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What's new

Parrington group paper reveals role for TPC1 channels in mTORC1 activity

New research published by the Parrington group help further understand the link between mTORC1 and endolysosomal ion channels, and reveal that TPC1 controls melanoma progression and represents a potential therapeutic target.

The illustration shows the upregulation of Gsto2, which encodes the glutathione S-transferase omega-2 (GSTO2) enzyme induced by the absence of TrkB signalling in the indirect pathway spiny projection neurons (iSPNs), the initially affected cells in Huntington’s disease, triggers an increase in dopamine, neuronal vulnerability, and motor dysfunction. The selective reduction of this protein activity in mice prevents dopamine and energy metabolism dysfunction, arresting the onset of motor symptoms. Illustration from: Nat Metab (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-024-01155-z

Discovery of key mechanism in Huntington’s Disease could pave the way for early detection and treatment

New research published by the Minichiello group in Nature Metabolism has identified a key biochemical mechanism relevant to Huntington’s Disease, which opens the possibility of studying the disease before its clinical onset.

Figure 1. The development of tiny, soft and biocompatible batteries to power minimally invasive biomedical devices is of critical importance. Here the authors present a microscale soft rechargeable lithium-ion battery based on the surfactant-supported assembly of silk hydrogel droplets. Scale bar: 400 μm. Image credit: Yujia Zhang

Batteries for miniature bio-integrated devices and robotics — here’s how to do it

A new paper, published this week in Nature Chemical Engineering, highlights ground-breaking collaborative research between the Departments of Chemisty and Pharmacology to develop batteries for miniature bio-integrated devices. Featuring work carried out in the Lei Group, the research has led to the creation of a flexible soft lithim-ion battery constructed by assembling biocompatible hydrogel droplets.

ORCHID: all-Optical Reporting of CHloride Ion Driving force (A) The novel approach combines a light-activated chloride channel with a genetically-encoded fluorescent voltage reporter. (B) Activation of the chloride channel with blue light drives the membrane potential (Vm; black trace) towards the reversal potential for chloride (ECl; green dashed line). The resulting Vm shift is measured via the genetically-encoded fluorescent voltage reporter, providing an estimate of the driving force for chloride (DFCl) that is effective across different ECl and Vm values

Akerman group study describes first new all-optical tool for quantifying inhibitory receptor driving forces

A new paper from the Akerman group, published in the journal Nature Communications this week, explains the development of a new ‘ORCHID’ biosensor to measure the driving force acting on inhibitory receptors in the brain.

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Upcoming talks and events

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Pharmacology 2024 - from the British Pharmacological Society

Pharmacology 2024

The British Pharmacological Society's annual Pharmacology meeting will be held in the charming spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire from 10-12 December 2024. Known for its elegant architecture, beautiful gardens, and historical significance Harrogate offers great dining, cultural and nature experiences. The annual meeting will offer a chance to meet friends, network and hear all the latest developments and research in pharmacology from industry experts and emerging investigators.

Registration is now open for THIS annual meeting!