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Advanced computational modeling of the gut for biodefense

A new high-performance computing-driven model of the gut predicts emerging behaviors and responses to biological threats, simulating cell phenotype changes, signaling pathways, and immune responses. The model identifies key factors that delineate the outcome of infection, including epithelial cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

SourceNIMML·JournalGigaScience·DateJun 18, 2019

Human gut microbiome physiology can now be studied in vitro using Organ Chip technology

Researchers have developed an 'anaerobic Intestine Chip' that stably maintains a complex human microbiome and provides a protective physiological barrier. This breakthrough technology allows for direct investigations of health and disease-related human-microbiome interactions under low oxygen conditions.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 13, 2019

Scientists shed new light on infection process of gastrointestinal pathogen C. difficile

Researchers discovered that Clostridium difficile toxins induce apoptosis in intestinal epithelial cells, providing a defense mechanism against the pathogen. The findings suggest that this cell death response protects the host from C. difficile infection, raising potential for therapeutic strategies to target gastrointestinal pathogens.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2018

A new mechanism for how animal cells stay intact

Researchers at Stanford University have found a unique way that animal cells stay intact in the marine organism Trichoplax adhaerens (Tplax), using fast contractions in its epithelial layers. This discovery could inform our understanding of complex animals and the creation of advanced materials.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2018

Unlocking the genome

A team led by Prof. Stein Aerts uncovers how access to relevant DNA regions is orchestrated in epithelial cells, shedding light on biological mechanisms of gene regulation and potential new avenues for cellular reprogramming. Grainyhead, a pioneer factor, acts as a key that can be used to access specific DNA regions.

Watch how a T cell passes HIV sexually to a new host

Researchers have developed an in vitro model of urethral mucosa to visualize the HIV transmission process. The study reveals that infected T cells target epithelial cells above macrophages, leading to viral production and shedding via transcytosis. Macrophages then capture and store the virus, posing a challenge for treatment efforts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 8, 2018

Changes in breast tissue increase cancer risk for older women

Researchers identified age-related differences in breast tissue that contribute to increased risk of developing breast cancer in older women. The study found that accumulation of multipotent progenitor cells leads to defective luminal cells, which may be related to the increased susceptibility to breast cancer with age.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 2018

Investigating the enigmatic link between periodontal inflammation and retinal degeneration

Research investigates the link between chronic periodontitis and age-related macular degeneration, finding a common oral pathobiont, Porphyromonas gingivalis, that can invade human retinal-pigment epithelial cells. The study reveals significant molecular links between CP and AMD.

Fish oil component preconditions vision cells to survive future injury or disease

A LSU Health New Orleans study found that DHA in fish oil 'preconditions' photoreceptor and RPE cells to survive future insults, reducing the risk of retinal degeneration. The researchers also discovered that daily omega-3 supplementation may provide an opportunity for halting debilitating eye diseases.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·DateNov 30, 2017

Stem cells in intestinal lining may shed light on behavior of cancer cells

Scientists studied how intestinal epithelial stem cells respond to varying glucose levels, discovering a switch from renewal to growth mode triggered by higher glucose. This finding has implications for understanding cancer cell proliferation and developing new therapeutic strategies.

Mass. General team creates functional, stem-cell-derived small bowel segments

A team of researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital has successfully created functional small intestine segments using human induced pluripotent stem cells. The segments were able to absorb nutrients and transfer glucose and fatty acids into the bloodstream when transplanted into rats. This breakthrough could potentially provide a ...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 10, 2017