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Immunity against the cold

A team of researchers at UCSF has discovered that tiny immune cells called macrophages can switch on the brown fat in response to cold temperatures, inducing it to burn energy and produce heat. This finding suggests that the immune system plays a role in thermoregulation, potentially leading to new strategies for enhancing metabolism.

JCI online early table of contents: June 13, 2011

Researchers found that adult stem cells from the human nose can repair damaged brain tissue, while a cancer probe made of silica nanoparticles is effective at targeting tumors. Additionally, inhibiting a protein MRP4 could provide a new way to treat pulmonary hypertension.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 13, 2011

How much can a cell uptake?

A new study has found that macrophages have a seven-cell uptake threshold, governing the healing process. The researchers also discovered substances informing cells on tissue repair rates and accelerating macrophage transition to immune organs.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalEuropean Journal of Immunology·DateMar 2, 2011

Source of protection against saturated fat found

A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a protein called Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4) protects against the severe inflammatory response caused by high levels of saturated fat. Mice deficient in this protein showed massive lymph node expansion and died after consuming a diet high in saturated fats.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 30, 2010

JCI table of contents: Sept. 27, 2010

Researchers discovered that Maf protein promotes osteoblast differentiation in mice, reducing bone formation and increasing fat cell generation with age. Additionally, studies found defective immune cells in patients with type 1 diabetes and suggested these cells could be a viable target for treatment.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 27, 2010

Where the fat's at

A team of UC San Diego researchers has created a novel map of lipid locations in a single cell, providing insights into how lipids influence disease processes. The study identified over 220 individual molecular lipid species and found that numerous lipids change in abundance once a macrophage becomes active.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateAug 25, 2010

JCI online early table of contents: Feb. 1, 2010

Researchers identify potential new targets for preventing early loss of transplanted pancreatic islets, which could improve the efficiency of pancreatic islet transplantation. Meanwhile, studies show that engineering macrophages to store triacylglycerol protects mice from diet-induced insulin resistance and inflammation.

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

Rejuvenating the old immune system

Aged mice treated with a macrophage-specific growth factor exhibit enhanced resistance to bacterial infection, indicating potential therapeutic strategies for healthy aging. The study's findings provide insight into the underlying immune dysfunction contributing to age-related increased susceptibility to infections.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateJan 26, 2010

Dual role for immune cells in the brain

Researchers found that macrophages along the blood-brain barrier can either activate the brain's stress response machinery or prevent excessive inflammation. This discovery may pave the way for novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeuron·DateJan 13, 2010

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers have identified new targets for treating breast cancer metastasis by inhibiting Brk protein expression. Additionally, a study on Wnk1 revealed its critical role in angiogenesis and heart development. Furthermore, drug abuse has been found to worsen HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders through dopamine signaling.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateAug 26, 2009

Tips from the American Journal of Pathology

Researchers found that HAART contributes to pulmonary hypertension in HIV-infected patients by impairing blood vessel-lining endothelial cell function. A novel treatment for chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PHTN) involves neprilysin, which protects against PHTN by regulating neural signaling molecules.

SourceAmerican Journal of Pathology·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 23, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: Dec. 8, 2008

Researchers have developed a mouse model of neonatal diabetes that replicates human disease, providing new insight into the condition. Additionally, studies have identified a link between endothelial dysfunction and altered metabolic responses, particularly in relation to high-fat diets and glucose regulation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 8, 2008

Cold Spring Harbor Protocols features tissue culture methods for immune cells and neurons

The journal Cold Spring Harbor Protocols presents two articles detailing experimental culture methods for cells from the immune system and the nervous system. These protocols enable researchers to isolate and grow specialized cells like macrophages and cerebellar granule neurons, facilitating studies on their functions and interactions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateDec 2, 2008