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Discovery of the hidden connection between adverse drug reactions and autism spectrum disorder

A joint study by multiple research teams identified a link between valproate exposure during pregnancy and increased expression of the Rnf146 gene in autism mice, disrupting neurotransmitter balance. The findings contribute to understanding autism's mechanism and may aid early detection and treatment.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·DateSep 20, 2023

Contributions to white matter injury in Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers highlight microvascular contributions to white matter injury in Alzheimer's disease, sparking calls for exploration of connections between AD, WM injury and cerebral small vessel disease. The study emphasizes the critical need to define mechanisms and diagnostic features of mixed vascular and AD neuropathological change.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 12, 2023

Network-based approaches open a new avenue to classify and treat rare diseases

Scientists at CeMM and Max Perutz Labs have reclassified approximately 200 rare immune system disorders using a network-based approach. The study reveals strong similarities between rare diseases and autoimmune conditions, enabling the prediction of treatment efficacy and personalized approaches for diagnosis and treatment.

Essential cell death-regulating mechanisms important for recovery from SARS-CoV infection and skin injury discovered

Researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism of cell death regulation, shedding light on its significance during conditions such as SARS-CoV infection and skin injury. The study reveals that the cleavage of cFLIP restrains cell death during viral infection and tissue injury, favoring tissue repair.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2023

Investigating interactions at molecular junctions for novel electronic devices

A recent study by Tokyo Tech researchers explores the structure and electron transport properties of molecular junctions. The findings reveal three distinct structures at the junction, corresponding to high- and low-conductivity states, which hold promise for designing novel electronic devices with unique properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

How plants use sugar to produce roots

Researchers at Heidelberg University have identified a molecular mechanism controlling root branching in plants, which involves the activity of the target of rapamycin (TOR) protein. The study found that glucose plays a crucial role in forming lateral roots, and TOR acts as a gatekeeper to regulate this process.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMay 22, 2023

Stay CALM when the heart skips a beat

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a genetic mutation that causes lethal arrhythmia in humans. The study found that a novel variant of the CALM2 gene produces robust arrhythmogenicity in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCirculation Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Molecular machines could treat fungal infections

Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Chicory, surrogate and roasted coffee provide new insights into mechanisms of taste perception

Researchers investigated how the order of eating affects bitter taste perception using chicory and coffee substitutes. They found that consuming chicory or coffee substitute after roasted coffee reduces bitterness, while consuming roasted coffee before chicory has no effect.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2023

Weiss-Kruszka syndrome and the failure to establish neuronal identity

Researchers identified the molecular mechanism underlying Weiss-Kruszka syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by craniofacial anomalies and autistic features. The study reveals that the ZFP462 gene mutation leads to a failure to safeguard neural lineage specification during early embryonic development.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

New study on the circadian clock of the fruit fly

Researchers discovered a point mutation in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that leads to a temperature-dependent lengthening of circadian clock periods. The mutation affects the nuclear export signal of the PERIOD protein, resulting in its retention in the cell nucleus at higher temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2022

Researchers investigate neuron differentiation in fruit fly brains

The study reveals that non-coding regions near sloppy-paired genes are essential for temporal transcription factor expression and that Notch-signaling regulates the transition to subsequent TTFs. This mechanism couples temporal patterning with neuron generation, providing insights into brain diversity.

Oncotarget | Predictive molecular biomarkers for determining neoadjuvant chemosensitivity in muscle invasive bladder cancer

A study using mRNA and miRNA expression profiles identified molecular signatures that can differentiate muscle invasive bladder cancer patients who respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy from those who do not. The research found distinct gene pathways and subtypes associated with response, which may lead to more effective treatment delivery.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2022

Sites in the brain where RNA is edited could help to better understand neurodevelopment and disease, researchers have found

Mount Sinai researchers catalogued thousands of sites in the brain where RNA is modified throughout the human lifespan, increasing with age. This study provides a model depicting how A-to-I editing evolves over a lifetime, shedding light on its role in health and disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2022

How heart failure disrupts the cell’s powerhouse

Researchers from Hokkaido University have identified a link between succinyl-CoA levels and energy metabolism in heart cells affected by chronic heart failure. Supplementation with 5-aminolevulinate acid improved heart function and oxidative phosphorylation capacity in mice with surgically blocked blood supply.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Exercise and obesity have opposite impact on muscle, fat tissues, researchers demonstrate

A new study reveals that exercise training has opposite effects on muscle and fat tissues compared to high-fat diet-induced obesity. Exercise is found to down-regulate extracellular matrix-related pathways, while obesity up-regulates them. Conversely, exercise up-regulates circadian rhythm pathways, which are reversed by obesity. This ...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateOct 5, 2022

A study from the University of Exeter reveals a master regulator controlling fungal infection of wheat

The University of Exeter team identified a 'master regulator' that controls the formation of invasive hyphae in the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. This discovery provides a crucial target for developing new control strategies against Septoria tritici blotch, a destructive fungal disease affecting wheat yields worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Major discovery exposes immune system’s ‘off button’

Researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism that controls MR1, a protein responsible for alerting white blood cells to bacterial infections or cancer. By regulating MR1's activation, the immune response can be stimulated or inhibited, offering new potential for harnessing and controlling immunity.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2022

Discovered key mechanisms to improve intestinal regeneration and alleviate the side effects of radiotherapy

Researchers have discovered a cellular and molecular mechanism essential for intestinal epithelial regeneration. Progenitor cells modulate the production of mitogenic factors, controlling intestinal stem cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. This finding breaks new ground in research into counteracting radiotherapy side effects.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2022

Chinese researchers identify new molecular targets into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Researchers have identified Insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) as a key regulator in the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. IGF2BP2 overexpression was found to induce liver steatosis, inflammation, and injury in healthy mice, while knockdown improved NASH pathogenesis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Pathway uncovered for greatest lupus genetic risk factor, study shows

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a molecular mechanism that drives the disease-causing effects of the most common genetic risk factor for lupus. The study suggests that targeting this new pathway could lead to the development of safe and effective treatments for SLE, an autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

How the genome is packed into chromosomes that can be faithfully moved during cell division

The Gerlich Group at IMBA found that histone acetylation establishes a sharp surface boundary on chromosomes, resisting microtubule perforation. Chromatin phase separation and DNA looping by condensin cooperates to build mitotic chromosomes with unique physical properties.

Chinese Medical Journal review explores the role of macrophages in the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

Physical mechanisms explaining DNA and RNA twist changes

Researchers developed a simple physical model to explain DNA deformations caused by ions and temperature changes. The model reveals that salt-induced twist changes are driven by electrostatic interactions, while temperature-induced changes are related to DNA diameter variation. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mec...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJun 6, 2022