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One step closer to cell reprogramming

Scientists at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have made a breakthrough in understanding cell reprogramming by identifying the crucial role of the Wnt signaling pathway. By inhibiting this pathway, they increased the efficiency of the process and obtained more pluripotent cells.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 6, 2014

Keeping stem cells pluripotent

Scientists have identified a key gene receptor and signaling pathway essential to maintaining human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in an undifferentiated state. By blocking the WNT signaling pathway and its encoded receptor FZD7, researchers were able to keep hESCs in their pluripotent state.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014

Scientists learn how soy foods protect against colon cancer

University of Illinois scientists have found that lifelong exposure to genistein, a bioactive component in soy foods, protects against colon cancer. The study suggests that a diet rich in soy genistein represses signals through epigenetic modifications, reducing the number of pre-cancerous lesions and abnormal cell growth.

New genetic path for scleroderma

A genetic pathway previously known for its role in embryonic development and cancer has been identified as a target for systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, therapy. The finding reveals that the Wnt signaling pathway is abnormally activated in scleroderma patients, leading to fibrosis and tissue damage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateMar 19, 2012

Heads or tails?

Planarian flatworms can regenerate their entire body from a small piece of tissue due to the critical role of an ancient gene called notum. Notum determines whether a head or tail will regrow at amputation sites, enabling the worms to restore missing body parts.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2011

How to make a lung

Researchers found that Wnt2 and Wnt2b molecules are crucial for specifying lung progenitor cells in the foregut region. Without these molecules, animals fail to develop lungs, highlighting their importance in treating respiratory diseases. The study's findings also suggest a connection between pulmonary and cardiac development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 17, 2009

Study finds biological clue in brain tumor development

Scientists at The University of Nottingham have uncovered a vital new biological clue that could lead to more effective treatments for CNS PNETs, a type of brain tumour predominantly occurring in children. The research found that WNT pathway activation is linked to patient survival and may represent an important new target for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 18, 2009

Building the blood-brain barrier

Researchers have identified Wnt/b-catenin signaling as a key pathway regulating brain development and maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. The study suggests that tweaking this signaling pathway could potentially mend damaged blood-brain barriers in patients with stroke or other conditions.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateOct 27, 2008

Science expands Science Signaling, featuring research related to medical advances, and more

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is expanding its online journal Science Signaling, which focuses on new insights for combating disease and understanding normal human biology. Dr. Michael B. Yaffe will serve as Chief Scientific Editor, aiming to attract and publish top-notch signaling research.

Certain diseases, birth defects may be linked to failure of protein recycling system

A study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals that a protein recycling system failure may be linked to the development of certain diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, as well as birth defects. The Retromer Complex plays a critical role in delivering signaling proteins to tissue-building sites.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 20, 2007

Progress toward new therapies for coronary artery disease

Researchers at Burnham Institute for Medical Research have discovered that stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is essential for coronary vasculature formation. The study provides a new avenue for developing therapies for coronary artery disease, which is a leading cause of mortality in Western countries.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2007