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The fine control of cell mechanics

Researchers discovered that gamma-actin increases the rigidity of cell membranes while beta-actin filaments are less stiff. This mechanism may contribute to hearing loss by affecting the apical membrane's stiffness essential for auditory function.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMar 20, 2025

Cancer cell populations segregate to favor metastasis or antitumor inflammation

A recent study published in Nature Cancer has discovered that cancer cells exhibit opposing pro and antitumor programs, with the former promoting metastasis and the latter combating tumor growth. This finding opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies to target highly aggressive and therapy-resistant tumors.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024

Gut bioelectricity provides a path for bad bacteria to cause diseases

A team of researchers at UC Davis Health discovered a novel bioelectrical mechanism that allows Salmonella bacteria to navigate the gut lining and find vulnerable entry points. The study found that Salmonella bacteria detect electric signals in FAE, which helps them move towards openings in the gut where they can enter.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2024

Key driver for epithelial cancer development identified

A distinct TNF-α signaling program has been identified as a key driver of epithelial cancer development, contributing to cell proliferation and invasion. The researchers found that this program is active in both normal tissues and tumors, but its level of activity correlates with tumor aggressiveness.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Roles of PEDF in exercise-induced suppression of senescence and its impact on lung pathology in mice

The study found that exercise increased PEDF levels in skeletal muscles and suppressed senescence markers in the lungs. PEDF also reduced senescence markers in multiple tissues and attenuated decline in respiratory function in pulmonary emphysema mouse model, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related diseases.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

Tracking the ol' mutation trail

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered the mechanism by which breast cancer forms in mammalian epithelial cells. The team found that approximately 20 mutations accumulate annually in each cell until menopause, after which the rate decreases significantly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Crowd control

Researchers found that confined epithelial cells regulate their size and cell cycle separately, suppressing growth but not division length. The team used lab-grown tissue to observe how cells respond to confinement, revealing a new framework for understanding tissue development and growth.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 28, 2023

Chemical found in common sweetener damages DNA

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers finds that sucralose-6-acetate, a chemical formed when we digest sucralose, is genotoxic and breaks up DNA. The chemical is also present in trace amounts in the sweetener itself, posing potential health risks.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Study may explain why high-sugar diets can worsen IBD

A new study suggests that high-sugar diets can exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms by disrupting the colon's lining renewal process. The research found that a high-sugar diet led to impaired cell division and altered metabolic pathways in mice, resulting in faster gut damage.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023

The Mathematics of Cell Boundary 'Ruggedness'

The study, led by Professor Takashi Miura of Kyushu University, has discovered that interdigitated cell boundaries have a mathematically scaling pattern with self-similarity. The team used the Edwards-Wilkinson model to simulate and understand the molecular mechanism responsible for these dynamics.

SourceKyushu University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2023

Aging | Genetic deficiency and pharmacological modulation of RORα regulate laser-induced choroidal neovascularization

In a mouse model of laser-induced CNV, RORα expression was highly increased in the choroidal/RPE complex post-laser, while loss or inhibition of RORα worsened CNV with increased lesion size and vascular leakage. RORα negatively regulates pathological CNV development by modulating angiogenic response and inflammatory environment.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

How squid and octopus get their big brains

Researchers discovered that cephalopods develop their large nervous systems using similar mechanisms as vertebrates, with a focus on the retina. This study provides insight into the developmental process of these intelligent creatures and could lead to new discoveries about human brain development.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

Microbes help orchestrate how the gut uses its genes

Researchers found microbes influence which genes are used for fat digestion and absorption, leading to changes in epithelial cells. The study also showed microbes promote lipid absorption and impact systemic processes like weight gain.

SourceDuke University·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022

New study reveals how epithelial cells in the body naturally eliminate “precancerous” ones

Researchers have identified a novel immune-like mechanism by which healthy epithelial cells recognize and eliminate precancerous cells through a MHC class I-LILRB3 interaction. This process generates mechanical force to extrude the precancerous cells from the body, offering new hope for cancer prevention and treatment.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Gut epithelium muscles up against infection

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that the surface layer of the intestinal mucosa can contract in response to bacterial attack, preventing damage and promoting healing. This finding offers a potential solution to treating bacterial gut infections, which affect hundreds of millions worldwide.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2021

Why you smell better with your nose than with your mouth

A study by Thomas Hummel found that the nasal cavity's epithelial lining reacts stronger to inhaled odors, making it easier to detect them. The results suggest that retronasal olfaction, which involves smelling through the mouth, is less sensitive but still allows for a more nuanced experience of food and drinks.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateOct 6, 2016

How the gut gets its villi

Research reveals that gut villification is caused by mechanical compression of the epithelium sheet, rather than active mechanisms involving growth factors. This process involves the spontaneous buckling of the epithelium into longitudinal folds and zigzag patterns, ultimately forming villi.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2013

Cells move as concentration shifts

Researchers found that cells displace due to changing morphogen concentration levels, attracting cells through chemotaxis. This understanding can improve wound healing and artificial tissue engineering.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 29, 2013

The self-made eye: Formation of optic cup from ES cells

ES cells can differentiate into retinal precursors and form an optic cup-like structure in vitro without external signaling sources. The tissue undergoes a four-step morphological rearrangement to assume the optic cup shape, driven by cell division and epithelial expansion.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateApr 6, 2011