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Unraveling how cells respond to low oxygen

Researchers at Burnham Institute for Medical Research discovered that the REDD1 protein is degraded under hypoxic conditions, enabling cells to rapidly restore mTOR signaling. This regulation mechanism plays a crucial role in cellular stress response and may be linked to tumor growth in cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalEMBO Reports·DateAug 5, 2009

JCI table of contents: Aug. 21, 2008

Simultaneous inhibition of two signaling pathways, mTOR and MAPK, resulted in enhanced antitumor effects in mouse models of prostate and breast cancer. This combination therapy may improve the treatment of human cancers, particularly for patients with advanced, hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 21, 2008

New discovery may improve treatment of one of the world's leading causes of blindness

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a potential new therapy for uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition causing 5-15% of all cases of total blindness in the US. The treatment uses an aldose reductase inhibitor to reduce inflammation and is currently being tested in clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateSep 28, 2007

Rare cell prevents rampant brain activity

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a mechanism controlling how the brain maintains equilibrium in neuronal activity. A rare cell type, Martinotti cell, acts as a safety device by sending inhibitory signals to surrounding pyramid cells when activated excessively.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNeuron·DateMar 2, 2007

Striking the right balance between excitation and inhibition

A study by Martyn Goulding and colleagues reveals that the Notch receptor protein determines whether a single progenitor cell produces excitatory or inhibitory neurons. The researchers found that activated Notch promotes excitatory neuron formation, while low levels of Notch lead to inhibitory neuron development.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 31, 2006

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center study identifies for the first time a molecular mechanism behind hormonal response to stress

A Cedars-Sinai Medical Center study has discovered a molecular mechanism behind hormonal responses to stress, involving leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and its regulation of the pituitary gland. This finding provides new insights into the body's response to stress and sepsis.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 1999