Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have determined the first 3D structure of ZP3, a protein essential for fertilization in mammals. The findings provide insights into the molecular architecture of animal egg coats and may lead to the development of novel contraceptives.
A protein in H5N1 avian flu virus forms tiny tubules hiding double-stranded RNA from the immune system, allowing the virus to evade an antiviral response. The discovery could lead to drug development to block this action and potentially fight influenza worldwide.
Researchers have identified five compounds that block the activity of the trypanosomal REL1 enzyme, which is crucial for the parasite's survival. The approach uses computational tools to predict the dynamics of proteins and test hundreds of compounds for their ability to inhibit the enzyme.
Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind how a specific antibiotic, myxopyronin, kills bacteria. The study found that the antibiotic binds to RNA polymerase, interfering with its ability to use DNA to start gene expression, effectively creating a road block that halts bacterial growth.
Svilen Bobev, a University of Delaware assistant professor, has been awarded the American Crystallographic Association's Early Career Award for his outstanding achievement in crystallographic research. The award recognizes his potential to make significant contributions to the field.
The study provides clues about the function of phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6) enzyme, essential to vision. PDE6 undergoes a large conformational change after binding with small messenger molecule cGMP, affecting its ability to transmit signals to the brain.
A team from the University of Leicester has made a significant discovery in the study of diabetes drug target PPAR gamma. The researchers found that the protein binds to eight different fatty acids, which leads to its long-term activation, opening up new possibilities for the development of novel pharmaceuticals.
A study published in PLOS Biology reveals the molecular structure of COUP-TFII, a nuclear receptor regulating gene expression in cells. The findings suggest potential drug targets for diseases related to heart development, human embryonic development and female infertility.
Scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a crucial protein called UHRF1 that acts like a bookmark to maintain the correct pattern of DNA methylation. This process is essential for normal development and preventing cancer, as alterations in methylation patterns can lead to gene silencing at the wrong times.
Scientists have discovered a 3D structure of an NS1 protein that suppresses human defenses against the flu virus, paving the way for new drug development. The breakthrough could lead to effective treatments for avian influenza and other human strains.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to determine the atomic-scale structure of membrane proteins using solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This breakthrough enables high-resolution structural information, which is crucial for understanding protein function.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have crystallized and characterized the H5N1 virus's RNA polymerase protein, a crucial component in viral replication. The study reveals an unexpected relationship between two subunits of the protein, which could inspire therapies to prevent the spread of bird flu.
Researchers at UCLA have solved the structure of sodium glucose co-transporters (SGLTs), which pump glucose into cells. This breakthrough may lead to improved treatments for diabetes and obesity.
Scientists have identified a key step in ATP recycling and its low-energy counterpart ADP's interaction with the mitochondrion. The simulation reveals how ADP disrupts ionic bonds to unlock the door to mitochondrial entry.
Researchers have solved the XPD protein structure, revealing how small changes in its architecture can cause different diseases. The findings provide novel insight into the processes of aging and cancer.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have discovered two gatekeeper proteins, Rpn13 and an ubiquitin receptor, on the proteasome. This finding has significant implications for cancer research, as it may lead to the development of targeted drugs that can block protein breakdown and prevent tumor cell proliferation.
Researchers have found that two drugs can bind to receptor sites on some tumors in different places at the same time. This discovery implies the possibility of a new combination therapy targeting EGFR proteins, which are present on the surface of many types of cancer cells.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have mapped the interior of a key component of the relay system that allows acetylcholine to transmit its message. The muscle nicotinic receptor, a neurotransmitter-gated ion channel, responds to acetylcholine by opening its gate and allowing positively charged ions to flow into the cell.
Scott A. Strobel has made seminal contributions to the understanding of RNA structure and function, revealing its catalytic role through various disciplines. He will give the award lecture at the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology annual meeting.
Gabor A. Somorjai has been recognized with the 2008 Priestley Medal for his pioneering work in surface science and catalysis, driving significant advancements in materials science and nanoscience. His research has led to thousands of publications over 40 years.
Gro Amdam investigates biochemical factors influencing aging and longevity in honeybees, focusing on vitellogenin protein and social life history properties. Her work may reveal mechanisms governing lifespan in social species.
Researchers at IUPUI have created the first 3-D image of how bleomycin targets and binds to DNA. This breakthrough study may lead to improved chemotherapy drugs for various cancers.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered how TB bacteria becomes resistant to isoniazid, a key treatment for the disease. The study reveals that mutations in bacterial enzymes protect it from the treatment, highlighting the importance of understanding drug resistance.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have deciphered the three-dimensional structure of a membrane-bound enzyme crucial to glycerol metabolism, a vital source of energy. The breakthrough could lead to advances against obesity, diabetes, and other diseases.
Researchers have demonstrated that immunization with a stabilized version of M protein found on Streptococcus bacteria can provide protection against Strep infections. The modified M1 protein stimulates the immune system in mice without serious side effects.
A team at CSHL led by Professor Leemor Joshua-Tor discovered a new wrinkle in the regulation of gene expression that governs metabolic state in yeast cells. The discovery revealed a key role for the NADP molecule in adapting to changes in nutritional environments.
Researchers have gained a clearer understanding of how p300/CBP controls gene activity, providing new avenues for designing drugs. The study's findings have implications for cancer treatment, diabetes, heart disease, and HIV, with potential applications for developing targeted therapies.
Scientists at UAB and Saint Louis University use X-ray crystallography to understand poxvirus infectious potency and how one protein evades the immune system, paving the way for new drug discoveries to combat inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers developed a temperature-independent pH buffer to maintain sample stability during freezing and thawing. The new buffer showed minimal pH changes, even after repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have produced the first 3D structural images of a DNA-bound Type II topoisomerase, a prime target for antibacterial and anticancer drugs. The study reveals that topo II employs a 'two-gate' mechanism to carry out its tasks, controlling the passage of DNA segments through the enzyme.
The team led by Maria Schumacher, Ph.D., produced clear 3-D images of the structure resulting from two proteins connecting with a DNA site to 'segregate' DNA during cell division. The solved structure provides fundamental insight into how cells divide with intact DNA.
Researchers at HHMI used a new computational method to predict protein structure with remarkable accuracy. The method, called Rosetta@home, uses distributed computing and targeted rebuilding to overcome challenges in predicting protein structures.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have mapped the 3D structure of T7 endonuclease 1 enzyme, responsible for splitting DNA strands and creating genetically unique offspring. The discovery is expected to shed light on human individuality and viral replication mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed new peptides that inhibit HIV entry into cells, with up to a 40,000-fold improved antiviral potency over previously reported D-peptides. These peptides resist degradation, making them suitable for oral administration and potentially reducing drug resistance.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine have solved the structure of protein kinase A, a key enzyme involved in memory formation, nerve cell communication, and cardiac function. The study reveals how PKA is inhibited and activated by cyclic AMP, shedding light on its role in cardiac disease and breast cancer.
Researchers used solid-state NMR spectroscopy to create high-resolution images of cytochrome b5 in its membrane environment, revealing its helical shape and interaction with cytochrome P450. This breakthrough sheds light on the complex dynamics between these two proteins.
RecA family proteins have been found to function as rotary motor proteins to repair DNA damages through a novel mechanism. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding the molecular mechanisms of RecA family proteins and their roles in cell proliferation, genome maintenance, and genetic diversity.
Researchers at Monash University uncover a molecular arms race between bacteria and the human immune system, revealing perforins as key players in defense against bacterial toxins. The discovery could lead to new ways to fight disease, including infectious diseases and transplantation rejection.
Researchers recreated a 450-million-year-old protein using X-ray crystallography and mapped its structure. They found that only seven mutations were needed to evolve the ancient receptor into its modern form, with some 'permissive' changes paving the way for more significant transformations.
A team of researchers has developed a computational approach to accurately predict the function of proteins with unknown structures and functions. By comparing amino acid sequences to known proteins, they can identify potential substrates and understand the protein's biological role.
Scientists at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have discovered that an obesity drug, orlistat, can be repurposed to target and kill cancer cells. The breakthrough, published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, provides a promising new avenue for the development of more potent cancer treatments.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered why some mosquitoes are resistant to malaria, focusing on a protein called TEP1. The study found that genetic differences in TEP1 manifest in a region dubbed the 'warhead', which grabs onto malarial parasites.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered two potential points of vulnerability in the XIAP protein, a key player in cancer cell survival. Targeting these activities could lead to tumor cell death and reduced tumors.
Quasicrystals, crystal-like materials with atomic structures in between order and disorder, are shown to not conduct electricity like traditional crystals. Mathematician David Damanik offers a key proof for this, revealing that electrons behave uniquely within quasicrystals.
A new highly sensitive NMR technique using a microscopic detector decreases protein sample size by several orders of magnitude, making it possible to diagnose diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's at an early stage. The technology could lead to the development of tabletop NMR devices in every research laboratory and medical office.
Scientists created a model of proline dehydrogenase, an enzyme that enables the creation of superoxide, a reactive oxygen species involved in cell death and cancer prevention. The human form of this enzyme is difficult to work with, so researchers studied its bacterial counterpart, Thermus thermophilus.
Andrzej Joachimiak and Gerold Rosenbaum receive the award for their key contributions to protein crystallography research at Argonne National Laboratory. The recognition highlights the quality of their work in structural genomics and biophysics.
Scientists from BCM and Rice University discover a new way to analyze protein movement, making it easier to classify and scrutinize active sites implicated in cancer and other diseases. The breakthrough uses a mathematical algorithm in conjunction with X-ray crystallography to narrow down possible ways a protein might flex and bend.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute mapped the structures of small molecules and mutated protein receptors in non-small cell lung cancer cells. They found that two inhibitors bind more tightly to specific mutations, potentially leading to more effective treatments.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a four-year grant to the Center for Workshops in the Chemical Sciences (CWCS), supporting series of workshops for college professors. The workshops have had an enormous impact on course development, programs, and majors at many institutions.
Scientists at NIH/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases have successfully imaged the influenza virus using electron tomography, revealing five distinct types of particles. This breakthrough provides insight into the virus's structure and potential targets for vaccine development.
A study published in Nature reveals the structural basis of botulinum toxins' interaction with nerve cells, allowing for improved understanding and potential new treatments for botulism, food poisoning, and nervous system diseases. The discovery could lead to the development of new drugs, vaccines, and antibody therapies.
Scientists from Stanford University have discovered how botulinum neurotoxin binds to individual nerve cells, which could lead to the development of preventive vaccines against botulism. The study may also pave the way for novel remedies for several neuromuscular conditions, including cerebral palsy.
Researchers at Rice University and UT Austin have identified a promising antiviral drug target in the long, flexible tail of the nucleoprotein protein. Minor changes to this region prevent the protein from fulfilling its role in structural columns that transmit viral copies.
Scientists have derived the precise structure of a catalyst composed of four manganese atoms and one calcium atom that drives water-splitting reactions. The high-resolution structure holds promise for developing clean energy technologies that rely on sunlight to split water, enabling the production of hydrogen fuel.
Researchers discovered that a genetic repair mechanism enables the dynamic assembly and change of shape in proteins to join DNA ends during replication and repair. This mechanism allows DNA ligases to switch between open and closed conformations, enabling efficient ligation of DNA.
Monash PhD researcher Ms Fleur Tynan has been awarded a Victoria Fellowship to study advanced cellular imaging techniques at Stanford University. Her research focuses on the human immune response to viruses, which may lead to developing therapeutics that assist in the anti-viral immune response.
The Burnham Institute for Medical Research will create a world-class neuroscience research center with a $12.7 million NIH grant. The center will bring together nearly 100 scientists from four San Diego institutions to study the nervous system and develop treatments for nervous system diseases.
Researchers at UC Davis and Virginia Tech successfully created an egg-shaped fullerene, or 'buckyegg', which opens up new possibilities for structures of fullerenes. The unexpected discovery was made by collaborating scientists who used special conditions to create a mixture of fullerenes with triterbium nitride inside.
A University of Southern California-led research group used X-ray crystallography to study the struggle between LTag, a cancer-causing protein, and p53, a key tumor suppressor. The study found that LTag inhibits p53's role by tying up six molecules, but p53 fights back by preventing virus replication.