Macrophages: Immune Cells’ Surprising Role in Motor Control and Metabolism
Groundbreaking research from the University of Copenhagen and Imperial College London reveals that macrophages, traditionally known for their immune functions, play a crucial role in motor control and metabolic balance. Published in Nature, the study uncovers how these immune cells within muscle spindles modulate neural activity and link energy demands to movement, opening new avenues for treatments of motor disorders and metabolic conditions.
Enzyme Checkpoint Identified in Tumor-Associated Macrophages
A recent study has identified an enzyme, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), as a metabolic checkpoint in the function of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), affecting tumor growth. Targeting PHGDH could be a new approach in cancer treatment, potentially improving the effectiveness of clinical immunotherapies. The study utilized innovative methods, including AI and machine learning, to diagnose metabolic markers and identify checkpoints, leading to the discovery of the metabolic checkpoint in macrophage polarization.