A new study provides insights into the cellular mechanisms involved in Christianson syndrome, an X-linked genetic disorder characterized by delayed development, cognitive disability and epileptic seizures as well as difficulties with speech, balance and mobility. This research, published online in the Journal of Neuroscience on Wednesday, Sept. 15, demonstrates how a cellular process known as […]
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Novel mechanism links genetic defect in IBD patients to gut leakiness
A team of researchers led by a biomedical scientist at the University of California, Riverside, has identified a novel mechanism by which loss-of-function mutations in the gene PTPN2, found in many patients with inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, affect how intestinal epithelial cells maintain a barrier. The intestinal epithelium, a single layer of cells, plays […]
Mechanism behind compulsive alcohol use
A small group of nerve cells in the brain determines whether an individual continues to consume alcohol even when it has negative consequences. This is the conclusion of a study carried out on rats by researchers at Linköping University, Sweden. The scientists have identified a previously unknown mechanism that may be a suitable target for […]
Researchers find mechanism underlying muscle weakness in Becker disease
Muscle weakness in patients with Becker disease is caused by unusual electrical activity in muscle fibers termed ‘plateau potentials’ that make them temporarily inactive, says a study published today in eLife. An understanding of these mechanisms and the ion channels involved may help the search for more effective therapies for weakness in Becker disease and […]
Mechanism of abnormal movements induced by drug treatment of Parkinson’s disease
Many people with Parkinson’s disease develop abnormal movements called L-DOPA induced dyskinesia, a major side effect of long-term medication. The mechanism underlying this side effect has been unknown. In this study, researchers have revealed relation between changes of neuronal activities and dyskinesia. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the common age-related neurological disorder affecting 7-10 million people […]
Mechanism linking gum disease to heart disease, other inflammatory conditions discovered
The link between periodontal (gum) disease and other inflammatory conditions such as heart disease and diabetes has long been established, but the mechanism behind that association has, until now, remained a mystery. This month, a team of scientists and clinicians led by the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry say they’ve found the reason why—and […]
Mutation mechanism discovered for neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer
Although neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas are rare, the available treatment options are currently limited. Researchers have now managed to identify the mutation mechanism, namely a mutation on the gene that activates the telomerase enzyme TERT, and this will potentially give rise to new treatment options. This discovery could lead to a more targeted treatment […]
New bone healing mechanism has potential therapeutic applications
Led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, a study published in the journal Cell Stem Cell reveals a new mechanism that contributes to adult bone maintenance and repair and opens the possibility of developing therapeutic strategies for improving bone healing. “Adult bone repair relies on the activation of bone stem cells, which still remain […]
Blocking a survival mechanism could tackle melanoma treatment resistance
The effectiveness of current treatments for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, could be improved by using approaches that wipe out the ‘survival system’ of cancer cells according to a study published in Nature Communications today. Researchers from the Babraham Institute, AstraZeneca and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre have demonstrated an approach, used […]
Researchers discover a new defensive mechanism against bacterial wound infections
Wound inflammation that results in impaired wound healing can have serious consequences for patients. Researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have discovered a new defensive mechanism that enables skin to actively kill bacteria. Central to this mechanism is a cellular messenger molecule known as interleukin 6, whose mode of action may be used in the […]