Category Biology/Biotechnology

In vitro functional analysis showed that the CX3CR1-Ala55Thr mutation inhibited cell signaling induced by fractalkine, the ligand for CX3CR1. The combined data suggested that the variant Ala55Thr in CX3CR1 might result in the disruption of CX3CR1 signaling. Our results strengthen the association between microglia-specific genes and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Osaka University researchers show in a multi-institute collaboration that a single amino acid substitution in the protein CX3CR1 may act as predictor for schizophrenia and autism. Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis, and muscular dystrophy are all diseases that can be traced to a single mutation. Diagnosis in asymptomatic patient for these diseases is relatively easy – You have the mutation? Then you are at risk...

1. Combined analysis of protein and transcript expression of GPCRs in the gastrointestinal tract. Links between GPCR, N-acyl amide, bacterial genus and the site where these co-occur in the gastrointestinal tract (coloured) are shown.
2. Proposed two-step biosynthesis of N-acyl serinol using the two domains encoded by the hm-NAS N-acyl serinol synthase gene.

Scientists developed a method to genetically engineer gut bacteria to produce molecules that have the potential to treat certain disorders by altering human metabolism. We have a symbiotic relationship with the trillions of bacteria that live in our bodies – they help us, we help them. It turns out that they even speak the same language based on molecules called ligands...

Fibers of a corn-derived, biodegradable plastic developed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Nebraska researchers and their colleagues have demonstrated a new technique for improving the properties of bio-plastic that could also streamline its manufacturing, making it more competitive with petroleum-based counterparts. Credit: Craig Chandler, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Introducing a simple step to the production of plant-derived, biodegradable plastic could improve its properties while overcoming obstacles to manufacturing it commercially, says new research from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Jiangnan University...

Functional vascularized lung grafts for lung bioengineering. Science Advances, 2017; DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1700521

New approach to bioengineering lungs selectively treats epithelium that lines the lung airway, while preserving lung vasculature. A Columbia Engineering team is the first to successfully bioengineer a functional lung with perfusable and healthy vasculature in an ex vivo rodent lung. End-stage lung disease is the third leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 400,000 deaths per year in the US alone...