Kizhakkedathu and Withers Make Breakthrough in the Pursuit of Universal Blood
A collaborating team of CBR and UBC Chemistry scientists described the development of an improved enzyme that takes us a step closer to achieving universal blood.
Kelly McNagny group developed an antibody to target the spread of aggressive tumors
Recently published in Breast Cancer Research, study showed how inhibiting podocalyxin, a protein marker found in many highly aggressive tumours, dramatically slowed the metastasis
Bromme lab discovers collagen degradation mechanisms – potential targets for osteoporosis?
This research not only provides understanding of how cathepsin K breaks down collagen fibers but also opens the door for the design of a new class of drugs selectively targeting the degradation of collagen through cathepsin K.
Deciphering the ‘Glycocode’ of methicillin resistant S. aureus
It is clear that the ‘glycocode’ (complex glycosylation process) plays a vital role in bacterial survival and pathogenicity. The authors believe that TarM and TarS would be ‘lucrative targets for novel therapeutic agents in light of an ever-decreasing antibiotic arsenal’.
Let’s Come Together: Tuberculosis Virulence Factors
In the current paper, Solomonson and colleagues solved the structure of the ESX-1 secreted virulence factor EspB, demonstrating that it has a pore-like structure, which may facilitate its proposed membranolytic function during pathogenesis.
How does pathogen inactivation treatment compromise platelet quality? – p38MAPK
Dr. Zhongming Chen, a PDF at Dr. Dana Devine’s laboratory, discovered a novel role of p38MAPK in apoptosis in platelets treated with pathogen inactivation technology.
Karsan Lab Reveals a Novel Promoter of Tumorigenesis
The group demonstrated that loss of RBPJ mimics a Notch activation signal through the derepression of a cohort of genes that are also transcribed following Notch activation.
How flexible are your red blood cells? – Microfluidic deformability
A step forward in transfusion medicine may involve a new application of microfluidics technology to evaluate the quality of stored red blood cells (RBC).
Beyond clotting: Platelets have active immunoproteasomes!
This research adds to the growing body of evidence that platelets play a bigger role in the immune system than previously thought and suggests that these small cell fragments may have more surprises in store.
The Kizhakkedathu lab discovers a safe and biocompatible anticoagulant reversal agent
The researchers believe that the use of this new drug, possessing universal reversal capabilities, would be most effective in time sensitive high-risk surgeries.