 |
|
Matrix protein key to fighting viruses
April 29, 2009Researchers from Durham University's Centre for Bioactive Chemistry are developing methods that show how proteins interact with cell membranes when a virus strikes. Using their approach, the team hopes to find new ways to disrupt and disarm 'enveloped viruses' before they spread in our bodies.
Team members, Dr John Sanderson and Dr Paul Yeo from Durham University have helped produce the first ever, high-resolution, full-length structure of a protein from an enveloped virus called the 'matrix protein'.
Viruses work in many different ways but in this case, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) virions form by a 'budding' process at the plasma membrane of a cell. The matrix protein appears to drive the final assembly process and the formation of viral filaments. It is also clear that the matrix protein is an important determinant of where the virus buds.
Using x-ray crystallography, the team's been able to see the intimate details of the matrix protein that controls how the RSV virus assembles inside a cell. The technique allows them to see how the virus protein functions and this could help the team to develop biochemical tools to treat respiratory ailments and the common cold.
Dr Yeo said: "We can now see what the protein virus structure looks like and we plan to pull the protein apart to see how and where it might be intercepted. These images provide amazing insights into the micro-chemical world of our cells. We have an opportunity to use bioactive chemistry to develop the medical tools of the future."
The team, funded by Durham University, the Wolfson Institute and One North East, looked at the matrix protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a virus which is the most dangerous respiratory virus affecting infants and for which there is no vaccine. About one in three people suffering a cold are affected by this particular enveloped virus. They are looking at the way in which the matrix protein pulls the virus together and assembles at the membrane of a cell. This interaction is crucial to the development of cellular disease.
Dr John Sanderson said; "Enveloped viruses can be extremely dangerous. They enter the cell and hijack its machinery. They assemble their own cell parts of proteins and nucleic acids, before pinching off a bit of the membrane lining of a cell, in this case the lung, and going on to infect new cells. Our new hi-resolution structure can help us to see how to disrupt that process."
Durham's researchers have looked closely at the different stages of virus assembly and replication and they are particularly interested at the stage where the virus assembles. It's at this stage that they intend to disrupt the protein.
Dr Paul Yeo said: "If you can intercept the virus at the right time, just before it exits the cell, then your immune system can deal with it. Almost all envelope viruses have to assemble and we want to see how the mechanism works, how the virus latches on to cells and how it buds inside them."
The researchers grew crystals of the protein, crystallised them, and then used x-ray diffraction to determine the position in space of every atom of the protein. The information was then used to create images of the protein's structure. These images enable the team see what different parts of the matrix protein do.
If scientists can understand how the protein binds to cell membranes, then chemists and biological scientists may be able to develop tools to stop the protein mechanism working; this could be a stepping stone to the development of drugs to fight viruses like RSV. The Durham team also hope to work on other viruses such as Hepatitis C and measles.
Dr Sanderson said: "The high-resolution and degree of crystallographic order that we've observed in the structure allows us to throw light on the way in which the membrane binds, and on the mechanism by which this protein performs its varied and critical roles. It's an exciting development that could help in the quest for the biochemical tools of the future."
The 5 stages of virus assembly and replication:
1. Entry into the cell
2. Replication of genome
3. Production of the components of the virus
4. Coordinated assembly
5. Exit from the cell and release (and multiplication)
Durham University
Using x-ray crystallography, the team's been able to see the intimate details of the matrix protein that controls how the RSV virus assembles inside a cell. The technique allows them to see how the virus protein functions and this could help the team to develop biochemical tools to treat respiratory ailments and the common cold.
Dr Yeo said: "We can now see what the protein virus structure looks like and we plan to pull the protein apart to see how and where it might be intercepted. These images provide amazing insights into the micro-chemical world of our cells. We have an opportunity to use bioactive chemistry to develop the medical tools of the future."
The team, funded by Durham University, the Wolfson Institute and One North East, looked at the matrix protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a virus which is the most dangerous respiratory virus affecting infants and for which there is no vaccine. About one in three people suffering a cold are affected by this particular enveloped virus. They are looking at the way in which the matrix protein pulls the virus together and assembles at the membrane of a cell. This interaction is crucial to the development of cellular disease.
Dr John Sanderson said; "Enveloped viruses can be extremely dangerous. They enter the cell and hijack its machinery. They assemble their own cell parts of proteins and nucleic acids, before pinching off a bit of the membrane lining of a cell, in this case the lung, and going on to infect new cells. Our new hi-resolution structure can help us to see how to disrupt that process."
Durham's researchers have looked closely at the different stages of virus assembly and replication and they are particularly interested at the stage where the virus assembles. It's at this stage that they intend to disrupt the protein.
Dr Paul Yeo said: "If you can intercept the virus at the right time, just before it exits the cell, then your immune system can deal with it. Almost all envelope viruses have to assemble and we want to see how the mechanism works, how the virus latches on to cells and how it buds inside them."
The researchers grew crystals of the protein, crystallised them, and then used x-ray diffraction to determine the position in space of every atom of the protein. The information was then used to create images of the protein's structure. These images enable the team see what different parts of the matrix protein do.
If scientists can understand how the protein binds to cell membranes, then chemists and biological scientists may be able to develop tools to stop the protein mechanism working; this could be a stepping stone to the development of drugs to fight viruses like RSV. The Durham team also hope to work on other viruses such as Hepatitis C and measles.
Dr Sanderson said: "The high-resolution and degree of crystallographic order that we've observed in the structure allows us to throw light on the way in which the membrane binds, and on the mechanism by which this protein performs its varied and critical roles. It's an exciting development that could help in the quest for the biochemical tools of the future."
The 5 stages of virus assembly and replication:
1. Entry into the cell
2. Replication of genome
3. Production of the components of the virus
4. Coordinated assembly
5. Exit from the cell and release (and multiplication)
Durham University
Matrix Protein Current Events and Matrix Protein News RSSLung cancer cells activate inflammation to induce metastasis
A research team from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine has identified a protein produced by cancerous lung epithelial cells that enhances metastasis by stimulating the activity of inflammatory cells.
Quintet of proteins forms new, early-warning blood test before heart attack strikes
A team of Johns Hopkins biochemists has identified a mixed bag of five key proteins out of thousands secreted into blood draining from the heart's blood vessels that may together or in certain quantities form the basis of a far more accurate early warning test than currently in use of impending heart attack in people with severely reduced blood flow, or ischemia.
Researchers discover new way to reverse poor circulation and heal wounds
Researchers have solved a longstanding mystery about how flexing muscles "tell" nearby blood vessels that they need more blood to perform, according to a study published Feb. 15 in the journal Circulation Research.
Cell death suppression increases efficacy of M2 vaccines
Significant public attention has recently been focused on the development of new anti-influenza (flu) vaccines that provide protection against a broad spectrum of viral strains. One proposed strategy is to utilize conserved viral protein, M2. Clinical trials of M2-containing influenza vaccines were recently initiated by US and European companies.
Scientists learn more about how viruses reproduce, spread
Biochemists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have made a surprising discovery about the inner workings of a powerful virus - a discovery that they hope could one day lead to better vaccines or anti-virus medications.
Papers published online on 14 December by Nature and the Nature Research Journals
NATURE GENETICS(http://www.nature.com/naturegenetics) [1] Mutant gene turns gall bladder into pancreas 10.1038/ng1273 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ng1273) A new study published in the January issue of Nature Genetics shows that, when a developmental gene switch was removed from experimental mice, what would have developed into a gall bladder instead turned into tissues remarkably like those in a pancreas. Several of the major organs for digesting food appear at the same time in the same place in the development of the embryos of humans and other mammals. The liver, the gall bladder and bile ducts, and pancreas all develop from the gut a
Press release from Nature and the Nature Research Journals
This Press Release contains: ·Summaries of newsworthy papers: NANOSCALE ARMS CONTROL - Nature Materials STEPMOTHER OF PEARL - Nature Materials COMBINATION VACCINE DELIVERS DOUBLE BLOW - Nature Medicine STEM CELL ENGRAFTMENT SUCCESS DOES NOT ENSURE LONG-TERM SURVIVAL - Nature Immunology Mention of papers to be published at the same time with the same embargo ·Geographical listing of authors NATURE MATERIALS(http://www.nature.com/naturematerials) [1] NANOSCALE ARMS CONTROL DOI: 10.1038/nmat902 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nmat902) Some of the tiniest structures over which scientists exert control, such as nanowires and nanocrystals, are key building blocks for the future development of nan
More Matrix Protein Current Events and Matrix Protein News Articles
 |
Syntrax Innovations - Matrix 5.0 Cookies & Cream, 5.4 lb bag by Syntrax Innovations |
 |
Matrix 5.0 - Sustained Release Protein Simply Vanilla 4.95 lbs by SYNTRAX THE PROBLEM: Five pound containers of protein that are low in quality, contain fat-inducing maltodextrin, taste horrible, require a blender to mix properly, and contain only one very fast-acting protein. No doubt that most of these "five pounders" are cheap but who wants to gag something down day after day that's neither convenient nor beneficial? THE SOLUTION: Matrix 5.0. Taking years to properly formulate, Matrix 5.0 solves all of the problems currently afflicting those other "five pounders". Most importantly, we completely stayed away from cheap, inferior protein sources such as denatured sodium and calcium caseinate. We knew that to be the best, we had to use only the highest quality undenatured protein sources such as ultrafiltered whey protein, ultrafiltered milk protein,... |
 |
Syntrax Innovations - Matrix 5.0 Perfect Chocolate, 5.34 lb bag by Syntrax Innovations The Problem: Five pound containers of protein that are low in quality, contain fat-inducing maltodextrin, taste horrible, require a blender to mix properly, and contain only one very fast-acting protein. No doubt that most of these "five pounders" are cheap but who wants to gag something down day after day that's neither convenient nor beneficial?The Solution: Matrix 5.0â„¢. Taking years to properly formulate, Matrix 5.0â„¢ solves all of the problems currently afflicting those other "five pounders". Most importantly, Syntrax completely stayed away from cheap, inferior protein sources such as denatured sodium and calcium caseinate. Syntrax knew that to be the best, they had to use only the highest quality undenatured protein sources such as ultrafiltered whey protein, ... |
 |
Perforation Repair with Dental Pulp Stem Cells and DMP1: A New Approach to Repair Teeth Perforations Utilizing Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Dentin Matrix Protein 1 An Animal Model by Rajaa Alsanea (Author) Perforations due to iatrogenic errors can compromise the tooth prognosis. There is still no ideal endodontic material in the market to be used in a perforation site. This study evaluates the ability of Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) and Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (DMP1) impregnated within a collagen scaffold to induce dentin formation in a furcal perforation site. Under the conditions of this study, it may be concluded that DPSCs impregnated within a collagen scaffold can differentiate into odontoblast-like cells secreting a highly cellular, vascular, and mineralized matrix that can be the ground substance for dentin formation, in the presence of DMP1. |
 |
Syntrax Matrix 5.32lbs Perfect Chocolate by Syntrax Syntrax Matrix 5.32lbs Perfect Chocolate |
 |
Freak Fix- Muscle Whey, Protein Matrix, 2lb Chocolate Milk Shake by Iovate USES: For individuals committed to getting impossibly huge. Freak Fix is the first molecularly enhanced, muscle synthesizing protein matrix, conceived by a radical team of scientists to trigger chronic muscle growth. Freak Fix was created specifically for bodybuilders trying to break the 250-lbs - 300-lbs. barrier. Freak Fix can be ingested at any time throughout the day or night, and is exponentially powerful when consumed immediately following a tortuous training session. Hybridized form unique muscle modifying factors, including a calcuated dose of MCTs and an insanely potent protein composite, Freak Fix beats convential formulas into submission. Once you're on Freak Fix, you will experience a truly extraordinary series of events. Slabs of granite-hard muscle will morph onto your... |
 |
Matrix 2.0 Perfect Chocolate - 2 lbs - Powder by Syntrax Matrix 2.0: Sustained Release Anabolic Proteins With Glutamine Peptides!The Problem:Two Pound containers of protein that are low in quality, contain fat-inducing maltodextrin, taste horrible, require a blender to mix properly, and contain only one very fast-acting protein. No doubt that most of these two pounders are cheap but who wants to gag something down day after day that's neither convenient nor beneficial?The Solutions: Matrix 2.0. Taking years to properly formulate, Matrix 2.0 solves all of the problems currently afflicting those other "two pounders". Most importantly, we completely stayed away from cheap, inferior protein sources such as denatured sodium and calcium caseinate. We knew that to be the best, we had to use only the highest quality undenatured protein sources such as... |
|
Genomics and Chemical Genetics - Scanning Life's Matrix: Genes, Proteins, and Small Molecules Also With: Dr. Stuart L. Schreiber (Narrator), Dr. Eric S. Lander (Narrator) The sequencing of the human genome has set the stage for a vast revolution in the biomedical sciences. In four presentations featuring state-of-the-art animations and compelling graphics, Dr. Stuart L. Schreiber and Dr. Eric S. Lander open a window onto the fast-paced world of genomic science and chemical genetics. Dr. Lander explains how an understanding of small variations in DNA among individuals can help solve the mysteries of certain human diseases, and in particular, how DNA microarrary technologygene chipscan be used to improve cancer diagnosis and guide treatment. Dr. Schreiber examines how technological advances coupled with data from the genome projects have energized chemistrys contributions to biology and medicine. DVD includes detailed chapter search by scientific topic,... | |
|
Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Scanning Life's Matrix; Genes, Proteins, and Small Molecules, 2 tape set with 4 lectures Also With: Ph.D. Stuart L. Schreiber (Narrator), Ph.D. Eric S. Lander (Narrator) | |
 |
Natrol Lean Mass Complex Vanilla - 20 Packets by Prolab The Perfect Supplement for Bodybuilders and Athletes, 40 Grams of Sustained Release Bioactive Proteins, Whole Grain Complex Carbohydrates 2 Grams of L-Glutamine per Serving, Essential Fatty Acids and Good Fiber source, Soluble Fiber from Oats, Beta Glucans for Cardiovascular Benefits,Instantized-No Blender Necessary, No Maltodextrin * Picture may be of different size or flavor |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |