Category Archives: Research
Nischarin regulates energy metabolism
Nischarin is a novel protein that is discovered by us. We demonstrated that it functions as a molecular scaffold that holds and interacts with several protein partners in a number of biological processes. Previously we have shown
Novel anti-inflammatory adjuvants for vaccines to prevent and/or treat autoimmune diseases
The increase during the last 30 years in the incidence of autoimmune diseases (AD) in the developed countries, points to environmental rather than genetic risk factors. Indeed, studies have shown that ADs are rare in countries where
Plateau-like versus sawtooth-like force-extension response of macromolecules
In recent years, the folding and unfolding of single macromolecules has been largely investigated through atomic – force microscopes (AFM), laser optical tweezers (LOT) and magnetic tweezers (MT), which are able to apply external forces directly to
Why genomic research must be diverse and inclusive
In April 2003, the world witnessed the completion of the human genome project: a grand scientific feat comparable to man’s first steps on the moon. This 13-year, publicly funded undertaking determined the DNA sequence of the human
Generating hit molecules against pathogenic DNA motifs in silico
Genome (all the information that is encoded in DNA or RNA and is capable of being passed on to an offspring) is the blueprint of an organism. It consists of a sequence of letters A, G, C,
The dichotomy of exosomes in cancer: targets and treatment vehicles
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles released by all cell types that mediate intercellular communication. Exosomes exist in healthy as well as pathological conditions, but it is in cancer research that they are gaining increasing attention. Exosomes released by
Metformin and AMPK link cancer stem cell elimination with the potential eradication of HIV
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cancer cells that exhibit several stem cell-like qualities that are characteristic of embryonic or adult stem cells, including self-renewal, differentiation, and the ability to initiate tumorigenesis. CSCs, similar to adult stem cells
Increased blood immune regulation in autoimmunity?
Through centuries, the immune system evolved to become highly proficient in protecting the human body from invading threats. Part of its strength relies on antibodies produced within germinal centres (GC). These structures form intricate networks of immune
Differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental syndromes using blood episignatures
Neurodevelopmental syndromes refer to a group of inborn diseases that present with impairments of the growth and development of the brain, and facial and somatic dimorphism. The differential diagnosis of these disorders is challenging because of the
Curing glioblastoma with oncolytic virus and immune checkpoint blockade
Cancer immunotherapy utilizes the patient’s immune system to recognize and/or destroy tumors. The immune system has both positive activator/effector and negative inhibitory functions. Immune checkpoints are one such inhibitory function that can be overcome by immune checkpoint
Friendly supporter or unfriendly disrupter? Understanding extraordinary phenomena under high humidity for novel oxychloride photocatalysts
Water, a strongly polar molecule made up of hydrogen and oxygen, is indispensable for human beings as well as all living organisms. We obtain energy for our activities mostly from oxidation of food, but tracing this back
Soft-diet feeding impairs olfactory functions via changes in neural connections
Mastication ability correlates with cognitive impairment in elderly persons. A longitudinal study of aging and Alzheimer’s disease indicates that participants with the fewest teeth had the highest prevalence and risk of incidence of dementia. There are abnormalities
Keyhole heart valve surgery after previous heart transplantation
Advances in heart transplant techniques and medication that control rejection and infections resulted in improved survival and quality of life. These improved long term outcomes are unfortunately paralleled by a variety of associated coronary-, mitral- and tricuspid
Hormones and endocrine disruptor compounds
Endocrine Disruptor Compounds (EDCs) are molecules, natural or synthetic, that happen to interfere with the endocrine network of vertebrates, provoking adverse dysregulation of the hormonally – controlled physiological parameters or functions. This interference can occur through different
Dilemma of a beneficial narcotic analgesic: Tramadol
Tramadol is a known opioid drug that is used worldwide to relieve moderate to severe pain. It is the sole over-the-counter narcotic drug, meaning that it can be purchased without a physician prescription. Most people can enjoy
How to turn bacterial metabolism into a deadly antibacterial weapon
The development of bacterial infections on and around biomedical materials, ranging from hip implants to wound dressings, is a large and growing problem. Biomaterial-associated infections are challenging to treat because bacteria tend to form colonies, called biofilms,
A new method to study gait analysis in children with Cerebral Palsy and the effects of surgery on gait
Gait and movement capabilities of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are often assessed by clinicians by direct observation and qualitative clinical scales. Sometimes, video recordings are used to document changes in gait over times or after treatments,
Plant based diets can help lower blood pressures of women in the U.S.
Approximately 65% of adults over 60 years in the US are hypertensive. Poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles are fueling the hypertension epidemic. Higher consumption of plant foods can help lower blood pressures in developed countries. Moreover,
Sub-mitochondrial map of intermembrane space bridging components
Our work reports on generally applicable tools for the biological community that are now allowing researchers to address one of the most commonly asked questions in biomedical research, “What is interacting with or in proximity with a
Lung “life support”: Enter the era of improving the function of transplanted lungs
Lung transplantation is a relatively new science, with the first successful transplant being performed in 1983 in Toronto, Canada. Almost all transplants performed in this country involve the removal of the lungs from a deceased donor, flushing
