Research Progress

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  Researchers Establish Drug Screening Platform for Reinvigorating Exhausted CAR-T Cells

  In a study published in Cell Reports Medicine on December 9, a research team led by Prof. WANG Haoyi from the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported the development of a chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell exhaustion model and a functional screening platform for identifying compounds that can rejuvenate exhausted T cells. Using this innovative platform, the team identified the small-molecule compound miltefosine, which significantly enhances the tumor-killing activity of CAR-T cells.

  Dec 11, 2024
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  Researchers Characterize a Coordinated Role of HIRA and dPCIF1 in Regulating Orderly ZGA in Early Embryos

  On November 12, 2024, Qinmiao Sun’s group from Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with Dahua Chen’s group from the Biomedical Research Institute of Yunnan University published a research paper titled “HIRA and dPCIF1 coordinately establish totipotent chromatin and control orderly ZGA in Drosophila embryos” in PNAS. The work reveals a novel molecular mechanism of how a totipotent chromatin is established and an orderly zygotic genome activation is controlled in early Drosophila embryos.

  Nov 12, 2024
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  Unveiling the Secrets of Aging: Chinese Scientists Discover the Dual Role of Immunoglobulins

  In an innovative study that could reshape our understanding of aging, a team of Chinese scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and BGI Research has uncovered the intricate mechanisms by which immunoglobulins influence the aging process. This research, published in the prestigious journal Cell, not only charts a high-precision map of aging across various organs but also reveals the dual-edged sword of immunoglobulins in systemic aging.

  Nov 06, 2024
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  PROFIT-seq: Real-time and programmable transcriptome sequencing

  The high complexity and diversity of the eukaryotic transcriptome poses significant challenges for the efficient detection of specific transcripts. Conventional targeted RNA-seq methods often require labor-intensive pre-sequencing enrichment steps, which can compromise comprehensive transcriptome profiling and limit their broader applications.

  Oct 29, 2024
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  Chinese Scientists Uncover Metformin′s Potential to Delay Aging in Primates

  A pivotal discovery in aging research by a Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) team has shown that metformin, commonly used for type 2 diabetes, can alleviate cellular senescence, markedly slowing down the aging process in primates. This breakthrough offers fresh insights into aging biology and holds promise for developing interventions for human aging.

  Sep 13, 2024
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  MAGIC-seq: Reshaping Framework of Spatial Transcriptomics Technology

  Spatial transcriptomics has emerged as a powerful tool for in situ analysis of gene expression within tissues. However, current technologies still face several challenges, including high costs, limited field of view, and low throughput, significantly hindering their application in large-scale tissue research and the analysis of complex biological processes.

  Sep 12, 2024
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  Deciphering the Pathological Mechanisms of Spermatogenic Impairment in Cryptorchidism

  Cryptorchidism is a common congenital abnormality in male newborns. Studies have found that cryptorchidism is associated with a high prevalence of male infertility, with nearly 10% of men with fertility problems having a history of cryptorchidism. However, the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism that leads to male infertility in adulthood has yet to be fully understood.

  Sep 04, 2024
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  Discovery of new female-determining pathway in turtles

  The signaling pathways leading to female development are not well known in many animal species, probably because development of embryos into females was traditionally considered the default developmental pathway.

  Sep 04, 2024
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  Scientists Reveal Habitat Connectivity Drives Panda Recovery

  In a study published in Current Biology on August 9, a research team led by Prof. WEI Fuwen from Jiangxi Agricultural University and the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, have revealed the mechanism and process of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) recovery.

  Aug 12, 2024
• Role of Metabolites in Human Placental Health Unveiled

  ​A study, led by Prof Ng Shyh-Chang, Prof Wang Yan-Ling and Prof Wang Hongmei from the Beijing Institute of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and CAS Institute of Zoology, delved into the intricate workings of placental trophoblast stem cells. Researchers discovered that these cells require a precise amount of glucose for proper regulation. When glucose levels drop, even briefly, the placenta enters a "crisis mode" linked to inflammation and potential pregnancy complications. Remarkably, acetate supplementation, easily obtained from vinegar, could potentially prevent or alleviate these issues, supporting healthy placental development and fetal growth.

  Jul 31, 2024