Articles tagged with Cell Membranes
Liangfang Zhang's invention uses human cell membranes to cloak nanoparticles, making them deliver drugs and remove toxins more effectively. The approach has shown promise against bacterial toxins, including MRSA, and may potentially treat diseases without conventional drugs.
Researchers at MIT developed a new cell-preservation technique using naturally occurring sugars, reducing the need for a chemical preservative. This approach significantly improves the viability and function of CAR-T cells, making them easier to deploy in hospitals.
Emerging non-endocytic delivery strategies enable direct cytosolic delivery of proteins, nucleic acids, and gene-editing tools, providing new opportunities for biomedical therapies. The review discusses their application prospects in gene therapy, macromolecular drug delivery, and cellular engineering.
Researchers reveal a previously unrecognized form of actin self-organization that may help explain how cells spontaneously generate shape and movement. Live-cell imaging and computational modeling show that these self-propelled treadmilling actin filaments (SpTAs) drive cellular protrusions through a process powered by treadmilling.
Researchers have successfully imaged the detailed workings of a cell membrane protein, called TMEM16 scramblase, which has essential roles in all animals. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for blood coagulation disorders, cancers, and other conditions in which the protein works abnormally.
Exposure to terahertz radiation induces significant changes in purine metabolism, pantothenate/CoA biosynthesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Gene network analysis reveals associations with membrane raft reorganization and receptor-mediated signaling involving epidermal growth factor receptor and G-protein subunits.
Researchers at OIST identified 80 plasma membrane repair proteins in budding yeast, revealing a coordinated sequence of molecular events. The study provides a foundation for investigating plasma membrane repair mechanisms in higher eukaryotes, including human cells.
Researchers have discovered that vesicles generated from cell-surface protrusions can deliver active proteins and genome-editing enzymes far more efficiently than conventional extracellular vesicles. This natural delivery system may enable the development of safer and more precise strategies for genome editing, regenerative medicine, a...
For the first time, researchers have directly visualized how newly formed cellular organelles leave the endoplasmic reticulum and transition onto microtubule tracks inside living cells. The study reveals that the ER plays an active role in steering intracellular traffic.
Researchers developed DeMemSeg, an AI-driven pipeline that accurately segments overlapping membrane structures with accuracy comparable to expert manual analysis. The approach enables large-scale, objective, and quantitative analysis of morphological data, providing a foundational technology for advancing disease mechanisms.
A collaborative team from Tohoku University measured the viscosity of living cell membranes using a new method, finding it four orders of magnitude higher than model membranes. This increased viscosity arises from complex structures unique to living cells, such as the cytoskeleton and membrane proteins.
A team of Japanese researchers has identified shootin1b as a protein that promotes cell migration in glioblastoma, the most common and difficult-to-treat brain tumor. By suppressing abnormal activity of shootin1b, the study suggests a potential target for preventing glioblastoma spread.
A TIFR Hyderabad study reveals that the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) senses wound gap curvature and changes its structure to guide cell movement. This distinct difference in ER morphology ends up playing a crucial role in deciding how cells move to seal wounds.
Researchers identify packing density as key factor affecting membrane elasticity, offering new insights into homeostasis and cellular behavior. This discovery has significant implications for drug delivery applications and the development of lifelike artificial cells.
The study investigates how early membranes may have selected the right-handed sugars and left-handed amino acids used in all life today. The researchers found that right-handed DNA and RNA sugars more easily passed through membranes with properties similar to those of archaea.
Researchers discovered that CsrA gathers in droplet-like structures inside cells to control bacterial gene activation. These compartments help bacteria adapt to environments and switch between harmless and virulent states.
Bacteria use tactile sensors to detect surfaces and trigger biochemical signals for colonization. Understanding mechanosensing is crucial for improving gut health and preventing biofouling in industries.
Researchers discovered that mammalian membranes have drastically different phospholipid abundances between their two leaflets, contradicting a major assumption of cell biology. The asymmetry is enabled by cholesterol's unique properties, which act as a buffer to redistribute between the leaflets and maintain robust barriers.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified the CcMCA1 gene as a key player in the development of haustoria, structures that allow Cuscuta campestris to feed on host plants. Suppressing this gene expression can reduce the number of haustoria per centimeter, offering potential for controlling invasive plant species.
The study reveals that the glycocalyx's main components are glycoproteins FMG1B and FMG1A, which regulate cilia adhesiveness without directly transmitting force for gliding motility. The findings expand knowledge of cellular regulation and protective mechanisms in other organisms.
Researchers discovered that gamma-actin increases the rigidity of cell membranes while beta-actin filaments are less stiff. This mechanism may contribute to hearing loss by affecting the apical membrane's stiffness essential for auditory function.
The Rice Center for Membrane Excellence (RiCeME) aims to develop advanced membrane materials and separation technologies for energy, environmental sustainability, and chemical processing applications. The center will focus on securing funding from federal agencies, industry partners, and global collaborators to accelerate the developme...
Ancient bacteria can respire carbon dioxide and hydrogen into acetic acid to produce ATP. A new mechanism involving sodium ions is activated when acetic acid is produced, driving a molecular turbine that generates energy.
A new study reveals a previously unexplored mode of protein regulation in cystic fibrosis, opening up a target for future therapies. The research finds that CFTR proteins form clusters on cell membranes, which are disrupted in people with the condition.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered that bacteria assemble their nanoweapons, known as type VI secretion systems (T6SS), in response to cell envelope damage. This rapid retaliation allows Pseudomonas aeruginosa to incapacitate attackers and thrive in diverse environments.
Researchers from UC and Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding how alcohol damages microbes that produce it. The study reveals the primary location of toxicity is in the cell membrane, which can be stabilized to increase efficiency in biofuel production.
A study by Andreas Koeberle and colleagues reveals that certain natural substances can increase polyunsaturated fatty acids in cancer cell membranes, making them susceptible to ferroptosis, a type of cell death. This discovery creates new avenues for treating therapy-resistant tumours.
Increasing the spacing between integrin-ECM binding domains on the extracellular matrix can boost the efficiency of ultrasound treatment applied to kill cancer cells. A new study found that this increased spacing triggers myosin forces, pumps more calcium inside, and promotes cell death.
A team of researchers from Japan directly visualized protein translocation across membranes for the first time, providing insights into the SecYEG-SecA complex dynamics and its role in facilitating protein movement. The study estimated a protein translocation rate of 2.2 amino acid residues per second.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg have identified a critical mechanism to slow down Crohn's disease progression by repairing the protective barrier of the gut. By reinforcing the gut's natural defenses, new drug targets may be developed to treat the disease.
Thousands of proteins rely on their tails to become successfully embedded within the cellular membrane. Researchers discovered a protein called YidC that helps short tails cross the fatty membrane, enabling functional protein-tail integration.
The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation has announced the recipients of its inaugural Keith Terasaki Mid-Career Innovation Award. Dr. Liangfang Zhang and Dr. Aydogan Ozcan were recognized for their innovative approaches to translating groundbreaking research into real-world impact.
CAR-T cell therapy has been shown to transfer CAR molecules to bystander T cells through trogocytosis, allowing the therapeutic effect to spread beyond the engineered cells. The study reveals that the transmembrane domains of these molecules regulate this process, potentially leading to improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
A team of scientists at Linköping University has developed a method to anchor conductive polymers to individual living cell membranes without affecting the cell's functions. This innovation opens up new possibilities for treating neurological diseases with high precision.
Researchers discovered that cells caught up in sepsis send out messages to other cells, causing them to die and fueling the spiraling inflammation. By understanding this process, scientists may be able to develop a treatment for inflammatory diseases like sepsis.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University created nanostructured alumina surfaces with unprecedented antibacterial properties without hindering cell cultures. The technology promises a game-changer in regenerative medicine by enabling antibiotic-free cell culture and reducing the risk of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered yeast cell wall-derived proteins that exhibit high emulsifying activity, comparable to commercial casein emulsifier. These easily released protein molecules could potentially replace emulsifiers derived from milk, eggs, and soybeans, reducing allergenic concerns.
Researchers developed a nasal vaccine combining traditional pertussis antigens with an innovative adjuvant called T-vant to boost immune response. The new vaccine was shown to prevent the bacteria's colonization in the respiratory tract, significantly curbing whooping cough spread.
Scientists have discovered a plausible explanation for the development of early Earth protocells. The researchers found that a spontaneous reaction between two simple molecules could form lipids and create membrane vesicles, paving the way for the emergence of life. This breakthrough provides new insights into the origin of life on Earth.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a variant of TMEM16F protein that enhances the spread of Parkinson's pathology, potentially leading to new treatments. The study found that cells with the mutation secrete more pathological α-synuclein, which can form Lewy bodies and damage brain cells.
A new mechanism has been found by which tumor cells escape the immune system, involving a protein called IRGQ. Studies have shown that suppressing IRGQ can trigger a stronger immune response against cancer cells, leading to improved survival rates in liver cancer patients.
Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown signaling pathway in plants that helps them sense and respond to low temperatures. The COLD6-OSM1 module triggers the production of 2',3'-cAMP, a secondary messenger that complements calcium signaling to enhance cold tolerance.
A new study reveals widespread resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to commonly used cleaning agents, including quaternary ammonium compounds. The researchers identify biocides that work well against the pathogen, highlighting the need for revised sanitation protocols in hospitals and homes.
A new study identifies phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate as a key regulator of the SK2 channel, which plays a critical role in cardiac ion channels and heart rhythm. The research provides critical translational insights into possible mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed nanopillars that breach the nucleus of a cell without damaging its outer membrane. This technology has potential applications in gene therapy and drug delivery. The researchers observed that only the nuclear membrane was punctured, leaving the rest of the cell intact.
Researchers developed a novel method to analyze microfossils, shedding light on the evolution of life. The technique identified phospholipid cell membranes and nitrogen-fixing metabolic enzymes in 1.9-billion-year-old fossils.
A study investigated heat transfer in PEM fuel cell stacks with serpentine-type cooling channels, revealing the impact of operating conditions on refrigeration capability. The research aimed to develop a novel correlation for the Nusselt number, facilitating more efficient cooling system design.
Researchers at UCSF used cryogenic electron microscopy to study the protein TGF-Beta, which plays a crucial role in development and cancer. They found that TGF-Beta can signal even when bound to a 'straitjacket' within the cell membrane, challenging decades-old dogma on its function.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a new electrochemical cell that converts bicarbonate solution into formate ions with high selectivity and efficiency. The cell boasts unrivalled performances rivaling energy-hungry gas-fed methods, promising to have a significant impact on climate change technology.
Scientists at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences have discovered a protein complex that regulates phospholipid scrambling, a process important for blood clotting and unwanted cell removal. The finding could lead to new treatments for diseases like epilepsy and anemia.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discover targeting an immunosuppressive protein on two fronts reduces metastasis and restores sensitivity to immunotherapy in a preclinical model. TNBC cells become resistant to immunotherapy due to membrane instability, enabling PD-L1 protein to drop inside the cell.
Two groundbreaking studies provide structural and functional insights into the chloroplast protein import system. The research revealed the assembly, function, and evolutionary diversity of the Ycf2-FtsHi complex, a crucial player in preprotein translocation.
A team led by Harvard's Ryan Flynn has discovered the mechanism of how RNA is chemically linked to N-glycans, proving the existence of glycoRNAs. This finding broadens the scope of known glycoconjugates and opens new avenues for research into glycoRNA biology.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences have provided mechanistic insights into the activation of SLAC1, a key anion channel involved in plant guard cell signaling. Phosphorylation of SLAC1 facilitates anion efflux, leading to membrane depolarization and stomatal closure.
Researchers discovered that deep-sea 'comb jellies' called ctenophores have a unique adaptation in their cellular membrane that enables them to survive at high pressure. This finding may inform what's known about the human body, particularly how a specific lipid called plasmalogen works in nerve cells.
Researchers observed the formation of butterfly scales' ridged pattern through advanced imaging techniques. The team found that a smooth surface wrinkles to form microscopic undulations before growing into finely patterned ridges.
Engineers have developed a pill that releases microscopic robots to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice. The treatment significantly reduces IBD symptoms and promotes the healing of damaged colon tissue.
Researchers at Duke University created an ultrathin silk membrane that helps cells grow into functional tissues used for research, enabling the development of kidney disease models. The new membrane improves communication and growth between cells, mimicking natural human organ structures.
A team from Osaka University demonstrates greater control of ion passage through a nanopore membrane by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. This leads to a six-fold increase in osmotic energy efficiency and a power density of 15 W/m^2, enabling the potential for scaling up the technology.
Researchers have developed a new technique called molecular pixelation, which allows for the analysis of hundreds of proteins simultaneously in individual cells. This provides a more detailed picture of protein distribution and interactions, crucial for understanding cellular function and signaling.