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Building a better blood vessel

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have successfully fabricated blood vessels using 3D bioprinting technology, addressing a critical challenge in tissue engineering. The approach involves printing agarose fibers that become the blood vessel channels, allowing for physical removal of template layers and improved cell viability.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalLab on a Chip·DateMay 30, 2014

Study helps explain why MS is more common in women

Researchers found that females susceptible to MS produce higher levels of the blood vessel receptor protein S1PR2 than males, leading to the inflammation that causes MS. The study's findings have implications for developing new treatments, including a drug that disables S1PR2.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 8, 2014

Sunburns strike twice

Researchers discovered that sunburns contribute to melanoma development through inflammatory processes in surrounding tissue. Melanoma cells migrate along blood vessels in inflamed skin, with activated neutrophils playing a key role in metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2014

An essential step toward printing living tissues

Researchers at Harvard University's Wyss Institute have developed a bioprinting method to create intricately patterned 3D tissue constructs with multiple cell types and tiny blood vessels. The breakthrough enables the creation of thicker, functional tissues that can be used for drug testing and potentially replaced damaged human tissue.

Golden staph paralyzes our immune defenses

Researchers have identified how golden staph bacteria target and destroy key immune cells, disrupting the body's defense against infection. By visualizing this process using advanced microscopy techniques, the team gained insights into how golden staph evades the immune system and causes tissue damage.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 25, 2013

Important clue to how the circulatory system is wired

An international team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have discovered a new mechanism that regulates the way blood vessels grow and connect to each other. The discovery provides essential insights into vascular development and could lead to new opportunities for cancer therapy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2013

Snakes control blood flow to aid vision

Researchers discovered that snakes can optimize their vision by controlling blood flow in their eyes when perceiving threats. The coachwhip snake's visual blood flow patterns change depending on its environment, allowing for improved visual clarity in times of need.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateNov 4, 2013

New eye treatment effective in laboratory tests

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a promising technique for treating human eye disease by targeting microRNAs, which can stop abnormal blood vessel growth. The approach shows promise in preventing blindness in diseases like neovascular macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 23, 2013

Adult stem cells help build human blood vessels in engineered tissues

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago identified a protein expressed by human bone marrow stem cells that guides blood vessel formation. The study found that mesenchymal stem cells support functional blood vessel growth, and their genetic signature may be used to individualize stem cell treatments for heart patients.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateOct 14, 2013

Therapeutic eye injections may be needed less often

Researchers have created a new drug-delivery strategy using a biodegradable coating that prolongs the effectiveness of an eye medication for macular degeneration. This innovation could significantly reduce the frequency of injections needed, potentially changing the standard of care from monthly to once or twice a year.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 19, 2013

Researchers step closer to custom-building new blood vessels

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown new blood vessels from pluripotent stem cells and transplanted them into mice, a crucial step towards developing personalized treatments. The new technique could enable genetically matched blood vessels that are less likely to be rejected by patients' immune systems.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2013

Study links cardiac hormone-related inflammatory pathway with tumor growth

A recent study by University of South Florida researchers found that a cardiac hormone signaling receptor plays a key role in the link between inflammation and cancer-causing tumors. By blocking this receptor, scientists hope to develop new treatments that cut off tumor growth by cutting off blood supply. The research aims to create in...

Researchers reveal malaria's deadly grip

Researchers discovered how malaria parasites stick to blood vessels by binding to endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR). This finding may lead to new means of combating malaria, including vaccines and drugs. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind severe malaria symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2013

Mutation causing wrong-way plumbing explains 1 type of blue-baby syndrome

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that a mutation in the Semaphorin 3d molecule disrupts the development of pulmonary veins, leading to Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC). The condition causes poorly oxygenated blood throughout the body, resulting in cyanosis. Researchers found that Sema3d mutations cause ab...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 12, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Mar. 1, 2013

Scientists identified nitric oxide's role in degrading a protein that attenuates cardiac growth, linking vascular changes to heart size. A nanogel-based treatment targeting an immunosuppressive drug directly to tissues associated with immune cells may help treat systemic lupus erythematosus.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2013

A coordinated response to cardiac stress

Researchers at Yale University identified a molecular mechanism by which the growth of new blood vessels and heart muscle are coordinated. Nitric oxide triggers the destruction of RGS4, allowing for physiological changes associated with the relaxation of blood vessels, while promoting cardiac growth.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 1, 2013

UGA research offers new targets for stroke treatments

Researchers at the University of Georgia have identified a new target for stroke treatments using candesartan, which increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor and stimulates angiogenesis. This approach has the potential to improve recovery outcomes for stroke patients and may also benefit veterans with traumatic brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateDec 20, 2012

Enzyme explains angina in diabetics

A new study published in Circulation reveals that the arginase enzyme may play a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type II diabetes. Inhibiting this enzyme improves blood vessel function in diabetics with angina, but has no effect on healthy individuals or those without angina.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·DateNov 27, 2012

UI research may help build a better drug

Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care have discovered a new biological pathway that can be targeted to eliminate or reduce severe side effects of diabetes drugs. The study identified the Cullin-3 pathway as key to blood pressure-lowering effects, potentially leading to more specific and effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 9, 2012