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How the spleen filters blood

A new study finds that the spleen filters blood cells by imposing a 'physical fitness test' through its narrow passages, which defines the shape and size of red blood cells. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases affecting blood cell shape, such as malaria, and developing novel drug targets.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

Mechanics of the cell

Researchers developed a synthetic cell model to investigate fundamental principles of cellular mechanics, revealing the interplay between cytoskeleton and cell membrane is key to changes in form. The model cells demonstrate that protein interactions are essential for biological functions and can alter shape through deformation mechanisms.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 18, 2016

Isolation and characterization of human hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells

Scientists have developed a method for isolating primary human hepatocytes and different non-parenchymal cell fractions from the same donor tissue. The isolation process involves a two-step EDTA/collagenase perfusion technique followed by Percoll density gradient centrifugation, adherence separation, and magnetic activated cell sorting.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateJun 17, 2015

Shh! Don't wake the sleeping virus!

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University develop novel experimental model that successfully mimics the re-activation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. The model allows scientists to test drugs and develop therapies to prevent shingles and potentially impact other viruses targeting the human nervous system.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 4, 2015

Scientists uncover how molecule protects brain cells in Parkinson's disease model

Researchers found that serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 (SGK1) protects brain cells by blocking pathways involved in neurodegeneration and alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction. Increasing SGK1 levels offers a potential therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease, as naturally occurring levels are not sufficient to promote cell survival.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular and Cellular Biology·DateApr 15, 2015

Insights into a rare genetic disease

Research at RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Center reveals ENGase enzyme responsible for protein degradation in absence of NGLY1. Studies show that inhibition of ENGase activity may serve as therapeutic target for patients with NGLY1 mutation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2015

Modeling tumor dormancy

A new computational model developed at Princeton University may help understand tumor dormancy, a phenomenon that can last up to 25 years in pancreatic cancer. The model predicts that tumors are likely to grow rapidly when the number of dividing cells reaches a certain critical level.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2014

A new model for organ repair

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a novel mechanism of kidney repair, where mature cells reprogram themselves after injury. This finding challenges the long-held theory that kidney stem cell populations respond to damage.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2013

Computer models shed new light on sickle cell crisis

Researchers from Brown University have developed computer models that show how different types of red blood cells interact to cause sickle cell crisis. The findings suggest that softer, deformable red blood cells known as SS2 cells start the process by sticking to capillary walls, leading to blockages.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2013

How cells get a skeleton

A study found that high levels of contractile stress in animal cells can lead to the formation of a condensed layer of filaments beneath the cell membrane. This new understanding provides insight into the cortical layer's structure and function.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJun 10, 2013

Predatory bacterial crowdsourcing

Scientists at Rice University and UTHealth discovered a simple formula that enables Myxococcus xanthus bacteria to create waves to spread and devour other bacteria. The formula involves side-to-side contact between cells, a reversal time interval, and physical interactions, allowing the waves to move outward in unison.

SourceRice University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 27, 2012

Self-forming biological scaffolding

A new model system explores how cells' functional structures assemble through self-organisation. The study reveals that actin filaments, held together by cross-linking proteins and molecular motors, can rapidly compact into highly ordered fibres.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateSep 19, 2012

Modeling the demise of migrating brain tumor cells

A theoretical model simulates brain tumor cell evolution under treatment, revealing that peripheral cells need to be targeted. The model suggests enhancing TTF treatment by applying specific frequencies, leading to increased plasma membrane permeability and cancer cell demise.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJun 6, 2012

New discoveries in cell aging

Scientists have developed a reliable system to model and quantify protein aggregation's impact on cell viability, division, and aging. The study uses Escherichia coli bacteria and the AB42 peptide to predict protein aggregation's effects on cell aging, revealing potential natural chaperones that reduce this damage.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJan 23, 2012

Researchers make the leap to whole-cell simulations

A team of researchers has built a computer model of a bacterial cell's crowded interior, accurately simulating the behavior of living cells in response to environmental stimuli. By analyzing the distribution of molecules within the cell, they found that molecular crowding affects individual molecule movement and chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 30, 2011