From the journals

Gut microbes hijack cancer pathway in high-fat diets

Researchers at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research found that a high-fat diet increases ammonia-producing bacteria in the gut microbiome of mice, which in turn disrupts TGF-β signaling and promotes colorectal cancer.

Mapping fentanyl’s cellular footprint

Using a new imaging method, researchers at State University of New York at Buffalo traced fentanyl’s effects inside brain immune cells, revealing how the drug alters lipid droplets, pointing to new paths for addiction diagnostics.

Cholesterol as a novel biomarker for Fragile X syndrome

Researchers in Quebec identified lower levels of a brain cholesterol metabolite, 24-hydroxycholesterol, in patients with fragile X syndrome, a finding that could provide a simple blood-based biomarker for understanding and managing the condition.

How lipid metabolism shapes sperm development

Researchers at Hokkaido University identify the enzyme behind a key lipid in sperm development. The findings reveal how seminolipids shape sperm formation and may inform future diagnostics and treatments for male infertility.

Mass spec method captures proteins in native membranes

Yale scientists developed a mass spec protocol that keeps proteins in their native environment, detects intact protein complexes and tracks drug binding, offering a clearer view of membrane biology.

Laser-assisted cryoEM method preserves protein structure

University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers devised a method that prevents protein compaction during cryoEM prep, restoring natural structure for mass spec studies. The approach could expand high-resolution imaging to more complex protein systems.

Method sharpens proteome-wide view of structural changes

Researchers developed a method that improves limited proteolysis coupled with mass spectrometry, separating true changes from abundance or splicing effects.

Extracellular vesicles offer clues to cattle reproduction

Extracellular vesicles from pregnant cattle support embryo development better than laboratory models, highlighting their potential to improve reproductive efficiency in bovine embryo cultures. Read more about this recent MCP paper.

Proteomics reveals protein shifts in diabetic eye disease

Using proteomics, researchers identified protein changes in eye fluid that mark diabetic retinopathy progression and may serve as biomarkers for vision-threatening complications. Read more about this recent MCP paper.