last updated April 2013
Archive by Date: December 2010
biochemical signaling: December 2010
- Confining cancer
Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Treatments that stop lung cancer cells from invading other tissues could stem from the recent identification of a critical signaling pathway
- Reciprocal connections
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Odor responses in the fruit fly brain are modulated by an exchange of excitatory signals between two specific neuron populations
cell biology: December 2010
- Route of entry
The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo
The herpes virus enters host cells by binding to a myosin protein found on the cell surface
- The acid advantage
The University of Tokyo
An acid-sensing receptor protein on the surface of tumor cells enhances their ability to survive and grow
- Maintaining stem cell identity
Genome Institute of Singapore
Identification of the genes that keep embryonic stem cells in an undifferentiated state is an important step forward
- Dissecting cellular crisis management
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR
Cells rely on a complex, multi-step signal transduction pathway to coordinate their response to DNA damage
- Cell-cycle blockers
National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing
The mechanism used by two pathogenic bacterial species to block the division of their host cells is no longer a mystery
development: December 2010
- Benefitting from mixed messages
Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Cross-talk between two signaling pathways ensures proper development of the nervous system within a developing embryo
genetics and evolution: December 2010
- Getting at the roots of cancer risk
Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center
Genomic analysis reveals novel risk factors for a throat cancer with elevated prevalence throughout much of Asia
- Diversity in the genome
The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo
The first Japanese genome reveals the extent of human genetic variation
- Lung cancer link
The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo
A newly identified genetic variant is associated with increased lung cancer risk in East Asians
immunology: December 2010
- Single protein seeks mature partner
Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland
Structural analysis reveals details of an important safeguard mechanism for proper immune system development
- Fighting the flu virus
Academia Sinica
A campaign of very high-throughput screening for anti-influenza compounds could lead to new treatments for flu
- Protective markings
Institute for Virus Research Kyoto University
Rapid antiviral response depends on enzymatic modification of a protein that helps activate the immune system
therapeutics: December 2010
- Cellular stress protection
Academia Sinica
Insights into the physiological function of a membrane transport protein may explain the mechanism underpinning a human vascular disease
- Slow and steady
National Institute of Immunology
A single injection of a large insulin aggregate into diabetic animals can allow for long-term regulation of their blood glucose levels
transcription and RNA processing: December 2010
- Compatible partners
National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)
Optimal enzyme activity for viral replication of a pandemic swine-flu virus hinges on the enzyme’s subunit origins
- Putting injured cells to sleep
Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR
A DNA damage response pathway brings cell division to a halt by eliminating a protein that maintains chromosomal integrity
