Sci-Illustrate’s Post

About the Speaker: Dr. Shaon Chakrabarti completed a PhD in Biophysics at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he developed theoretical models to understand the force response of molecular motors and protein-ligand complexes. He then moved to a post-doc position at Harvard University and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, to work on evolutionary modeling of cancer and cancer treatment strategies. Eventually, Shaon started working on experimental cell biology. Currently, he is a faculty at the Simon’s Centre at NCBS, where his lab combines theory, Machine Learning, and experiments to answer fundamental questions on cell proliferation, circadian clocks, and drug resistance in cancer. About the Lecture: Our bodies work like clockwork most of the time, to such an extent that we often take our rhythmic behavioral patterns for granted. Our daily ablutions, our sleep-wake cycle, and many other physiological processes have a 24-hour cycle. When these processes get disrupted, for example after a long trans-Atlantic flight, we are well aware of the ensuing few days of ill health. But how do our bodies know how to keep sync with the changing day and night cycle outside? Do the cells in our tissues have a clock that keeps ticking and keeping time? And why does this clock go haphazard when we take a long flight? In this talk, the speaker will give a historical overview of how this clock was first discovered in plants, and then explain the ground-breaking work that went into identifying how exactly this clock functions, leading to the 2017 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Finally, the speaker will end with a brief description of how modern imaging methods combined with advanced machine learning techniques are increasingly allowing measurements and characterization of the body clock in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

🔊 Weekly round-up! 🧬Immune genetics influence lung cancer risks In this Q&A, Ichan School of Medicine Mount Siani researchers Dr Diego Chowell and Dr Robert Samstein share their new insights about the associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II loci and lung cancer risk. 👩🏻🔬Women in STEM with Lidia Pieri Lidia Pieri earned a Master’s degree with honours in high energy physics at CERN, a PhD in theoretical astroparticle physics from Rome-3 (Italy) and an Executive MBA in Business Innovation with honours from the MIB school in Trieste. She gained international exposure and recognition working as a research associate in several highly ranked institutes in Europe and authoring tenths of peer-reviewed papers in astrophysics, high energy physics, and computational biophysics. Driven by a never-stopping scientific passion for incoming technologies and their possible exploitation for a better future, in 2017 she played a key role in the vision and founding of Sibylla Biotech.   🧪New screening method for HPV-positive head and neck cancer Scientists at the University of Michigan Health Rogel Cancer Center have created a urine-based test that detects DNA fragments released by head and neck tumours. As this cancer type does not currently have a reliable screening method, this could facilitate its early detection and result in improved patient outcomes.   💊Lamotrigine found to prevent NF1 brain tumour growth in mice Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered that the epilepsy drug lamotrigine prevents brain tumour formation and growth in two mouse models of neurofibromatosis type 1. This finding could lead to a clinical trial to assess whether lamotrigine can delay or stop brain tumours in children with NF1.   Click on the links in the comments to read more! 👇   #drugdiscovery #lifescience #drugtargets 

Congratulations to Rita Sattler, PhD, MSc, a professor in the Department of #TranslationalNeuroscience at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute, on her recent grant from the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium! This grant will support Dr. Sattler and her team as they continue to investigate the role of TDP-43 protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's—an important step toward the development of new treatments. The TDP-43 protein is normally found in the nucleus of most cells in the human body, where it plays a key role in the function and survival of the cells. However, this protein can somehow exit the nucleus and build up in the surrounding cytoplasm within the cell. This mislocation and accumulation of the protein was first associated with frontotemporal #dementia (FTD) more than 15 years ago and has more recently been linked to #Alzheimersdisease and related dementias. Two main questions still elude the scientific community: How does TDP-43 get transported outside of a cell's nucleus? And, once in the cytoplasm, how does it contribute to the deterioration and death of nerve cells? In an effort to answer these questions, the Sattler Laboratory analyzed postmortem autopsy brain tissue donated by individuals with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The researchers compared neurons affected by TDP-43 protein aggregates with neurons that were not affected, and they found significant differences in gene expression and mRNA processing events. Using the funds from the Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, the lab is now using their "brain-in-a-dish" model to try to understand how these changes observed in #Alzheimers differ from those identified in FTD, as published in a recent manuscript from the Sattler Lab (Gittings et al 2023, Acta Neuropathologica, PMID 37466726). A better understanding of these mechanisms is critically important for the development of biomarkers and therapeutics specific for Alzheimer's. #WorldAlzheimersMonth

A new quantum therapy successfully kills brain tumors: Researchers at the University of Nottingham have introduced a pioneering quantum therapy to combat glioblastoma, a devastating and highly lethal brain cancer claiming over 10,000 lives annually in the United States. This innovative approach involves a specialized spray containing bio-nanoantennas, unique molecules with the power to manipulate cells at the quantum level. This quantum therapy demonstrated that cancer can be targeted and eradicated through quantum signaling, effectively modifying cellular biology at the quantum scale. The treatment uses bio-nanoantennas, which are made of gold nanoparticles coated with redox-active molecules. By administering these bio-nanoantennas at tumor sites via spray and applying an electric field, researchers believe that they can eliminate glioblastoma cells. Cancer cells might be more sensitive to electric fields due to changes in their genetic pathways linked to stress responses. This difference sets them apart from normal cells and could be why they respond well to this treatment. Bio-nanoantennas can target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. The new therapy harnesses quantum mechanical events that influence fundamental biological processes, allowing scientists to manipulate cell behavior and usher in a new era of treatment possibilities. #MedicalLaboratoryTechnology #Microbiology #Phlebotomy #LaboratoryTesting #DiagnosticTesting #HealthcareProfessional #MedicalTesting #ClinicalLaboratory #BiomedicalScience #HealthcareIndustry #MedicalScience #LaboratoryMedicine #ClinicalMicrobiology #InfectionControl #PhlebotomyTechnician #MedicalLabTechnician #MicrobiologyLab #ClinicalLab #HealthcareCareer #MedicalCareer #ScienceCareer #COVID19Testing #Virology #Bacteriology #Parasitology #MolecularDiagnosis #GeneticTesting #Cytology #Histopathology #Immunology #Serology

Polarized microtubule remodeling transforms the morphology of reactive microglia and drives cytokine release - very interesting study of Genentech scientists 🧠Microglial cells, the immune cells of the brain, play a big role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. When these cells become reactive, they lose their usual branched shape and start releasing inflammatory signals, which can worsen brain conditions. Understanding how microglia change during inflammation is crucial for tackling diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 🔍Main Results and Discoveries This study found that microglia completely reorganize their internal structure (microtubules) when activated by inflammation. Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk-1) is a key player in this transformation, driving the release of cytokines, which are responsible for inflammation. Blocking Cdk-1 even reversed harmful changes caused by disease. 🧪Researchers used a model of inflammation by treating microglial cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). They then analyzed the cells’ behavior using advanced microscopy and molecular biology techniques to track how microtubules (tiny cell structures) were reorganized. They also tested the effect of Cdk-1 inhibitors to see how they influenced cell morphology and cytokine release. Credit : Adrian, Max, et al. ‘Polarized Microtubule Remodeling Transforms the Morphology of Reactive Microglia and Drives Cytokine Release’. Nature Communications, vol. 14, no. 1, Oct. 2023, p. 6322. www.nature.com, https://lnkd.in/gJRYwv7t.

🧬 The Importance of Cell Marker Antibodies in Biomedical Science 🧬 Cell marker antibodies play a pivotal role in biomedical research by enabling the identification and characterization of specific cell types. Whether studying immune responses, developmental biology, or cancer research, these antibodies provide critical insights into cellular functions and interactions. They are instrumental in advancing diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Understanding cell marker antibodies enhances our ability to decode the intricacies of human health and disease. Let's delve into their applications in modern biomedicine! #CellMarkers #Antibodies #BiomedicalScience #ResearchTools #AladdinScientific Aladdin Scientific: https://lnkd.in/gXbh3JJe

🌟 Meet the MitoFather of Our Group, Prof. Valdemar Máximo Valdemar Maximo🌟 Professor of Biopathology at the Medical Faculty of Porto, Prof. Máximo leads the forefront of mitochondria and metabolism research within the Cancer Signaling and Metabolism group at Is3. 🙌 He is renowned for his seminal contributions to the study of mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer, particularly his exploration of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) abnormalities and their pivotal role in Oncocytic Thyroid Tumorigenesis. 🍄With a robust foundation in Biology from the University of Coimbra, followed by a master's degree and a PhD from the Medical Faculty of Porto and Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Prof. Máximo has cultivated an extensive and diverse expertise. Originating from a deep-seated interest in mitochondrial dysfunction's role in schizophrenia, Prof. Máximo's early curiosity laid the groundwork for a career that would pivot to exploring its implications in cancer. 👊 Prof. Máximo has authored over 90 scientific publications, influencing the field with his work on mitochondrial diseases and cancer metabolism. His research, garnering more than 4784 citations and an h-index of 33, alongside his contributions to scientific committees and editorial boards. 👏 Celebrate Prof. Máximo's dedication to uncovering the mysteries of cancer through mitochondrial research. #endocrinology #thyroidcancer #mitochondria #mitochondrialdisease #endocrine

New research from neurologists at the Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center shows that skin biopsies can be used to accurately detect phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, a key biomarker for the progression of synucleinopathies like Parkinson’s disease. This could make diagnosis of neurological conditions more accessible, leading to earlier detection and treatment. We have developed recombinant antibodies targeting biomarkers like alpha-synuclein with specificity, reduced background noise, and engineered formats to aid more neuroscience research like this study. Recombinant neuroscience antibodies here: https://lnkd.in/gAUGyXmC More information on the study here: https://lnkd.in/gAUGyXmC

🧬 The Importance of Cell Marker Antibodies in Biomedical Science 🧬 Cell marker antibodies play a pivotal role in biomedical research by enabling the identification and characterization of specific cell types. Whether studying immune responses, developmental biology, or cancer research, these antibodies provide critical insights into cellular functions and interactions. They are instrumental in advancing diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Understanding cell marker antibodies enhances our ability to decode the intricacies of human health and disease. Let's delve into their applications in modern biomedicine! #CellMarkers #Antibodies #BiomedicalScience #ResearchTools #AladdinScientific Aladdin Scientific: https://lnkd.in/g7x6NwzV Aladdin official：https://lnkd.in/gk5diVhh