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Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers at Keio University found that matrix metalloproteinases improve wound healing in mice, while a complement inhibitor FUT-175 delays autoimmune disease onset. Additionally, a new target for tumor angiogenesis inhibition and bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP-7) have been identified as potential therapies for liver high blood pre...

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 23, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: July 13, 2009

Researchers found that inhibiting Nox4 substantially inhibits hemangioma growth in a mouse model, while transplantation of cardiac progenitor cells improves heart function after myocardial infarction. Additionally, IL-17 and IL-22 play a crucial role in protecting individuals from developing kala azar, a lethal parasite disease.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2009

Gene therapy for hemophilia A mice

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have successfully provided long-term expression of Factor VIII in hemophilia A mice using a new gene therapy approach, marking a promising step toward human clinical trials.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 8, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: June 1, 2009

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which influenza virus makes individuals more susceptible to secondary bacterial pneumonia. Type I IFNs, key mediators of the antiviral immune response, impair the ability to mount an adequate immune response to subsequent pneumonia-causing bacterial infection.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 1, 2009

Last step leading to blood cell formation elucidated

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered the last step leading to blood cell formation, which has important implications for the development of new therapies. The study found that a special type of endothelial cell can transform into blood cells, providing a key insight into the mechanisms of hematopoiesis.

Deciphering the body's healing secrets

Researchers at the Centenary Institute have discovered a mechanism controlling endothelial cell growth and function. The process of differentiation, triggered by high levels of sphingosine kinase-1, allows cells to mature into functional endothelial cells, potentially leading to new treatments for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalBlood·DateFeb 11, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Nov. 3, 2008

A new role for the protein PrP has been identified in regulating food intake, with mice lacking PrP becoming obese in adulthood. Additionally, a protein FHL1 has been found to help heart muscle cells respond to high pressure, while a protein AIP1 regulates blood vessel formation under inflammatory conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 3, 2008

Building the blood-brain barrier

Researchers have identified Wnt/b-catenin signaling as a key pathway regulating brain development and maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. The study suggests that tweaking this signaling pathway could potentially mend damaged blood-brain barriers in patients with stroke or other conditions.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 27, 2008

ABC-transporters expressed on endothelial cell membranes efflux anti-HIV drugs

Researchers discovered ABC-transporters expressed on vascular endothelial cells, which decrease the intracellular concentrations of anti-HIV drugs like saquinavir and zidovudine. Inhibiting these transporters with verapamil or MK-571 increases drug retention, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy to improve HAART efficacy.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateAug 26, 2008

New source of heart stem cells discovered

A new group of stem cells in the epicardium can regenerate cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. This finding advances the hope of recapitulating developmental events to regenerate injured heart tissue, with potential applications for treating adults with heart failure.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateJun 22, 2008

Human vascular system in mice

A team of researchers created a functional human vascular system in mice by injecting spheroids of endothelial cells into the skin. The newly formed blood vessels are exclusively made of human endothelial cells and establish contact with mouse vessels, allowing for study of tumor growth and angiogenesis inhibitor effects.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 14, 2008

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 14, 2008

Scientists discovered that HOXA11, a homeobox gene, is essential for the development of uterosacral ligaments, which are weakened in women with pelvic organ prolapse. In another study, researchers found that increased expression of the WNT antagonist sFRP-1 contributes to elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 14, 2008

JCI table of contents: October 19, 2006

Two studies published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation reveal key roles for PLC-gamma-2 and NF-kappa-B in immune responses. PLC-gamma-2 regulates osteoclast development and B cell differentiation, while NF-kappa-B controls endothelial cell function in models of sepsis and cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 19, 2006

Therapeutic role found for carbon monoxide

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered that carbon monoxide can reverse symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension by arresting smooth muscle cell growth and inducing apoptosis. The gas works with nitric oxide to target problematic cells, offering a potential new therapy for the debilitating condition.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 18, 2006

JCI table of contents: May 1, 2006

Researchers identify EP1R as a key player in failed asthma treatments, revealing its interaction with beta2-adrenergic receptors. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing selective drugs to treat severe asthma in individuals who don't respond to current therapies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2006

JCI table of contents, April 6, 2006

In a study on Huntington disease, researchers found that cystamine increased brain levels of protective protein HSJ1b and BDNF, suggesting a promising candidate for treatment. The study also revealed that cystamine raises BDNF in an HSJ1b-dependent manner.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 6, 2006

UVa scientists hot on trail of therapies for deadly lung failure

Researchers at UVa Health System have identified a critical role of the CXCR2 receptor in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a leading cause of lung failure. The discovery opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies, including aerosol treatments that could potentially hit the lungs without compromising the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 21, 2006

A novel mechanism of action for anti-tumor agent, CA4P

Researchers discover that CA4P selectively targets endothelial cells, inducing regression of unstable blood vessels by disrupting VE-cadherin signaling. This breakthrough could lead to new avenues for targeting tumor neo-vessels and increasing the therapeutic window of anti-angiogenic agents.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 6, 2005

JCI table of contents November, 2005

Researchers found that CA4P selectively targets endothelial cells, inducing regression of unstable vessels by disrupting VE-cadherin signaling. This discovery may lead to new avenues for targeting tumor neo-vessels and increasing the therapeutic window of anti-angiogenic agents.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 6, 2005