Articles tagged with Cell Metabolism
Scientists have developed a new assay system to target lactate transporters SLC16A1 and SLC16A3, associated with certain cancers and diseases. The method enables the discovery of highly selective inhibitors, providing a potential new approach for cancer treatments.
Researchers have successfully visualized the three-dimensional structure of human tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN, a crucial enzyme in tRNA maturation. The study reveals how TSEN recognizes and excises introns from precursor tRNAs, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia.
A team of scientists led by Professor Ivan Đikić and Christian Hübner identified the role of ubiquitin in regulating ER-phagy, a process involved in the degradation of the endoplasmic reticulum. This discovery sheds light on neurodegenerative diseases caused by defective FAM134B and ARL6IP1 proteins.
Scientists at CNIO identify succinylation as a poorly studied mechanism in cancer research; mutated DLST protein prevents succinylation, leading to pseudohypoxia and tumor growth. Succinylation is crucial for protein function and may be linked to various diseases.
A study found that biological age in humans and mice increases rapidly in response to diverse forms of stress, only to reverse after recovery. The researchers used DNA methylation clocks to measure changes in biological age, revealing transient changes in response to stressful stimuli.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have made a groundbreaking discovery about how neurons consume and metabolize glucose, a process crucial for maintaining normal energy levels. The study found that neurons rely on glycolysis to break down glucose, and its disruption can lead to severe learning and memory problems in mice.
The study found that downregulation of angulin-1/LSR leads to increased claudin-2 expression and altered cell metabolism in human lung adenocarcinoma cells, promoting malignancy. Researchers identified AG1478 and EW-7197 as potential therapeutic agents.
A hormone called FGF21 protects mice from ethanol-induced loss of balance and righting reflex by activating a specific part of the brain that controls alertness. The study reveals that higher FGF21 concentrations can dramatically accelerate recovery from intoxication.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered that chronically low oxygen levels, similar to those experienced at high elevation, rewire how mice burn sugars and fats. The study found lasting changes in metabolism, including lower blood glucose levels and body weight, which mirror what has been seen in humans who live at high altitude.
Researchers at UNIGE and UNIL have discovered the importance of cell metabolism in reactivating quiescent neural stem cells, increasing new neurons in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to potential treatments for conditions like depression and neurodegenerative diseases.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst epidemiologist is leading a team to better understand the effects of chronic stress on future health risks. They will examine metabolites in blood samples from a large, racially diverse population to identify potential biomarkers for heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.
Researchers tested three widely believed aging treatments in mice and found no impact on aging. A new analytical approach allowed them to measure aging processes more precisely, revealing that these treatments promote general health rather than targeting aging mechanisms.
A team of researchers at Osaka University has identified a specific enzyme complex that initiates the removal of damaged lysosomes from cells. The complex, composed of CUL4A, DDB1, and WDFY1 proteins, acts preferentially during lysophagy to facilitate the degradation process.
Researchers at Osaka University discovered that mutant variants of the RyR1 calcium channel protein are more sensitive to heat than normal proteins, leading to a cycle of activation that can cause malignant hyperthermia. This finding provides new insight into the condition and could lead to preventive and treatment strategies.
Researchers discovered that liver cancer cells modify their metabolism to leave them susceptible to disruptions in arginine supply, a key molecule. A three-pronged approach targeting tumor metabolism, blocking survival-promoting responses, and starving tumors of arginine can induce senescence, making cancer cells killable.
Heidelberg University researchers have identified a key protein HYPK that regulates N-terminal acetylation, prolonging plant protein life and enhancing drought resistance. This mechanism appears to be ancient, retained across various organisms.
Researchers from Osaka University engineered microorganisms to use light as an external energy source, accelerating biomanufacturing of target compounds without disrupting the host microorganism's natural metabolism. This approach has the potential to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in bioprocesses.
Researchers monitored cell environments for three days, finding significant differences from native conditions. The team aims to develop recommendations on improving culture conditions and reduce environmental instability.
Scientists discovered that surviving bacteria share a common feature: they accumulate acid in their cells, shutting down protein synthesis. This leads to increased survival and can be exploited to develop new antimicrobial treatments.
Researchers found that hyaluronic acid is not only present in pancreatic tumors but also serves as a nutrient source for cancer cells. This discovery indicates potential new treatments for pancreatic cancer by targeting the sugar scavenging pathway.
The new technology can reliably distinguish between cancerous and healthy liver tissue, aiding diagnosis and potentially reducing errors in biopsies. The researchers plan to continue measuring fluorescence lifetime parameters in patients with different types of tumors to generate real-time diagnostic classifiers.
Researchers identified specific metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemia cell lines, including sensitivity to PI3K and fatty acid synthase inhibitors. The study highlights the potential for targeted cancer therapy by exploiting these dependencies.
Researchers at UConn Health have discovered that eliminating senescent cells in human fat tissue can alleviate signs of diabetes and improve insulin sensitivity. The study suggests that clearing away these dysfunctional cells could lead to game-changing new treatments for Type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that excess carbohydrates can lead to metabolic distress by blocking the synthesis of important antioxidants and increasing insulin levels. This study provides new insights into the relationship between carbohydrate overfeeding and metabolic health.
Researchers at Osaka University found that E-NTPD8 regulates luminal ATP levels, which affects immune cells and promotes inflammation in colitis. Depletion of neutrophils improved symptoms, highlighting the enzyme's role in preventing severe colitis.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that reducing naturally occurring errors in protein synthesis improves both health and lifespan. By engineering a mutation in ribosomes, researchers observed fewer protein mistakes and improved heat resistance, leading to longer lifespans in yeast, worms, and fruit flies.
Scientists investigate rhythmic changes in yeast cells' hydrogen peroxide levels and find that inactivating peroxiredoxin decouples cell division from metabolism. This discovery could provide insights into uncontrolled cell division in tumor cells.
Sarah-Maria Fendt and Markus Ralser receive the EMBO Gold Medal for their pioneering work in understanding metabolic changes during cancer proliferation and metastasis formation. Their discoveries have the potential to develop more effective cancer therapies.
Researchers found gold nanoparticles undergo significant transformations after a few weeks in cellular environments. They revealed mechanisms of detoxification and cell protection, also seen in the degradation of other nanomaterials.
A team of researchers from the University of Birmingham has found a potential new target to treat inflammatory disease. They discovered that lactate build-up in inflamed tissue exacerbates the inflammatory response, and molecules involved in transporting sodium lactate could be a target for treatment.
A randomized, controlled trial found that ultra-processed diets led to higher calorie consumption and weight gain compared to unprocessed diets. Participants consumed an average of 508 calories more per day on the ultra-processed diet, resulting in a two-pound weight gain.
A small-scale trial found that participants eating ultra-processed foods consumed more calories and gained weight than those on a minimally processed diet, despite similar calorie counts. The study suggests that ultra-processed foods may be a significant contributor to overeating and weight gain.
A study using PET technology found that dopamine release in the brain happens twice during a meal: first when eating and second when food reaches the stomach. This release is linked to brain regions involved in reward, sensory perception, and higher cognitive functions.
The study found that dietary cholesterol alters cellular programming, promoting hormone-producing cells and nutrient-handling cells. Low nutrient availability triggers changes in intestinal structure and metabolism with long-term effects on metabolic health.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that limiting the times when lab mice eat can correct obesity and other metabolic problems, even when they're fed an unhealthy diet. The results suggest a previously unknown link between disruption of the clock and eating behavior.
Research finds that inefficient breakdown of fats in fat cells predicts later weight gain and metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes. An algorithm based on clinical and blood measures can detect impairments in hormone-stimulated lipolysis, identifying women at high risk of becoming overweight or obese.
A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that mitochondrial protein production regulates the well-being of cells via unknown communication links. As cells age, this communication collapses, leading to vital functions deteriorating or failing.
Researchers identified a lipid that circulates in the blood after exercise and exposure to cold, which may help reduce triglyceride levels and improve cardiovascular health. The lipid, called 12,13-diHOME, is produced by brown fat and promotes the uptake of fatty acids into working muscles during exercise.
A calorie restriction trial in healthy adults aged 21-50 found significant improvements in biomarkers of aging, including reduced oxidative stress and slowed metabolic rate. The study suggests that sustained calorie restriction may help decrease risk for chronic disease and prolong life.
Two independent mouse studies found that ketogenic diets improved memory in older animals and increased their chances of living longer. The diets also preserved physical fitness and altered insulin signaling pathways in the mice. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of a ketogenic diet on human health and aging.
A recent mouse study at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine reveals that a high fat, ketogenic diet increases median life span by 13% and improves quality of health in later life. The study also shows improvements in memory and motor function, as well as prevention of age-related markers of inflammation.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that high glycogen levels actually impair endurance muscle performance in mice. Glycogenin-deficient mice underperformed normal mice despite having higher glycogen levels, suggesting a switch from oxidative to glycolytic metabolism in slow-twitch muscles.
A recent study found that different people react differently to white and whole wheat bread, with half responding better to processed flour and the other half to sourdough. The researchers developed an algorithm to predict individual responses, pointing towards a new paradigm in nutrition based on personal microbiomes.
Researchers discovered that two-liquid cocktails exhibit long-range correlations at equilibrium and when disturbed, resulting in coexistence of different characteristics within the same fluid. Understanding these effects is crucial for studying diffusion mechanisms in various physical and biological processes.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that varying oxygen levels can reset the circadian clock of mice, which could inform how airlines moderate cabin air pressure. The research also suggests potential benefits for humans, including alleviating jetlag and improving air travel comfort.
Biomedical researchers need to replicate results in multiple animal models and report negative data to ensure reproducibility. Experts propose strategies such as holding public discussions, developing accountability metrics, and improving methods reporting.
A growing number of scientists argue that sex hormones and other variables affect how therapeutics behave, necessitating male and female inclusion in trials. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can significantly impact research, making it essential to consider these differences when testing drugs or transplant tolerance.
Researchers found that polyamine supplementation reverses slowed circadian clocks in aging mice, opening new possibilities for nutritional interventions. The discovery has potential implications for age-related diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study suggests that fish oil diets are more effective than lard diets due to the presence of certain gut bacteria. Mice transplanted with gut microbes from a fish oil diet showed reduced weight gain and inflammation compared to those with lard diet microbes.
Researchers have found that human irisin circulates in the blood at nanogram levels and increases during exercise. The discovery resolves a long-standing controversy over irisin's existence, with alternative start codons explaining its production in skeletal muscle cells.
A study by Kevin Hall found that restricting dietary fat leads to greater body fat loss than carb restriction, even though a low-carb diet increases fat burning. The research used controlled feeding studies and measured participants' food intake over two 2-week periods.
A new study found that bariatric surgeries alter the gut microbiome in ways that last for at least a decade, leading to sustained weight loss and improved metabolic health. The changes are specific to the surgery and not just a reflection of weight loss alone.
Researchers developed a calorie-restricted diet that mimics fasting to promote regeneration and extend lifespan in mice. A human pilot study found similar benefits, with decreased risk factors for aging-related diseases.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism has raised doubts about the age-reversal properties of GDF-11, a molecule previously linked to anti-aging effects. The research found that GDF-11 actually worsened muscle regeneration in older animals, contradicting previous findings.
Researchers investigated a potential link between new weight-loss drugs and increased colon cancer risk, driven by the intestinal growth factor properties of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The study suggests that patients with a previous history or increased risk of colon cancer may not be ideally suited for these therapies.
The study reveals that UCP2 is involved in increased metabolism in embryonic stem cells and cancer cells, while UCP4 is associated with nerve cell metabolism. The findings suggest that UCP proteins can be used to detect diseases at an early stage, such as cancer and neurodegenerative illnesses.
Two studies suggest that low protein intake may be beneficial for longevity until old age, while high-protein diets are associated with increased cancer risk and mortality. High-quality protein with low fat and complex carbohydrates is recommended for optimal health and long life.
Researchers discovered a molecule produced during exercise that helps protect against metabolic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease. The molecule, β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA), was found to increase fat cells' ability to burn calories and balance blood sugar levels.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that a single mutation in the SIRT1 gene can cause type 1 diabetes in humans. The researchers identified a previously undocumented mutation that led to an amino acid substitution in the SIRT1 protein, resulting in high levels of blood sugar.
Researchers created an atlas that maps molecular connections between caloric restriction and aging, identifying pathways in mitochondria that control metabolism. The study suggests therapies targeting Sirt3 function could provide novel interventions to prevent age-related illnesses.