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Unraveling the mystery behind the uterus repair system

Researchers from University of Missouri-Columbia investigated mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in the uterus, a process where cells rebuild the uterine lining after shedding. MET helps restore the uterine lining quickly, but its dysregulation can lead to inflammation, lesions, or cancer, potentially affecting fertility.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2026

Mini-organs reveal how the cervix defends itself

Researchers at Aarhus University used mini-organs to show that cervical epithelial cells actively detect and combat infections, with uninfected cells becoming immune-active. This discovery opens opportunities for mucosal vaccines and targeted treatments against STIs and infertility.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 3, 2025

BMP9 regulates tooth root development

A study found that BMP9 signaling is crucial for tooth root development, influencing odontoblast differentiation and HERS cell proliferation. The findings reveal a complex regulatory network involving TGF-β and Wnt signaling pathways.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateSep 23, 2025

Common lung bacteria team up to evade immune defenses

A study found that co-infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium abscessus suppresses immune responses, leading to worsened lung function decline in patients with cystic fibrosis and COPD. The presence of both bacteria together reduces the production of key immune signalling molecules, effectively dampening the body's inflam...

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalVirulence·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025

The fine control of cell mechanics

Researchers discovered that gamma-actin increases the rigidity of cell membranes while beta-actin filaments are less stiff. This mechanism may contribute to hearing loss by affecting the apical membrane's stiffness essential for auditory function.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMar 20, 2025

A newly discovered mechanism rejuvenates aging cells

A newly discovered mechanism has identified a key protein, AP2A1, that toggles between 'young' and 'old' cell states. By suppressing AP2A1 in older cells, researchers were able to reverse senescence and promote cellular rejuvenation. This breakthrough may lead to new treatment targets for diseases associated with old age.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCellular Signalling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Gut instincts: Intestinal nutrient sensors

A team of researchers has developed strategies to identify regulators of intestinal hormone secretion, which could lead to new treatments for metabolic and gut motility disorders. They used human organoids to study the function of 'nutrient sensors' on hormone-producing cells in the gut.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

UVA engineers design lookalike drug carrier to evade lung’s lines of defense

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have designed a drug-carrying molecule that can slip past the lung's natural defenses. The nanocarrier, called PEG-BB, is shaped like a bottlebrush and mimics the properties of mucus, allowing it to move quickly through the airway.

Chlamydia can infect gastrointestinal epithelial cells in the lab

Researchers have successfully infected gastrointestinal epithelial cells with Chlamydia trachomatis using lab-grown human organoids. This finding supports the theory that Chlamydia can form a reservoir in the human gut, highlighting the importance of further investigation into this potential reservoir.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 22, 2024

Key driver for epithelial cancer development identified

A distinct TNF-α signaling program has been identified as a key driver of epithelial cancer development, contributing to cell proliferation and invasion. The researchers found that this program is active in both normal tissues and tumors, but its level of activity correlates with tumor aggressiveness.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Celiac disease: New findings on the effects of gluten

Researchers at Bielefeld University discovered that certain gluten-derived molecules, including the 33-mer deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP), form nanosized structures that accumulate in gut epithelial cells and lead to leaky gut syndrome. This triggers chronic inflammation and autoimmune responses in celiac disease patients.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Dartmouth-led study provides new insights into phage therapy design

A new Dartmouth-led study has provided new insights into the therapeutic potential of bacteriophage therapy for treating diseases like cystic fibrosis. Researchers found that respiratory epithelial cells sense and respond to therapeutic phages, and interactions between phages and epithelial cells are heterogenous in nature.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Key role found for gut epithelial cells and their expression of MHCII in the defense against deadly diarrheal infections

Researchers have identified a subset of intestinal epithelial cells that act as both the major target and responder in a mouse model of gut infection by Citrobacter rodentium. These cells, known as distal colonocytes, trigger a unique gene-expression program when infected with the bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2024

Tracking the ol' mutation trail

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered the mechanism by which breast cancer forms in mammalian epithelial cells. The team found that approximately 20 mutations accumulate annually in each cell until menopause, after which the rate decreases significantly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Test animals, hold your breath!

Researchers from Kyoto University developed a microchip using human iPS cells to measure transport capacity of membrane proteins, potentially giving test animals respite. The model simulates glucose reabsorption and drug excretion in renal proximal tubules, enabling patient-specific disease modeling and personalized medicine studies.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023

New technology to study virus infections

Scientists at Max Delbrück Center have developed a tool to screen drugs that can help treat viral diseases like COVID-19 by analyzing the immune response of lung epithelial cells. The technology uses synthetic locus control region (sLCR) DNA sequences that glow red when triggered, enabling researchers to identify potential treatments.

Two new studies identify promising pathways to treat chronic COVID-19

Two studies investigate long-term consequences of COVID-19, identifying potential drug targets for treating chronic disease. Researchers found novel pathways in the lungs and immune system that may lead to effective treatment options, including therapies targeting immune dysfunction and mucous cell differentiation.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2023