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Achieving asymmetry in the brain

New research demonstrates that Aurora-A kinase suppresses neuroblast self-renewal and promotes differentiation in fruit fly stem cells. This finding may provide new clues to the molecular basis of Aurora-A involvement in human cancers, including brain tumors.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateDec 14, 2006

Regulatory pathway in brain development possible basis for malformations

A team of researchers at UCSD School of Medicine has identified a genetic regulatory pathway that controls the choice between proliferation and differentiation in neural cells. Defects in this pathway result in brain malformations, such as Dandy-Walker malformation, which affects motor development and causes progressive skull enlargement.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2006

JCI table of contents: July 20, 2006

Research reveals that nicotine stimulates cell proliferation in lung cancer cells by activating the Rb–Raf-1 pathway, which is dependent on functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Additionally, targeting tumor-associated macrophages holds promise as a novel strategy against breast and other cancers.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 20, 2006

Evidence builds for potential new cancer drug target

Researchers at Temple University validated the c-myb gene as a potential cancer drug target by demonstrating its critical role in white blood cell formation. The study found that deleting the gene reduced cell proliferation and the risk of developing cancer, offering hope for future breast cancer treatments.

SourceTemple University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 27, 2004

Crucial brain development gene identified

Researchers have identified a critical gene called Lgl1, which plays a vital role in shaping cell behavior during embryonic brain development. The study found that mice lacking this gene exhibit dramatic abnormalities and resemble human patients with medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 9, 2004

FGF-2 to the rescue following traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that FGF-2 supplementation limits existing neuron loss while promoting new neuron generation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus following traumatic brain injury. This approach may offer a rational strategy for treating brain injury by enhancing neurogenesis and reducing neurodegeneration.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2003

Cell death during mammary involution

Involuting mammary glands undergo two stages of apoptosis, with the first wave triggered by Fas binding to its ligand FasL. Mutant animals lacking Fas or FasL experience delayed epithelial cell death.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 12, 2000