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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.

Controlling cells with a laser beam

Researchers at TU Wien develop a method to guide individual cells with laser precision, enabling reproducible production of artificial tissue and testing new drugs without animal testing. The technique involves adding special molecules to hydrogel surrounding cells, which become softer and more permeable when activated by a laser beam.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2022

Designer neurons offer new hope for treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have developed a process to convert non-neuronal cells into functioning neurons that can take up residence in the brain and restore capacities undermined by Parkinson's destruction of dopaminergic cells. In a proof-of-concept study, one group of experimentally engineered cells performs optimally in terms of survival, growth...

SourceArizona State University·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Getting sticky with it: Phospholipid found to play a key role in epithelial cell adhesion

Researchers found phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP2) essential for epithelial cell-cell adhesion and maintaining cellular identity. PIP2 regulates epithelial properties by recruiting Par3 to the plasma membrane, facilitating the formation of adherens junctions and preventing epithelial-mesenchymal transformation.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Breast cancer: Why metastasis spreads to the bone

A team of biologists identified a protein involved in the spread of breast cancer to bones. The discovery confirms the importance of cellular plasticity during the metastatic process and could lead to new treatments. ZEB1, a protein that increases cell plasticity, was found to direct cells with metastatic characteristics to bones.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022

Flexible printable electrical patches for accelerated wound healing

Researchers at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have developed a flexible, antibacterial conductive hydrogel-ePatch that accelerates wound healing with minimal side effects. The e-Patch uses silver nanowires and alginate to promote cell proliferation and migration, resulting in faster wound closure and reduced scarring.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2022

Lockdown for tumour cells

A novel inhibitor has been discovered that stalls a critical enzyme inside tumour cells, locking them in place and preventing invasion into healthy tissue. The findings hold promise for the development of metastasis-blocking agents.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 20, 2022

Lab grown, self-sustainable muscle cells repair muscle injury and disease, mouse study shows

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully cultivated human muscle stem cells capable of renewing themselves and repairing muscle tissue damage in mice. The self-renewing stem cells were created by reprogramming laboratory-grown human skin cells, which then differentiated into specific cell types using a nutrient-rich broth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 20, 2022

Burst of rapid cell motion in 3D tumor model

A new phenomenon was discovered where increased pressure leads to a sudden burst of rapid and coordinated cellular motion, spraying outwards from the tumour. This fluid-like pushing mechanism can kill cancer cells but also enables them to survive and multiply in new environments.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

Story tips: DNA in a drop, printing in the wind, drier air, revealing hidden biology and calculating better batteries

Researchers use environmental DNA to monitor aquatic species near hydropower facilities, while also developing a novel method for printing full-strength steel components using additive manufacturing. These advancements could lead to more efficient and cost-effective monitoring and renewable energy production.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 1, 2022

New review highlights cancer-crushing viruses

A recent review article describes a class of viruses known as oncolytic viruses, which have the remarkable ability to target and destroy cancer cells. Researchers are exploring these viruses for cancer therapy, with some showing promising results in stimulating an immune response against cancer.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCancers·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 30, 2021

Cells move by controlling the stiffness of their neighbours

Researchers discovered cells can regulate neighboring cell stiffness to facilitate movement, a finding that could aid in understanding developmental disorders and cancer metastasis. This novel mechanism may provide a strategy for slowing or preventing cancer spread by altering tissue stiffness.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Under arrest: Using nanofibers to stop brain tumor cells from spreading

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a platform using nanofibers to capture and control the migration of brain tumor cells, including glioblastoma multiforme. The study found that varying fiber densities can slow or speed up cell movement, leading to the creation of 'cell traps' that can restrict tumor cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

Researchers take step toward using cellular motion to help wound healing

Scientists at Princeton University have created a novel approach to directing skin cells using an electrical field. By breaking molecular connections between cells and applying an electric field, researchers were able to improve the controllability of tissues and potentially optimize wound healing through electrical stimulation.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Synthetic tissue model with blood vessels

Scientists create a cell culture system where blood vessels can grow within a framework made of synthetic materials. The team investigates material properties that promote blood vessel formation and refines the model to improve its performance, paving the way for growing implantable tissues.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2021

AI knows where your proteins go

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a machine learning program that accurately predicts the location of proteins related to actin in cells. The program achieved a high degree of similarity with actual images, showing promise for future applications in cell analysis and artificial cell staining.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateAug 5, 2021

Cell couriers deliver clue to cancer metastasis

Researchers have discovered that increased levels of protein Tumour Protein D54 can increase and decrease the movement of cancer cells, suggesting its potential role in tumour spread. The study found that reducing or increasing this protein's expression affects cell migration, with higher levels leading to more metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateJul 21, 2021

Chloroplasts on the move

Researchers have discovered a new pathway for intercellular exchange of large cell structures, enabling genetic material to be transferred between plants. This process allows for the creation of new plant species and has implications for crops like bread and durum wheat.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 11, 2021

Patterns in primordial germ cell migration

A team of biologists and mathematicians developed a new software tool to analyze cell migration processes in zebrafish embryos. The study identified physical barriers that influence cell migration and found a tissue-specific expression of green fluorescent protein, which serves as a reference structure for image registration.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJan 7, 2021

Frozen: Cutting-edge technology reveals structures within cells

Researchers have developed a new method to visualize protein complexes in their natural environment, revealing the structure of the Arp2/3 complex and its role in cell motility. The study provides insights into the regulation and activity of this important protein complex, which could lead to better understanding of disease mechanisms.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2020

Stem cell treatment for vascular diseases can be predicted through real-time observation

Researchers developed a method to predict therapeutic efficacy of stem cell treatment for vascular diseases based on initial distribution and migration of transplanted cells. The method enabled predicting superior therapeutic efficacy when treatment cells form into condensed 'round shape' during initial treatment.