Category Biology/Biotechnology

Testing for antibodies that target citrullinated tenascin-C (cTNC) could diagnose RA in around 50% of cases, including some cases not identified by current best tests. It also has a very low rate of false positives – 98% accurate at ruling out RA.

When inflammation occurs in the body, some proteins are altered in a process called citrullination. These altered forms can cause an autoimmune attack and RA. For that reason, tests that spot antibodies to citrullinated proteins are already used to diagnose the disease. While tests for individual proteins usually have a relatively low diagnostic sensitivity, a more general test called CCP, that detects synthetic citrullinated peptides, identifies a lot more RA cases.

Dr Anja Schwenzer said: ‘We knew that tenascin-C is found at high levels in the...

In this schematic of a chromosome’s 3D structure, the DNA loops (black) are anchored by CTCF proteins (purple) at their bases. Regulatory elements, called enhancers (red) only affect the genes (black arrows) that reside in the loops with them. The protein cohesin (blue rings) forms the looped structures. Credit: Courtesy of Cell Press

A map has been created of the DNA loops that comprise 3D structure of the human genome and contribute to gene regulation in human embryonic stem cells. The location of genes and regulatory elements within this chromosomal framework will help scientists better navigate their genomic research, establishing relationships between mutations and disease development.

This is transformational,” says Whitehead Member Richard Young...

TRAF6 is required for skeletal muscle regeneration.

Specialized stem cells known as satellite cells reside in the skeletal muscles of adults in an inactive or quiescent state. When muscle injury occurs, a chain of signals prompts the satellite cells to awaken and generate new muscle cells to repair the injury. As part of this process, the satellite cells self-renew in order to replenish the pool of satellite cells for future muscle repair.l muscle regeneration. TAK1 (transforming growth factor-B-activated kinase 1), is vital in regulating the survival and proliferation of satellite stem cells. These cells are responsible for regenerating adult skeletal muscles in response to damage from disease or injury.

When muscle injury occurs, a chain of signals prompts the satellite cells to awaken a...

TRAF6 is required for skeletal muscle regeneration.

Salk team develops Drug that prevents, reverses deadly liver damage in mice. Chronic damage to the liver eventually creates a wound that never heals. This condition, called fibrosis, gradually replaces normal liver cells -which detoxify the food and liquid we consume – with more and more scar tissue until the organ no longer works.

Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified a drug that halts this unchecked accumulation of scar tissue in the liver. The small molecule, called JQ1, prevented as well as reversed fibrosis in animals and could help the millions of people worldwide affected by liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, caused by alcoholism and diseases like hepatitis.

“After too much damage in the liver, the scar tissue itself causes m...