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Loss of skin’s pigment-producing cells could be related to basement membrane disruption

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that disruptions in the basement membrane zone between the epidermis and dermis could make it harder for pigment-producing cells to adhere. An enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) may be overexpressed, leading to disturbance of the basement membrane.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

First step toward early diagnosis of metastasis

Researchers have developed a user-friendly method to analyze the basement membrane in human lungs, which is a crucial factor during metastatic process. The study provides valuable insights into the mechanical properties of the basement membrane and its association with metastasis formation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Protocols·DateMar 4, 2024
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Breast cancer cells use forces to open up channels through tissue

Researchers have developed a new method for 3D cell culture that accurately quantifies how breast cancer cells generate forces to spread within tissue. This study provides more accurate computational data on cellular forces during invasion by breast cancer cells, which may lead to more efficient and personalized drug development.

SourceAalto University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 31, 2022

The gut patrol

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discover how gut barrier cells send secret messages to patrolling T cells, keeping them alive and active. The study sheds light on conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and highlights the importance of HVEM protein in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022
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Membrane around tumors may be key to preventing metastasis

The basement membrane surrounding tumors may control their growth and spread by becoming stiffer as it expands. Researchers used a simple technique to isolate the membrane and measure its elasticity, finding it to be nonlinearly elastic, unlike balloons made of linearly elastic materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2021

Glowing worms provide live-action movies of the body's internal scaffolding

Duke University researchers have made time-lapse movies of the sheet-like latticework surrounding animal tissues, revealing dynamic movement within the matrix scaffolding. The study provides a new toolkit for studying basement membrane defects underlying tissue degeneration and diseases such as kidney disease and aging.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 8, 2020
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MMP20 may initiate enamel formation via basement membrane degradation

Researchers discovered that MMP20, an enzyme essential for tooth development, degrades the basement membrane to initiate enamel formation. The study's findings suggest that MMP20 plays a crucial role in regulating tooth growth and may be involved in various dental disorders.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateJul 25, 2018

Vanderbilt study: Chloride 'switch' turns on membrane formation

Chloride plays a critical role in assembling collagen IV scaffolds, a fundamental step in basement membrane formation. Researchers found that chloride binds to NC1 domains, inducing a conformational change that enables scaffold assembly.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 23, 2016
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Cancer's break-in tools possibly identified at Duke

A single cell in a nematode worm is providing clues into cancer's ability to invade new tissues. Researchers found that integrin and netrin molecules may be a valuable target in halting cancer's spread via metastasis.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 17, 2009

Inherited Kidney Disorder Traced To Arrested Development Of Membranes

Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in people with Alport syndrome prevents normal transformation process in collagen proteins, leading to gradual loss of membrane integrity. The mutation affects production of alpha-5 collagen, resulting in breakdown of critical glomerular basement membrane.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 15, 1997