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Under the right conditions, peptide blocks HIV infection at multiple points along the way

Researchers have discovered a human peptide that effectively blocks HIV entry into cells by targeting specific targets on both the virus and the cells. The peptide, human neutrophil peptide 1, prevents early and late stages of HIV-cell fusion and inhibits viral uptake without compromising cell function.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2012

Sensitizing tumor cells to radiotherapy

A team of researchers identified a beta-1 integrin signaling pathway crucial for HNSCC resistance to radiotherapy. Inhibiting this pathway sensitized cells to radiation and delayed tumor growth in mice.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2012

New DNA repair pathway

UC Davis researchers have identified a new inducible pathway for repairing DNA damaged by oxygen radicals, which could lead to a better understanding of the causes of some cancers. The discovery involves an enzyme called NEIL1 that detects and repairs aberrant bases before changes in the genome become permanent.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2010

3 esophageal cancer cell lines commonly used in research prove to be from other cancers

Researchers verified that three commonly used esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines were actually from lung carcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, and gastric fundus carcinoma. This finding highlights the importance of authenticating cell lines to ensure accurate treatment strategies for esophageal cancer patients.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 14, 2010

When cells reach out and touch

Scientists at Johns Hopkins discovered that cell-to-cell contact revs up microRNA production, a key regulator of gene expression. The study found that physical contact is the critical factor influencing microRNA abundance, with increasing cell density leading to increased microRNA production in all tested cell lines.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2009

JCI table of contents: Aug. 23, 2007

Researchers found that FTY720 prevents disease in mouse models of leukemia caused by the cancer protein BCR-ABL. Nitric oxide inhalation also accelerates restoration of liver function after transplantation, reducing hospital stay times.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 23, 2007

Antioxidant found in many foods and red wine is potent and selective killer of leukemia cells

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a potent and selective killer of leukemia cells, specifically cyanidin-3-rutinoside, a naturally occurring compound found in many fruits and vegetables as well as red wine. This finding offers hope for a more targeted and less toxic therapy for leukemia.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 23, 2007

Prostate cancer uses Wnt signaling proteins to promote growth of bone tumors

Prostate cancer cells manipulate Wnt signaling proteins to establish themselves in bone tissue, producing dense bony lesions characteristic of prostate cancer. The study found that altered levels of Wnt activity promote osteoblastic lesions, while high levels of DKK-1 inhibit Wnt activity, leading to highly osteolytic tumor lesions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 1, 2005

Discovery could be key to bioterrorism defense

A team of researchers has isolated the Ephrin-B2 cell surface protein as a functional receptor for both Hendra and Nipah viruses, shedding light on their ability to infect a wide range of hosts. The finding holds promise for developing countermeasures to prevent and treat these emerging global health threats.

SourceHenry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2005

An alternative to bone-marrow donation

Researchers found that ES cell lines can restore blood cells, including immune systems, in mice without being rejected. This breakthrough has potential advantages over traditional bone marrow or blood donations, offering a renewable source with low risk of graft-versus-host disease.

SourceJournal of Experimental Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 29, 2004