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UT-Houston scientists develop new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells

Researchers at UT-Houston's Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine have developed a new procedure to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into alveolar epithelial type II cells, also known as the 'stem cells of the lungs'. These cells can potentially be used to treat pulmonary genetic diseases and lung trauma.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2007

JCI table of contents: January 2, 2007

A genetic mutation in the beta1-adrenergic receptor alters the response to certain heart failure drugs, highlighting the potential for personalized medicine. The study found that a single amino acid change in the receptor can affect how well patients respond to beta blockers, with some variants showing increased sensitivity to carvedilol.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2007

Protein potentially links diet, obesity and asthma

The study reveals that protein aP2 is present in human epithelial cells lining the airways and its expression is increased by interleukin-4 and -13. Mice lacking aP2 exhibit reduced airway inflammation, highlighting the importance of lipids in inflammation and metabolism.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2006

Low cholesterol cues cataract development

Cataract formation is linked to cholesterol biosynthesis defects. Epithelial cells in the lens mature abnormally, leading to opacity. The study identifies a connection between cholesterol synthesis and cataract development.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 26, 2006

JCI table of contents, January 26, 2006

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found a connection between cataract development and cholesterol levels. Researchers discovered that rats with specific gene mutations had lower cholesterol levels in their eyes, suggesting an abnormality in epithelial cell maturation contributing to lens opacity. This link has ...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 26, 2006

JCI table of contents October 1, 2005

Scientists discovered that interleukin-6 increases in TM patients' cerebrospinal fluid and is linked to tissue injury. Arsenic trioxide inhibits nuclear receptor function via SEK1/JNK-mediated RXR phosphorylation. Epithelial myosin light chain kinase-dependent barrier dysfunction mediates T cell activation-induced diarrhea.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 22, 2005

Researchers discover how compounds prevent viruses from entering cells

Researchers have discovered how defensins and mannan-binding lectin can prevent viruses from entering cells. Defensins block the influenza virus entry into cells by preventing membrane fusion, while mannan-binding lectin works in a similar way. These findings may lead to new strategies for preventing viral diseases.

Scripps research scientists discover new key to pulmonary edema in respiratory distress syndrome

Researchers have identified a molecular mechanism controlling lung dryness and fluid entry, potentially leading to better prognosis for those with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The discovery focuses on the SIP3 receptor, which, when activated, causes pulmonary edema, offering new avenues for treatment.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2005

Combined stem cell-gene therapy approach seen as potential treatment for cystic fibrosis

A new study has provided proof of principle for a combined stem cell-gene therapy approach as a potential treatment for cystic fibrosis. The researchers were able to correct the CFTR gene defect using adult stem cells and ex vivo gene therapy, which may offer advantages in screening and long-term function.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 20, 2004

There and back again

Researchers uncover a novel mechanism regulating cell shape changes during somitogenesis, a process crucial for vertebrae and muscle formation. Cdc42 plays a central role in this transition, with activity levels influencing mesenchymal cells' ability to become epithelial cells.

SourceRIKEN Center for Developmental Biology·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 13, 2004

Molecule found to be critical for kidney development

The Notch molecule is found to be crucial for kidney development, particularly in the formation of podocytes. The study reveals that Notch signaling tells some cells to become podocytes from non-specialized epithelial cells. After a certain amount of time without Notch signaling, cells can recover and form podocytes again.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDevelopment·DateSep 8, 2003

JCI Table of Contents, 15 August 2003

Asthma patients treated with bronchodilating beta-agonist medications may develop increased sensitivity to airway constriction, experience exacerbation of their condition. Researchers suggest that therapeutics targeting phospholipase C-beta may have substantial benefit in the treatment of asthma.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 15, 2003

JCI Table of Contents, April 1, 2003

Inhibition of RAGE suppressed neointimal formation in mice upon arterial injury and decreased SMC proliferation, migration, and expression of ECM proteins. Local mucosal immunization leads to antigen-specific IgA production at distant mucosal sites through the interaction between CCR10 and its mucosal epithelial ligand MEC.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2003

Promoting wound repair

Researchers have identified gamma-delta T cells as a crucial component of the immune system in wound repair. These cells recognize an antigen released by keratinocytes during injury and produce growth factors that help proliferate epithelial cells, leading to wound closure.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateApr 25, 2002

Adult human breast stem cell candidate found

Researchers have successfully established a cell line that functions like adult human mammary stem cells, opening up new avenues for studying breast cancer and tissue regeneration. The discovery was made by Dr. Ole William Petersen and colleagues from the University of Copenhagen and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 14, 2002

A new route to branching morphogenesis

Researchers identified a novel pathway controlling branching morphogenesis, a critical process in development and tissue formation. This finding has implications for understanding diseases involving abnormal branching patterns.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 13, 2002

Monitoring epithelial plasticity, one cell at a time

Researchers monitor epithelial cell plasticity to understand its potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. By analyzing individual cells, scientists can gain insights into how tissues adapt and respond to changing conditions.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2002

Cell death during mammary involution

Involuting mammary glands undergo two stages of apoptosis, with the first wave triggered by Fas binding to its ligand FasL. Mutant animals lacking Fas or FasL experience delayed epithelial cell death.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 12, 2000