Targeted cancer therapies – drugs that interfere with specific molecules to block cancer growth and spread – have revolutionised the treatment of certain types of tumour. But tumour cells can become resistant to these therapies, and so patients no longer respond to the drugs.
Herceptin binding to HER2 receptors on breast cancer cells
Kidneys perform the vital role of filtering waste products from the blood. Yet the complete catalogue of constituents that comprise these filters is not known. In new work, analyses of extracellular proteins present in specialised filtration units called glomeruli reveal a composition far more complex than previously appreciated.
Extracellular proteins of the glomerulus
The movement of cells in the body is of great importance to our lives. For us to learn a language, to fight a cold, to heal a wound, to grow a pair (of arms, say), cells must migrate to the right place at the right time. So cell migration must be tightly controlled – throughout our entire lives.
Cells have many in-built control mechanisms that ensure their appropriate movement, but we still don’t fully understand how these various mechanisms operate.
In new work, published in the Journal of Cell Science this week, Guillaume Jacquemet and others identify a way that cells can coordinate proper cell migration. The research is highlighted by the journal editors and features on the cover of the journal.
Journal of Cell Science cover, 2013, vol. 126 (no. 18)
Our paper on extracellular matrix networks and stem cell growth makes the cover of this week’s issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry. The stunning image by Despina Soteriou captures stem cells growing in a web of extracellular matrix.
Journal of Biological Chemistry cover, 2013, vol. 288 (no. 26)
Work carried out at the University of Manchester has demonstrated a simple way to measure the abundance of protein molecules more accurately, which could help improve the reliability of many areas of biological and clinical research.
