Cell Biology

Mapping the Mind: In Vivo Imaging of Synaptic Plasticity with HaloTag® Ligands

Posted on by Simon Moe

The brain is constantly rewiring itself, fine-tuning connections that shape how we think, learn, and remember. But capturing those fleeting molecular changes as they happen — at the level of individual synapses and across entire brain regions — has long been a challenge in neuroscience. Now, thanks to recent advances in HaloTag® dye technology, researchers can visualize protein dynamics in living brains with stunning clarity and specificity.

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Beyond Ozempic: The New Frontier of Obesity Research

Posted on by Promega

Today’s blog is written by guest blogger, Alden Little, Marketing Intern at Promega.

From genetics to gut microbes, scientists are finding new ways to make white fat act like calorie-burning brown fat. Here’s how three research teams are working to find the next breakthrough obesity treatment.

Rethinking Fat: How New Research is Transforming Obesity Science

Obesity affects millions worldwide and remains a complex challenge shaped by diet, environment, genetics, and socio-economic factors. While medications like semaglutide have shown promise in supporting weight loss, there’s growing interest in alternative strategies.

One area gaining traction is adipose tissue biology. Adipose tissue—commonly known as body fat— is not just a passive storage site for excess energy, but an active player in regulating metabolism and energy balance. Adipose tissue comes in several forms:

  • White
  • Brown
  • Beige

Most of the fat in our bodies is called white adipose tissue (WAT). It stores energy for later use—but too much of it increases the risk for obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. In contrast, brown adipose tissue (BAT) burns energy to generate heat through a process called thermogenesis, helping regulate body weight and temperature. Scientists have discovered a third kind, called beige adipose tissue, which behaves like BAT but can form within WAT under certain conditions like cold exposure or specific molecular triggers.

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What 32,000 3D Spheroids Revealed About Culture Conditions

Posted on by Shannon Sindermann
3D Spheroid Cell Culture

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems have become essential tools in cancer research, drug screening and tissue engineering—offering a more physiologically relevant alternative to traditional 2D cultures, which often fail to replicate key in vivo microenvironment features. But as the field has evolved, variability in experimental outcomes has become a key challenge, limiting their reproducibility and translation into clinical settings. While spheroids offer layered architecture, nutrient gradients and multicellular interactions, inconsistent culture methods have made it difficult to draw reliable conclusions across labs.

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An Unexpected Role for RNA Methylation in Mitosis Leads to New Understanding of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Posted on by Michele Arduengo

Traditionally, RNA methylation has been studied in the context of gene expression regulation, RNA stability and translation efficiency, with its primary role thought to be in modulating cellular homeostasis and protein synthesis. However, a 2025 study by Dharmadkikari and colleagues uncovers an unexpected and critical function for RNA methylation in mitotic spindle integrity.

False color transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrograph of a mitotic cell in metaphase stage showing chromosomes (purple) in the equatorial plane and one of the mitotic spindle poles (blue). Mutations in SPOUT1/CENP-32 affect RNA methylation which is necessary for proper cell division.
False color transmission electron microscope (TEM) micrograph of a mitotic cell in metaphase stage showing chromosomes (purple) in the equatorial plane and one of the mitotic spindle poles (blue).

The study identifies a critical role for SPOUT1/CENP-32-dependent methylation in mitotic spindle formation and accurate chromosome segregation. Originally identified in a large-scale analysis of proteins associated with mitotic chromosomes, SPOUT1/CENP-32 encodes a putative RNA methyltransferase. The protein localizes to mitotic spindles, and when it is absent centrosome detachment from the spindle poles, delayed anaphase, and chromosome segregation errors are observed. Further, CRISPR experiments in human cells show that the protein is essential for cell viability.

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Microfluidic Organoids Could Revolutionize Breast Cancer Treatment

Posted on by Johanna Lee

Breast cancer is the most common tumor among women worldwide and has a profound impact on individuals and society. Aside from being a leading cause of cancer-related death, patients often undergo invasive treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, which may result in long-term side effects and reduced quality of life. Additionally, the healthcare burden of breast cancer is immense. This makes effective, timely, and personalized treatments a critical need.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports presents a microfluidic-based method for growing breast cancer organoids that significantly reduces the culture time while maintaining essential structural and drug response characteristics. This method could be the key to developing personalized breast cancer treatments in the future.

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Alzheimer Disease and Metabolic Dysfunction: A Critical Intersection in Brain Health

Posted on by Simon Moe

This guest blog post is written by Alden Little, a Marketing Intern at Promega.

Alzheimer disease (AD) is one of the most devastating neurodegenerative disorders, affecting millions worldwide. While much attention has been given to amyloid plaques and tau tangles, emerging research suggests that metabolic dysfunction in the brain plays a crucial role in the disease’s progression. A recent study published in Acta Neuropathologica by Schröder et al. sheds new light on how astrocytes—the brain’s metabolic support cells—are affected in AD, and how their dysfunction impacts neurons.

Auguste Deter, a patient of Dr. Alzheimer, who first described the hallmark plaques and tangles of AD.
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Glo-ing Above and Beyond: Simplifying Science with MyGlo Reagent Reader

Posted on by Simon Moe

Introduction

When it comes to laboratory tools, few things resonate more than the experiences of researchers who rely on them daily. At the University of Cincinnati the MyGlo Reagent Reader has quickly become an indispensable lab companion, due to its compact design, affordability, and intuitive interface with tailored apps for Promega assays. But what truly sets the MyGlo Reagent Reader apart is how it empowers scientists to focus on their research.

Take Ipsita Kundu, a third-year PhD student at the University of Cincinnati working in Dr. Tim Phoenix’s lab. The Phoenix lab, dedicated to studying innovative brain tumor therapies, faced challenges with their outdated luminescence reader. They needed an affordable, reliable solution to streamline Ipsita’s experiments without compromising accuracy or efficiency.

The MyGlo Reagent reader is Nominated for a 2025 Select Science, Scientists’ Choice Award in the category of Life Sciences Product of the Year. Do you agree that it is a game changer? Vote today!

The MyGlo Reagent Reader was the answer. This blog highlights how this integrated solution is redefining laboratory workflows, enabling researchers to maximize productivity and maintain focus on groundbreaking discoveries. Let’s delve into Ipsita’s story and explore how MyGlo transformed her research.

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The Greatness of Glycogen: A Central Storage Molecule in Energy Metabolism

Posted on by Simon Moe

Introduction

Glycogen is a fundamental molecule in energy metabolism, serving as the critical storage form of glucose that supports cellular health and energy homeostasis. As a polysaccharide, glycogen is essential for maintaining stable energy levels, particularly during periods of fasting and physical exertion. This article will examine glycogen’s synthesis, storage, and utilization, along with its broader significance in human health and disease. Understanding glycogen’s role can provide valuable insight into energy regulation and metabolic health.

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The Benefits of BCAAs: Branched-Chain Amino Acids in Health and Disease

Posted on by Simon Moe

Introduction

Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential nutrients that play a significant role in muscle metabolism and overall health. Comprised of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, BCAAs cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet. Recent research has highlighted how the metabolic pathways are influenced by BCAAs, such as their ability to activate mTOR signaling, which is vital for muscle protein synthesis (Choi, 2024). Beyond muscle growth, BCAAs may support cognitive function and metabolic health, with ongoing research exploring their broader benefits in disease management. This article explores the diverse roles of BCAAs and their impact on health and diseases

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The Brilliance of BHB: A Key Ketone Body in Metabolic Health

Posted on by Simon Moe

Introduction

β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the most abundant ketone body, is a crucial molecule that sustains energy production during periods of glucose deprivation. Whether you are fasting, adhering to a ketogenic diet, or simply interested in metabolic flexibility, BHB offers key insights into how our bodies adapt to alternative energy sources. This article will delve into how BHB is produced, the diverse roles it plays, and its implications for health and disease.

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