The Column-07-26-2013

The Column

Cell division snapshot

July 26, 2013

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A cell cycle clock consisting of four continuous stages governs cell division (and replication), with each stage controlled by a specific series of protein complexes. Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled division of cells that have gained genetic mutations that allow them to overcome these controls, therefore resulting in their self-sufficiency.

Nano LC–MS

July 26, 2013

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Scientists from the University of Michigan Medical Centre (Michigan, USA) have demonstrated the viability of immuno-laser capture microdissection (iLCM) combined with nano liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS–MS) for the investigation of various subpopulations of cells within tissues.1 Cancerous tissue can contain different subpopulations of cells and knowing what is within a tumour can help to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Sugar intake biomarker

July 26, 2013

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A new candidate biomarker of sugar and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake has been proposed in a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition.1 The study presents the carbon isotope ratio of alanine as a new biomarker for use in studies monitoring dietary sugar intake