#cytokines

Propaganda!

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a polymeric molecule that is essential for most biological functions, either by performing the function itself (non-coding RNA) or by forming a template for the production of proteins (messenger RNA). RNA and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are nucleic acids. The nucleic acids constitute one of the four major macromolecules essential for all known forms of life. RNA is assembled as a chain of nucleotides. Cellular organisms use messenger RNA (mRNA) to convey genetic information (using the nitrogenous bases of guanine, uracil, adenine, and cytosine, denoted by the letters G, U, A, and C) that directs synthesis of specific proteins. Many viruses encode their genetic information using an RNA genome.

Impactful Viruses🦠🧫

Smart Cells

Swelling, tenderness and weakness of the joints are the painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The condition – caused by the body’s immune system attacking its own healthy cells – can flare up and calm down over time, but can never be cured. And, if flare-ups are severe, they can even lead to bone erosion and deformity. Because standard anti-inflammatory drugs can cause unpleasant side effects with long-term use, researchers are developing so-called SMART cells (Stem cells Modified for Autonomous Regenerative Therapy) – pictured. These engineered cells are seeded onto a woven scaffold and grafted into the body wherein they secrete anti-inflammatory compounds only when flare-ups occur – when they detect inflammatory cytokines – thus minimising the chance of side effects. So far, the cells have been shown to respond to cytokines, suppress inflammation, and reduce bone damage in mice with a form of rheumatoid arthritis, all of which pave the way for human studies.

Written by Ruth Williams

Image from work by Yun-Rak Choi and Kelsey H. Collins, and colleagues, Guilak lab Washington University

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA

Image copyright held by the original authors

Research published in Science Advances, September 2021

Inktober dia 17: Storm/Tempestade

Uma tempestade um pouco diferente: de citocinas! A tempestade de citocinas é um evento imunológico onde há liberação excessiva de proteínas denominadas citocinas em um certo órgão ou tecido. As citocinas atraem muitas células inflamatórias para o local, que acabam lesando o órgão ou tecido afetado. O SARS-CoV-2, vírus que causa COVID-19, induz as células a produzirem essas tempestades.

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