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A chemical to make brain cells grow

Researchers discovered a chemical that promotes brain cell growth, potentially leading to new treatments for Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases. The substance protects newborn neurons from dying off, giving them better odds of becoming functional cells.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateJul 8, 2010

Researchers demystifying complex cellular communications hubs found in sensory neurons

A Japanese team of scientists has identified a long-elusive enzyme necessary for the proper regulation of primary cilia, which serve as communication hubs in sensory neurons. The discovery may aid in developing therapies for diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and polycystic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 7, 2010

Fly cells flock together, follow the light

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used a laser beam to activate a protein that makes a cluster of fruit fly cells behave like a school of fish, following the lead of one stimulated with light. This study holds potential importance for understanding embryonic development and tumor metastasis.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 18, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: June 14, 2010

Research on prion disease found that structural differences affect transmission between species, while gene therapy showed promise in nonhuman primates. Additionally, the protein periostin was discovered to promote heart valve degeneration by inducing angiogenesis and MMP production.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 14, 2010

Making cancer killers

Scientists have created a novel type of immune system cell called Induced T to Natural Killer Cells (ITNK cells) that can kill cancer cells in lab tests and mouse models. These reprogrammed killer cells are more efficient at targeting tumour cells than unmodified Natural Killer cells.

Scientists create human embryonic stem cells with enhanced pluripotency

Researchers have developed a method to convert human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) and embryonic stem (ES) cells to a more flexible state, similar to mouse ES cells. This breakthrough could improve the efficiency of gene targeting and potentially lead to new therapeutic applications for human ES and iPS cells.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 3, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: April 1, 2010

Researchers have developed a new approach to treating cancer using viruses to infect and kill cancer cells. In mice, combining this with standard therapy led to substantial tumor regression and cure. Additionally, modulating VEGF signaling allowed the cells lining tumor blood vessels to be targeted by viruses, suggesting a potential wi...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 1, 2010

1 gene lost = 1 limb regained?

Researchers from The Wistar Institute demonstrate that mice lacking the p21 gene can regenerate lost tissue, forming a blastema and replacing damaged cells with healthy ones. This discovery provides evidence of a link between cell division control and tissue regeneration, opening up possibilities for accelerating healing in humans.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2010

Researchers find brain cell transplants help repair neural damage

A study by the Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence found that autologous brain cell transplants can provide brain protection and repair neural damage in donor primates. The cells survived at an impressive 50% rate for four months post-implantation, offering a promising new approach to treating neurological disorders.

JCI online early table of contents: Oct. 12, 2009

Researchers have identified a counterbalancing role for the phosphorylation of alpha-synuclein amino acid 125 in nerve cell protection against alpha-synuclein-mediated toxicity. Higher levels of this phosphorylated form were found to decrease toxic soluble oligomers and protect against Parkinson's disease symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 12, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Aug. 10, 2009

Researchers have identified a new gene, PTRF, which causes mutations leading to muscle weakness and lipodystrophy. The study found that these individuals had deficient caveolin-3 protein in their muscles, despite no mutations in the caveolin-3 gene.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 10, 2009

Improving mouse heart function following heart attack

A team of researchers has found that transplanting sheets of clonally expanded heart cells improves heart function after a heart attack in mice. The cells secreted a molecule that induced the migration of endothelial cells and prevented oxidative stress, leading to improved heart function.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 13, 2009

In 'reading' a gaze, what we believe changes what we see

Researchers found that when people believe another person cannot see, the effects of adaptation are greatly reduced, suggesting a bi-directional relationship between gaze processing and mental-state attribution. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of what goes wrong in individuals with autism.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 25, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: May 1, 2009

Researchers have identified a protein responsible for regulating branched-chain amino acid catabolism, which may be linked to Maple Syrup Urine Disease. Additionally, immune cells called V-alpha-24-invariant NKT cells can indirectly affect neuroblastoma growth by killing tumor-associated cells that promote its growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 1, 2009

Protein function and chromatin structure methods featured in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols

Two new methods are featured in Cold Spring Harbor Protocols: a rapid, reversible method for studying protein stability using small molecules, and a combined technique for identifying proteins that mediate long-range chromosomal interactions. These methods provide new tools for investigating protein function and chromatin structure.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateMar 3, 2009

Bright lights, not-so-big pupils

A team of Johns Hopkins neuroscientists has discovered a new type of light sensor in the eye that detects light and communicates with the brain. These melanopsin-containing cells are insensitive to light, but their signal is large enough to influence the brain when activated by multiple photons.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 31, 2008

DNA editing tool flips its target

Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a crucial protein called UHRF1 that acts like a bookmark to maintain the correct pattern of DNA methylation. This process is essential for normal development and preventing cancer, as alterations in methylation patterns can lead to gene silencing at the wrong times.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateSep 3, 2008

Chandelier cells unveil human cognition

Researchers discover complex events initiated by individual spikes in the human cerebral cortex, triggered by specific chandelier cells. The study suggests that humans possess different types of cells contributing to higher cognition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 2, 2008