Alexander Levitzki's work on signal transduction therapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors has led to the development of effective anticancer drugs. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Israel Prize in Biochemistry and the Wolf Prize for Medicine.
Scientists investigate multidrug transporters and anionic lipids to improve antibiotic, anti-malarial, and cancer treatment effectiveness. By understanding lipid-protein interactions, they aim to develop novel drugs that can control these protein complexes.
Professor Diana Chu's NSF-funded research explores how chemical structure of sperm proteins affects DNA packaging and interpretation. Her studies may help understand fertility disorders in humans and other animals, as well as answer broader questions about gene regulation.
Scientists have identified enzymes that can reverse a key protein modification involved in breast cancer, cellular stress reactions, and gene regulation. The discovery enables selective manipulation of ADP-ribosylation, which could lead to new treatments for inflammasions and cancers.
Dr. Eric N. Olson has discovered pivotal genes and regulatory pathways governing the development, disease, and regeneration of the heart and other muscles. His research offers hope for prevention and treatments for some of the most serious birth defects.
A study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that a lifelong diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit the growth of breast cancer tumours. Mice producing omega-3s developed only two-thirds as many tumours and had 30-per-cent smaller tumours compared to control mice.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Arlington have developed a method for converting carbon dioxide into liquid methanol fuel using copper oxide nanowires and sunlight. The new process is more efficient and environmentally friendly than current methods, which require toxic elements or high operating pressures.
Researchers at Rice University propose combining synthetic and natural toxins to create a 'one-two punch' therapy against cancer and drug-resistant bacteria, potentially reducing side effects and preventing resistance. The approach targets the unique membranes of both cancer cells and Gram-negative bacteria.
Scientists unveil the biochemistry of a unique microbial community living together in a cold sulfur spring, revealing symbiotic relationships between archaea and bacteria. The study uses synchrotron infrared to identify metabolic activities and protein structures, shedding light on a previously unknown lifestyle.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of enterococcal cytolysin, a 'virulence factor' that kills human cells. The enzyme responsible for its formation was found to produce distinctly different ring structures with unusual stereochemistries.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine identified polycomb-like proteins as key regulators in stem cell development and cancer. The study found that these proteins interact with epigenetic signals to control gene expression, implications for both stem cell biology and cancer development.
Researchers identified the mechanism by which Staphylococcus aureus colonizes nasal passages, finding that Clumping factor B (ClfB) binds to skin protein loricrin with high affinity. This interaction is crucial for successful colonization and opens new avenues for developing therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found a compound called ebselen effectively inhibits the thioredoxin reductase system in Helicobacter pylori, which causes gastric ulcers, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes tuberculosis. Ebselen's mechanism targets bacteria lacking glutathione.
Researchers report on the therapeutic potential of microRNAs in cancer therapy and their role as potential biomarkers for early cancer detection. The stability of miRNAs in body fluids makes them suitable for non-invasive malignancy detection methods, offering exciting opportunities for revolutionizing diagnostics and screening.
Researchers found that E. coli must acquire iron from the host to establish a foothold and colonize the gut, resolving a long-standing debate about the importance of iron in bacterial infection. By understanding how bacteria obtain iron, scientists can develop new strategies to block microbial diseases and create new antibiotics.
Researchers have identified over 700 novel proteins in the herpesvirus genome, many of which are surprisingly small and complex. This discovery provides new insights into the biology of the herpesvirus and highlights the importance of analyzing the products actually produced from the genome.
Research teams at Baylor College of Medicine used cryo-electron tomography to study the effects of genetic mutations on rod sensory cilium architecture. The findings suggest that aberrant trafficking of proteins is responsible for photoreceptor degeneration, highlighting a new model for understanding ciliopathies.
Researchers at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences discover a new regulator of the blood coagulation cascade, p21-activated Kinase-1 (PAK1) signaling. The study finds that PAK1 regulates both positive and negative regulators of coagulation, promoting a hypercoagulant state.
Scientists discovered that dynamin polymerises, forming a helix around an artificial membrane tubule and compressing it until it breaks. The location of the fission is specific, appearing at the boundary between the helix and the membrane.
Two USC research groups awarded $2.38M and $220K to study epigenetic drivers of cancer and how NSAIDs prevent colorectal cancer. A third group aims to develop new drugs to inhibit 'undruggable' target molecules.
Researchers describe experiments exploring multi-drug tolerance, a phenomenon that allows bacteria to outwit antibiotics. By analyzing HipA protein's structure and biochemical components, they gained insight into how this mechanism enables bacterial dormancy.
A new gene has been discovered that can help make domestic tomatoes more resistant to pests, a trait shared by their wild cousins. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, identifies a gene involved in producing acyl sugars that fend off bugs.
Researchers have developed a novel method to attach chemical probes to proteins, allowing them to study the biochemistry of naturally formed proteins. The technique enables scientists to understand the mechanisms behind creating better antibiotics, anti-cancer drugs, biofuels, and other natural products.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered a prime suspect for new cancer drug development: the CIB1 protein. Decreasing CIB1 in cancer cells causes cell death, but the exact mechanism was unknown until now.
A Thomas Jefferson University team found that histone-modifying proteins, such as TrxG and PcG, remain attached to DNA after replication, rather than histones. This challenges the longstanding paradigm of epigenetic marks and has significant implications for understanding gene expression and disease mechanisms.
Andrew Lovering, a renowned structural biologist, has received the ICAAC Young Investigator Award for his seminal research on bacterial cell wall synthesis and modification. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of antibacterial targets and membrane-anchored proteins in bacteria.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic social stress caused by unstable cage composition in adolescent mice led to increased anxiety and poor social interactions in their female offspring. The effects were observed across multiple generations, with stressed male mice also passing on these behaviors to their femal...
María Soledad Ramírez has been recognized for her outstanding work on integron participation in gene capture and dissemination, a crucial area of research in antimicrobial resistance. Her extensive experience and publications have made significant contributions to public health, addressing the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
A Rice University researcher has received a National Institutes of Health grant to study the effects of delay in gene transcription on cellular processes. The goal is to create techniques for generating and analyzing models of gene networks that incorporate delay, which can help predict how genetic networks function and fail.
Researchers at Arizona State University develop first vaccine complex that can be delivered safely and effectively by piggybacking onto self-assembled, three-dimensional DNA nanostructures. The vaccine complexes trigger a robust immune response up to 9-fold higher than traditional methods.
A MU biochemistry professor has been awarded a $5.5 million NIH MERIT Award to continue his research on bacterial behavior and molecular memory. His work could shed light on human sensory, memory, and response systems.
Researchers have created a dynamic 3D computer model of the human P-glycoprotein, which is thought to contribute to chemotherapy failure in many recurring cancers. The model enables scientists to virtually screen over 8 million potential drug compounds to find one that can help stop chemotherapy resistance.
Biochemists at UC Riverside discovered that increasing vitamin C levels can produce twins and triplets in plant seeds. This finding has the potential to increase fertility in low-fertility crops and boost their value. The researchers' study results were published online in PLoS ONE.
Saskia B. Neher, a UNC School of Medicine assistant professor, is one of 22 promising scientists to receive the 2012 Pew Scholars award, supporting her research on LPL regulation and its implications for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that iron can substitute for magnesium in RNA binding, folding and catalysis, enabling more diverse structures and functions. This discovery suggests that life evolved in the presence of iron and is optimized to work with it.
A new study published in Biochemistry found that the swine flu virus H1N1-2009 develops resistance to drugs Relenza and Tamiflu by mutating its NA enzyme, specifically the '150-loop' region. This mutation reduces drug effectiveness by 21 times for Relenza and 12,374 times for Tamiflu.
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researcher Professor Terry Speed was awarded the 2012 Thomson Reuters Citation Award in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His research has been cited more than other Australian researchers, with applications to infection, immunity, inherited diseases, and cancer.
Scientists at Oregon State University have discovered that curcumin can increase levels of a protein that helps prevent infection, highlighting its potential as an alternative to vitamin D. The study found curcumin causes a modest but measurable increase in cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP) levels.
Researchers discovered that alpha 2 delta determines calcium channel presence at synapses, controlling neurotransmitter release. The study found that increasing or decreasing alpha 2 delta levels can triple or reduce the number of channels.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have identified potential new targets for PARP-1 inhibitors, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The study revealed specialized 'zinc finger' domains on the protein that can be inhibited without affecting other cellular functions.
Researchers have found that lactoferrin, a protein with iron-binding properties, plays a key role in innate immunity and can protect against bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. Lactoferrin also shows promise in preventing certain types of cancer.
University of Pennsylvania chemists developed a theoretical method and computer algorithm to search for proteins that can crystallize into a target structure. They successfully created the first custom-designed protein crystal, paving the way for better understanding of proteins' makeup and designing new materials.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have identified a protein called endoglin that regulates the creation of fat cells. By decreasing the amount of this protein on the surface of cells, it may be possible to force fat cells to transform into other cell types, potentially leading to new treatments for osteoporosis and obesity.
A recent study by Maggie Louie reveals that prolonged exposure to cadmium can cause breast cancer cells to become more aggressive and develop malignant characteristics. The researchers found that even small concentrations of cadmium at chronic exposures can contribute to the progression of breast cancer.
Researchers found that acupuncture can reverse decreases in muscle mass and mRNA expression levels of muscle-specific atrophic genes. The study holds promise for improving mobility through muscle rejuvenation in the elderly and medical patients.
A Tulane research team found that applying high levels of oxygen to a severed bone facilitates bone regrowth, particularly when applied at the right time. This discovery may one day benefit injured soldiers, diabetics, and other accident victims with partial limb regeneration.
A study found a potential link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer, suggesting that the protein CYP2E1 plays a direct role in explaining the long-established risk factor. Women who naturally express higher levels of CYP2E1 and consume alcohol may be at a greater risk for developing breast cancer.
Dr. Fernando Antelo's workshop uses Frida Kahlo's artwork to stimulate interest in science and healthcare professions, highlighting her passion for science through her medical imagery. The ASBMB annual meeting in San Diego will feature Dr. Antelo's presentation on this innovative approach.
A new potential vaccine carrier, a microemulsion, has been developed by US Army Maj. Jean M. Muderhwa that is both stable and effective for delivering antigens. The microemulsion, composed of five components, has been found to be transparent and liquid, with no degradation after six months.
A biochemist is presenting his approach to making science accessible to non-science majors through a cooking class. The class combines food preparation with scientific experiments, allowing students to explore the intersection of chemistry and biology in real-world applications.
A University of Illinois study reveals that soy protein can alleviate symptoms of fatty liver disease by partially restoring a key signaling pathway. The research found a 20% reduction in triglycerides and overall fat accumulation in the livers of obese rats fed soy, suggesting its potential as a treatment option.
Scientists found that Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria interfere with cells' ability to fight infection, exacerbating the disease in cystic fibrosis patients. Rapamycin, an existing drug, helped control the infection in mice, suggesting autophagy as a potential target for new treatments.
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has received a $70,450 NSF grant to improve middle and high school science education. The program includes two workshops and annual mini-grant opportunities for teachers to develop hands-on curricula.
A new study at Rice University reveals that plant defenses are enhanced when plants are touched, triggering an insect defense response. This response is mediated by the plant hormone jasmonate, which plays a critical role in initiating plant defenses against insect-eating insects and some fungal infections.
The Australian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology has awarded five research scientists from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute with prestigious accolades. The institute's director, Professor Doug Hilton, received the Lemberg Medal for his seminal contributions to blood cell production research.
Researchers discovered how bacteria modify an enzyme to recognize and disarm a potent antibiotic. The adaptation allows bacteria to protect themselves from toxins while still being susceptible to certain antibiotics, offering new insights into treatment strategies.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a method to correct human mitochondrial mutations by targeting corrective RNAs, which could lead to treating a range of mitochondrial diseases. The study builds on previous work that uncovered a role for an essential protein in regulating RNA import into mitochondria.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how a blood clot-busting enzyme is switched on, revealing a 'peek-a-boo' mechanism that could lead to new treatments for clotting and bleeding disorders. The findings also provide insights into the molecular details of current plasminogen-activating drugs.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a semi-automated protocol called pathwalking to generate initial models of protein folds from near-atomic resolution images. This approach enables the rapid generation of ensemble models that can be optimized for full atomic models.
Plants use their internal clocks to anticipate and prepare for insect attacks, increasing production of defense hormones like jasmonate. This allows them to resist damage from caterpillars and other pests.