Signaling Networks

Information processing in cells at the edge of jamming

The Power of twins: decoding the unseen information flow

Researchers propose a novel computational method to quantify information flow in biological systems, enabling accurate analysis without measuring input signals. The method, using a dual reporter system, accurately analyzed information flow leading to bacterial motor output in response to chemical signals.

Uncovering how cells build tissues and organs

Engineers from the University of Rochester's Department of Biomedical Engineering are studying how cells interact mechanically with the extracellular matrix to build tissues and organs. The study aims to shed light on developmental diseases, such as cancer and failed wound healing, which involve distorted principles during development.

Infants born with hearing loss show disruptions in brain design, underscoring the urgency of intervention

Research finds infants with sensorineural hearing loss lack normal left-hemisphere language specialization. Early auditory stimulation and language exposure can help preserve brain development.

The eye’s secret clockwork

Researchers at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel discovered that differences in nerve signal speed and distance are actively balanced within the human eye to support a unified visual experience. This mechanism helps align signal arrival times to just a few milliseconds, contributing to synchronization.

Substance use accelerates brain aging through distinct molecular pathways, groundbreaking study reveals

Researchers identified unique biological mechanisms that cause premature aging in the brains of individuals with alcohol, opioid, and stimulant use disorders. Different substances appear to hijack the brain's natural aging rhythm through distinct molecular mechanisms, though some pathways are shared across different substance types.

New study reveals potential link between GLP1 agonists and depression: Calls for urgent attention

A recent study published in Current Neuropharmacology suggests a potential link between Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and depression, particularly in individuals with low dopamine function. The authors urge caution and recommend genetic testing to identify individuals at risk before prescribing these medications.

Brain pathway links inflammation to loss of motivation, energy in advanced cancer

A study published in Science discovered a direct connection between cancer-related inflammation and the loss of motivation characteristic of advanced cancer. Blocking the inflammatory pathway restored motivation in mice with cachexia, suggesting a potential treatment for apathy associated with chronic illnesses.

Scientists uncover novel immune mechanism in wheat tandem kinase

Researchers uncover a novel immune mechanism by which wheat tandem kinase proteins (TKPs) combat pathogen invasion, establishing a new paradigm for cooperation between TKPs and NLR proteins. The discovery offers a foundation for engineering crop varieties with broad-spectrum pathogen resistance.

Adipocyte-hepatocyte signaling mechanism uncovered in endoplasmic reticulum stress response

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.

Why some breast cancer treatments stop working

A new review highlights how breast cancer cells change their communication and growth patterns, helping tumors survive, spread, and resist treatment. The review explores disrupted signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt/mTOR and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, which can promote tumor progression and resistance to treatment.

University of Cincinnati study to test use of spinal cord stimulation to treat depression

Researchers are testing noninvasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord to treat major depressive disorder. The trial, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, aims to confirm whether this method reduces signaling in specific pathways related to depression.

NUS Medicine pioneers ground-breaking technique to deliver drugs directly to the brain

Scientists at NUS Medicine have developed a novel approach using nasal bacteria to deliver therapeutic molecules directly to the brain, reducing appetite and improving glucose metabolism in preclinical studies. The engineered bacteria leverage the olfactory mucosa's unique properties to deliver medication with enhanced bioavailability.

Dessert stomach emerges in the brain

A group of nerve cells called POMC neurons are responsible for dessert cravings, releasing a feel-good opiate when mice eat sugar. This pathway is activated even before eating, and blocking it reduces sugar consumption in full animals.

NUS Medicine study: Inability of cells to recycle fats can spell disease

A new study from NUS Medicine has found that the protein Spns1 plays a key role in recycling fats out of cell compartments called lysosomes, preventing diseases like lysosomal storage disorders. The research uses cryoelectron microscopy to understand how Spns1 transports fats and highlights its importance for cellular health.

High-tech video optimization in our brain

Researchers at ISTA identify a brain region in mice that predicts and minimizes visual distortion during movement, allowing for sharper mental images. The 'ventral lateral geniculate nucleus' (vLGN) integrates motor and sensory signals to compute a comprehensive corrective signal, enabling more efficient visual processing.

Hidden transport pathways in graphene confirmed, paving the way for next-generation device innovation

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology confirm the existence of hidden transport pathways in graphene, which enables faster and more efficient data handling. The study sheds light on the 'Valley Hall Effect' and its role in nonlocal resistance, providing crucial insights for advancing valleytronics device design.

Liver protein SerpinA1 enhances fat browning and glucose control

Researchers from Kumamoto University identified SerpinA1 as a key regulator in combating obesity and enhancing glucose metabolism. The study found that activating brown adipose tissue could pave the way for innovative treatments for diabetes and metabolic disorders.

Equally effective pain relief without opioids in bariatric surgery

A randomized clinical study found that an opioid-free treatment pathway is both safe and effective for bariatric surgery patients. The alternative method, which combines three different medicines, significantly reduces the need for opioids during treatment.

Breakthrough in drug-free pain relief: Solvent-mediated analgesia for safer, non-addictive pain management

Researchers discovered a new pathway to pain management by modulating pain signals with solvent molecules, offering an alternative to traditional pain medications. The study showed that deuterated water suppressed pain signal transmission and achieved effective analgesia.

Sea anemone study shows how animals stay ‘in shape’

Researchers discovered that sea anemones reshape their entire bodies to maintain the same overall form after injury, contrary to other regenerating animals. This process involves molecular changes across the body, including the activation of metalloproteases, to restore proportionate shape and function.

Tumor dormancy initiated by lymphovascular embolus

Researchers discovered that tumor dormancy in breast cancer can be triggered by specific signaling changes within small cell clusters, called tumor emboli. Key mechanisms include reduced activity of mTOR and structural shifts in E-cadherin, which are regulated by the PI3K pathway.

New pathway for sensing cold temperatures identified in rice

A gene called COLD6 contributes to cold tolerance in rice by triggering 2',3'-cAMP signaling to initiate a defense reaction against low temperature. This pathway may also apply to other crops, improving their cold tolerance.

How blood cancer cells rewire to evade drug treatment

Researchers found that blood cancer cells rewired their gene regulatory networks to evade drug treatment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), disrupting normal differentiation and growth. The study identified key findings, including changes in open chromatin regions and the loss of binding of RUNX1 and AP-1 transcription factors.

Brain pathways that control dopamine release may influence motor control

Researchers at MIT have discovered additional brain pathways that modulate dopamine release, influencing movement and emotional decisions. The newly identified pathways appear to relay emotional information that helps shape motivation to take action.

Scientists uncover auditory “sixth sense” in geckos

Researchers found that geckos utilize the saccule, a part of their inner ear traditionally linked to balance, to detect low-frequency vibrations. This 'sixth sense' plays a complementary role in the geckos' normal hearing and sensory perception.

Research points a way to modulate scarring in spinal cord injury

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.

Med school scientist receives prestigious NSF award for inflammation research

Associate Professor Justine Tigno-Aranjuez received a $1 million NSF CAREER Award to study the impact of the NOD2 pathway on inflammation. Her research aims to understand how lipid mediators are produced and how they influence inflammation.

The targeting of WNT5B and WNT10B in osteosarcoma

Researchers identify key genes involved in osteoblast differentiation, finding positive correlations between WNT10B and these genes, and inverse correlations with WNT5B. The study hypothesizes that the use of WNT activators or inhibitors depends on whether canonical or non-canonical pathways are activated.

Mechanisms of how morphine relieves pain mapped out

A study at Karolinska Institutet reveals that morphine activates a 'morphine ensemble' of neurons in the brain, leading to pain relief. This understanding may help develop new strategies to treat pain without triggering addiction and overdose.

Innovative field experiments shed light on biological clocks in nature

A recent study published in PNAS explores how plants combine clock signals with environmental cues under naturally fluctuating conditions. The research team developed statistical models that accurately predict gene expression activity under control of circadian clock responses to environmental signals.

A potential pathway may guide new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory diseases

Researchers discovered a unique probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB1, that strengthens intestinal barrier function and protects against harmful bacteria. This strain may lead to the development of novel therapies for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions.

Singapore scientists discover breakthrough method to activate dormant stem cells in the brain

Researchers have discovered a novel pathway to wake up dormant neural stem cells, which can produce new neurons aiding brain repair and growth. The study, published in Science Advances, reveals that astrocytes play a key role in reactivating neural stem cells, offering potential new therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Chinese Medical Journal review provides valuable insights into the development of new anti-angiogenic drugs

Researchers highlight the need to develop new anti-angiogenic agents to improve cancer treatment efficacy, citing knowledge gaps in human clinical trials. The review recommends considering tumor mutations, microenvironment, and patient profiles to select optimal AAD combinations.

ACE-ing protein detection in single cells

A new DNA-powered signal amplification technology called ACE significantly enhances the sensitivity of mass cytometry, enabling the detection of multiple proteins in single cells. This breakthrough allows researchers to investigate complex biological processes and study immune cell functions with unprecedented depth.

Preventing brain damage in preterm babies

A recent study has identified a blood protein called fibrin as the root cause of developmental delays and brain damage in preterm infants. The researchers found that fibrin interferes with a cell-signaling pathway essential for neuron creation, particularly in the cerebellum.

AAV vectors trigger innate immune pathways

Researchers describe redundant innate immune pathways triggered by AAV vectors, including sensing of viral genome and cytoplasmic DNA sensors. The study highlights the need to understand complex biologic mechanisms underlying adverse reactions to AAV vectors in human gene therapy trials.

Research identifies possible new pathway to treatment of colorectal cancer

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a possible new pathway to treat colorectal cancer by targeting the NF-kB-inducing kinase (NIK) protein. The study, led by Irving Coy Allen, identifies changes in a significant signaling pathway in human patients and presents potential targets for therapeutics.

Decoding self-initiative: How the brain governs goal-directed actions

A recent study discovered a critical brain signal mediated by dopamine and its 'D2' receptors that plays a crucial role in timing actions. The research team used novel imaging techniques to observe this activity before self-timed presses, finding a gradual increase in brain signals about half a second prior.

PH-binding motifs as a platform for drug design: Lessons from protease-activated receptors (PARs)

The study highlights the importance of protease-activated receptors (PARs) in cancer growth and development, with PH-binding motifs identified as a key platform for drug design. The researchers suggest that targeting PARs could provide an alternative to current oncogenic pathways.

UC3M coordinates a European scientific project to advance 6G multi-antenna technologies

The MiFuture project aims to develop ultra-massive MIMO technology for future cell-free heterogeneous networks, enabling innovative applications such as telesurgery and holographic virtual meetings. Fifteen PhD students will be funded to complete their doctoral studies and generate highly qualified researchers in this field.

Association between neighborhood deprivation and DNA methylation in an autopsy cohort

Researchers found a significant association between neighborhood deprivation and DNA methylation in brain tissue, which may be linked to immune response. The study identified one CpG site (cg26514961, PLXNC1 gene) significantly associated with neighborhood deprivation after controlling for covariates.

U of T researchers target neurogenesis in new approach to treat Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a way to better control the preclinical generation of key neurons depleted in Parkinson's disease. They developed an efficient method for stimulating stem cell differentiation to produce neural cells in the midbrain, which closely resemble dopaminergic neurons of natural origin.

Researchers reveal how protein modifications power T cells

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed a new, rapid method to study phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications in immune cells. This method sheds light on signaling pathways that trigger T cell activation and reveals how phosphate groups direct specific gene expression responses.

Liquid droplets shape how cells respond to change

New research found that cells form liquid droplets to sequester excess cAMP and PKA, tamping down non-specific signaling. This helps maintain cellular biochemical activities according to spatiotemporal regulation. The study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind this process and design a therapeutic for rare liver cancer.

CHLA researchers uncover underlying mechanism driving membranous nephropathy, offering insights into chronic kidney disease in children

A study published in JCI Insight reveals that an unexpected mechanism is responsible for the loss of kidney cells' ability to filter toxins from blood in primary membranous nephropathy. The researchers found that signaling in the C3a/C3aR pathway plays a critical role in disease progression.

A molecular route to decoding synaptic specificity and nerve cell communication

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology identified the molecular mechanisms involved in synaptic communication using Drosophila. They found that Side-IV/Beat-IIb immunoglobulin superfamily protein molecules play a crucial role in inducing synapse formation and regulating preferential signaling among neuron pairs.

Older brain cells linger unexpectedly before their death

Researchers discovered that mature oligodendrocytes, critical for brain function, can survive for up to 45 days after a fatal trauma, defying the classical programmed cell-death pathway. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and potentially preventing damage caused by aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

COVID-19 research: New details about potentially deadly inflammation revealed in USC study

A USC study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 causes a stage of mild symptoms followed by severe inflammation in some patients. The virus exploits two different pathways to interact with immune cells, one leading to inflammation and the other preventing it.

Dancing cells show how the brain awakens from anesthesia

A Mayo Clinic study found that microglia shield neurons from the aftereffects of anesthesia, enhancing and boosting neuronal activity to awaken the brain. This discovery could lead to new treatments for post-anesthesia delirium and hyperactivity.

FoxO6-mediated ApoC3 upregulation promotes hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia in aged rats fed a high-fat diet

Research reveals that FoxO6 upregulates ApoC3, leading to increased lipid accumulation and liver damage in aged rats on a high-fat diet. The study suggests that targeting this pathway may offer therapeutic strategies against hepatic steatosis.

PR55α-controlled PP2A Inhibits p16 Expression and Blocks Cellular Senescence Induction

Researchers have discovered that PR55α, a regulatory subunit of PP2A phosphatase, inhibits p16 expression and blocks cellular senescence induction by γ-irradiation. This finding provides a new insight into the regulation of the p16/RB pathway in response to stressors.

Newly discovered link between FBXW7 mutations and EGFR signaling in colorectal cancer

A new link has been discovered between FBXW7 mutations and EGFR signaling activity in colorectal cancer. The study found that the mutated form of the FBXW7 gene could no longer degrade the EGFR protein, leading to increased signaling activity and a decreased response to anti-EGFR treatment.

A call for standardization of controls in lifespan studies

The lack of standardized controls in lifespan studies leads to misleading outcomes and makes it difficult to compare results. Researchers propose solutions for quality control by checking inter- and intra-study consistency of lifespan data.

Mapping the core senescence phenotype of human colon fibroblasts

Researchers define a 'core senescent profile' in human colon fibroblasts, revealing potential driver proteins involved in CRC. The study's findings provide insights into therapies for improving overall health and preventing CRC.

The anti-aging effect of vitamin D and vitamin D receptor in Drosophila midgut

Researchers discovered that the vitamin D/vitamin D receptor pathway protects enterocytes during aging, reducing ISC proliferation and centrosome amplification. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying healthy aging in Drosophila.

Controlling root growth direction could help save crops and mitigate climate change

Researchers have found a highly conserved ethylene signaling pathway that can be targeted to control the direction of root growth, creating deeper root systems that hold on to carbon and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This breakthrough could help engineer crops more resilient to climate change and drought.

Mechanistically based blood proteomic markers in the TGF-β pathway stratify risk of HCC in patients with cirrhosis

Researchers identified blood proteomic markers associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. The study found a set of biomarkers, including TGF-β driven mechanistic biomarkers and Myostatin and Pyruvate Kinase M2, which may stratify risk for HCC.

Singapore scientists uncover a crucial link between cholesterol synthesis and cancer progression

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered a novel enzyme, FAXDC2, that plays a pivotal role in cholesterol synthesis and cancer progression. The study highlights the potential vulnerability of cancer cells to targeted therapeutic intervention. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting FAXDC2 i...

Prognostic significance of senescence-related tumor microenvironment genes in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers identified senescence-related tumor microenvironment genes associated with poor prognosis, genetic alterations, and reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy in HNSC. The study highlights the importance of precision medicine approaches for personalized treatment.