Articles tagged with Molecular Physiology
Researchers at Salk Institute develop novel 'dye-cycling' strategy to measure RNA polymerase movement along DNA with unprecedented lengths of time. This breakthrough provides critical mechanical insights into how genes are transcribed in cells, shedding light on the fundamental processes of life.
Professor Timo Betz's project aims to develop synthetic materials that mimic key behaviors of living cells, including self-organization and physical adaptation. By studying the mechanical properties of living cells, he will recreate part of the cell's interior in a synthetic way.
Stuart S. Martin, PhD, has been appointed Chair of the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at UMSOM, bringing over 20 years of success in advancing basic science research efforts and developing new drug therapies. His groundbreaking discovery of microtentacles on cancer cells promises to lead to new life-extending therapies.
Researchers have identified a key gene crucial for vitamin D uptake and metabolism, offering new avenues for precision medicine in cancer therapy and potential benefits for autoimmune diseases. Inhibiting this gene may selectively kill cancer cells while leaving healthy tissues unharmed.
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano have developed a system that allows bacteria to sense light and convert it into electrical signals without genetic modification. This method has the potential to develop next-generation antimicrobial platforms and biocompatible 'bacterial robots' for targeted drug delivery.
Researchers have identified a monoacylglycerol acyltransferase (MGAT)-coding gene named bishu-1 that maintains the expression level of thermal receptors and modulates cool temperature sensation and avoidance behavior. The discovery could promote the development of lipid-mediated treatments for maintaining thermosensation in humans.
A recent study by the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich shows that less bitter-tasting pea protein hydrolysates can form bioactive peptides during digestion, which induce satiety signals via bitter taste receptors. The study reveals molecular mechanisms that can be used to optimize the tas...
Tadashi Isa returns to NIPS as director with goal to foster young researchers and maintain balance between cutting-edge research and collaborative studies. He aims to elevate physiological and neuroscience research in Japan to a world-class level.
A recent study using mice found that chronic sucrose consumption disrupts physiological processes, leading to diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The small intestine plays a key role in this process, causing an imbalance in glucose uptake and nutrient absorption.
A research group at Peking University discovered dopamine's role in regulating Tau's function through a novel chemoproteomic strategy. This finding deepens our understanding of dopamine's physiological and pathological roles in the human brain.
Researchers have discovered how cholesterol crystals form in human bodies, shedding light on heart disease and gallstones. The team identified a special solvent that mimics the body's natural environment, allowing them to watch how cholesterol crystals grow in real time.
The TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences hosted the 37th Student Research Week, showcasing student researchers' work and presentations from distinguished national speakers. The event featured an increase in abstract submissions and lightning talk sessions.
Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that fava bean protein nanofibrils alter the activity of receptor genes and interact with cell membranes, influencing texture perception. The study aims to develop sensorially appealing plant-based foods with improved texture.
Intrinsically disordered proteins make up 30% of all proteins and are linked to various diseases. By combining two methods in a single sample, researchers have improved the accuracy of measuring protein size and its impact on disease development.
Scientists have discovered a weakness in antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be exploited to stop the spread of this public health crisis. By understanding the link between magnesium limitation and ribosome variants, researchers may develop novel drug-free approaches to combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have developed a simple model system to break down fibrils into their constituent single units or liquid droplets. This discovery has the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by targeting pathological fibrils.
Researchers found that prenatal exposure to synthetic cannabinoid led to cardiovascular problems in female rats and increased respiratory sensitivity to carbon dioxide in male rats. Sleep quality also deteriorated in both sexes, with males experiencing sleep fragmentation due to frequent wakefulness episodes.
A new epigenetic clock based on cheek cells accurately predicts mortality risk, outperforming previous clocks trained on blood data. The study found that specific methylation sites are linked to human mortality, and future research is needed to identify associations with age-related diseases.
New research suggests that exposure to vape and e-cigarette residue on surfaces during pregnancy can cause immune system damage in unborn babies. The study found that maternal third-hand exposure to e-vapour results in significant, long-lasting effects on lung and bone marrow immune cell responses.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a molecular pathway that controls the formation of scar tissue in spinal cord injuries. By activating this pathway, they were able to reduce scarring and promote healing in mice with spinal cord injuries.
Researchers uncover the importance of kainate receptors in enabling synaptic plasticity and transmission in the cerebellum. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding neurological disorders and developing new treatments.
Researchers developed two clinical ageing clocks, PCAge and LinAge, that use blood tests, a urine test, and a health questionnaire to estimate future mortality risk. These clocks show significant predictive efficacy in characterising individual future ageing trajectories.
Dorothee Dormann and Edward Lemke propose a new concept to measure the individual risk of getting age-related diseases by analyzing protein clumps in cells. This 'protein aggregation clock' could help diagnose age-related diseases at early stages or identify people at higher risk.
Researchers have identified SEMA3A as a critical player in the development of fatty liver disease, where it closes blood vessel 'windows' hindering fat transport. Inhibiting SEMA3A reduces liver fat and improves function.
A new biomarker database, Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA), has been developed to improve astronaut health, but its findings may also be useful for people on Earth with limited mobility or bedridden conditions. The database provides insights into short and long-term health impacts of spaceflight.
Researchers found that daily cranberry extract consumption for 28 days improved running speeds by 1.5% and reduced post-exercise blood lactate levels. The study also showed increased muscle oxygenation rates and slower deoxygenation.
Researchers investigated the impact of senolytic treatments on DNA methylation clocks and epigenetic age. Results showed significant increases in epigenetic age acceleration with Dasatinib and Quercetin treatment, but not with Fisetin addition.
A University of Otago study found strong links between Long COVID and ME/CFS, suggesting a coordinated treatment approach could improve patient outcomes. The research confirmed changes in immune system activity between Long COVID patients and healthy controls, reflecting chronic dysfunction.
Researchers created an immunodeficient mouse model of physiological ovarian aging, mirroring female fertility decline with age. The study found decreased oocyte quality, impaired follicle activation and growth, and increased mitochondrial dysfunctions in Old mice.
Researchers found that DNA damage accumulates in arteries with aging and contributes to impaired vascular function. In mice lacking or heterozygous for the double-strand DNA break repair protein ATM kinase, aging accelerated vascular dysfunction, including increased arterial stiffness and oxidative stress.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have conducted a study on rats, showing that small doses of psilocybin can increase resilience to stress and reduce compulsive behaviors. The study lends support to the benefits of microdosing as a therapeutic intervention.
The study reveals that NO forms a new compound, NO-ferroheme, which significantly expands blood vessels and directly activates guanylyl cyclase. This finding challenges the long-held hypothesis on nitric oxide signalling in blood vessels.
A comprehensive review of sedentary behavior's effects on health found excessive sitting to lead to insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction, and increased body fat. The study emphasizes the need for more research on effective interventions to reduce sedentary behavior.
Researchers found that pregnant mice experiencing copy number variation (CNV) showed similarities to aging, with biomarkers and genetic effects appearing during pregnancy and reversing after delivery. This study aims to revolutionize aging treatment by investigating the mechanisms behind post-labor rejuvenation.
Scientists have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect cells using multiple entry points beyond ACE2, explaining its ability to jump between species. This finding highlights the need for continued monitoring of coronaviruses and their potential to cause future pandemics.
A recent study discovered the complex circadian clock mechanisms in soil bacteria Bacillus subtilis, regulating multiple genes and behaviors. The findings have significant implications for industrial applications, human health, and plant science.
The Bioaction project leverages bacteria as allies in promoting tissue regeneration, offering a paradigm shift in addressing infections. By developing functional bio-hydrogels, the project aims to accelerate healing and stimulate bone growth, reducing reliance on extended antibiotic therapies.
Researchers developed new methods for detecting drug-induced hepatotoxicity using 3D cell cultures and mass spectrometry imaging, identifying biomarkers and effective interventions. A zeolite-based protein corona method was also used to characterize plasma proteins, enabling the identification of low-abundance proteins and their potent...
Researchers have captured never-before-seen images of the CALHM1 pore, which assembles into a circular channel with flexible arms resembling octopus tentacles. The discovery reveals how fatty molecules stabilize and regulate the channel, offering potential insights into its role in taste perception and Alzheimer's disease.
A team from the University of Ottawa has developed a comprehensive screening platform and cellular interrogation tool to facilitate novel drug discovery targeting various human diseases. The 'Tango-Trio' platform can identify small molecule modulators for orphan GPCRs, which have significant untapped therapeutic potential.
Researchers have discovered that octopuses and cephalopods use RNA editing to rapidly respond to environmental temperature changes. By tweaking their protein function, these animals can acclimate to cold water, but not rapid changes. The study reveals a unique mechanism of genetic adaptation in these species.
Dr. John H. Bushweller's team at UVA Cancer Center is developing novel drugs to block abnormal proteins that cause pediatric leukemia. The new approach aims to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School identified the Bmal1 gene as a crucial regulator of circatidal behavior in P. hawaiensis, establishing a molecular link between circadian and circatidal clocks. The study provides new insights into the genetics underlying circatidal rhythms.
A team led by Professor Timo Betz has developed a 3D cell culture chamber to grow muscle and other tissue using high-resolution microscopy. The new system will enable scientists to mimic the mechanical situations that confront various living tissues in serious conditions, reducing animal testing and costs.
Researchers from Spain, Italy and Norway uncover a cluster of water channel genes in teleosts that allow eggs to float. The study reveals unique mechanisms for hydrating maturing eggs, which determines their buoyancy.
Brazilian researchers identified genes that make industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae SA-1 resistant to fermentation inhibitors generated during sugarcane bagasse preprocessing. The study paves the way for increased efficiency of second-generation ethanol production.
Researchers have discovered a complex network of genes in the resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum that enables it to tolerate extreme drought conditions. The study found that this ability is not due to a single 'miracle gene' but rather the result of a whole genome, with many genes present in higher copy numbers than in more ...
Richard McIndoe is leading a national research initiative to advance understanding of diabetes and obesity through the National Centers for Metabolic Phenotyping in Live Models of Obesity and Diabetes (MPMOD). The MPMOD initiative provides access to advanced testing services, including bariatric surgery on mice, to enable new insights ...
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that exercising in the early active phase increased gene expression involved in fat breakdown and thermogenesis, leading to a higher metabolic rate. This effect was independent of food intake and may prove beneficial for people who are overweight.
Researchers discovered that myosin motor proteins must be activated before muscles can contract, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating inherited cardiac conditions. This new understanding could lead to medical remedies for diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The study uses 3D electron microscopy and live cell imaging to observe molecular tethers between organelles. These dynamic structures are constantly binding and unbinding, altering contact site configuration in response to cellular changes.
A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz developed ceria nanoparticles to silence bacteria by modifying signaling molecules, preventing biofilm formation. This approach mimics nature's defense system and has potential for creating antibacterial surfaces without resistance.
Researchers have discovered a newly found protein, CTENO189, that controls the unique locomotion of comb jellies. The protein is essential for the rippling movement of their comb plates, which propels them through the water.
Researchers have discovered that zinc ions tune the ability of human serum albumin to prevent α-synuclein aggregation, a process linked to Parkinson's disease. Zinc binding alters HSA's chaperone function, blunting fibril formation and slowing down protein deposition that can lead to neurodegeneration.
Researchers identify two distinct types of obesity with physiological and molecular differences that may impact health, disease, and treatment response. The study reveals new insights into the link between insulin and obesity, as well as the role of epigenetics in shaping individual body types.
Researchers discover two specific enzymes that assemble medium-chain fatty acids in marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica, elevating MCT production and enabling customizable oils. The study paves the way for engineering industrial microalgae into efficient sustainable feedstock.
A new study published in Frontiers found that excessive blue light exposure can alter cellular functions in fruit flies, potentially leading to accelerated aging. The researchers discovered changes in metabolites essential for cell function and communication between neurons.
Researchers developed APTASHAPE to analyze protein and metabolite signatures in blood plasma for various diseases. The technology shows promise for non-invasive early detection of bladder cancer and other conditions.
Researchers used x-ray crystallography to study the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 at various temperatures, revealing subtle conformational changes and potential targets for drug design. These findings may inspire the development of new antiviral drugs to counteract COVID-19 and prevent future pandemics.