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Group B Streptococcus breaches the blood-brain-barrier

A new study reveals Group B Streptococcus induces a protein that disrupts junctions between brain cells, increasing permeability and allowing the bacteria to breach the blood-brain barrier. Inhibition of this protein increases survival in zebrafish infected with GBS.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2015

An important LINC in human hearing

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene, which disrupts the LINC complex and leads to hearing loss. The study highlights the importance of nuclear positioning for normal hearing.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 25, 2013

Who goes there? Novel complex senses viral infection

A study identified a novel sensor that is necessary to activate the immune response to viral infection. The research highlights the complex and overlapping mechanisms used by immune cells to detect viruses, providing insights into the development of more effective antiviral therapeutics.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateJun 23, 2011

Researchers identify novel pathophysiologic mechanism responsible for autoimmunity

The study reveals that human proteins with Dermatan Sulfate affinity can become autoantigens, driving autoreactive B-1a cell responses and autoantibody production. Researchers identified over 200 autoantigens, including novel ones, which could lead to better diagnostics and personalized treatment for autoimmune diseases.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateApr 25, 2011

Fuzzy logic predicts cell aging

A new study uses fuzzy logic to predict how cell aging progresses, uncovering a protective and adaptive mechanism that extends lifespan. The model helps decipher the underlying connections and networks in cellular mechanisms, offering insights into age-related diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 17, 2010

The matchmaker that maintains neuronal balance

The protein LMO4 helps maintain a critical balance between two types of neurons, preventing motor dysfunction in mammals. Inhibitory neurons promote calm activity, while excitatory neurons encourage activity. LMO4 promotes inhibitory neurons by forming a complex that binds to DNA and blocks the development of excitatory neurons.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 25, 2009

Starve a yeast, sweeten its lifespan

Researchers found that acetylation affects yeast lifespan through the NuA4 enzyme complex, which also controls sugar production in cells. This discovery may have implications for understanding aging and human diseases, as the mechanisms identified are conserved across species.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateMar 23, 2009

Crossed (evolutionary) signals?

Researchers have discovered that choanoflagellates, single-celled organisms, possess similar levels of proteins used for cell communication in more complex organisms like humans. This finding confirms their role as an evolutionary link between single-celled and multi-cellular organisms.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 1, 2008

How actin networks are actin'

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that multiple Arp2/3 regulatory proteins play distinct roles in regulating actin networks, which are crucial for cellular processes such as cell migration and intracellular transport. The research provides new insights into the coordination of protein activities to generate complex actin networks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 2, 2008

Conaway Lab demonstrates mechanism by which transcription factor controls gene expression

The Conaway Lab has discovered a critical role for the chromatin remodeling complex INO80 in activating transcription mediated by the transcription factor YY1. This finding provides new insights into how YY1 regulates gene expression, which is crucial for cell cycle control and may have implications for cancer therapy.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 27, 2007

SWI/SNF and erythropoiesis

A Brg1 mutation in mice reveals the importance of SWI/SNF complexes in beta-globin regulation and erythropoiesis. This study may provide insight into common ailments such as beta thalassemia and anemia. The findings highlight the significance of chromatin-remodeling complexes in development and physiology.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 13, 2005

Opening the O-box

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding gene regulation by opening the O-box, a previously inaccessible region of genes. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new therapies and treatments.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateSep 29, 2005

In groundbreaking research, Yale and Salk Institute scientists reveal the structure of a key component that makes cells move

Researchers have determined the atomic structure of the Arp2/3 complex, a protein responsible for initiating actin filament growth in moving cells. This discovery provides insights into cellular movement mechanisms and has implications for understanding various biological processes, including immune responses and neural development.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2001