Serotonin could play a large role in bone loss
Scientists have long known that calcium leaches from the bones both during lactation and in certain types of cancer. The driver behind these phenomena is a molecule called parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP), which is secreted by the mammary glands. The signal that regulates the secretion of PTHrP, and where this other unknown molecule exerts its influence, has remained a mystery. Now, in a new study using cells and tissues from mice, cows, and people, a team of researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified this mystery molecule as serotonin, a neurotransmitter most often recognized for its role in happiness and well-being. The scientists also identified the specific receptor that serotonin acts on in mammary tissue. Understanding these two findings more deeply could lead to better ways to combat bone loss, potentially by using drugs that affect serotonin signaling....
Source: PhysOrg - Tuesday, 21 February
Related articles:
- Less than a few days ago
- 2Vote! Hormone plays surprise role in fighting skin infections
LabSpaces - Yesterday
- 1Vote! Scientists can play a key role in wetland diplomacy
SciDev.Net - 2 days ago - Older News
- 4Vote! New findings show long-term effects of fathers' job loss on children's education
PhysOrg - Wednesday, 16 May
- 5Vote! 'Fertilizing' bone marrow helps answer why some cancers spread to bones
- 4Vote! Gene appears linked with a person's daily rhythms
ScienceNews - Friday, 11 May
- 3Vote! Long-term use of osteoporosis medication may reduce bone fracture risk for some patients
- 2Vote! Hot sauce ingredient reduces 'beer belly' fat as a weight-loss surgery alternative
- 6Vote! Investigators trace role of reusable grocery bag in norovirus outbreak
- 2Vote! Investigators trace of role reusable grocery bag in norovirus outbreak
- 2Vote! Defective carnitine metabolism may play role in autism
- 11Vote! Unconscious racial attitudes playing large role in 2012 presidential vote
- 8Vote! Human Genome first quarter loss wider than expected
Yahoo Science News - Tuesday, 24 April
- 4Vote! In protein folding, internal friction may play a more significant role than previously thought
- 6Vote! Yeast cell reaction to Zoloft suggests depression cause, drug target beyond serotonin
- 5Vote! Control faulty gene to protect weak bones
Futurity.org - Thursday, 19 April
- 3Vote! New genetic regions linked to bone-weakening disease and fractures, Stanford researcher says
- 5Vote! More exercise, eating less fat and weight loss programs are in, popular diets are out
- 2Vote! Scientists search public databases, flag novel gene's key role in type 2 diabetes
- 4Vote! Video: Loss of predators in Northern Hemisphere affecting ecosystem health
- 4Vote! Loss of predators in Northern Hemisphere affecting ecosystem health
