Growth Factors

Blocking TGF-β signaling may strengthen efficacy of osteoporosis therapy

Beyond cell death: The hidden drivers of stem cell aging

A recent study reveals that MLKL activation causes direct damage to mitochondria, impairing energy production and leading to functional decline in hematopoietic stem cells. In contrast, deletion or inhibition of MLKL significantly alleviates these defects, suggesting a post-transcriptional mechanism driving HSC aging.

Growth trajectories in infants from families with plant-based or omnivorous dietary patterns

A cohort study reveals that infants from vegan households have similar growth patterns to those from omnivorous households, with a higher risk of early underweight at birth. As the findings suggest, further research is needed to examine the quality of vegan diets and the impact of nutritional counseling during pregnancy and infancy.

Discovery of plant reproductive success provides insights into human fertility

Scientists have discovered a protein called SCEP3 that ensures even chromosome segregation in plants, preventing infertility and genetic diseases. This finding has implications for plant breeding and understanding human fertility, with the equivalent gene SIX6OS1 potentially playing a role in promoting correct chromosome segregation.

U.S. neonatal mortality from perinatal causes

Mortality from slow fetal growth and malnutrition has increased nearly 2% annually, potentially linked to impaired prenatal nutrition. Medical advancements, improved prenatal care, and neonatal intensive care interventions may have contributed to the overall decline in U.S. neonatal mortality.

Tumor byproduct blocks immune cells from fighting cancer

A team of researchers has identified a novel oncometabolite that accumulates in tumors and impairs immune cells' ability to fight cancer. The study highlights how the metabolic environment of tumors influences T cell function, opening new possibilities for improving cancer immunotherapy by targeting tumor metabolism.

Researchers from Korea University explore how ascorbic acid and FGF4 revolutionize regenerative medicine

Researchers from Korea University have developed a groundbreaking technique to transform fibroblasts into mature cardiomyocytes, holding promise for regenerative medicine in treating cardiovascular disease. The method combines fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) with vitamin C to accelerate cell maturation and enhance function.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 and survival in the elderly: Polsenior2 study results

A new study found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in older adults. The Polsenior2 study revealed that middle and high FGF21 levels were associated with increased mortality risk, particularly when adjusted for age, co-morbidities, and blood parameters.

The geometry of life: Physicists determine what controls biofilm growth

Researchers used interferometry to study biofilm growth and found that the contact angle with the substrate plays a key role in determining fitness. The team discovered that the shape of the biofilm's edge, which resembles a spherical cap, is influenced by this geometry.

Household health care payments under rate setting, spending growth target, and single-payer policies

A new study finds that single-payer financing based on the current federal income tax schedule can increase progressivity of household payments. Rate setting led to slight increases in payments for higher-income households, while spending growth targets reduced payments slightly across all income groups.

Heart regeneration: The key role of a growth factor has been discovered

A growth factor called BMP7 has been found to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and regeneration in both zebrafish and adult mice. This discovery offers a promising new approach to treating heart disease by stimulating cardiac muscle cell regrowth even in later stages of life.

Fruit fly wing research offers window into birth defects

Researchers used supercomputers to study how fruit fly embryo cells develop into wings, offering a window into human development and possible treatments for birth defects. The team found that actomyosin drives much of the development process, particularly in the lower wing disc flattening.

Not unique to humans but uniquely human: researchers identify factor involved in brain expansion in humans

A new study led by Dr. Mareike Albert identified epiregulin as a growth factor involved in brain expansion in humans, but not in mice or other primates. The findings were made using 3D cell culture technology and brain organoids.

Connecting the dots to shape growth forces

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a signal protein called ERK that plays an active role in causing growing lung tissue to curve. This finding reveals a previously unknown regulatory system governing the development of intricate branching patterns in mouse lungs.

Researchers Discover Evolutionary “Tipping Point” in Fungi

Researchers identified a key factor limiting the shapes of fungal hyphae, which are crucial for growth and survival. The study's findings provide insights into the evolution of complex traits and have significant implications for understanding ecological systems and developing new antimicrobials.

Researchers identify key regulators underlying regeneration in Drosophila

The study reveals Brat's role in regulating wing imaginal discs regeneration by modulating downstream growth factors. Flies with reduced Brat demonstrated improved wing regeneration but also exhibited deficiencies in cell-fate specification, highlighting the delicate balance required for proper regeneration.

Cultivated meat production costs could fall significantly with new cells created at Tufts University

Researchers have engineered bovine muscle stem cells to produce their own fibroblast growth factor, reducing the cost of production for cultivated meat. This innovation could lead to more affordable and accessible cultured meat products in the near future.

Systemic changes induced by ASCOT in plasma proteome of women with impaired ovarian reserves

Researchers found that ASCOT reverses some age-related protein expression changes, enriching processes related to the complement cascade and immune system in patients with poor ovarian response. In contrast, patients with premature ovarian insufficiency showed enrichment in responses to oxygen-containing compounds and growth hormones.

Potential new treatment for pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors

Researchers have developed a new model for studying pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors, which may indicate that patients with EGF-dependent NETs can be treated with EGF receptor inhibitors. This discovery provides a promising route of treatment for aggressive pulmonary NETs.

Decoding cell fate: Key mechanism in stem cell switch identified

Researchers at IMBA Institute of Molecular Biotechnology have identified a new gene, Daam1, that plays an essential role in switching on the development of secretory cells in the intestine. The finding opens new perspectives in cancer research.

Exploring the existence of life at 125°F

Researchers investigate protists in Lassen Volcanic National Park's hot and acidic geothermal lake to gain insight into their evolution and genome biology. They aim to understand how these organisms adapted to survive in extreme environments, which could expand the understanding of life's potential habitats.

Scientists design fresh tomatoes suitable for mechanical harvesting

Researchers have developed fresh tomatoes with improved stress tolerance and elongated fruit shapes, suitable for mechanized harvesting. The study identified the FS8.1 gene responsible for this trait, which promotes cell proliferation in the ovary wall, resulting in longer fruit shapes.

For prematurely born infants, cow colostrum can be used to supplement mother´s own milk

New studies show cow colostrum can reduce infant formula use and strengthen mother's milk in premature babies, providing essential nutrients like amino acids. Researchers hope to optimize cow colostrum product for critical first few weeks after birth.

Reporters broadcast live, on-the-scene, inside living cells

Researchers from Rice University and Princeton University have developed a new technology that allows for the live monitoring of signaling protein networks in living cells. The 'live reporter' system uses unobtrusive proteins to tag specific proteins, which can activate fluorescent markers when they become phosphorylated.

Towards rapid tissue regeneration

Researchers at DTU Health Tech created a multi-levelled scaffold that enables near-perfect bone healing in just eight weeks, without using growth factors or endocrine factors and cells. The scaffold combines essential bone minerals with mechanical properties matching human bone compressive strength.

The senescence-associated secretory phenotype induces neuroendocrine transdifferentiation

Researchers discover that senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) can induce neuroendocrine transdifferentiation (NED) in breast cancer epithelial cells, promoting tumor progression and aging-related features. SASP's dual role in cancer involves both antitumoral and tumorigenic effects.

Trends in the prevalence of functional limitations among cancer survivors

The number of US cancer survivors with self-reported functional limitations has more than doubled since 2000, according to the study. Cancer survivors without functional limitations have seen relatively little growth over the same period.

Changes in children’s screen time during pandemic

During the pandemic, children's recreational screen time significantly increased on weekdays compared to weekends. Once schools reopened, weekday screen time decreased but remained higher than pre-pandemic estimates.

The complete respiratory supercomplex identified

The study resolves a long-standing question about the structure of respiratory supercomplexes in unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Complex II is found to be part of the supercomplex in these organisms, optimizing ATP formation and revealing a surprising variety in supercomplex construction.

Certain gene signaling rewires tumors after immunotherapy

Researchers found that certain gene signaling pathways, such as interferon γ and beta-catenin, can lead to tumor hyperprogression after immunotherapy. Targeting these pathways may prevent hyperprogression in preclinical models.

It’s all about quality: effect of dietary fat composition on liver angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis

Researchers found that dietary saturated/trans fats, but not cholesterol, can trigger hepatic angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in mice, leading to the promotion of hepatic tumors. This process is driven by the JNK-HIF1α-VEGF-C axis.

Researchers identify how certain immune cells contribute to worse survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer patients with high levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in residual disease have significantly shorter overall survival. High levels of TILs are associated with poorer outcomes, while lower levels are linked to improved survival rates.

The three-dimensional structure of PAPP-A has been determined

The research reveals PAPP-A's heart-shaped structure and its interaction with STC2, a key regulator of IGF conversion. The study suggests that complex formation between PAPP-A and STC2 is highly regulated, influencing height by up to 2.1 cm.

A key regulator of cell growth deciphered

A team from the University of Geneva has identified the structure of the SEA complex, a key regulator of cell growth, and how it controls the activity of the major regulator of cell growth, mTOR. The discovery provides new insights into how cells perceive nutrient levels to regulate their growth.

NCCN Annual Congress on Hematologic Malignancies™ returns to in-person October 14–15, 2022 in New York City

The NCCN Annual Congress on Hematologic Malignancies will address key findings on chronic lymphocytic leukemia management and CAR T-cells in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The event also features updates on immunotherapies in multiple myeloma treatment.

Uncovering the secret of insulin growth factor ternary complex

Researchers determined the cryo-EM structure of IGF Ternary complex and its assembly & activation mechanism. The study reveals how IGFBP3 and ALS form a stable complex with IGF1, regulating its activity. The findings provide new insights into growth-related diseases such as growth hormone deficiency and ALS deficiency.

Scientists uncover new therapeutic target for treating colorectal tumors

A new study by Tokyo University of Science researchers reveals that dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) plays a crucial role in the development of colorectal tumors. Blocking DCIR may prevent ulcerative colitis and colon cancer, offering a potential therapeutic target for treating these diseases.

Scientists solve long-standing mystery: Why do some asthma patients respond poorly to treatment?

Researchers found that severe asthma patients produce growth factors that block corticosteroids from working, leading to frequent breathing problems. This discovery may lead to new treatments targeting these growth factors to improve outcomes for patients with severe asthma.

Repairing tendons with silk proteins

A team from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation has created a method to repair tendons using silk fibroin scaffolds, which showed improved healing and regeneration of injured tendons. The scaffold combines silk fibroin with GelMA to promote cell attachment, growth, and differentiation.

Flexible printable electrical patches for accelerated wound healing

Researchers at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have developed a flexible, antibacterial conductive hydrogel-ePatch that accelerates wound healing with minimal side effects. The e-Patch uses silver nanowires and alginate to promote cell proliferation and migration, resulting in faster wound closure and reduced scarring.

Improving vascular graft integration into the body

A multidisciplinary research team from the University of Pittsburgh seeks to improve vascular graft integration by developing fully biodegradable tissue-engineered vascular grafts. The goal is to keep compliance-matched as it degrades and remodels, reducing long-term graft failure rates.

Regrowing knee cartilage with an electric kick

Regrowing healthy cartilage in damaged joints is a promising approach to treating arthritis. UConn bioengineers successfully regrowed cartilage in a rabbit's knee using piezoelectricity, a phenomenon that also exists in the human body.

Scientists show how bone-bordering cells may help shape a skull

A new study by researchers at Mount Sinai found that a specific gene, HHIP, helps regulate the development of the coronal suture, a fibrous joint that connects the front and middle bone plates. The study showed that embryos with a missing HHIP gene had misshapen skulls and fewer mesenchymal cells separating the bones.

Fibroblasts could serve as new key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients

A new study identifies three functional subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in lung cancer, which correspond to patients' treatment responses. These subtypes have distinct biological functions and therapeutic implications, suggesting that CAFs could serve as a key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients.

Colorado study overturns 'snapshot' model of cell cycle in use since 1974

Researchers found that cells do not rely on a snapshot to decide whether to replicate, but instead continuously integrate the availability of growth factors. Cells remember past growth factor signaling and adjust their behavior accordingly.

Addition of growth factors to unique system helps new bone formation

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago developed a system to deliver stem cells and provide mechanical stress for new bone formation. The addition of growth factors mimics embryonic bone development, leading to enhanced healing of bone defects in rat models.

Illinois researchers are first to count growth factors in single cells

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a technology platform that digitally counts growth factor binding in individual cells. This breakthrough allows for direct cause-and-effect relationships between growth factors and cell behavior, leading to a better understanding of cell signaling and resistance to cancer treatme...

Texas A&M researchers develop new therapeutic approach to treating osteoarthritis

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method for delivering growth factors to treat osteoarthritis. The nanoclay-based platform provides prolonged delivery of protein therapeutics, enhancing stem cell differentiation towards cartilage lineage and reducing negative side effects.

Texas A&M team develops new way to grow blood vessels

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a clay-based platform that delivers therapeutic proteins to assist with the formation of blood vessels. The technology introduces nanosilicates to deliver growth factors, promoting sustained and controlled release.

Growth factor gradients in migration-permissive hydrogels for salivary gland assembly

Engineered 3D morphogen gradients in hydrogels direct human salivary gland stem/progenitor cell differentiation into ductal and acinar cell phenotypes. Growth factor gradients support salivary gland cell motility and can serve as instructive matrices for tissue engineering.

Jekyll and Hyde and seek

A signaling protein called Daple, normally a tumor suppressor, can be manipulated by growth factors to become a driver of malignant growth and metastasis in cancer cells. This discovery highlights the complexity of crosstalk between major signals that drive cancers.

New insight into how immune cells are formed

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Uppsala University have discovered that mast cell development does not depend on stem cell factor. Instead, factors like interleukin 3 and 6 play a crucial role in their formation.

Sugar-coated nanomaterial excels at promoting bone growth

Researchers at Northwestern University have designed a sugar-coated nanomaterial that promotes bone regeneration by binding to growth factor BMP-2, reducing its need by 100 times. The biodegradable material functions as an artificial extracellular matrix, mimicking natural cell interactions.

Johnson announces £17.7 million for new Healthcare Technologies research

The UK government is investing £17.7 million in four new healthcare technology research programmes to tackle the growing need for treatments of diabetes, dementia, and cancer. The programmes will develop innovative solutions for wound care, neural rehabilitation, cell therapeutics, and immunotherapeutics.

Repairing chronic wounds

Researchers at University of Delaware develop new biomaterials platform to stimulate growth factor expression and enhance chronic wound repair. The approach aims to provide a more efficient and localized production of growth factors, promoting full wound closure.

New way to harvest stem cells better for donors

Australian scientists have developed a new method for harvesting stem cells that eliminates the need for growth factor injections, reducing side effects for donors. The new method combines two molecules to mobilize stem cells into the bloodstream within an hour of administration.

Making heads and tails of embryo development: lessons from the humble fly

Researchers at Monash University have found that perforin-like proteins control the release of a critical growth factor governing head and tail development in fruit flies. This discovery may provide new opportunities for treating brain developmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Boosting levels of a key growth factor may help prevent cardiovascular disease

Low SCF levels are linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and more severe atherosclerosis in patients with atherosclerosis. Smoking and diabetes can negatively impact the reparative capacity of cells responsible for blood vessel repair.

The media is the message: How stem cells grow depends on what they grow up in

UC San Diego researchers use a statistical tool to determine the optimal media composition for growing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), reducing variability and improving reproducibility. The findings aim to create a standard for hPSC cultures, enabling laboratories worldwide to access consistent results.

Growth factors found in breast milk may protect against necrotizing enterocolitis

Research suggests that ErbB4 receptor activation in breast milk protects against intestinal damage and promotes epithelial cell survival. NRG4, an ErbB4-specific ligand, is believed to play a key role in this protection, potentially offering new therapeutic avenues for intestinal diseases.