Spaceflight Activates Lipotoxic Pathways in Mouse Liver
Scientists investigated altered hepatic lipid metabolism in mice following short duration spaceflight. Although the 13-day flight duration was too short for frank fibrosis to develop, retinol loss plus changes in markers of extracellular matrix remodeling raised the concern that longer duration exposure to the space environment may result in progressive liver damage, increasing the risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. [PLoS One] Full Article|Press Release
Collagen/Gold Nanoparticle Nanocomposites: A Potential Skin Wound Healing Biomaterial
Nanocomposite collagen scaffolds incorporating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared for wound healing applications. Upon confirming in vitro biocompatibility of the scaffolds with cytotoxicity assays, cell attachment and proliferation tests and the in vivo efficacy for healing of full-thickness skin wounds were investigated by applying collagen sponges and AuNP-incorporated nanocomposites cross-linked with glutaraldehyde or a commercial product onto defect sites and covering with Ioban® drapes. [J Biomater Appl] Abstract
REVIEWS
What Are They Waiting For? − Tethered Agonism in G Protein-Coupled Receptors
The authors summarize and discuss the specifics of tethered agonist pharmacology which add a number of new features of the already broad signaling abilities of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and may find useful applications in designer GPCRs. [Pharmacol Res] Abstract
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Pluristem Continues to Strengthen Its Position in Japan – Granted Two Key Cell Therapy Patents
Pluristem Therapeutics Inc. announced that the Japan Patent Office has granted the company two key patents addressing Pluristem’s core technology of three-dimensional (3D) expansion methods for producing therapeutic cell products derived from placental or fat cells and the use of placenta-derived cells grown with this 3D technology to treat disorders of the hematopoietic system. [Pluristem Therapeutics Inc.] Press Release