Cells must faithfully copy their DNA before dividing, a task carried out by polymerases that rely on clamp-like proteins to tether them to the genome. New research shows that one such protein doesn’t just play a catalytic role as a clamp-loader. It also stabilizes the process as it moves the length of the DNA strand. The findings revise our understanding of the fine details of DNA replication and may have implications for human disease.  

Cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer care, yet most patients still fail to respond. A new study reveals how cancer cells package the immune-suppressing protein PD-L1 into tiny extracellular vesicles, undermining immunotherapy’s effectiveness. Remarkably, the researchers identify a common class of cholesterol-lowering drugs—statins—as powerful inhibitors of this process. By uncovering a hidden mechanism of immune resistance and a readily available way to block it, the study opens new avenues for improving cancer immunotherapy outcomes.