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Cellular rivalry promotes healthy skin development

In a recent study, Rockefeller scientists found that skin cells in mice engage in two forms of competition, one during early embryonic development and the other before birth. Loser cells are eliminated by winners, promoting healthy tissue development. Disrupting this process leads to slower skin development and reduced barrier function.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2019

Scientists grow precursors for human pigment cells

Researchers at Kobe University successfully grew precursors for human pigment cells, providing a stable supply of melanocytes for research on melanoma and other pigment cell-related illnesses. These precursor cells can be used to study the causes of albinism, freckles, and melanoma.

SourceKobe University·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateMay 9, 2019

Location is everything for plant cell differentiation

In Arabidopsis thaliana, the location of proteins within a cell and the position of the cell itself play crucial roles in determining cell type. The study found that ATML1 protein accumulation is inhibited in internal cell layers, leading to epidermal cell differentiation. This post-transcriptional regulation enables plants to form a s...

SourceOsaka University·JournalDevelopment·DateMay 9, 2019

The immaculate conception?

Researchers at Hebrew University have discovered a way to transform skin cells into the three major stem cell types that comprise early-stage embryos. This breakthrough has significant implications for modelling embryonic disease, placental dysfunctions, and infertility problems by creating human embryos in a petri dish.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 2, 2019

A deeper look at the relationship between dermatitis and food allergy, in pediatric patients

Food allergies are associated with unique skin properties and abnormalities in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis. The study found decreased filaggrin, elevated type 2 immune responses, and increased keratin expression in skin samples from patients with food allergy and dermatitis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2019

Measuring stress around cells

Researchers developed sensors to map cell-generated forces in 3D tissues, finding that small tensions can balance large compressive loads. This insight could help understand developmental processes and develop novel tissue-engineering strategies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2019

Using light to stop itch

Scientists at EMBL Rome have discovered a way to treat itchy skin conditions like eczema by using near-infrared light to bind to specialized nerve cells. This method has shown promising results in mice with eczema and amyloidosis, offering new hope for potential human treatments.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 17, 2018

A code for reprogramming immune sentinels

A research team at Lund University successfully reprograms mouse and human skin cells into immune cells called dendritic cells. This breakthrough enables the development of novel dendritic cell-based immunotherapies against cancer. The process is quick, effective, and opens up possibilities for patient-specific treatment.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 7, 2018

Crossing new frontiers in melanoma research

The article addresses provoking questions in melanoma immunotherapy, cancer systems biology, and medical oncology. Researchers focus on understanding pigmentation and pigmentary diseases through big data science, collaborative team science, and individualized medicine.

SourceWiley·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateOct 3, 2018

Skin is a battlefield for mutations

Researchers have discovered that mutant skin cells in humans compete with each other for survival, leading to only the fittest mutants progressing to form cancer. This study reveals that normal human skin is more resilient to cancer than previously thought, and can function normally despite a battle between mutated cells.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateSep 27, 2018

Why zebrafish (almost) always have stripes

A new mathematical model explains the formation of zebrafish stripes by highlighting the crucial role of a single pigment cell type. The model shows that iridophores lead the process, providing redundancies to ensure reliable stripe formation even when cellular processes go wrong.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2018

Why people experience seasonal skin changes

A new study reveals that seasonal skin changes are caused by climatic and humidity fluctuations, which affect the skin's barrier function. The research suggests that individuals should protect their skin with emollients in winter and sunscreen in summer to manage skin disorders such as eczema.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateMar 7, 2018