GAS7 protein allows cells to eat

Phagocytosis can be viewed as a primitive immune system used by all cells. When a pathogen is near the cell, the cell membrane will deform to engulf the pathogen and dispose of it. Researchers have found that a two-dimensional sheet formed by the protein GAS7 is critical for this process, identifying through crystallography and microscopy two key hydrophilic loops in the protein.

Read more

Stem cell study offers new way to study early development and pregnancy

For the first time, researchers have created mouse blastocyst-like structures, or 'blastoids,' from a single cultured cell. The work could help advance research into development as well as inform issues around pregnancy, infertility, or health problems later in the offspring's life.

Read more

New insights into the structure and function of Cdc34, a target for cancer therapeutics

Researchers report they have obtained 3D structural snapshots of Cdc34 in action. Cdc34 is an enzyme important for cell cycle regulation and a target for therapeutic intervention in cancer. These structures, along with studies in human cells, have revealed key features of this enzyme important for its regulation of cell growth and activity. These unique features could present opportunities for rational design of novel cancer therapeutics.

Read more

Digital breast tomosynthesis increases cancer detection over full-field mammography

A new article compares cancer detection rates (CDR) for screening digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) versus full-field digital mammography (FFDM). Researchers found that DBT results in 'significantly increased CDR' — irrespective of tumor type, size, or grade of cancer.

Read more