News

Researchers from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the UAB and from the United Kingdom, for the first time describe the mechanism used by cells to optimise protein production in stressful situations through the altering of tRNA abundance.

The spatial and temporal dynamics of proteins or organelles plays a crucial role in controlling various cellular processes and in development of diseases. However, acute control of activity at distinct locations within a cell cannot be achieved. A new chemo-optogenetic method enables tunable, reversible, and rapid control of activity at multiple subcellular compartments within a living cell.

Scientists from the UNC School of Medicine discovered that the anti-inflammatory protein NLRP12 normally helps protect mice against obesity and insulin resistance when they are fed a high-fat diet. The researchers also reported that the NLRP12 gene is underactive in people who are obese, making it a potential therapeutic target for treating obesity and diabetes.

It is not always easy to see if a switch is on or off! A new study shows that the same can be true of a molecular switch. This knowledge gives a new insight into the molecular switches, the GTPases, many of which have medical potential.

CEO appointment marks a step change in growth strategy.

Scientists have long known that circulating tumor cells, rare cancer cells that are released into the bloodstream, have the potential to provide vital information about a person's specific cancer. Researchers have now created an effective mechanism to measure how these cells perform functions that drive the disease.

A new paper has taken a ingenious route towards treating cocaine addicted mice – by developing a CRISPR-powered skin grafts that produce an anti-cocaine enzyme.

The chemotactic protein CCL17 attracts immune cells to where they are needed. Now scientists have discovered a completely new function: CCL17 also influences signal transmission in the brain.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease produces no noticeable symptoms, but one out of every five people with it will go on to develop a more serious conditions such as nonalcoholic steatohepatosis and cirrhosis. Three new studies investigate how mitochondrial energy production is altered by the progress of fatty liver disease.

Researchers have detected certain viral microRNAs which may serve as useful biomarkers under clinical conditions.