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Uncovering the protein complex critical to male fertility

Researchers from Osaka University have identified a protein complex crucial for male fertility, revealing the TEX38/ZDHHC19 interaction regulates sperm development and structure. The study found that disrupting this complex can cause sperm deformity and infertility, providing insight into the causes of male infertility.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

A fresh spin on nuclear centering

Researchers used two specialized microscopes to measure the forces that keep the nucleus centered within a living cell, providing new clues about cellular cytoplasm and organelle motion. The study found that the force required to move the nucleus in C. elegans was approximately 1/6th less than that measured in sea urchin eggs.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Effectiveness of using siRNA to treat Huntington’s disease

A new study published in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics found that siRNA reduces huntingtin mRNA levels in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus of mouse brains, suggesting a limitation in its effectiveness for treating Huntington's disease. The research highlights the importance of understanding the structure and function of nuclear RNA to ...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Targeting ABC transporters in PDAC – past, present, or future?

Researchers from Leiden University discuss targeting ABC transporters in pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), a cancer with poor survival rates. The authors highlight the potential of inhibiting ABC transporters to overcome chemoresistance and suggest developing stratification protocols to identify patients most likely to benefit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 10, 2024

Sting operation out of gas

Researchers question whether micronuclei activate the cGAS-STING pathway, a key innate immune response to foreign nucleic acids. The study found that MN more commonly recognizes DNA during cell division without triggering STING activation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024

Study finds new pathway for clearing misfolded proteins

A new study at Stanford University found a previously unknown cellular pathway for clearing misfolded proteins from the nucleus. This pathway could be a target for therapies of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Cells use this pathway to manage misfolded proteins in both the cytoplasm and nucleus.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 20, 2023

Nerve cell discovery may lead to better treatment for diseases of the nervous system

Scientists at King's College London and the University of Bath have made a groundbreaking discovery about a molecule that plays a crucial role in nerve cell development. The study found that this molecule, known as SNRNP70, is not only present in the nucleus but also in the cytoplasm of nerve cells, where it shapes messenger RNA strand...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

Study suggests a way to stop HIV in its tracks

A Loyola University Chicago study has identified the protein bicaudal D2, which facilitates the trafficking and nuclear import of HIV-1 genomes during infection. This finding raises the possibility of developing a drug that would prevent HIV-1 from binding to bicaudal D2.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2017

Novel approach to track HIV infection

Researchers have developed a novel approach to track HIV infection by identifying individual viral particles associated with infection. The new method reveals that uncoating leading to infection occurs early in the cytoplasm, around 30 minutes after cell fusion.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2017

UZH scientists predict activity of human genes

Researchers at the University of Zurich have made a groundbreaking discovery that the nucleus acts as a passive filter to regulate gene activity, reducing random noise. By visualizing subtle physiological details with microscopic dyes, they were able to detect and predict the activity of individual genes in human cells.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell·DateDec 17, 2015

Uncovering a key relationship in ALS

A University of Toronto research team discovered a new link between the genetic cause of ALS and its pathology, suggesting that C9orf72's mislocalization leads to TDP-43 buildup. This breakthrough offers new avenues for research and potential treatment or cure.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 15, 2015

Viruses are sneakier than we thought

Researchers found that Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus uses polyadenylation to block normal gene expression in cells. The virus' SOX protein aberrantly lengthens mRNA poly(A) tails, sending a signal to the cell that its messages are wrong and holding them back.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 26, 2009

Artificial cells, simple model for complex structure

Scientists develop a simple model for complex cell structure by creating artificial cells with molecular crowding and heterogeneity. The system mimics the behavior of proteins and nucleic acids in living cells, allowing researchers to study the effects of macromolecular crowding on chemical reactions.