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Scientists reveal how dividing cells precisely trigger spindle formation

Researchers discovered a step-by-step process underlying SPD-5 activation, which regulates where and when spindle fibers form in C. elegans. This finding provides insights into the fundamentals of cell division regulation and may lead to new treatments for diseases caused by incorrect chromosome segregation.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2026

Targeting histone modifications in colorectal cancer: therapeutic potential of epigenetic modifiers on acetylation, methylation and phosphorylation

Epigenetic modifiers targeting histone acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation show significant preclinical promise in CRC. Combination strategies and novel degraders offer pathways to overcome resistance, including PROTACs targeting KDM3A/B that eliminate cancer stem cells via Wnt/β-catenin inhibition.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateMar 26, 2026

Herpesvirus protein mimics host enzyme to balance infection and latency

Researchers discovered that herpesvirus protein kinases mimic human cyclin-dependent kinases, regulating viral infection and latency. Phosphorylation of the viral enzyme contributes to its survival and persistence, while phosphorylation downregulates its activity, allowing for balance between host survival and viral persistence.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2025

Dietary sucrose determines activity of lithium on gene expression and lifespan in drosophila melanogaster

Researchers found that lithium's efficacy in enhancing longevity and altering body composition is influenced by the sucrose content of the diet. The study reveals a significant overlap between the transcriptional responses to increasing dietary sucrose and adding lithium, suggesting a joint mechanism at play.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

The first oncogene was found more than 40 years ago. CNIO researchers have just discovered that it has a previously unknown mechanism of action

CNIO researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism of action for the first oncogene, c-Src. The study reveals that c-Src can autonomously activate itself through autophosphorylation, leading to cancer formation. This finding has significant implications for the development of new drugs targeting this enzyme.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

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.

SourceRice University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Oncotarget | Extreme phenotype approach identifies rare ATR variants as potential male breast cancer susceptibility alleles

Researchers have identified three novel pathogenic variants of the ATR gene as predisposing to male breast cancer. These variants were found in a cohort of individuals with early onset and familial breast cancers, using a combination of exome sequencing and functional investigations. The study suggests that extended genetic analysis ca...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

Oncotarget | Expression of p-STAT3 and c-Myc correlates with P2-HNF4α expression in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Researchers found that P2-HNF4α expression is associated with p-STAT3 and c-Myc expression in NAFLD patients, suggesting potential biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Additionally, p-STAT3 expression was linked to hypertension, while c-Myc expression was associated with advanced fibrosis.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Glowing tags reveal split-second activity of pathogenic circuitry

Researchers at Rice University have created a new optical tool called homo-FRET that allows them to observe the real-time activity of two-component systems in bacteria. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the behavior of deadly pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, shedding light on their mechanisms and potential targe...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Supernova: A glowing DNA enzyme

Researchers at IOCB Prague have created a glowing DNA enzyme called Supernova, which catalyzes a chemiluminescent reaction. This breakthrough uses artificial evolution to identify light-producing deoxyribozymes in a vast library of DNA molecules, opening up new possibilities for point-of-care assays and high-throughput screens.

Study could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Flash mob in the nucleus

Researchers clarify the role of SMN complexes in splicing and Cajal body formation, which is crucial for protein translation. The study reveals kinases play a key role in regulating these processes, potentially leading to new therapies for spinal muscular atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 22, 2021

Staying in touch!

Researchers identified key enzyme PPM1F that regulates integrins' detachment from ECM, allowing cells to move in protein meshwork. The discovery sheds light on how cells balance attachment to versus detachment from extracellular matrix.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 6, 2020

Tumbleweeds or fibrils: Tau proteins need to choose

Tau proteins exhibit distinct aggregation behaviors, with phosphorylation influencing their formation of either solid fibrils or disordered clumps. The researchers' findings offer new insights into the causes of Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic interventions.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 3, 2020

Phosphorylation of Regnase-1 lets IL-17 run amok

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that phosphorylation of Regnase-1 allows IL-17 to trigger inflammation. Blocking this phosphorylation process could lead to therapeutic agents for treating autoimmune diseases related to IL-17, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 3, 2019

UTSW study finds new enzyme with structure that could explain how heart can beat optimally

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a previously unrecognized enzyme, MLCK4, that could optimize contraction and prevent heart failure. The study provides the first three-dimensional structure for any member of the MLCK family and sheds light on the optimal phosphorylation level for normal heart function.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2016

Protease-activated receptors differentially regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase

The study reveals that PAR-1 and PAR-2 activation by thrombin and specific peptides differentially regulates eNOS phosphorylation, leading to increased or decreased NO production. PAR-3 induces eNOS-Thr-495 phosphorylation only, whereas PAR-4 is not expressed in human coronary artery endothelial cells.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateMar 31, 2016

UCSB research points to a potential therapeutic approach to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at UCSB have discovered a new potential target in the fight against Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases by exploring the possibility of inhibiting hyperphosphorylated tau. The study found that small molecular kinase inhibitors can efficiently reduce tau phosphorylation and exert a neuroprotective effect, restor...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 26, 2013