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Scavenger cells accomplices to viruses

Cell biologists from the University of Zurich have identified the infection mechanism for type-5 adenoviruses, revealing that viruses use scavenger cells to trigger an immune response and expose shielded receptors on lung epithelial cells. This discovery has implications for both gene therapy and cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2011

JCI table of contents: June 23, 2011

Researchers discovered that ghrelin is required for prolonged psychosocial stress to promote preference for high-fat food in mice. A ketogenic diet also suppresses seizures by reducing adenosine levels, while HDL from patients with coronary artery disease has different effects on blood vessel lining cells compared to healthy individuals.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 23, 2011

Movement without muscles

Researchers identify epithelial cells as key to sponge movement, contradicting long-held assumption about muscle cell origins. The study uses 3D imaging to visualize sponges' contracted and expanded states, revealing a new understanding of the evolutionary development of musculature.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 12, 2011

NIH scientists describe how salmonella bacteria spread in humans

Researchers discovered a reservoir of rapidly replicating Salmonella inside epithelial cells, which are then pushed out into the gut cavity, triggering an inflammatory response. This understanding may lead to a treatment that prevents the spread of infection and sheds light on the mechanisms behind acute intestinal inflammation.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2010

Researchers to activate anti-cancer gene

CDX2 is an identity gene that tells a cell it is in the epithelial tissue of the intestine, enabling it to perform its job correctly. Cancer cells deactivate this gene, leading researchers to identify five anti-cancer genes and discover CDX2's role in suppressing colon cancer.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 30, 2010

Stem cells restore tissue affected by ALI

Researchers used clinical-grade human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to treat ALI, restoring normal function of alveolar epithelial cells and reducing inflammatory cytokines. The study found that intravenous delivery of hMSCs was as effective as intrabronchial administration in repairing damaged lung tissue.

McMaster researchers discover a new way HIV infects women

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a new mechanism by which HIV infects women, exploiting the breakdown of the mucosal barrier in the intestinal and female genital tract. This breakthrough understanding could lead to the development of more effective prevention strategies, such as microbicides and vaccines.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateApr 8, 2010

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that SPAK silencing may promote cancer progression in B-cell lymphomas by crippling genotoxic stress signaling. In contrast, macrophage migration contributes to impaired peritoneal fluid drainage and lymphatic dysfunction in the diaphragm. Additionally, urokine plasminogen activator (uPA) is instrumental in the early ...

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateSep 28, 2009

LSUHSC research identifies enzyme that makes survival molecule for key vision cells

Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center identified the 15-LOX-1 enzyme, which produces neuroprotectin D1, a molecule that protects retinal cells key to vision. This discovery has potential applications in treating retinal degenerative diseases and neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 26, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 1, 2008

Researchers have developed a new approach to modulate gene expression using miRNA natural gene repressors for therapeutic purposes, effectively treating cancer in mice. Additionally, the study has provided insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling epithelial fluid and HCO3– secretion, which may help understand cystic fibrosis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 1, 2008

The new source of islet cells

Researchers at Dr. Liu et al. successfully differentiated primary pancreatic ductal epithelial cells into insulin-producing cells using the transfection of PDX-1, a promising approach to enhance islet cell output and meet clinical needs. This study suggests a future for many diabetic patients who need islets transplantation.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 25, 2007

Mucins stand guard against gut infections

Researchers have discovered that cell surface mucin 1 (Muc1) is a key component of the gut's defense against bacterial infections. Mice infected with Campylobacter jejuni were found to be more susceptible to intestinal damage without Muc1, highlighting its critical role in preventing infection spread.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 19, 2007

Role of TRPM8 in the development of prostate cancer

Research suggests that TRPM8 is overexpressed in prostate cancer cells, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target. The study also found that endoplasmic reticulum TRPM8 retains functional activity regardless of cell differentiation status, which may contribute to cancer cell growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 17, 2007