Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Stomach cells may give rise to esophageal cancer

A new study has found that stomach cells from the cardia region may give rise to esophageal adenocarcinoma, a particularly lethal form of esophageal cancer. The research suggests a link between chronic inflammation and bile acid reflux in the development of this disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalCancer Cell·DateJan 17, 2012

Going with the flow

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered that oocytes rely on an intracellular flow to push the meiotic spindle into place, setting the stage for asymmetric cell division. This finding may lead to improvements in selecting promising oocytes for in-vitro fertilization.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 28, 2011

The evolution of brain wiring: Navigating to the neocortex

A new study has provided insight into the evolutionary scenario guiding sensory information projections in different species. Researchers discovered that subtle changes in the migration of 'guidepost' neurons underlie major differences in brain connectivity between mammals and nonmammalian vertebrates.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 2011

Fly cells flock together, follow the light

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used a laser beam to activate a protein that makes a cluster of fruit fly cells behave like a school of fish, following the lead of one stimulated with light. This study holds potential importance for understanding embryonic development and tumor metastasis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 18, 2010

Researchers find brain cell transplants help repair neural damage

A study by the Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence found that autologous brain cell transplants can provide brain protection and repair neural damage in donor primates. The cells survived at an impressive 50% rate for four months post-implantation, offering a promising new approach to treating neurological disorders.

Metastatic movements in 3-D

Research reveals that blocking avb3 integrin leads to a5b1's increased trafficking and association with EGFR1, activating the Akt pathway and promoting random migration and invasive ability. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying metastatic movement in tumor cells.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 6, 2008

Now playing -- Cell migration LIVE!

Researchers have successfully observed cell migration in real-time using a specialized liquid culture medium, shedding light on the nuances of organized cell movement. This breakthrough could lead to strategies for regulating both normal growth and cancer progression.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 8, 2007

A wandering eye

Researchers at EMBL track individual cells in transparent fish embryos using advanced microscope techniques to find that they migrate to the right place to form eyes. This discovery suggests that other organs might be formed by individual cell migration rather than sheets of tissue.

Mouse, frog and bird put Snail and Slug to different uses

Researchers discovered that Snail family genes play a consistent role in controlling body asymmetry in mice and birds, but have a different function in neural crest cell formation. This finding provides surprising new insights into the evolution of developmental biology across species.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2006

Go with the flow: How cells use biological flows to signal and organize

Research reveals that tiny biophysical forces play a critical role in tissue formation, enabling cells to migrate and organize into functional structures. The study used computational models and in vitro experiments to demonstrate the importance of slow biophysical flows in establishing morphogen gradients.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2005