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Mechanism of expanding bacteria revealed

Gram-negative bacteria rely on cell wall to synchronize outer membrane building, but a new study identified 'old' peptidoglycan as the key factor controlling this process. Disrupting this mechanism makes Gram-negative bacteria vulnerable to targeted antibiotics.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

Unlocking the mysteries of cell migration

Researchers led by Atsuo Sasaki aim to identify mechanisms behind cell movement and energy allocation in cancer cells, with potential applications beyond cancer treatment. They will use scanning ion-conductance microscopy and machine learning technology to study the role of GTP in cellular migration.

Pumping calcium for bigger bones

A Kyoto University study has discovered that c-type natriuretic peptide facilitates intracellular calcium signaling in chondrocytes to stimulate long bone growth. This finding may lead to the development of new bone growth-stimulating agents for treating developmental disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Higher blood fats more harmful than first thought

Researchers discovered that elevated blood fats in people with metabolic diseases create stress in muscle cells, leading to cell death and worsening the illness. Ceramides, a signal created by stressed-out cells, can be passed on to other cells, increasing the risk of severe symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 2022

Overcoming resistance to breast cancer treatment

A team from UNIGE has identified a potential target for restoring the efficacy of standard breast cancer treatment. The loss of SPRED2 protein leads to tumor proliferation even with tamoxifen treatment. Combining tamoxifen with an inhibitor of estrogen-independent cell activation may be promising for resistant patients.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCancers·TypeNews article·DateMar 9, 2022

CNIC scientists identify a shuttle protein required for the nuclear import of proteins essential for organ growth and development

Researchers have identified a crucial nuclear transport mechanism essential for organ growth and development, involving the protein YAP. The study shows that YAP interacts with importin-7 to control its nuclear entry, regulating cell and tissue growth, and potentially targeting diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

New lab model simulates effects of exercise on muscles

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new lab-based system to grow human muscle cells that contract vigorously. They found that muscle cells from patients with sporadic inclusion body mitosis (sIBM) have similar muscular properties to healthy humans but exhibit altered responses to exercise.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2022

Hitting the brakes on the cell cycle for the formation of plant stomata

Researchers discovered that a transcription factor called MUTE induces a cell cycle inhibitor SMR4 to slow down the cell cycle, allowing for asymmetric division. A variant with excess SMR4 showed a longer cell cycle during symmetric division, revealing a crucial regulatory mechanism in plant stomatal development.

'Molecular Velcro' enables tissues to sense, react to mechanical force

A University of Illinois study discovered that cadherin proteins can sense mechanical stress and alter cell communication, promoting tissue growth and tumorigenesis. The findings suggest a potential mechanism for preventing certain types of tissue growth by mutating cadherin molecules.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2022

A mechanism that allows cells to stop their polarized growth when under stress conditions described

Researchers from the Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Research Group at UPF have discovered a mechanism by which cells stop their polarized growth when under stress conditions. The study, published in Cell Reports, found that the MAP kinase Sty1 pathway deregulates the equilibrium between Cdc42 activators and inhibitors.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 10, 2021

Chemotherapy fails for some blood cancer patients because of crucial gene mutations, finds study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital

A recent study by NTU Singapore and Singapore General Hospital found that mutations in the DDX3X gene are responsible for chemotherapy resistance in some blood cancer patients. The study also discovered that STAT inhibitors can effectively kill lymphoma cells with DDX3X mutations, providing hope for new treatment options.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2021

Building better tools for biomanufacturing

A team of researchers has developed a Dynamic Sampling Platform to analyze cells in real-time, overcoming the time-consuming and expensive process of biomanufacturing. The platform provides insight into cell behavior and biochemical information needed for process control, potentially lowering the cost of cell therapies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Slow release of a drug, TT-10, improves heart attack recovery in a mouse model

Researchers found that slow release of TT-10 from nanoparticles improved heart function after a heart attack, accompanied by increased cardiomyocyte proliferation and smaller infarct size. The study suggests that PLGA nanoparticles could be used to improve treatment administration efficiency for cardiovascular drugs.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021

How diet affects tumors

A new study from MIT reveals that calorie-restricted diets slow tumor growth in mice by reducing fatty acid availability, while ketogenic diets have limited effect. The findings offer insight into how dietary interventions might be combined with existing or emerging drugs to help patients with cancer.