Novel autoantibodies identified in patients with necrotizing myopathy

Patients previously considered autoantibody negative can benefit from immunosuppression

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have identified a subgroup of patients with necrotizing myopathy who have a novel autoantibody specificity that makes them potential candidates for immunosuppressive therapy. The complete study is published in the September issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

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UCLA researchers discover protein that shuttles RNA into cell mitochondria

Researchers at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and the departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Pathology and Laboratory Medicine have uncovered a role for an essential cell protein in shuttling RNA into the mitochondria, the energy-producing “power plant” of the cell.

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Scientists develop ‘designer protein,’ opening new door in cancer research

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010 – A major breakthrough in how to target and destroy the most malignant and aggressive brain cancer cells has been made by researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

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Scientists at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus discover new fat cell

The fat cell may pose health threat

AURORA, Colo. (Aug. 2, 2010) — As if fat weren’t troublesome enough, a research team at the University of Colorado School of Medicine has discovered a new type of fat cell with potentially harmful characteristics.

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Novel bee venom derivative forms a nanoparticle ’smart bomb’ to target cancer cells

New research in the FASEB Journal shows that a peptide derived from bee venom can deliver liposomes bearing drugs or diagnostic dyes to specific cells or tissues

The next time you are stung by a bee, here’s some consolation: a toxic protein in bee venom, when altered, significantly improves the effectiveness liposome-encapsulated drugs or dyes, such as those already used to treat or diagnose cancer. This research, described in the August 2010 print issue of the FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org), shows how modified melittin may revolutionize treatments for cancer and perhaps other conditions, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and serious infections.

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UCSD scientists find controls for uncontrolled cell growth

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified a new way to regulate the uncontrolled growth of blood vessels, a major problem in a broad range of diseases and conditions.

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Mining bacterial genomes reveals valuable ‘hidden’ drugs

A new tool to excavate bacterial genomes that potentially hide a rich array of pharmaceutical treasures has led to the discovery of a novel antibiotic. The study, reported in the August issue of Microbiology, could lead to new treatments for serious diseases that are rapidly acquiring multi-drug resistance.

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New perspectives on local calcium signaling

The latest Perspectives in General Physiology series introduces the newest technologies in the field of calcium signaling, which plays a central role in many cellular processes. The Perspectives appear in the August issue of the Journal of General Physiology (www.jgp.org).

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Scripps research study shows infectious prions can arise spontaneously in normal brain tissue

Metal surfaces spur conversion of normal prion protein into disease-causing prions

JUPITER, FL, July 26, 2010 – In a startling new study that involved research on both sides of the Atlantic, scientists from The Scripps Research Institute in Florida and the University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology in England have shown for the first time that abnormal prions, bits of infectious protein devoid of DNA or RNA that can cause fatal neurodegenerative disease, can suddenly erupt from healthy brain tissue.

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Report outlines knowledge gaps for 20 suspected carcinogens

PCBs, diesel exhaust among agents identified as focus of further research

ATLANTA –July 15, 2010 – A new report from the American Cancer Society and other world-leading health groups identifies gaps in research for 20 suspected carcinogens whose potential to cause cancer is as yet unresolved. The report is designed to prioritize agents for additional research, and to lead to well-planned epidemiologic or mechanistic studies leading to more definitive classification of these agents.

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