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A protein complex that untangles DNA

Researchers have discovered a protein complex called Smc5/6 that plays a crucial role in repairing damaged DNA and untangling chromosomes before cell division. The complex is involved in two distinct pathways, one for repair and the other for untangling, and its function has significant implications for understanding genetic stability.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJul 15, 2006

Sugar helps control cell division

New study reveals that O-GlcNAc modification of proteins regulates cell division and controls the steps and timing of cell division, contributing to cancer and other diseases. Researchers found that increasing or decreasing O-GlcNAc levels disrupts cell cycle, leading to cells with more than one nucleus, a common trait in cancer cells.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 20, 2005

A bug's life: aging and death inE. coli

A study published in PLOS Biology found that E. coli bacteria, which reproduce symmetrically, have a reduced growth rate, decreased offspring formation, and increased risk of dying compared to cells inheriting new poles.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 31, 2005

Images of 'tail' of protein needed for cell multiplication suggest anticancer drug targets

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered the structure and function of the 'tail' of a protein essential for cell replication, revealing potential targets for new anticancer drugs. The study found that a slight modification in the protein's shape can create unique enzyme activity.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 13, 2004

Possible new cure for psoriasis

Researchers at the University of Bonn have found a new effective therapy for psoriasis by blocking the division of epidermis cells. The treatment, which uses metalloproteinase inhibitors, has shown no toxic side effects and may provide a promising solution for the condition.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateAug 16, 2004

Counting the molecules that pull cells apart

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics in Dresden and EMBL in Heidelberg have counted the number of proteins that help an egg cell divide. They found that there are more motors pulling on one side, which can pull the centrosome off-center, leading to proper development of the embryo.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJul 25, 2003

Fauci: New Findings Help Explain "Rebound" Of HIV In Patients Who Discontinue Triple-Drug Therapy

Researchers at NIAID have found that the virus rapidly rebounds to high levels when drugs are discontinued due to normal stimulatory factors present in the environment of a patient's lymph nodes. The new data suggest that these factors can activate HIV hidden in immune system cells, leading to their death and further viral spread.