Pyroptotic cells that have been commanded to die have inbuilt mechanisms to reverse the decision.
, but one fate is particularly grisly. Pyroptosis occurs when a cell dies by detonating, typically in response to an infection. In a fiery swan song, a pyroptotic cell sacrifices itself to flood surviving compatriots with its last supply of danger-signaling chemicals called cytokines. The cell’s death is quick and messy, but it’s for the greater good.
Scientists had previously thought that pyroptosis is a one-way street—once set in motion, the decision can’t be reversed. In a recent study published in the journal, Mo and his team found that a cell has an inbuilt mechanism to revoke pyroptosis, allowing it to die another day.
“You can imagine that this is a dangerous process,” says Mo. So, cells have evolved a way to tamper with their ill fate as a way to regulate the consequences. “It’s probably a good idea to have a pause button,” Mo says. He explains that it’s as if a cell is giving itself an out and asking, “‘do you really want to do this?'”
Contrary to common knowledge, says Mo, a pore isn’t static. He theorizes that a cell might pick up on the sudden spike in calcium ions as a signal to backpedal on pyroptosis. In response, the cell alters the composition of its leaky walls by changing how its fatty-molecule constituents pack along the membrane, “and all of a sudden, it’s like the hull of your ship becomes stronger,” says Mo. “And [the pore] just shuts itself.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Khloé Kardashian Is Being Accused Of A Major Photoshop Fail In Her New Instagram PostIt comes just days after Khloé’s sister Kim was accused of editing her own Instagram selfies when fans spotted a “warped” cell phone.
Read more »
Cannabis Compounds May Prevent Coronavirus Infection, Study FindsSome of the compounds in cannabis may prevent the entry of the coronavirus into healthy human cells, according to a study published in the Journal of Nature Products.
Read more »
Anemia in astronauts could be a challenge for space missionsThe next 'giant leap' for humans may be a trip to Mars, but having enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells for the journey might present a challenge, new research suggests.
Read more »
Scientists Are Developing a New Vaccine That Could Protect Against Sun-Induced Skin CancerScientists at the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy may have just developed a vaccine that could help protect against sun-induced skin cancer.
Read more »
Bob Saget's Last TV Interview, Vows to Fight Disease That Killed Sister Even 'When I'm Gone'Bob Saget made a promise to honor his deceased sister just a few weeks before his own death ... and what he said in his final TV interview now feels somewhat eerie.
Read more »