News

Specific Regulation of Mechanical Nociception by Gβ5 Involves GABA-B Receptors

February 28, 2024

Abstract Mechanical, thermal, and chemical pain sensation is conveyed by primary nociceptors, a subset of sensory afferent neurons. The intracellular regulation of the primary nociceptive signal is an area of active study. We report here the discovery of a Gβ5-dependent regulatory pathway within mechanical nociceptors that restrains antinociceptive input from metabotropic GABA-B receptors. In mice […]



Molecular Cell

November 2, 2023


Phagocytosis-initiated tumor hybrid cells acquire a c-Myc-mediated quasi-polarization state for immunoevasion and distant dissemination

November 1, 2023

Abstract While macrophage phagocytosis is an immune defense mechanism against invading cellular organisms, cancer cells expressing the CD47 ligand send forward signals to repel this engulfment. Here we report that the reverse signaling using CD47 as a receptor additionally enhances a pro-survival function of prostate cancer cells under phagocytic attack. Although low CD47-expressing cancer cells […]


Mays Cancer Center: Targeting Certain Molecular Interactions Could Yield New Strategies for Treating Prostate Cancer

October 5, 2023

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 5, 2023 – Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) have discovered that altering certain molecular interactions could yield new strategies for treating prostate cancer and related diseases. The study led by scientists with the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio focuses […]



EWSR1 Maintains Centromere Identity

June 27, 2023

Abstract The centromere is essential for ensuring high-fidelity transmission of chromosomes. CENP-A, the centromeric histone H3 variant, is thought to be the epigenetic mark of centromere identity. CENP-A deposition at the centromere is crucial for proper centromere function and inheritance. Despite its importance, the precise mechanism responsible for maintenance of centromere position remains obscure. Here, […]


ROS-Mediated SRMS Activation Confers Platinum Resistance in Ovarian Cancer

April 27, 2023

Abstract Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death among gynecological malignancies. Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has so far only shown modest efficacy in ovarian cancer and platinum-based chemotherapy remains the front-line treatment. Development of platinum resistance is one of the most important factors contributing to ovarian cancer recurrence and mortality. Through kinome-wide synthetic lethal RNAi […]


Age-Dependent Loss of Hepatic SIRT1 Enhances NLRP3 Inflammasome Signaling and Impairs Capacity for Liver Fibrosis Resolution

April 24, 2023

Abstract Our studies indicate that the longevity factor SIRT1 is implicated in metabolic disease; however, whether and how hepatocyte-specific SIRT1 signaling is involved in liver fibrosis remains undefined. We characterized a functional link of age-mediated defects in SIRT1 to the NLRP3 inflammasome during age-related liver fibrosis. In multiple experimental murine models of liver fibrosis, we […]


PRC2-mediated epigenetic suppression of type I IFN-STAT2 signaling impairs antitumor immunity in luminal breast cancer

January 11, 2023

Abstract The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment in some cancer types, such as luminal breast cancer, supports tumor growth and limits therapeutic efficacy. Identifying approaches to induce an immunostimulatory environment could help improve cancer treatment. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of cancer-intrinsic EZH2 promotes antitumor immunity in estrogen receptor a-positive (ERa+) breast cancer. EZH2 is a component […]