SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

In ARDS, the lungs become swollen with water and protein, and breathing becomes impossible, leading to death in 30 percent to 40 percent of cases. There is no effective treatment.

University of Illinois-Chicago researchers said it has previously been shown an enzyme called non-muscle myosin light-chain kinase, or MYLK, plays a pivotal role in the disruption of the endothelial barrier -- a single thin layer of cells that line blood vessels, preventing water and protein from accumulating in tissues.

But in the new study, the scientists discovered MYLK is essential to the movement of neutrophils through the endothelial barrier. It unleashes a cascade of molecular events inside the neutrophil that changes the cell's shape, which is necessary for adhesion and migration.

The finding of a novel pathway might lead to new treatment of the deadly disease, the scientists said.

The research that included Professor Asrar Malik and Assistant Professor Jingsong Xu is to be published later this year in the journal Nature Immunology.

 BREAKING STORIES

Increase in bone fractures linked to HIV

CSPI wants more tests for rebiana

Pythons may help heal hearts

Chewing gum may reduce stress

N.J. lifts ban on Delaware shellfishing

Obesity inflammation not linked to asthma

Court backs mad cow testing limits

Report: Flu shot benefits exaggerated

Expert: How to curb hurricane anxiety

Class of diabetes drugs may up heart risk

Duchovny being treated for sex addiction

Protein linked to chemo-drug resistance

Doubled mortality risk if statins stopped

Fat in obese 'sick' compared to lean fat

Why caregivers suffer more illness

Connick Jr. set to star in Lifetime movie

WHO: Social injustice kills on grand scale

Potential type 1 diabetes therapy studied

Mental skills decline even if no dementia

Avon ambassador Reese heads to Brazil