Articles tagged with Cell Growth
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that regulates the action of K-Ras, a cellular protein that plays an important role in many human cancers. The study found that phosphorylation of K-Ras weakens electrostatic bonds, allowing it to dislodge from the plasma membrane and promote apoptosis.
Researchers have found evidence of neuron growth in adult brains, particularly in dendrites, which could lead to new treatments for diseases like paralysis. The study's findings suggest that using neurons can stimulate growth, providing a potential approach to enhancing brain plasticity and improving functional outcomes.
A team of researchers at UCSD has quantified more noise in gene expression, discovering significant fluctuations within individual cells and variations between identical cells. This study provides a mathematical description of 'extrinsic noise,' a larger component of variation in gene expression.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that stimulating nerves before and after a spinal cord injury can increase growth capacity and sustain nerve regeneration. This breakthrough builds on earlier findings, highlighting the importance of timing and manipulating the nervous system's properties to enhance CNS cell growth.
Researchers discover GRK5 plays a key role in preventing cell growth and proliferation in blood vessel damage, hinting at alternative therapeutic targets. The study suggests that other cell types, such as epithelial cells or bone marrow derived stem cells, may also contribute to restenosis.
Researchers have discovered that sphingosine kinases SphK1 and SphK2 have opposing roles in regulating ceramide biosynthesis, with SphK2 potentially sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapy. This finding may lead to the development of more effective chemotherapeutic agents targeting specific sphingosine kinase without affecting others.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered that the Tsg101 gene controls cell growth through a non-cell-autonomous mechanism, causing normal cells to overgrow and form tumor-like growths. The study also suggests that some human cancers might be composed of a mixture of normal cells and mutated cells with Tsg101 mutations.
Scientists have identified a new compound in cranberries that prevents cancer cells from breaking away and spreading to other parts of the body. The compound inhibits the growth of human lung, colon, and leukemia cells in culture without affecting healthy cells.
Researchers discovered that TGFBR1*6A, a gene variant, significantly increases the risk of developing metastases in colorectal and head & neck cancers. In the presence of TGF-beta, cancer cells with this gene variant exhibit a selective growth advantage.
Two studies found that manipulating ecdysone release timing and Ras activity regulates fruit fly development. The prothoracic gland acts as a size-sensing tissue, determining when metamorphosis should occur.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that estrogen reduces levels of a crucial nuclear receptor corepressor, N-CoR, leading to increased breast cancer cell growth. The anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen can facilitate recovery of N-CoR, suggesting potential therapeutic implications for its use.
Researchers found that omega-6 fatty acids can stimulate cell growth in prostate cancer cells by activating the production of cPLA2 and COX2 enzymes. A diet high in omega-6 fatty acids may contribute to increased risk of prostate cancer, while a new class of drugs targeting cPLA2 could offer a safer alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers at Ohio State University have isolated compounds from broccoli sprouts that inhibit the growth of bladder cancer cells. The study found that isothiocyanates, which are formed during digestion, hindered the growth of bladder cancer cells and showed a strongest effect on the most aggressive form of the disease.
Dirk Inzé's pioneering work on plant cell division has revealed similarities to human cell regulation, shedding light on the mechanisms driving cancer and informing potential treatments. His research also explores the potential of plants to produce sustainable energy through photosynthesis, offering a promising solution for the world's...
The study reveals the forms taken by transitional structures of tubulin during microtubule assembly and disassembly, providing a new understanding of microtubule dynamic instability. The binding of GTP controls activity at the growing end of the microtubule, enabling rapid growth followed by sudden shrinking.
Researchers at Dartmouth discovered a molecule called Smad7, found in half of all human pancreatic cancers, that interferes with pathways regulating cell growth. Smad7 suppresses the function of the retinoblastoma protein, enabling cancer cells to grow unchecked and increasing metastasis.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have developed a new approach to inhibit blood vessel growth by targeting VEGF production within cells. The technique, which uses a gene that binds to and sequesters VEGF, has shown promising results in reducing destructive blood vessel proliferation by up to two-thirds.
The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has received nearly $3 million in funding from the NIH to study P. aeruginosa bacteria and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, which are involved in cellular growth and differentiation.
Researchers found a gene, Elp1, that regulates cell polarity in yeast, offering insight into Familial Dysautonomia's pathogenesis. The protein plays an essential role in cell growth and neuron development, which may be disrupted in FD patients.
Researchers have successfully developed a method to mass-produce embryonic stem cells using a bioreactor, which increases cell growth up to 193-fold in just 15 days. This innovative approach has the potential to reduce production costs by at least 80% and increase cell density by several hundred million times.
A team of researchers at the University of California, Riverside, has discovered a molecular mechanism that allows plant cells in thin structures like leaves to develop in a jigsaw-like pattern. This unique pattern provides the leaf with an extraordinary degree of strength, enabling it to grow and thrive.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified a plant protein complex that triggers cellular growth and development, similar to animal development. The discovery opens new avenues for understanding plant growth and potentially designing plants with enhanced protection against insects and disease.
Researchers identified an inherited gene variant associated with a 50% increased risk of prostate cancer, revealing a new pathway for the disease's development. The study found that individuals carrying this variant face a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Researchers have discovered a rare plant compound, SL0101, that inhibits the RSK protein, which is linked to breast cancer cell growth. The compound, found in Forsteronia refracta, prevents the growth of breast cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research shows that Herstatin blocks the growth of brain tumors by inhibiting signaling inside tumor cells. The treatment has shown promise as a viable alternative to traditional brain tumor treatment methods, particularly for glioblastoma, the most deadly form of brain cancer.
Experiments on moss grown in space showed it formed striking clockwise spirals despite the absence of gravity. Common roof moss grew in a residual spacing mechanism intended to control colony growth and branch distribution.
Researchers found histone macroH2A and regulators HIRA/ASF1a play key roles in forming SAHF, which promote senescence. Activation of these proteins leads to efficient senescence-associated cell cycle exit.
A new transport molecule called NaBC1 has been discovered, allowing boron to enter human cells. The protein is specific for borate and plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth and bone mineralization.
Jennifer West, a renowned bioengineer, has made significant advancements in nanotechnology and tissue engineering. Her research focuses on developing novel biomaterials for vascular grafts that could eliminate the need for vein transplants.
Researchers discover that apoptotic cells induce compensatory proliferation in fruit fly tissue, promoting cell growth through specific signaling cascades. This phenomenon has implications for understanding cancer and hyperplasia, highlighting the importance of regulating apoptosis.
Scientists identified two proteins as the key switches controlling brain cancer cell growth, revealing a potential new target for glioblastoma treatment. The study found that blocking one protein enables the other to inhibit cancerous growth, offering hope for more effective therapies.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School Medicine have induced axon growth rates of up to ten centimeters per week, defying previous understanding. The stretched axons maintained a normal internal structure and appeared invigorated by extreme growth, suggesting new mechanisms for neuronal physiology.
Researchers found that mice engineered to lose a single copy of the Rb gene in their prostate develop a precancerous condition analogous to human prostate cancer. This suggests that loss of Rb could be the initial spark for prostate cancer development.
Autophagy, a natural process where cells recycle damaged organelles, is induced by starvation or inhibition of key signaling pathways. Researchers discovered that an insect hormone ecdysone promotes programmed autophagy via PI3K signaling regulation, highlighting the complexity of autophagy control in multicellular animals.
A new study reveals a previously unrecognized mechanism for blood vessel patterning, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. The discovery involves an endothelial receptor called PlexinD1, which may enable manipulation of blood vessel growth and development.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding the molecular mechanisms driving pancreatic cancer's rapid growth and resistance to treatment. They've identified new targets for therapy, including a protein sponge that suppresses tumor growth and a novel mechanism for chemoresistance.
Researchers found that three polyphenolic compounds, EGCG, XN, and RES, can reduce breast cancer cell proliferation without being toxic. Xanthohumol (XN) showed the most potent effect, with a lower concentration required to inhibit cell growth.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina identified the role of the K1 gene in tumor cell growth and metastasis, potentially leading to new treatment options. The study found that the K1 gene initiates cancerous processes by up-regulating growth factors and breaking down supporting tissue.
Researchers found that embryonic keratinocytes differentiate into skin cells much sooner than cells after birth. The study suggests a higher commitment to differentiation in embryonic skin cells, which may apply to other epithelial tissues.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a bioreactor that increases propionic acid production by 50% and reduces unwanted byproducts. The device uses fibers to anchor cells in place, allowing them to grow and evolve in a harsh environment.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new biomaterial that can promote cell growth and differentiation, potentially aiding in the repair of human tissue. The self-assembling protein gel is made from genetically engineered modular proteins that can be mixed to create different types of hydrogels for specific applications.
By blocking the activity of enzyme Icmt, researchers can prevent mutant Ras from developing and causing uncontrolled cell growth. This breakthrough may lead to new therapies for various types of cancer, including pancreatic, ovarian, colon, and lung cancers.
Scientists identify site-specific growth signals that promote capillary formation in the developing retina and inner ear, providing a potential new approach for treating blinding diseases and improving treatment outcomes for conditions like cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a master regulator of smooth muscle development, protein myocardin, which controls growth and differentiation. This finding offers new insights into the cellular mechanisms controlling smooth muscle cell proliferation, potentially leading to novel therapeutics for cardiovascular ...
Virginia Tech biologist Virginia Tyson earns top scientist award for his work in computational cell biology and mathematical models of molecular mechanisms controlling cellular growth and division. His research aims to understand and treat medical problems caused by molecular dys-regulation, such as cancer and nerve-cell regeneration.
Researchers have discovered that protein cdk6 inhibits breast cancer cell growth, suggesting a promising avenue for diagnosis and treatment. Cdk6 levels were found to be significantly lower in breast cancer cells compared to normal cells, with increased expression of cdk6 linked to suppressed cell growth.
Researchers at Stanford University found that microenvironmental VEGF concentration determines the threshold between normal and aberrant blood vessel growth. Long-term continuous delivery of VEGF maintains below this threshold promotes normal angiogenesis, guiding therapeutic strategies.
Purdue University scientists discovered that simple sugars, particularly galactose, are essential for maintaining plant cell wall strength. The study found that enzymes break down xyloglucan polymers during growth, allowing microfibrils to separate and new fibers to be integrated, preventing the cell wall from becoming too thick.
Research at Texas Agricultural Experiment Station has led to a patent for derivatives of DIM, a natural compound derived from certain vegetables, to treat cancer. These compounds have shown promise in inhibiting the growth of breast, pancreatic, colon, bladder, and ovarian cancer cells in laboratory studies.
Researchers found that cancer cells release signals to nearby blood vessels to stimulate new vessel growth, while blood vessels release signals to sustain migrating cancer cells. This two-way dialogue allows cancer cells to survive and grow before new blood vessels form.
Tissue engineers can now monitor the growth and differentiation of cells in three-dimensional scaffolds with unprecedented depth. This breakthrough provides a crucial capability for the emerging field of tissue engineering, which aims to regenerate form and function in damaged or diseased tissues and organs.
Researchers found that c-myc promotes androgen-independent growth in prostate cancer cells, slowing growth with downregulation. This suggests a physiological role for c-myc in prostate cancer and offers a possible therapeutic target.
Researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center identify the Rho-ROCK signaling pathway as key to understanding how TGF-b promotes cell growth, contrary to its usual inhibition effect. The findings suggest a potential target for therapeutic intervention to restore TGF-b's growth-suppressing activity.
A biochemical chain of events governs cell size in multiple diseases. Researchers discovered that AMPK regulates TSC2 activity, which limits mTOR activity, thereby controlling cell growth. This chain of events may be targeted by the drug Rapamycin to treat genetic syndromes.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that ARF is a crucial regulator of both cell growth and division, two critical processes in cancer development. By inhibiting B23, another protein involved in cellular growth, ARF can control the cell cycle and prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that the anti-cancer drug CCI-779 can prevent abnormal brain growth and reverse seizures in lab mice lacking the Pten gene. The researchers used a mouse model to demonstrate that mTor plays multiple roles in the brain, driving cell growth and signaling pathways.
Researchers found that feeding ginger to mice before and after tumor injection slowed tumor growth, with 12 out of 20 mice still alive at the 49th day. The study suggests that ginger compounds may have chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic effects on colorectal carcinomas.
Researchers at UIC College of Medicine identified 57 genes involved in cell proliferation, including some not previously known to play a role in cancer cell growth. The study found that certain fragments inhibited the multiplication of breast cancer cells by shutting down genes necessary for cell growth.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center have identified honokiol, a compound found in magnolia cones, as a potent inhibitor of tumor growth. Honokiol reduces endothelial cell growth and inhibits angiogenesis, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
Researchers discovered that four peptide hormones from the heart inhibited DNA synthesis and tumor cell growth in laboratory tests, outperforming a standard drug used to treat pancreatic cancer. The findings suggest these naturally-occurring hormones may hold promise as an alternative treatment option with fewer side effects.