Researchers developed a novel RNA-based therapy using lipid nanoparticles to silence a gene causing ceramide buildup in the liver, reducing inflammation and scarring. The treatment shows promise for millions of patients worldwide and could eventually benefit those with heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
Researchers found that a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease also strengthens the immune system, offering insights into innovative treatments for cancer, aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The protein, amyloid beta, plays a dual role in the body by damaging brain cells while boosting T-cells' energy production.
A new mitochondrial-targeting drug, LCL768, has been developed to attack head and neck cancer cells by damaging their mitochondria. The drug's ability to increase ceramide levels inside mitochondria triggers mitophagy, leading to cancer cell death.
A team of Chinese researchers identified a novel intercellular signaling mechanism between adipocytes and hepatocytes in endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The study reveals that ceramide, a fat molecule, plays a key role in activating the unfolded protein response pathway in hepatocytes.
The study marked a significant milestone in lipidomics, establishing reference values for ceramides and plasma lipids involved in cardiovascular disease risk prediction. The global network of laboratories achieved better-than-anticipated comparability in results using different methods and instrumentations.
Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discover targeting an immunosuppressive protein on two fronts reduces metastasis and restores sensitivity to immunotherapy in a preclinical model. TNBC cells become resistant to immunotherapy due to membrane instability, enabling PD-L1 protein to drop inside the cell.
A team of scientists discovered that ceramides accumulate in muscles during aging, leading to a decline in muscle function. Treating old mice with ceramide blockers prevented age-related loss of muscle mass and improved muscle strength.
Researchers have developed a test that measures blood levels of ceramides, a waxy substance similar to cholesterol, to predict diabetes remission in gastric bypass surgery patients. The study found that individuals with low ceramide levels prior to surgery had a higher likelihood of achieving diabetes remission two years later.
Research supports strong relationship between ceramides and diseases in animals and humans. Ceramides are standalone biomarkers of cardiovascular disease, independent of cholesterol.
Researchers found that aging decreases T-cell survival and function, while ceramide signaling weakens anti-tumor T-cells. Blocking certain ceramide molecules improves the anti-tumor function of aging T-cells.
Methamphetamine abuse accelerates aging by causing abnormalities in cellular fat metabolism and triggering inflammation. Researchers have identified methods to limit this process using inhibitors of nuclear factor kappa beta signaling.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that chemotherapy treatment with doxorubicin causes mouse oocytes to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind female infertility after chemotherapy, potentially leading to new ways of selectively targeting cancer cells.