Category Biology/Biotechnology

How to Rewind the Clock on Arthritic Cartilage

knee cartilage
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new study in Aging Cell describes how a key protein called Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) might turn back the clock on aging cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis.

“STAT3 performs an astonishing repertoire of roles in development and regeneration, as well as inflammatory disease and cancer. In this study, we found an innovative chemical approach for reversing aging of joint-forming cells in a clinically relevant manner, because this intervention is simple and fully controlled,” said the study’s co-corresponding author Denis Evseenko, who is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at USC, and holds the J. Harold and Edna LaBriola Chair in Genetic Orthopedic Research.

“We wanted to ...

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The ‘Guardian of the Genome’ Protects against Cardiovascular Disease

The 'guardian of the genome' protects against cardiovascular disease
The analysis of human samples and animal experiments demonstrate that the presence of p53 gene mutations in the blood increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, the principle cause of cardiovascular disease. Credit: CNIC

A team at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), working in collaboration with institutes in the U.S., has demonstrated that acquired mutations in the gene encoding the protein p53 contribute to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Known as the “guardian of the genome,” p53 helps to maintain the integrity of the hereditary material inside cells by regulating multiple cell functions in response to cellular stresses.

Every day, an adult person generates hundreds of thousands of blood cells...

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Gut Bacteria affect Brain Health, Mouse study shows

Gut bacteria can influence brain health, according to a study of mice genetically predisposed to develop Alzheimer’s-like brain damage. The study, by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, indicates that gut bacteria produce compounds that influence the behavior of immune cells, including ones in the brain that can cause neurodegeneration. The findings suggest a new approach to treating Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Getty Images

Findings suggest new approach to treating Alzheimer’s, other neurodegenerative diseases. Gut bacteria can influence brain health, according to a study of mice genetically predisposed to develop Alzheimer’s-like brain damage...

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Study reveals Obesity-related Trigger that can lead to Diabetes

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that a defect in an enzyme called APT1 interferes with the ability to secrete insulin, contributing to the development of Type 2 diabetes in people who are overweight or obese. In this microscopic image of the surface of an insulin-secreting beta cell from a mouse with diabetes, granules containing insulin are green; granules containing a protein affected by APT1 are red; and the yellow granules are those that release excess insulin due to a defect in APT1.

Many with elevated insulin levels also have defects in an enzyme key to fatty acid processing...

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