Add BrightSurf on Google Email

MCG scientists identify new treatment target for leading cause of blindness

Researchers at MCG's Vascular Biology Center have identified a new treatment target for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. Targeting the adenosine receptor 2A (Adora2a) may block excessive blood vessel growth and fibrosis, potentially offering a more efficient treatment than current therapies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 2, 2024

Cover paper: Senescent characteristics of human corneal endothelial cells upon UV-A exposure

Researchers investigate senescence phenotypes of human corneal endothelial cells upon treatment with ultraviolet (UV)-A. Cells exhibit enlarged morphology, increased β-galactosidase activity and decreased proliferation. UV-A-induced senescent cells show similar gene expression profiles to ionizing radiation (IR)-induced cells.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

A study led by IBEC successfully mimics the complex neuroblastoma vasculature on a chip to explore treatments for this pediatric cancer

Researchers at IBEC have created in vitro models of neuroblastoma vasculature, replicating the tumor's characteristic blood vessel formation and identifying GB3 as a potential therapeutic target. The study uses stiffness-based models and microfluidic chips to explore treatments for this pediatric cancer.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalCancers·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Two keys needed to crack three locks for better engineered blood vessels

Researchers have found two proteins, SOX17 and FGF2, that can efficiently mature stem cells into endothelial cells, forming tubular-like vessels. This breakthrough could enable the growth of lab-grown vascular tissue to support heart transplants and develop artificial blood brain barriers for neurological drug testing.

SourcePenn State·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

The integrity of the blood-brain barrier depends on a protein that is altered in some neurodegenerative diseases

A study by University of Barcelona researchers reveals that TDP-43 protein is essential for forming stable blood vessels and maintaining the blood-brain barrier, which prevents toxins from reaching the central nervous system. Deficiency in this protein leads to vascular defects and neuroinflammation.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2024

Towards a better understanding of endothelial cell transformation in cancer progression

A novel reporter cell experimental system enables the visualization of sequential changes during endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) induced by transforming growth factor-β. Researchers identified CD40 as a potential partial EndoMT marker, which suppresses the transition from partial to full EndoMT.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCancer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Pioneering study indicates a potential treatment for corneal endothelial disease, reducing the need for corneal transplants

A pioneering study published in The American Journal of Pathology reveals the cytoprotective and proregenerative effects of neuropeptide α-MSH in promoting corneal healing after eye injury. The treatment has shown impressive therapeutic potential in reducing the need for corneal transplants.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Immune system plays crucial step in creating blood stem cells

A microbial sensor, Nod1, plays a crucial role in the development of blood stem cells. The discovery could lead to the creation of patient-derived blood stem cells, eliminating the need for bone marrow transplants and improving lives of leukemia, lymphoma, and anemia patients. Researchers are continuing to study the complex interaction...

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Combining cell types may lead to improved cardiac cell therapy following heart attack

A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Academia Sinica of Taiwan has successfully combined lab-grown cardiomyocytes with stem-cell-derived endothelial cells to regenerate damaged heart muscle after a heart attack. This combination therapy holds promise for tackling arrhythmia and could lead to improved clinical applications.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCirculation·DateOct 31, 2023

Agarose-based method shows potential in understanding extracellular vesicles' role in cancer metastasis

A collaborative study has developed an agarose spot migration assay to examine the ability of extracellular vesicles to attract other cells in a controlled environment. The assay revealed differences in EVs' recruitment capability for endothelial cells, particularly in highly metastatic cancer cells.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

Synthetic peptide could reduce vascular problems associated with COVID-ARDS

Researchers have developed a synthetic peptide that could help reduce vascular problems associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19. The peptide, called TIP, works by binding to a subunit of the epithelial sodium channel, which helps maintain barrier function and prevent damage from viral proteins.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 3, 2023

Study unlocks potential breakthrough in Type 1 diabetes treatment

Rice University scientists developed a screening technique to identify high-performing biomaterials for encapsulating insulin-secreting cells, providing long-term blood sugar level control in diabetic mice. The study's findings have the potential to open the door to a more sustainable and self-regulating way to treat Type 1 diabetes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

OHIO diabetes researchers discover the potential of CIDEC protein to mitigate obesity-related cardiometabolic disease

A team of researchers from Ohio University discovered that CIDEC protein improves vascular and metabolic dysfunction, reducing insulin resistance and lipid levels in high-fat diet-induced mice. The study contributes to understanding the role of the vascular endothelium in regulating systemic metabolism.

SourceOhio University·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Gene essential to making DNA appears to be a good target in minimizing pulmonary hypertension

Researchers discover that inhibiting a gene crucial for DNA production can significantly reduce destructive cell proliferation and disease progression in pulmonary hypertension. This finding presents a potential treatment target for the condition, which affects females aged 30-60 with limited treatment options.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 14, 2023

Cyborg technology analyzes the functional maturation of stem-cell derived heart tissue

Scientists have developed a new technique using tissue-embedded nanoelectronic devices to study the functional maturation of stem-cell derived heart tissues. The research found that co-culturing stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes with endothelial cells enables faster and more efficient maturation, with significant implications for engine...

A blood vessel protein reduces mortality in infectious disease

A new study by Osaka University researchers demonstrates that the endothelial cell-specific protein Robo4 plays a crucial role in reducing mortality in severe infection. By upregulating Robo4 expression, a drug treatment can decrease vascular permeability and increase survival rates.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

The brain cells needed for fever

Researchers at Linköping University identified the brain cells necessary for a fever reaction in mice, finding that prostaglandin production in these cells is both necessary and sufficient for triggering a fever response. This breakthrough sheds light on the body's defense mechanism against infection and inflammation.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Smoking and vaping had overlapping adverse health effects, dual product use may be worse

Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateOct 26, 2022

Study reveals molecular brain changes linked to APOE4, the main susceptibility gene for Alzheimer’s disease

A new study from USC researchers uncovers the sequence of early molecular changes caused by APOE4, a discovery that may help identify potential treatment targets in the brain's blood vessels. The research reveals problems with the blood-brain barrier and synapses, leading to behavioral deficits and cognitive dysfunction.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022