Sclerostin is a protein that plays a role in bone health. It is produced by cells in the skeleton. It is also found in cells related to teeth. Researchers wanted to see how this protein affects two types of cells. These are cementoblast lineage cells and periodontal ligament cells. These cells are important for keeping teeth healthy and in place. The study focu...

Cell movement is a complex ballet. Two key players in this dance are CXCR4 and ACKR3. Both respond to a chemical signal called CXCL12. However, they lead cells in different directions and have unique ways of getting the job done. CXCR4 is the straightforward leader. It directly tells cells to move by activating a specific set of proteins called G proteins. It is pic...

Liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a serious issue. It's the most common type of liver cancer and a major cause of cancer deaths around the world. One of the scary things about HCC is that it can spread both inside and outside the liver. This spreading, or metastasis, is a big part of what makes liver cancer so dangerous. Scientists have b...

Chemokine receptors are like the traffic cops of the cell world. They help guide cells to where they need to go. These receptors are part of a larger group called GPCRs, which are known for their role in cell signaling. When chemokine receptors are activated, they can trigger a series of events that lead to cell movement. One of the key players in this process is a ...