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Forcing wounds to close

Researchers at National University of Singapore discover that cells exert directional forces to close gaps in protective epithelial barriers, even when underlying layers are damaged. This 'tug-of-war' mechanism drives mechanical forces responsible for gap closure.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2015

Epithelial tube contraction

Scientists at the National University of Singapore identified a novel mechanosensitive regulation of epithelial tube contraction using the C. elegans spermatheca as a model. The study revealed that SPV-1 protein maintains regular cycles of actomyosin contractility, which helps maintain tube integrity.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 19, 2014

Penn study finds mechanism that regulates lung function in disease Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome

A recent study by researchers at Penn Medicine has discovered the essential role of tumor suppressor gene FLCN in regulating lung function in patients with Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome. The absence or mutation of FLCN leads to deteriorated lung integrity and impaired lung function, as reported in their findings in Cell Reports.

Going global

A genome-wide analysis of genes that drive cell division in a multicellular organism has been conducted, revealing over 300 genes differentially expressed during the G1 and G2 phases. The study provides a searchable resource for scientists and citizens to explore gene expression in wing discs and cultured cells.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 2, 2014

Converting adult human cells to hair-follicle-generating stem cells

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have successfully converted adult human cells into epithelial stem cells that can regenerate human skin and hair follicles. The breakthrough could potentially enable hair regeneration in people, but further work is needed to address other cell types involved in hair growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2014

Healing powers

Researchers from the Carl-Philipp Heisenberg group have identified a key mechanism for limiting tissue tension during cell division, enabling epithelial closure and wound healing. By orienting cell division through mechanical tension, cells can maintain their integrity and ensure proper tissue development.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 13, 2013

BUSM researchers identify molecule that could aid lung cancer detection, treatment

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a regulatory molecule, miR-4423, that is less abundant in people with lung cancer and inhibits lung cancer cell growth. This molecule may aid in diagnosing lung cancer in earlier stages and treating the disease when at healthy levels.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2013

The benefits of bacteria for gut health

Researchers have discovered that specific bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, stimulate the growth of host epithelial cells through the production of reactive oxygen species. This finding has implications for treating inflammatory bowel disease and other disorders.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateOct 18, 2013

How the gut gets its villi

Research reveals that gut villification is caused by mechanical compression of the epithelium sheet, rather than active mechanisms involving growth factors. This process involves the spontaneous buckling of the epithelium into longitudinal folds and zigzag patterns, ultimately forming villi.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2013

Cells move as concentration shifts

Researchers found that cells displace due to changing morphogen concentration levels, attracting cells through chemotaxis. This understanding can improve wound healing and artificial tissue engineering.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 29, 2013

A promising target to treat asthma

A team from the University of Iowa has found that inhibiting the CaMKII enzyme could be an effective approach to treating allergic asthma. The study suggests that airway lining cells play a crucial role in asthma, and blocking the enzyme may help alleviate symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 24, 2013

miR-205 can be responsible for breast cancer

A new study challenges previous views on miR-205's function in breast cancer. Research found that miR-205 is overexpressed in transformed cells and contributes to the abnormal morphology of acini. The findings suggest miR-205 can act as an oncogene, promoting cell growth or inhibiting apoptosis.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOncomiRs·DateDec 21, 2012

Small proteins in the cornea protect against bacterial infection

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that corneal epithelial cells express small antimicrobial peptides to defend against bacterial infection. These peptides prevent bacteria from binding to epithelial cells and are crucial in protecting the eye against infections, as evidenced by mice lacking cytokeratin 6A being more susceptible.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2012

Make or break for cellular tissues

Researchers developed a model to study the behavior of cellular tissues, finding that they can split into disjointed patches when subjected to unfavorable substrates. This phenomenon, known as dewetting, is governed by the cells' sensitivity to substrate stiffness.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMay 16, 2012

JCI early table of contents for April 16, 2012

Researchers study the origins of HIV/AIDS, revealing that SIV replication in human tissues is crucial to viral efficiency. In contrast, a new study finds that autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins contribute to bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 16, 2012

Big advance against cystic fibrosis

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have created human lung surface tissue in a dish, containing the delta-508 and G551D mutations responsible for most CF cases. This breakthrough enables drug screening on genuine human cells, paving the way for a potential therapy to control cystic fibrosis.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateApr 5, 2012

Antibody therapy prevents gastrointestinal damage following radiation exposure in mice

Researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have discovered an antibody therapy that prevents lethal gastrointestinal damage following radiation exposure in mice. The treatment, which targets ceramide molecules, improved survival rates from 0% to 80% among mice exposed to high levels of ionizing radiation.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 4, 2012

Researchers describe a new genetic program that converts static cells into mobile invasive cells

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered a new genetic program that converts epithelial cells into mobile invasive cells, which is common in embryonic development and tumour progression. The GATA6 gene plays a key role in this process, triggering survival factors and degrading the cellular matrix to facilitate cell migration.

BVES butts heads with colorectal cancer

Researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine found that BVES regulates EMT in human colon cancer cells and is silenced via promoter methylation in human colorectal carcinoma. Restoring BVES expression decreased cancer cell characteristics.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 12, 2011

Pitt team finds molecular pathway that leads to inflammation in asthma

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine identified a molecular pathway that helps explain how an enzyme elevated in asthma patients contributes to inflammation and mucus production. The study reveals unique interactions between biological molecules that could be targeted to develop new asthma treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2011