals that dividing cells exhibit an unprecedented level of regulation, with over 1,000 proteins becoming highly phosphorylated. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cell cycle disorders and developing therapeutic targets.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2008

Biologists use computers to study bacterial cell division

Researchers created a mathematical model of bacterial cell division in Caulobacter crescentus, confirming existing hypotheses and identifying gaps in understanding. The model demonstrates the role of computation in biology and provides a framework for testing predictions and simulating mutant bacteria.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 24, 2008

A tiny pinch from a 'z-ring' helps bacteria cells divide

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a mathematical tool that computed the mechanical force exerted by the Z-ring when it helps bacteria cells split. The calculation revealed a surprisingly small force of 8 piconewtons, which could aid scientists in developing new antibiotics and understanding cell division.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2007

Gene may hold key to future cancer hope

Scientists have identified a key gene called Bub 1 that plays a critical role in normal cell division, and deactivating it has been shown to prevent cells from dividing successfully. The team hopes that targeting this gene may selectively kill cancer cells and develop new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 8, 2007

Latent memory of cells comes to life

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered that environmental changes can trigger dormant capacities in cells, allowing them to suddenly change their behavior. This phenomenon is made possible by the dynamic nature of nucleosomes and their ability to carry chemical modifications that control DNA expression.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell·DateMay 17, 2007

News tips from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

Researchers provide new insights into how a key protein used to fight viruses works, raising hopes for improved treatments against viral infection. Additionally, heart stem cells are shown to be unaffected by acute heart failure, making them available for cardiac recovery. A chemical called thioredoxin also helps prevent loss of neuron...

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 10, 2007

Steroid hormones regulate the body clock

Research by Nicholas Foulkes and colleagues found that peripheral clocks require cortisol to generate daily rhythms of cell proliferation. Constant levels of cortisol can restore normal cell-division rhythms in cortisol-deficient strains.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 19, 2007

Boost for new cancer therapies

Researchers have identified a new key step in how the Polo kinase enzyme functions, confirming its potential as a target for anti-cancer drug development. The study sheds light on how the enzyme helps cells divide and multiply in an uncontrolled manner to form tumors.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2006

Algae provide new clues to cancer

Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a link between cell size and growth in algae, which may provide new clues to cancer. They found that cells need specific proteins to divide on schedule once they reach a critical size.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 12, 2006