Molecular & Structural Biology

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Scientists discover and characterize human skeletal stem cells

Human skeletal stem cells that become bone, cartilage, or stroma cells have been isolated from fetal and adult bones. This is the first time that skeletal stem cells, which had been observed in rodent models, have been identified in humans.

24 Sep 2018

Researchers propose mechanism by which ASTN2 protein defects lead to brain disorders

In the brain, as in business, connections are everything. To maintain cellular associates, the outer surface of a neuron, its membrane, must express particular proteins--proverbial hands that reach out and greet nearby cells. And, like a creepily long handshake, surface molecules can overstay their welcome: A protein that lingers too long on the membrane may compromise the connections, or synapses, between cells.

24 Sep 2018

Salk Institute researchers uncover molecular structure of RNA-based CRISPR system

Over the past several years, CRISPR-Cas9 has moved beyond the lab bench and into the public zeitgeist. This gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 holds promise for correcting defects inside individual cells and potentially healing or preventing many human ailments.

20 Sep 2018

Body organs undergo structural changes in response to diet

Body organs such as the intestine and ovaries undergo structural changes in response to dietary nutrients that can have lasting impacts on metabolism, as well as cancer susceptibility, according to Carnegie's Rebecca Obniski, Matthew Sieber, and Allan Spradling.

20 Sep 2018

Sea squirt model reveals key molecules in dopaminergic neuron differentiation

The human brain is exceedingly complex, consisting of various regions with particular functions and approximately 100 billion neurons. This complexity has presented a major challenge in understanding this organ and how it develops, particularly in view of the ethical issues associated with research on humans.

20 Sep 2018

Researchers develop new system to detect consumption of synthetic cannabinoids

The detection has been carried out analyzing the saliva of healthy volunteers before and after they smoked these herbs along with tobacco. The samples were analyzed using high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), statistical and bioinformatics methods.

20 Sep 2018

Progenitor cells for human bone and cartilage have been identified

Research published today describes for the first time the identification of human skeletal stem cells. The discovery may enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies for diseases that cause skeletal degeneration.

20 Sep 2018

Researchers develop fast detection strategy to know type of virus acquired by patients

Even tiny amounts of viruses can have disastrous consequences. RNA identification can reveal the type of virus present.

20 Sep 2018

Antioxidant in green tea helps sneak therapeutic RNAs into cells

Drinking green tea has been linked to health benefits ranging from cardiovascular disease prevention to weight loss.

19 Sep 2018

Manipulating nuclear pore number could lead to new way of treating cancer

Researchers at the Salk institute have found a way to manipulate the number of nuclear pores present in the perimeter of the nucleus.

19 Sep 2018

Study finds why some human genes are more popular with biomedical researchers

Historical bias is a key reason why biomedical researchers continue to study the same 10 percent of all human genes while ignoring many genes known to play roles in disease, according to a study publishing September 18 in the open access journal PLOS Biology, led by Thomas Stoeger and Luís Amaral of Northwestern University, and colleagues. This bias is bolstered by research funding mechanisms and social forces.

19 Sep 2018

Researchers describe cell mechanism that optimizes proteins production in stressful situations

The different genes within the genome must be expressed in precise levels and in the exact moment if the complex balance regulating cell activity is to be maintained.

19 Sep 2018

Surprising research showing peptide adaptability may pave way to develop immunotherapies

The body's immune system is a valiant weapon against disease, and harnessing its power through a technique called immunotherapy is at the forefront of current research to treat cancer and other diseases.

19 Sep 2018

Study gives new insights into how cells leverage GPCRs to control inflammation

G-protein-coupled receptors are everywhere in our bodies. They are embedded in our cell membranes, where they act as signal transducers, allowing cells to respond to their external environments.

19 Sep 2018

Scientists discover new molecules that work together to remove unwanted DNA

Scientists have discovered a new family of molecules that work together to precisely remove unwanted DNA during reproduction in single-celled, freshwater organisms called ciliates.

19 Sep 2018

Researchers acquire new insights into DNA polymerases

Complex biological systems can be described as a network of chemical processes that take place in molecules. The scientists of the "ChemLife" research initiative at the University of Konstanz are working together in an equally active network with dynamic interconnections - both subject-specific and interdisciplinary.

19 Sep 2018