New record holder for smallest dispersers of ingested seeds: Woodlice
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Updates every hour. Last Updated: 8-May-2024 20:09 ET (9-May-2024 00:09 GMT/UTC)
Homologous recombination (HR) is an essential process by which cells repair damaged DNA and maintain genomic stability. However, many unanswered questions persist regarding the functions of specific proteins and enzymes involved in the pathway underlying HR. In a recent study, researchers from Japan shed light on the role of FIGNL1, a specialized enzyme that regulates a key protein in HR called RAD51. Their findings could contribute to the accelerated development of genetic engineering and advance anticancer therapies.
Gut bacteria convert dietary fatty acids into useful metabolites with benefits in metabolic and inflammatory disorders. However, their immunomodulatory effects and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Now, researchers from Tokyo University of Science have uncovered a novel gut bacteria-generated, fatty acid metabolite — ‘gKetoC’ which exerts protective effects against inflammatory bowel disease. Their study sheds light on molecular targets which mediate their immunosuppressive effects against intestinal bowel inflammation and highlights their therapeutic potential.