News Feature Channel: Cell Biology

New Roles in Infectious Process for Molecule That Inhibits Flu

Ohio State University — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 07:55:40 EST

Researchers have identified new roles for a protein long known to protect against severe flu infection - among them, raising the minimum number of viral particles needed to cause sickness.

Sylvester Cancer Tip Sheet: Researchers Present Posters at the 66th ASH Annual Meeting & Exposition

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:10:03 EST

Hematology researchers from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami are authors or co-authors on more than 70 posters to be presented at the Annual Meeting & Exposition of the American Society of Hematology in San Diego, Dec. 7-10. Links to each abstract are included in this tip sheet.

On the Origin of Life: How the First Cell Membranes Came to Exist

University of California San Diego — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 08:00:00 EST

Few questions have captivated humankind more than the origin of life on Earth. How did the first living cells come to exist? How did these early protocells develop the structural membranes necessary for cells to thrive and assemble into complex organisms? New research from UC San Diego has uncovered a plausible explanation involving the reaction between two simple molecules.

Flower Power: Lily's Genetic Arsenal Against Devastating Fungus

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:15:38 EST

A pivotal study has uncovered a genetic defense mechanism in lily plants against Botrytis cinerea, the fungus behind gray mold disease. Central to this defense is LlHSFA4, a transcription factor that, when activated, initiates a robust response against the pathogen. This discovery could transform strategies for protecting horticultural crops from severe fungal infections.

Decoding Ficus Hispida: New Insights Into Sex Determination in Plants

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:40:04 EST

A recent study in Ficus hispida genomics has unlocked the genetic mechanisms driving this fig tree's unique reproductive system. The fully sequenced genome, a first of its kind for Ficus, reveals critical insights into how sex is determined in these plants--a factor crucial to their survival and ecological role. This research is a milestone for advancing the understanding of dioecy in plants and could open new doors for plant breeding and ecosystem management.

Study Sheds Light on How BRCA1 Gene Mutations Fuel Breast Cancer

Harvard Medical School — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 18:00:54 EST

At a glance: A new study in mice explains how even a single faulty copy of the BRCA1 gene can fuel tumor growth. The findings suggest the dominant "two-hit" hypothesis of cancer development may not tell the full story behind how cancer arises. Study identifies cellular changes that prime cancer-related genes for action and render cells vulnerable to tumor growth. The findings can inform new treatments that block the priming effect to prevent breast cancer formation.

Tumor Suppressor Forms Gel-Like Assemblies to Sacrifice Cancer Cells

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 14:30:35 EST

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have uncovered a previously unrecognized tumor suppression mechanism through the study of condensates and ribosome formation.

Unveiling the Genetic Tapestry: Key Insights Into Strawberry's Evolutionary Journey

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 09:45:16 EST

Pioneering research has unlocked new understanding of the genetic intricacies within the octoploid strawberry, focusing on the interplay and divergence among its four ancestral subgenomes. This work provides critical insights into the genetic foundations that govern key agronomic traits such as flavor, fruit quality, and disease resistance, essential for shaping the future of strawberry breeding programs.

MD Anderson launches Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation to deliver transformational new therapies

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:00:57 EST

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced the launch of its Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation, which will build upon longstanding MD Anderson clinical and research expertise to lead the world in developing and advancing impactful cell therapies for patients in need.

Animals That Can Cheat Death

Universite de Montreal — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 12:00:48 EST

Some animal species seem to possess extraordinary regenerative abilities. How do they do it? And could we learn from them to defy the grim reaper ourselves?

Chili Peppers Exhibit Antitumor Effect on Mesothelioma Cancer Cells

Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:55:04 EST

Capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers which gives them their spicy taste, may become a source of new, natural drugs for the hard-to-treat Mesothelioma type of cancer.

Espacio: Una nueva frontera para explorar la terapia con celulas madre

Mayo Clinic — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 07:00:16 EST

Las celulas madre cultivadas en microgravedad a bordo de la Estacion Espacial Internacional (EEI) poseen cualidades unicas que algun dia podran ayudar a potenciar las nuevas bioterapias y curar enfermedades complejas, segun dos investigadores de Mayo Clinic. El analisis de la investigacion por el investigador Fay Abdul Ghani y por el Dr. y Ph.D. Abba Zubair, publicado en NPJ Microgravity ha hallado que la microgravidad puede fortalecer el potencial regenerativo de las celulas. El Dr. Zubair es especialista en medicina de laboratorio y director medico del Centro de Bioterapias Regenerativas en Mayo Clinic, Florida. Abdul Ghani es tecnologo de investigacion en Mayo Clinic. La microgravedad es la ausencia o gravedad cercana a cero.

A Newly Developed Algorithm Shows How a Gene Is Expressed at Microscopic Resolution

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:50:05 EST

A new method developed by University of Michigan researchers creates images that are worth many gigabytes of data, which could revolutionize the way biologists study gene expression.

The Breadth of Breast Cell Types

University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:30:57 EST

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and fittingly, University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center biologist Curt Hines, PhD, has published a pair of papers that comprehensively describe the twelve major types of cells in the human breast.

Complexity of Tumors Revealed in 3D

Washington University in St. Louis — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 12:00:00 EST

A new analysis led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has revealed detailed 3D maps of the internal structures of multiple tumor types. These cancer atlases reveal how different tumor cells -- and the cells of a tumor's surrounding environment -- are organized, in 3D, and how that organization changes when a tumor spreads to other organs. The detailed findings offer scientists valuable blueprints of tumors that could lead to new approaches to therapy and spark a new era in the field of cancer biology, according to the researchers.

Study Identifies How Ovarian Cancer Protects Itself, Paves Way for Improved Immunotherapy Approach

Mount Sinai Health System — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:00:00 EST

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered a way that ovarian cancer tumors manipulate their environment to resist immunotherapy and identified a drug target that could overcome that resistance. The study, published in the October 30 online issue of Cell used a cutting-edge spatial genomics technology and preclinical animal models, with tumor specimens from ovarian cancer patients further validating the findings. They found that ovarian cancer cells produce a molecule called Interleukin-4 (IL-4), which is typically associated with asthma and the skin condition eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis. The study went on to find that the cancer cells used IL-4 to create a protective environment that kept away killer immune cells, making the tumors resistant to immunotherapy. A drug, dupilumab, which blocks IL-4's activity, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is already used to treat asthma and eczema. This new study suggests dupi

A New Chemistry for CRISPR

Rockefeller University — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:30:10 EST

It acts as a sort of molecular fumigator to battle phages and plasmids.

Children's Research Institute at UT Southwestern Scientists Discover Ancient Viral DNA Activates Blood Cell Production During Pregnancy, After Bleeding

UT Southwestern Medical Center — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:50:12 EST

Ancient viral remnants in the human genome are activated during pregnancy and after significant bleeding in order to increase blood cell production, an important step toward defining the purpose of "junk DNA" in humans, according to new research from Children's Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) published in Science.

New Research Offers Hope for Treating Inherited Peripheral Neuropathies

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:10:09 EST

A recent study published by Dr. Jordan Verplank, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU), and a team of scientists from USU, State University of Buffalo (New York), and Cyclerion Therapeutics, has identified a promising approach for treating hereditary peripheral neuropathies, specifically Charcot Marie Tooth disease types 1A (CMT1A) and 1B (CMT1B). By focusing on increasing levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) - a signaling molecule involved in various biological processes - the study has shown potential improvements in myelination, nerve conduction, and motor coordination in mouse models affected by these conditions. The findings were published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences on October 14, 2024.

Six Yale Researchers Receive NIH 'High-Risk, High-Reward' Awards

Yale School of Medicine — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:30:57 EST

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have awarded grants to six Yale researchers who are conducting exceptional and creative research with the potential to transform biomedical science.