Category Biology/Biotechnology

IMAGE: Huntington’s disease is due to a fault (a repeat of DNA) on chromosome 4. This repetition of genetic information results in the production of an abnormal protein called huntingtin,. Mutant huntingtin aggregates in clusters in the nuclei of certain neurons in the brain, particularly the striatum, a brain structure involved in controlling movement. These neurons degenerate and eventually die, explaining the appearance of abnormal movements. Then huntingtin accumulates in the nuclei of neurons in the cerebral cortex also causing neuronal degeneration with consequent cognitive impairment (memory, attention …) and psychiatric disorders.

A drug that would be the first to target the cause of Huntington’s disease (HD) is effective and safe when tested in mice and monkeys...

Protein molecules travel around the circuit, forced in certain directions in directed ways, a bit like cars and trucks travelling through a city to arrive at desired results. Credit: Till Korten

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides energy to all the cells in our bodies may also be able to power the next generation of supercomputers. The discovery opens doors to the creation of biological supercomputers that are about the size of a book. That is what an international team of researchers led by Prof. Nicolau, the Chair of the Department of Bioengineering at McGill, believe...

Professor Birch-Machin said: “As our bodies age we see that the batteries in our cells run down, known as decreased bio-energy, and harmful free radicals increase.

A breakthrough in understanding human skin cells offers a pathway for new anti-aging treatments. A study has found the activity of mitochondrial complex II significantly decreases in older skin. This discovery brings experts a step closer to developing powerful anti-ageing treatments and cosmetic products which may be tailored to counteract the decline in the enzyme’s activity levels. Findings may also lead to a greater understanding of how other organs in the body age, which could pave the way for drug developments in a number of age-related diseases, including cancer.

Professor Birch-Machin said: “As our bodies age we see th...

Scientists found evidence of the metabolism-regulating protein amylin, shown in red, present in multiple regions throughout a brain area called the hypothalamus. Experiments suggest amylin produced by hypothalamic neurons helps reduce food consumption together with leptin. Credit: Laboratory of Molecular Genetics at The Rockefeller University/Cell Metabolism

Feeling hungry or full leads us to change how much we eat, but the molecular wiring of this process is not well understood. Scientists have identified a new player in this circuit called amylin, which contributes to reducing food consumption in mice. Prof. Jeffrey Friedman said; “Amylin caught our attention when we were profiling a set of neurons in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain known to be involved in feeding behavior...