Cell biology

New research has uncovered the mechanism by which amino acids activate TORC1, a key protein in cell growth and autophagy. The research reveals that cysteine activates TORC1 via the Pib2 protein and highlights the varied influences of all 20 amino acids on TORC1 through two pathways. This discovery offers new insights into cellular processes and potential treatments for diseases linked to TORC1 malfunctions.Researchers at Osaka University uncover the mechanism by which cysteine activates a crucial regulator of cell growth…

Researchers have identified a new mechanism by which misplaced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can cause inflammation, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention against autoimmune diseases and aging-related inflammation. Credit: SciTechDaily.comSalk scientists outline mouse cell inflammation pathway from mitochondrial stress to leaking endosomes to immune system initiation, revealing new potential therapeutic targets to reduce inflammation in aging and disease.Cells in the human body contain power-generating…

The LSD algorithm spotlights actively responding lung cells (green). Credit: Matthias Schmitt, Gargiulo Lab, Max Delbrück CenterA new computer program allows scientists to design synthetic DNA segments that indicate, in real time, the state of cells. Reported by the Gargiulo lab in Nature Communications, it will be used to screen for anti-cancer or viral infections drugs, or to improve gene and cell-based immunotherapies.All the cells in our body have the same genetic code, and yet they can differ in their identities,…

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have innovatively reprogrammed canine stem cells from urine to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) without feeder cells. This breakthrough in non-invasive, pain-free stem cell generation paves the way for new advancements in veterinary regenerative medicine and genetic disease research, offering hope for treating previously incurable diseases in dogs. Credit: Shingo Hatoya, Osaka Metropolitan UniversityA new method has been developed to generate canine-induced…

Research by Koen Martens focuses on understanding the speed and efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms in the human body. His development of TARDIS software has significantly improved the ability to study these processes in response to UV damage. Credit: SciTechDaily.comUniversity of Bonn researchers devise method to speed up observations of high-throughput microbiological process.Being able to observe micro-organisms and their cellular components is key to understanding fundamental processes that go on inside cells—and thus…

Groundbreaking research reveals that 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) serves as an antioxidant, protecting cells from ferroptosis. This challenges prior assumptions about 7-DHC and could significantly impact cancer treatment and our understanding of related diseases. Credit: SciTechDaily.comRecent research shows that 7-dehydrocholesterol is an antioxidant that protects cells from ferroptosis, offering new avenues for cancer treatment and disease understanding.In a groundbreaking study, a team led by Würzburg Professor José…

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking method called Zman-seq for tracking changes over time in single cells within the body. This method, which marks cells with time stamps, has significantly advanced our understanding of cellular dynamics, particularly in understanding diseases like glioblastoma. Zman-seq’s ability to trace the history and sequence of molecular and cellular changes offers a new perspective in the study of complex biological systems and paves the way for developing more effective therapies for…

A study from UC San Diego reveals that obesity causes mitochondrial dysfunction in fat cells, driven by a specific gene. Deactivating this gene in mice prevents obesity, suggesting new treatment approaches.UC San Diego Study reveals key mechanism behind obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.The number of people with obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, resulting in a worldwide epidemic. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a role in the development and progression of obesity, scientists have come to…

Scientists have discovered that mutations in mitochondrial DNA can predict a patient’s response to immunotherapy, potentially leading to more personalized and effective cancer treatments. Credit: SciTechDaily.comA groundbreaking study shows that mitochondrial DNA mutations are key indicators of a patient’s likelihood to respond to immunotherapy, revolutionizing cancer treatment approaches.Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have made an unusual discovery that could help to identify patients who are up to two and a half…

Human cells showing cell nuclei (cyan), mitochondria (magenta), and the Coxiella burnetii protein MceF (yellow). The figure evidences the co-location of MceF with cellular mitochondria. Credit: Robson Kriiger LoterioResearchers have discovered a previously unidentified protein with antioxidant properties produced by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium. This breakthrough suggests potential new treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer.Researchers at the University of São Paulo, in collaboration…