journal of biological chemistry
Breakthrough in regulating fat metabolism
Scientists at Warwick Medical School have made an important discovery about the mechanism controlling the body’s ‘fat switch’, shedding new light on our understanding of how proteins regulate appetite control and insulin secretion.
This research, led b…
Closing in on an ulcer- and cancer-causing bacterium
A research team led by scientists at the Chinese University of Hong Kong is releasing study results this week showing how a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, that causes more than half of peptic ulcers worldwide and that …
Researchers develop curious snapshot of powerful retinal pigment and its partners
BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 28, 2011 — Science fiction novelist and scholar Issac Asimov once said, “The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ but ‘That’s funny.’ ” This recently rang true for…
New marker found for Sanfilippo disease
Sanfilippo disease is a rare disorder caused by the failure of enzymes to break down specific kinds of complex carbohydrates, resulting in their accumulation in cells and often severe physical and neurological problems — and sometimes early de…
Cancer-causing virus exploits key cell-survival proteins
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A cancer-causing retrovirus exploits key proteins in its host cells to extend the life of those cells, thereby prolonging its own survival and ability to spread, according to a new study by researchers at The Ohio State University…
Researchers discover root cause of blood vessel damage in diabetes
A key mechanism that appears to contribute to blood vessel damage in people with diabetes has been identified by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
Blood vessel problems are a common diabetes complication. Many…
Unexpected find opens up new front in effort to stop HIV
HIV adapts in a surprising way to survive and thrive in its hiding spot within the human immune system, scientists have learned. While the finding helps explain why HIV remains such a formidable foe after three decades of research — more than 30 m…
Cell binding discovery brings hope to those with skin and heart problems
A University of Manchester scientist has revealed the mechanism that binds skin cells tightly together, which he believes will lead to new treatments for painful and debilitating skin diseases and also lethal heart defects.
Professor David Garrod,…
Blood pressure control system found in kidney’s structural units
SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 14, 2010) — The kidney is made up of roughly 1 million working units called nephrons. These basic structural units remove waste products from the blood, recycle some substances to be reused and eliminate what is left as ur…
Researchers discover way to halt lung inflammation in animal models
AURORA, Colo. (Jan. 14, 2011) – Acute inflammation of the lung is a poorly recognized human disease that develops in surprising and unexpected ways. The acute lung injury (ALI) or adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a vital new concern for…