Articles tagged with Mammalian Cells
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a protein called BMP-7 that induces the formation and function of brown fat cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments or prevention strategies for obesity and its associated diseases.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism for cell fate determination in yeast cells, showing how the daughter cell becomes dramatically different from its mother. The Ace2 gene regulator is trapped in the daughter nucleus, turning on genes that make it distinct.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered that mature fruit-fly cells can regress and serve as a type of de facto stem cell during the fly's life cycle. This finding counters previous assumptions about cell specialization and differentiation, suggesting the possibility of multiple types of adult stem cells in mammalian tissue.
Researchers at MIT have pinpointed stem cells in the spinal cord that can be persuaded to differentiate into healing cells and reduce scarring. This could lead to a new non-surgical treatment for debilitating spinal-cord injuries affecting 30,000 people worldwide.
Scientists have identified over 100 host genes required by the flu virus for successful infection using a modified flu virus in fly cells. The study reveals a powerful new way to search for antiviral pressure points, which could lead to the development of new drugs.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute develop a technique to produce genetically identical induced pluripotent stem (IPS) cells, offering new efficiencies in embryonic stem cell research. This breakthrough allows for the creation of large numbers of IPS cells without genetic variation.
Research reveals that life-extending proteins can have damaging effects on brain cells, depending on the circumstances. The findings suggest a complex role for sirtuins, which can both protect against aging and promote oxidative stress.
Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered that eliminating a third light sensor called melanopsin leaves mammals' circadian clocks blind to light but preserves perfect vision. This finding may lead to new treatments for jet lag, insomnia, and depression by resetting the body's biological clock.
Scientists have uncovered a cellular signaling mechanism that determines whether an embryo develops into an embryo or a placenta. By manipulating a specific gene, they were able to cause embryonic stem cells to differentiate into trophoblastic stem cells, which give rise to the placenta.
Researchers have identified cells that initiate infant tumors, developing a new mouse model to identify therapeutic targets. A molecule called IRF4 has been found to control inflammation in the gut, while implanting olfactory ensheathing cells promotes neuroplasticity in stroke models.
Scientists have found a gene, MagA, that allows mammalian cells to produce tiny magnetic particles, making them visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The gene shows potential as an imaging tool for tracking cells' movement through the body.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new method to measure the size and shape of the nucleus in living cells, using angle-resolved low coherence interferometry (a/LCI). This technique allows for rapid and accurate measurements, enabling scientists to better understand how changes in nucleus shape influence gene expression.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have found that parent cells involved in embryonic development can generate three important types of cells with potential for cardiac repair. The study suggests that restoring the ability of adult epicardial cells to generate cardiomyocytes may enhance their future potential for c...
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a genetic 'tag team' that regulates the cell cycle, finding that nearly 70% of periodic genes continue to turn on and off without cyclins. The study suggests a new understanding of gene regulation in mammalian cells.
Researchers have found that tricyclic antidepressants can restore vagal function and reduce intestinal inflammation in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those who are also depressed. Genetic mutations linked to permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus have been identified, and bacteria can blunt the responses of inv...
Scientists at UCLA have successfully differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) into three types of cardiovascular cells, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. This discovery could potentially lead to new therapies for heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular disea...
Scientists discovered that when food supplies dwindle, mammals activate the AMPK signaling pathway to conserve energy. The study reveals a link between cancer and diabetes, suggesting that type 2 diabetes drug metformin may also antagonize tumor growth.
Recent studies in Biology of Reproduction suggest that maternal follicular testosterone influences the sex of bovine embryos, while research on maternal cell microchimerism reveals its presence in major organs of healthy newborn mice. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind these phenomena.
Chronic inflammation in mice triggers cell fusions between blood cells and Purkinje neurons up to 100 times more frequently than previously believed. These fused cells, called heterokaryons, may play a role in protecting neurons against damage and offer new avenues for gene therapy.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed fully mature, differentiated B cells into an embryonic-stem-cell-like state without using eggs. This breakthrough enables the creation of powerful mouse models for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have identified a potential mechanism for treating multiple sclerosis using IFN-beta, which reduces disease in a mouse model by inducing IL-27 secretion. Meanwhile, a new study on sickle cell disease suggests that bosentan prevents organ damage by inhibiting endothelin receptor activation. Leptin signaling also plays a cruc...
Researchers have identified a class of retinal cells called JAM-B cells that play a crucial role in detecting upward motion. These cells have a distinct physical arrangement of their dendrites, which is crucial for their function.
Researchers found that human red blood cells use the protein Glut1 to transport DHA, allowing efficient antioxidant production, while other mammals lack this trait. The discovery sheds light on how humans adapt to an 'inborn' metabolic error.
Researchers discovered a solitary chemosensory cell plays a crucial role in transmitting irritating chemical odors to the trigeminal nerve. This finding expands our understanding of olfaction and may lead to a better understanding of why some people are exceptionally sensitive to irritating odors.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technology that can detect multiple food-borne pathogens and toxins in one to two hours using live mammalian cells. The technique estimates the amount of microbes present and whether they pose an active health risk, giving users a higher degree of confidence in the test results.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory found that BMP signaling in dermal papilla cells is essential for hair growth. Deletion of the receptor for bone morphogenetic protein 1a (BMPR1a) in DP cells prevented hair follicle formation, while intact BMPR1a and additional BMP protein promoted hair growth.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute have modeled the complete process of nucleus ejection in mature red blood cells, revealing key proteins involved. The discovery sheds light on an essential step in mammalian evolution and may lead to insights into genetic disorders.
Researchers have found that adult multipotent stem cells (MAPCs) are more effective than mononucleate cells in treating peripheral vascular disease, improving blood vessel regeneration and muscle function. The study used mouse models and human cells, with identical results, suggesting a potential new treatment option.
Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a system to genetically disarm the Ebola virus by removing its VP30 gene. This allows for safe study of the pathogen in specialized cells, enabling the development of countermeasures such as vaccines and antiviral compounds.
A new study by Atsushi Mizoguchi and colleagues established that IL-22 ameliorates disease in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis. The authors suggested that individuals with UC might benefit from local delivery of the IL-22 gene to their intestines.
Research identifies a previously unknown enzymatic mechanism used by pathogens to disrupt the host immune response, promoting pathogenicity through manipulation of a common signaling pathway. This discovery may lead to new strategies for fighting bacterial infections and developing more effective antibiotics.
Matt Stremlau's research identified the factor responsible for blocking HIV-1 infection in Old World monkey cells, providing insights into innate immunity to viruses. The protein TRIM5alpha causes the rapid disassembly of the viral capsid core, rendering the virus ineffective.
Using adult human stem cells, researchers found that the treated hearts contained more blood vessels and exhibited increased DNA repair activity. The study suggests that these stem cells have an instant stimulating effect on surrounding heart tissue following transplantation.
A research team at UCSC and Salk Institute has discovered a new retinal cell type called the upsilon cell, which shares similar properties with Y retinal ganglion cells. The discovery may help humans see motion and is a significant step towards understanding how primates process visual information.
Scientists have identified a key gene called Bub 1 that plays a critical role in normal cell division, and deactivating it has been shown to prevent cells from dividing successfully. The team hopes that targeting this gene may selectively kill cancer cells and develop new treatments.
The study found that the lymphatic vasculature arises directly and solely from the embryonic veins in mammals, contradicting a competing theory. This discovery holds promise for developing new therapies for lymphatic system disorders and promoting the growth of new lymphatic vessels.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have identified two genes, SIRT3 and SIRT4, that play a vital role in maintaining cellular health and longevity. These genes help protect cells from diseases of aging when caloric restriction or exercise is applied.
UCSF researchers have developed a new method to generate embryonic stem cells, eliminating the need for a foreign 'drug resistance' gene. This breakthrough accelerates research on disease development and patient-specific therapies.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital found that the Foxn1 gene determines where pigment is deposited in the epidermis and hair. The study reveals that melanocytes deliver melanin to specific cells indicated by the Foxn1 gene, which acts as a map for pigment distribution.
Scientists from Berlin developed a theoretical model that shows how an orientation map develops in the brain, allowing for the emergence of place cells and head direction cells. The model analyzes realistic image data to extract information relevant to orientation, leading to the formation of cognitive maps.
Autophagy plays a crucial role in removing dying embryonic stem cells during normal development, preventing detrimental inflammation. The study found that mouse embryos lacking autophagy genes had impaired signals for engulfment by healthy cells, leading to abnormal development.
Researchers have successfully identified reprogrammed cells in mice without using genetic markers, simplifying the process and potentially yielding a bountiful supply of custom human embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough brings human stem cell therapies closer to reality and eliminates one major hurdle to reprogramming human cells.
Scientists at Cure Lab, Inc. have identified a new target for the development of anti-influenza drugs, specifically the M2 protein, which may be responsible for killing human cells. This discovery has the potential to lead to a new generation of medicines that can complement existing treatments for influenza.
A cost-effective approach for generating siRNA molecules, called esiRNAs, is described in the article. This method allows scientists to efficiently target virtually any gene in mammalian cells, enabling large-scale studies of gene function.
Researchers found that pumpkin extract promotes regeneration of damaged pancreatic cells in diabetic rats, boosting insulin levels and reducing the need for daily insulin injections. The extract's protective effect is attributed to antioxidants and D-chiro-inositol, which may provide a new source of medication for diabetics.
Scientists have developed a method to insert unnatural amino acids into living mammalian cells, allowing for precise control over protein structure and function. This breakthrough enables the study of previously inaccessible biological questions, such as the mechanism of ion channels in nerve cells.
Scientists discovered that minor changes in laser intensity can distinguish between healthy and dead cells. The new technique allows for precise microinjection of live single cells, enabling research on drug toxicity and cancer treatment.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute successfully reprogrammed mature skin cells into pluripotent cells, identical to embryonic stem cells, without using eggs or destroying embryos. These cells can give rise to live mice and transmit their genetic material to subsequent generations.
Scientists develop methods to mark genes and proteins using stable isotopes and fluorescent markers, enabling the tracking of metabolic shifts and chromosomal abnormalities. These methods provide valuable tools for understanding biological processes and diseases such as Down syndrome and cancer.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which adult stem/progenitor cells enhance tissue repair in damaged organs. These cells not only differentiate into replacement cells but also stimulate the proliferation of existing stem cells and transfer mitochondrial DNA to dysfunctional cells.
Researchers found that modified bone marrow cells reduced MS symptoms, nerve damage, and increased tissue debris clearance when injected into mice with EAE at disease peak. The study opens up further research avenues for human multiple sclerosis treatment.
Researchers developed a new tumor targeting strategy that leverages one of the body's natural antibodies and immune responses. The approach recognizes and kills only cancer cells displaying high levels of integrins, reducing the risk of harming healthy cells.
Researchers found two basic categories of cells: those that stay the same size but have drastically different energy needs based on mammal size, or cells that grow larger in larger mammals. This discovery sheds light on how organism size affects cell life span and function.
Frank Slack studies genetic switches controlling development and aging, while Sandra Wolin investigates RNA damage contributing to senescence and neurodegenerative diseases. Both researchers aim to improve understanding of aging processes.
A new screening protocol has been identified that can detect Lynch syndrome, a disorder that increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer at a young age. The screening procedure detected mutations in 69 patients and identified at least 57 HNPCC patients who would not have been screened under current testing practices.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated that low-dose carbon monoxide can significantly inhibit oxygen-induced damage to lung cells. The study's findings suggest that CO may expand therapeutic options for treating ARDS, a life-threatening condition with high mortality rates.
Cambridge scientists have discovered that differences between embryonic cells appear earlier than previously thought, before the fourth cleavage of the embryo. The study suggests that manipulating epigenetic information in histone H3 can influence cell fate determination.
Researchers used a natural protein called BMP4 to inhibit glioblastoma, a deadly human brain cancer, in mice by targeting stem-cell-like clusters that feed the cancer. The treatment was successful in stopping cancer growth and improving survival rates.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a natural toxin, PAR-polymer, responsible for most tissue and organ damage after a period of blood oxygen loss followed by restored blood flow. The toxin triggers cell death through a process called parthanatos, which can be prevented with potential new treatments.
Researchers confirm protocol to reverse type 1 diabetes in diabetic mice, with adult precursor cells from the spleen contributing to regeneration of beta cells. The study provides new evidence for a potential source of regenerating islet cells and suggests that older mice may be more responsive to this approach.