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Blocking a microRNA reverses deadly lung disease in study

Researchers identified microRNA-224 as a promising treatment target for pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare disease that damages the blood vessels in the lungs and strains the heart. Blocking the molecule reversed key signs of the disease in animal models, improving blood vessel function and heart performance.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2026

A matter of time

Researchers at ISTA used miniature 2D organs and rubbery silicone molds to study morphogen signaling dynamics during spinal cord development. The study found that BMP morphogen signaling gradients emerge quickly, then fade away, only to reappear again, shedding light on the complex process of tissue development.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024

Serum iron overload activates the SMAD pathway and hepcidin expression of hepatocytes via SMURF1

Researchers investigated the molecular mechanism of serum iron overload-induced BMP/SMAD pathway and hepcidin expression. SMURF1, a master regulatory function, mediates Holo-Tf-induced SMAD1/5 activation and hepcidin expression. The inhibition of SMURF1 may represent a therapeutic strategy for iron overload-related diseases.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMar 11, 2024

How ketamine acts fast and slow

Researchers discovered that ketamine's sustained effects involve increasing immature cells' activity, while rapid effects rely on newborn neurons firing more rapidly. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new antidepressant treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Intestinal cells change functions during their lives

Recent studies found that intestinal cells can change specializations in response to BMP signaling. This process, called zonation, is crucial for the proper functioning of the gut. Researchers used organoids and mouse models to confirm this discovery, which may lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022

Meet the Smurfs: A bone metabolism family

A team of researchers from Osaka University has identified a novel mechanism by which the protein Smurf2 regulates bone formation through the BMP signaling pathway. The study found that Smurf2 uses ubiquitination to mark messenger proteins for destruction, leading to reduced bone mass and formation rates in mice without Smurf2.

SourceOsaka University·JournalBone Research·DateFeb 8, 2021

Evolution of the back-to-belly axis

Researchers found that sea anemones use BMP signaling molecules to establish a second body axis, regulating mesenteries and Hox gene activation. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of animal body axes over hundreds of millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 18, 2015

Same musicians: Brand new tune

A new study by Stowers Institute for Medical Research reveals that Notch2, a Notch family protein, shapes an eye structure known as the ciliary body by ensuring BMP signals remain loud and clear. The findings provide crucial insights into how excessive pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2013

Newly found protein helps cells build tissues

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a new signaling molecule, Gbb38, that plays a crucial role in tissue formation in flies. The study suggests possible links to human developmental disorders, such as cleft lip and palate, and may lead to improved therapeutics for bone repair and reconstruction.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 2, 2012

Work-life balance: Brain stem cells need their rest, too

Researchers have identified a key molecular guard that prevents brain stem cells from proliferating, protecting the brain against excessive cell division. This study highlights the importance of bone morphogenetic factor protein (BMP) signaling for maintaining neural stem cells throughout adulthood.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 1, 2010

USC researchers identify mechanism that controls activation of stem cells during hair regeneration

Researchers at USC have identified a novel signaling mechanism that coordinates stem cell activity and regulates hair regeneration in large populations of hairs in animal models. The study found that periodic expression of bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) in the skin macro-environment is key to coordinated hair stem cell activation.

Stopping smad

Researchers discovered pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase as a key player in the dephosphorylation of MAD, a Drosophila Smad protein. This finding offers new insights into how BMP signals can be downregulated in various physiological contexts.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateFeb 27, 2006

Making a brain

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory developed a functional brain model with 1 million neurons and 16 terabytes of storage. This achievement marks a major breakthrough in neural networking, enabling faster processing speeds and increased computational power.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 30, 2005

Mouse model of osteoarthritis

A mouse model of osteoarthritis has been developed, revealing that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is essential for the maintenance of healthy articular cartilage. The study found that inactivating BMP signaling in mice led to severe arthritis, mimicking human osteoarthritis conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 18, 2004