Hormone FGF21 reverses fatty liver disease by signaling the brain

A pioneering research study published today in Cell Metabolism details how the hormone FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21) can reverse the effects of fatty liver disease in mice. The hormone works primarily by signaling the brain to improve liver function. University of Oklahoma researcher Matthew Potthoff, Ph.D., is the lead author of the study, which … Read more

Study identifies a new key factor contributing to aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers and has one of the lowest survival rates-only 10% after five years. One of the factors contributing to its aggressiveness is its tumor microenvironment, known as the stroma, which makes up the majority of the tumor mass and consists of a network of proteins and different … Read more

New protein target could aid in muscle regeneration for degenerative conditions

For millions of people, losing muscle isn’t just about weakness; it’s about losing independence. Whether caused by Duchenne muscular dystrophy, aging or other degenerative conditions, muscle loss can make everyday activities – like walking, climbing stairs or even standing up – a daily struggle. But a recent discovery from researchers at the University of Houston … Read more

E64FC26 inhibits inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis models

Background and objectives Protein disulfide isomerases (PDIs) are essential enzymes that facilitate the proper folding of proteins and maintain protein quality within the endoplasmic reticulum. Dysregulation of PDIs has been correlated with numerous disorders, including cancer and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). E64FC26 (EFC), a small molecule that inhibits a wide range of PDI family members, has … Read more

Innovative technique converts fibroblasts into functional cardiomyocytes

Cardiovascular disease continues to lead as the primary cause of death across the globe, taking millions of lives every year. Damage caused by these diseases is particularly difficult to repair, since the heart has minimal ability to regenerate itself. But what if we could reprogram the body’s own cells to restore damaged tissue? This groundbreaking … Read more