Cell Guidance Systems Blog

What is Extracellular Matrix?

What is Extracellular Matrix?

When we think about the building blocks of life, our minds often jump to cells, DNA, and proteins. However, lurking in the spaces between cells is an equally crucial component that often goes unnoticed: the extracellular matrix (ECM). This unsung hero plays a pivotal role in maintaining the structure and function of tissues, influencing everything from wound healing to cancer progression.

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Lithocholic acid or Clostridioides: Easier ways to live longer?

Lithocholic acid or Clostridioides: Easier ways to live longer?

Calorie restriction (CR) has long been recognized to increase both health span (the duration of a healthy life) and lifespan, but is difficult to adhere to. Recently published papers indicate that a dietary supplement (also produced by some gut microbes) can achieve the same effect.

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Cell vaults: the next big thing in biology?

Cell vaults: the next big thing in biology?

The activity of a cell is organised by a range of structures, from large organelles to small protein complexes. Amongst these, each cell contains around 100,000 ellular vaults, or simply vaults. These are enigmatic mid-size symmetrical cellular ribonucleoprotein structures that play a role in the storage and transport of molecules within cells.

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The growing value of animal cells to humans

The growing value of animal cells to humans

Animal cells grown in a cell culture conditions play a pivotal role in both research and biomanufacturing, serving as essential tools for scientific discovery and the production of complex biological products. Their use spans a wide range of applications, from basic biological research to the production of vaccines, therapeutic proteins and food.

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Which famous drug are these statues associated with?

Which famous drug are these statues associated with?

Tropical climates yield high levels of biodiversity. So perhaps it is not surprising that the natural resources of many tropical islands have made significant contributions to the development of some very big (and some not so big) name drugs.

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