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Defensosomes versus COVID-19

In a recent study published in the journal PLoS Biology, researchers investigated the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-containing defensive exosomes, or 'defensosomes' against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections.

14 Sep 2022

Blocking FNDC5 prevents cancer-induced cachexia in mice

The severe muscle atrophy and weakness commonly associated with cancer growth (i.e., cachexia) can be prevented simply by being deprived of FNDC5, the precursor of the exercise hormone irisin, researchers from the Indiana University School of Medicine have found.

12 Sep 2022

Role of the transketolase-like 1 gene in the development of the modern human brain

In a new study, researchers demonstrated how transketolase-like 1 (TKTL1) gene expression influenced neocortical neurogenesis in modern humans.

12 Sep 2022

Interferon response induced by Omicron BA.1 and BA.5 prevents influenza A infection

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers in Germany and the United Kingdom investigated the interferon responses induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant and SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sub-variants BA.1 and BA.5, and their efficacy in protecting cells from influenza A virus super-infection.

12 Sep 2022

Neonatal ketone body plays key role in primordial follicle pool formation and regulates ovarian aging

Premature ovarian aging (POA) refers to an early decline in ovarian function; it is the main cause of infertility in elder women and is characterized by a markedly reduced ovarian reservoir.

5 Sep 2022

Single mutation in Kcnc3 gene causes learning deficits in mice

A single mutation in a gene, Kcnc3, which encodes a potassium channel in neurons, causes learning deficits in mice, UT Southwestern researchers report in a new study in PNAS.

29 Aug 2022

Using the power of CRISPR to engineer better, stronger, longer-lived T cells

T cells used in immunotherapy treatments can get exhausted by the task of fighting cancer cells or get shutdown as they enter tumors.

24 Aug 2022

Host anti-viral factors and pathways regulating SARS-CoV-2 infection

In a new study, researchers identified host anti-viral factors and pathways regulating SARS-CoV-2 infection.

18 Aug 2022

Study evaluates the tumor-modulatory effects of opsins on melanoma cancer

Melanopsin (OPN4) is a light-sensing protein found in skin and retina cells. A new study conducted at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil suggests that OPN4 can also participate in the development and progression of melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer.

10 Aug 2022

Study identifies pivotal role of FIBCD1 gene in neurodevelopmental disorders

A multidisciplinary study led by Vanja Nagy (LBI-RUD/CeMM/Medical University of Vienna) and Josef Penninger (UBC/IMBA) characterized a novel gene, known as FIBCD1, to be likely causative of a new and rare neurodevelopmental disorder.

2 Aug 2022

Researchers characterize a novel gene likely to cause neurological disorders in humans

A multidisciplinary study led by Vanja Nagy (LBI-RUD/CeMM/MedUni Vienna) and Josef Penninger (UBC/IMBA) characterized a novel gene, known as FIBCD1, to be likely causative of a new and rare neurodevelopmental disorder. Using data from two young patients with neurological symptoms, the researchers from both groups found evidence of a novel function for the FIBCD1 gene in the brain, and a potentially pivotal role in diseases such as autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's. The study makes an important contribution to the understanding of the extracellular matrix in the brain and its associated neurological diseases.

2 Aug 2022

What is the role of vitamin D in pandemic H1N1 influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection?

A recent study published in Nutrients found that vitamin D is vital for lung protection from viral infection.

1 Aug 2022

Cancer cells produce small amount of collagen that impacts tumor microbiome and immunity

Cancer cells produce small amounts of their own form of collagen, creating a unique extracellular matrix that affects the tumor microbiome and protects against immune responses, according to a new study by researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

21 Jul 2022

Scientists evaluate immunostimulatory glycolipid against SARS-CoV-2 infection

A new study showed that 7DW8-5, an immunostimulatory glycolipid impeded three respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2, in vivo.

18 Jul 2022

MINAR2 gene mutations cause progressive hearing loss

Researchers at the John T. Macdonald Department of Human Genetics and the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine have found that inherited mutations in the MINAR2 gene caused deafness in four families. The gene variation mostly affects the inner ear hair cells, which are critical to hearing.

14 Jul 2022