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Matchmaker lets calcium flow

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology identified the matchmaker that brings critical calcium channel components together, allowing calcium to rush into cytosol. This finding provides a potential target for developing drugs to modulate T cell activation status.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 6, 2015

Oil or fat?

A recent study found that saturated fatty acids can induce cell death in cardiac muscle cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress. In contrast, unsaturated fatty acids protect these cells from damage. The research suggests a critical role for saturated fatty acids in heart disease development.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalEndoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Diseases·DateApr 27, 2015

Why upper motor neurons degenerate in ALS

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that increased stress in the endoplasmic reticulum is a key factor in the degeneration of upper motor neurons in ALS. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies aimed at improving the survival of these critical cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJan 28, 2015

Biology meets geometry

Researchers describe the Terasaki ramps in the endoplasmic reticulum as spiral structures that connect parallel sheets, allowing for high density of ribosomes. This geometry is stable and minimizes energy, consistent with the laminar structure of the stacks.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 30, 2014

Compound stymies polyomaviruses in lab tests

Researchers at Brown University have identified a small molecule compound called Retro-2 that successfully controls the spread of three polyomaviruses in human cell cultures. The compound protects up to 90.5% of cells from infection, offering new hope for treatment options.

SourceBrown University·JournalmBio·DateNov 13, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Sept. 24, 2013

Researchers develop mouse models of hereditary spastic paraplegia and distal renal tubular acidosis to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases. The studies reveal key roles for REEP1 in ER shaping and β-intercalated cells in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2013

A change of heart

Researchers have discovered a crucial link between mitochondrial function and heart damage caused by chronic alcoholism. Using electron microscopic tomography, the team created the first 3D images of mitochondria, revealing tiny tethers linking them to another cell compartment where calcium is stored.

Call of the riled

Researchers discovered that cancer cells generate a 'stress response' signal that induces nearby macrophages to issue a similar stress response, promoting inflammation and tumor development. This finding presents a potential target for tumor-specific therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 4, 2011

New mechanism links cellular stress and brain damage

A new study reveals that ER stress can lead to the destruction of a protein that regulates calcium signaling in neurons, causing brain damage similar to neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers found that a protective chaperone protein helps maintain the interaction between this protein and calcium signaling.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateDec 8, 2010

Not all fat is created equal

A recent study published in the journal Diabetes found that fat tissue in obese patients has impaired cellular function, leading to increased risk of insulin resistance and related conditions. The researchers discovered significant differences in the cellular structure and function of fat cells between lean and obese individuals.

SourceTemple University·JournalDiabetes·DateAug 27, 2008

Genetics of ALS progression

ALS researchers have identified a molecular pathway where mutated SOD1 leads to accumulation of malformed proteins in motor neurons, causing ER stress and cell death. Inactivating key factors in this pathway may mitigate neurodegeneration and prolong survival in mouse models.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMay 31, 2008