All articles tagged with #calcium signaling
New research suggests star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes may play a central role in memory storage through a network architecture involving calcium signaling, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of brain function and offering new therapeutic and AI development avenues.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have discovered a mechanism called Electro-Calcium (E-Ca) coupling, which integrates electrical and calcium signaling in brain capillaries to regulate blood flow to active neurons. This process enhances blood flow by 76%, offering potential therapeutic insights for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's by restoring disrupted blood flow. The study highlights the interconnected role of electrical and calcium signals in maintaining brain health and cognitive function.
Researchers have discovered that a bioelectrical phase transition is responsible for patterning the first heartbeats in vertebrates. Using advanced imaging techniques and optogenetics, the study revealed that calcium signaling plays a crucial role in initiating the heartbeat, preceding cardiac differentiation. The findings provide new insights into the early development of the heart and could have implications for understanding heart defects and potential therapeutic interventions.
Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered a key mechanism of aging - improper calcium signaling in the mitochondria of immune cells called macrophages, leading to chronic inflammation. As we age, these mitochondria lose their ability to process calcium, contributing to age-related conditions. By increasing calcium uptake in these cells, it may be possible to prevent harmful inflammation and slow down the aging process. This discovery opens up new therapeutic strategies for age-associated inflammation and could potentially impact cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists at Rice University have used light-activated molecular machines to trigger intercellular calcium wave signals, offering a new approach to controlling cellular activity. By rotating small-molecule-based actuators with visible light, they induced a calcium-signaling response in smooth muscle cells. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for heart problems, digestive issues, and other diseases characterized by calcium-signaling dysfunction. The ability to control cell-to-cell communication in muscle tissue at the molecular level has the potential to revolutionize medical interventions.