UT's latest AAAS Fellows are Brad Binder, Jennifer DeBruyn, and Elisabeth Schussler, recognized for their contributions to biochemistry, environmental microbiology, and ecology. Their work addresses pressing issues like plant stress, decomposition, and sustainability.
Preclinical studies reveal that MR hinders cell proliferation, triggers cell cycle arrest, and enhances standard treatments. Early-phase clinical trials report positive results on safety and tolerability, suggesting utility of MR as a complementary treatment strategy.
David J. Segal has been appointed as the chair of UC Davis Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, known for his groundbreaking research in gene-editing technologies. He is developing targeted molecular tools to treat rare genetic disorders, including Angelman syndrome and neurofibromatosis type 1.
RNA droplets promote reduction and oxidation reactions, crucial for life, according to UC Santa Barbara researchers. The findings support the idea that these droplets acted as proto-enzymes, enabling the development of more complicated organic molecules.
Szu-Chih Liu played a central role in the development of biochemistry in China, inheriting methods from early Chinese trailblazers and fostering generations of biomedical students. He localized biochemistry in China through unifying terminology and developing textbooks in the Chinese language.
Gerald M. Wilson, PhD, joins UMSOM as Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, bringing expertise in RNA biochemistry and cancer mechanisms. He aims to strengthen departmental capabilities and foster collaboration to advance research, education, and service.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) introduces a new journal, Insights in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, broadening its scope to cover molecular life science discoveries. The journal joins ASBMB's family of journals with swift publication and constructive review.
University at Buffalo researchers capture high-resolution image of stable, open NMDA receptor, revealing kinked helices that stabilize the pore. The study expands understanding of receptor function and malfunction contributing to neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Syracuse University found that slow-moving tissues generate mechanical forces that help sculpt developing organs, such as the zebrafish's body symmetry. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of organ formation and inform treatments for birth defects and other conditions.
A recent study published in Nature Metabolism found that electrical activity in synapses can lead to the use of lipid droplets as an energy source in the brain. Researchers discovered that neurons can break down fat into fatty acids and produce ATP, even when glucose is not present.
Kayunta Johnson-Winters, a UTA associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been honored as an American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology fellow. Her research on F420-dependent enzymes has expanded understanding of disease proteins and paved the way for potential treatments.
A study found that patients with AMA/anti-sp100/anti-gp210 positivity and elevated liver enzymes can manifest conditions beyond primary biliary cholangitis. Etiological treatments improved or resolved cholestatic biochemistry in these patients, justifying their initiation over ursodeoxycholic acid therapy.
A study by Tulane University researchers found that tumors in female fruit flies grew 2.5 times larger than those in male fruit flies due to sex-based differences in immune response. The stronger innate immune response in females accelerated tumor growth.
Researchers identified the critical role of TIMM50 protein in mitochondrial energy production and its link to a severe and rare neurological disease. The study's findings suggest potential targets for future drug treatments and advance research on protein import into mitochondria in brain cells.
The new RTG EpiSignal focuses on the interaction between chromatin modifications and cell signaling networks in regulating cellular processes. The researchers aim to uncover molecular mechanisms that determine their interplay, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms underlying cellular decision-making.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanism that interferes with the splicing process in a more subtle way, leading to cell death. The study reveals that spliceosome subunits U4, U5, and U6 are normally stabilized by protein USP39, but when mutated or absent, stability is compromised, causing incorrect connections during splicing.
Scientists have discovered a plausible explanation for the development of early Earth protocells. The researchers found that a spontaneous reaction between two simple molecules could form lipids and create membrane vesicles, paving the way for the emergence of life. This breakthrough provides new insights into the origin of life on Earth.
Scientists have discovered a crucial protein called DMT1 that enables single-celled malaria parasites to use iron, essential for survival and reproduction. Blocking this protein may lead to effective antimalarial drugs.
Scientists have characterized enzymes involved in the degradation of ethane, a process that plays a crucial role in the biological filter at marine seeps. The study reveals a key aspect of the ethane-degrading microbes and their ability to adapt to different environments.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health develop antibodies that selectively target mutant HER2 cancer protein without harming healthy cells. The new treatment, a bispecific T cell engager, shows promise in reducing tumor growth with minimal side effects.
Researchers found Itaconate stimulates immune cells to produce anti-viral proteins called interferons by blocking an enzyme called SDH, offering a potential therapy for autoimmune and infectious diseases.
Researchers are creating microphysiological systems to simulate infection and treatment in vitro, linking human lung and brain tissue models. This project aims to explore the relationship between respiratory diseases and neurological symptoms, potentially leading to new treatments.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a way to harness bacteria's natural molecule-building capacities to generate vast libraries of DNA-protein hybrid molecules. This breakthrough enables the creation of precision drugs that can interrupt disease-promoting processes in cells.
Researchers found that biological condensates, previously overlooked cellular structures, play a significant role in modulating cell activity and influencing global traits such as antibiotic resistance. These 'blobs' can separate or trap proteins and molecules, affecting cellular behavior and electrochemical processes.
A University of Barcelona team has described new biochemistry for RNA at low temperatures, revealing unexpected novel structures that emerge below 20°C. This phenomenon is believed to be universal and common to all RNA molecules, with implications for the biochemistry and biological functions of RNA.
Researchers from IOCB Prague uncover the mechanism behind a unique termite defense, where worker termites sacrifice themselves to kill attackers. The discovery sheds light on the enzyme's durability and functionality in harsh conditions.
Scientists at IOCB Prague have developed a new compound that suppresses appetite and protects the brain against Alzheimer's disease. The modified molecule, derived from the neuropeptide CART, is effective in reducing pathology associated with Alzheimer's.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has announced its annual awards, recognizing outstanding scientific achievements and community contributions. The winners will give talks about their research at the society's annual meeting in April, with cash prizes ranging from $2,000 to $35,000.
Researchers identify accessory genes linked to nitric oxide production that contribute to Foc TR4's virulence, offering potential treatments and strategies to slow its spread. Monocropping is also identified as a key factor in the disease's success, highlighting the importance of crop diversity.
Guan's lab will apply accumulated experience and methods to study SLC6A14, a sodium-coupled epithelial amino acid co-transporter involved in cancer and several chronic diseases. CryoEM will be used to determine the structure of SLC6A14, providing insight into its substrate specificity and inhibitory mechanisms.
Researchers developed BNP-Track algorithm, allowing direct observation of moving biomolecules and reconstruction of their motion. This enables innovations in biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology, addressing unanswered questions about biomolecular behavior.
The UTEP research team found that nanoplastics and PFAS can alter proteins in human breast milk, infant formulas, and affect oxygen storage. This could lead to developmental defects, compromised immunity, and reduced mineral absorption.
Researchers, including Assistant Professor James Lewis, are studying the evolution of butterfly wing color patterns as a model for understanding population adaptation to environmental changes. The study aims to understand why some Heliconiine butterflies lose their mimicry phenotype and how this affects their survival.
Researchers develop optogenetic system to precisely target cancer cells using light, inducing inflammatory cell death and triggering immune response. The approach aims to modulate the immune suppressive environment around cancer cells, helping T cells recognize and attack the disease.
A new study reveals that a type of childhood leukemia has its roots in fetal development, with chromosomal alterations detected in umbilical cord blood. The findings have important implications for understanding the disease and developing new therapies.
Researchers discovered that just eight new biochemical reactions can bridge the gap between simple geochemistry and biochemistry, indicating a limited loss of biochemistry to time. This finding suggests that even extinct reactions can be rediscovered from clues left behind in modern biochemistry.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have created a powerful method to analyze RNA structures in unprecedented detail. By combining cryogenic OrbiSIMS with advanced computational modelling and automation, they can now determine RNA structures in a matter of days, significantly advancing the field of RNA structural biology.
Scientists from IOCB Prague have created a novel composite vector nanomaterial for transporting ribonucleic acid (RNA) into cells, ensuring its non-toxicity. This breakthrough aims to overcome the obstacle of nucleic acid vectors' toxicity and pave the way for gene therapy applications.
Researchers from the University of Oldenburg aim to propagate stony corals via natural reproduction and grow out young corals in aquaria for a more sustainable coral trade. If successful, this method could boost wild coral protection and reduce reliance on expensive export restrictions.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found that two enzymes, APOBEC3C and APOBEC3D, promote resistance to chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. Removing these enzymes can kill cancer cells by stymieing DNA repair.
Researchers from IOCB Prague have developed a molecule that can switch between three distinct states, enabling the storage of complex information. This achievement opens the door to the development of molecular chips with unprecedented capabilities.
The study found that Streptococcus and Pedobacter bacteria species were present in healthy eyes, while more Acinetobacter species were found in dry eye samples. This knowledge could lead to improved treatments for various eye problems and diseases affecting the gut microbiome.
Researchers discovered a feedback loop involving estrogen that may explain why women become more dependent on nicotine. Estrogen-induced proteins called olfactomedins could be targeted with therapies to help control nicotine consumption.
Researchers found that statins altered macrophage response and suppressed inflammatory response in periodontal disease. The study suggests statins could improve gum health and reduce heart disease risk.
Rats consuming reheated sesame or sunflower oil showed increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, leading to significant damage in the colon and changes in endotoxins. The study suggests that long-term deep-fried oil consumption may contribute to neurodegeneration and highlight the need for further research on this topic.
A new complex-carbohydrate biomolecule has been identified as crucial for Bordetella bacteria to colonize the nose and transmit to a new host. The discovery opens up possibilities for creating a new drug or vaccine that interferes with this glycan, potentially eliminating whooping cough transmission.
Researchers have developed a new, synthetic lung surfactant that mimics the functionality of animal-derived formulations. The surfactant has shown promise in reducing surface tension and may offer a cheaper alternative to Infasurf.
A recent study examined cholesteryl esters and found that prolonged inactivity may affect people of different ages differently. The researchers observed changes in middle-aged subjects but not in older adults when comparing pre- and post-bed-rest levels.
Scientists have extracted a powerful antibacterial peptide from African catfish skin mucus, which could help combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The peptide, called NACAP-II, has been shown to disrupt bacterial cell membranes at very low concentrations.
A newly developed compound is showing promise as a more effective treatment for human schistosomiasis, an understudied tropical disease caused by parasitic worms. The compound overcomes the limitations of current treatment praziquantel by being effective against the larval stage and resistant strains.
Researchers found that a high-fat diet suppresses the expression of a key protein in the gut, leading to inflammation and increased risk of Alzheimer's. Managing diabetes may be key to preventing or slowing down dementia symptoms.
New research from University of California San Diego and Algenesis shows that their plant-based polymers can break down in under seven months, even at the microplastic level. This discovery offers a sustainable solution to the environmental and health impacts of microplastics.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University have mapped the cellular architecture of MS lesions using advanced methodology. This reveals how immune cells and glial cells interact in the disease.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's annual meeting features exciting research findings on antibacterial compounds, whooping cough infection, nicotine addiction, and more. Complementary on-site press passes will be issued to a limited number of attendees.
Researchers at University of Arizona have developed a novel approach to combat mosquito-borne diseases by targeting the unique alkaline environment of larval mosquito guts. The study uses specially designed chemical compounds to modify proteins, hindering food digestion and growth.
This year's Discover BMB program includes top experts unveiling groundbreaking discoveries and revolutionary approaches in biochemistry and molecular biology. Advances in natural product biochemistry and biotechnology will be showcased, along with a deeper understanding of RNA biology, its role in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases,...
Researchers highlight difficulties in targeting metastatic tumors and propose two- and three-drug combinations to achieve effective tumor control. They also emphasize the need for simultaneous blocking of primary driving oncogene, evolving resistance mechanism, and secondary survival pathway.
The discovery reveals that microbes can conjugate bile acids beyond glycine and taurine, increasing diversity and function of bile acids. This challenges scientific dogmas and raises questions about the role of bacteria in gut health.
Scientists used Delta's GPU-based architecture to study the life cycle of the Hepatitis B virus, revealing how it binds human proteins called importins. The research provides a platform for developing inhibitors that could block this interaction and prevent the virus from accessing the nucleus.
Scientists from IOCB Prague have developed a universal and accurate new computational method to predict how proteins interact with drugs. The SQM2.20 scoring function yields DFT-quality predictions in minutes, significantly accelerating drug discovery.