Dario Alessi, a young European researcher, receives the EMBO Gold Medal for his outstanding contributions to cell signalling and signal transduction. His work has had a significant impact on understanding inherited diseases and is recognized as one of the world's top cited scientists in biology and biochemistry.
A team of researchers from Rice University successfully combined computer modeling and experimental results in folding studies for a large, multi-domain protein using free-energy theory. The method worked remarkably well, allowing scientists to predict the folding route of proteins with unprecedented accuracy.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have developed a bonding method to create a permanent chemical bond between antibiotics and titanium, allowing it to kill bacteria and prevent infection. This technique has the potential to combat implant-related infections by creating an antibiotic surface that prevents infection from starting.
Researchers are studying how insects recognize infection caused by microorganisms and the pathway of reactions that follow in their immune systems. The goal is to understand how to disrupt disease transmission by blood-feeding insects, such as mosquitoes.
Researchers explore specific tobacco cancer biochemistry and epidemiology, shedding light on why some smokers develop lung cancer while others do not. Key findings include the role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in forming lesions that lead to gene mutations.
Researchers at VisiGen Biotechnologies aim to sequence human genomes in under a day at a cost of $1,000 with new BioNano Technology system. The goal is to enable comprehensive genome analysis and design single-molecule DNA sequencing instruments for disease research.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that increasing fructose-2,6-bisphosphate in the liver can decrease blood sugar levels in mice. This process may also lead to weight loss by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. The study's findings could potentially lead to new treatments for diabetes and obesity.
Research reveals that sticky mutant proteins in patients with inherited ALS cause the disease by promoting abnormal interactions with other proteins or membranes. The study suggests that understanding how tissues handle these protein forms could lead to new treatments for some forms of ALS.
Researchers found that knocking out laccase-2 enzyme prevents tanning in red flour beetle, revealing protein responsible for hardened exoskeleton. The discovery opens possibilities for developing new insecticides and bio-rational methods to control pest populations.
Researchers discovered a new protein, CBP21, that speeds up chitin degradation by breaking down its structure. This discovery has potential applications in combating fungi and producing biofuels.
The Hamill Innovation Grant program supports high-risk, high-impact research at Rice University, aiming to develop new technologies and treatments for various diseases. Four inaugural awards will fund research in areas such as respiratory viruses, protein titin, glycosaminoglycans, and resveratrol biosynthesis.
The Protein Structure Initiative aims to determine protein structures to reveal their roles in health and disease. Columbia researchers will contribute to three centers, focusing on membrane proteins and cancer-related proteins.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a master switch in cell death, which can help control tumor formation and potentially lead to new cancer treatments. The enzyme Mule destroys a key molecule that regulates apoptosis, allowing for the degradation of proteins that control cell death.
A new polysaccharide, hyaluronan oligomers, has been discovered to sensitize drug-resistant breast cancer cells to several chemotherapeutic drugs by binding to CD44 receptor. Increasing hyaluronan synthesis in cells also increases resistance to drug treatment.
The University of Houston is developing DNA probes to detect emerging pathogens using advanced genomic computations and bioinformatics. The goal is to rapidly identify microorganisms and viruses that could be used in bioterrorism attacks.
The Lipid Metabolites and Pathways Strategy (LIPID MAPS) consortium has proposed a new comprehensive classification system for lipids, dividing them into eight primary categories with further subdivisions. The system includes a nomenclature system and a unique identifier for each lipid molecule.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown quality control station in RNA synthesis that checks NTP loading to maintain accuracy. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer, viral infections, and normal human development.
Researchers at Oregon State University have used X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structures of nearly all possible sequences of a macromolecule, creating a map of DNA structure. This breakthrough should fundamentally improve our understanding of genetic function and biological processes.
Fanning and Chazin found structural and biochemical evidence for the mechanism of ssDNA break free from its binding protein to allow repair or replication. The researchers developed a working model to answer how RPA gets dislodged, allowing enzymes access to DNA for processing.
Researchers used structural biology to compare viral structures, discovering that some viruses share the same protein structure as the immune system. This finding suggests that viral building blocks may have served as precursors for the evolution of the immune system.
Researchers found that small soluble protein clusters called oligomers cause neurotoxicity by increasing membrane permeability. This challenges the long-held idea that insoluble fibrils are responsible for disease symptoms.
Researchers discovered that overexpressing insulin transcription factors MafA, PDX-1, and NeuroD in the liver of diabetic mice increased insulin gene expression and improved glucose tolerance. This breakthrough suggests a crucial role for MafA as a novel therapeutic target for diabetes.
Researchers have identified a missing enzyme in M. tuberculosis that plays a crucial role in the bacterium's ability to acquire iron through mycobactin synthesis. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the iron scavenging pathway in TB and provides new avenues for developing effective anti-TB drugs.
Listeria uses host cell lipids to move within cells and spread through the body. The bacteria hijack the host cell's actin cytoskeleton using two membrane lipids, PIP2 and PIP3, which are essential for their movement.
Researchers solved the three-dimensional crystal structure of CD14, providing insights into its binding to LPS. The receptor has a large hydrophobic pocket that accommodates various ligands, including LPS and other microbial products.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces nitric oxide, contributing to inflammation and host defense. eNOS-derived NO accelerates host-defense responses but also leads to excessive inflammation and sepsis.
Dr. Strahl's research focuses on histone modifications, specifically the addition of ubiquitin to histone 2B by Rad6 enzyme. He also explores histone methylation and its regulation through various biochemical pathways.
A study published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology has uncovered the structure of resuscitation promoting factor (Rpf), a key player in TB bacteria. The discovery holds promise for developing new methods to 'wake-up' dormant bacteria, allowing antibiotics to kill and cure the disease.
Research reveals that SV40 large T antigen binds to tumor suppressor Fbw7, hijacking its function to promote tumorigenesis. This interaction highlights the importance of Fbw7 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment strategies.
Dr. Walsh will focus on his research on nonribosomal peptide synthetases, which biosynthesize a variety of biologically active peptides. He will discuss the molecular logic of enzymatic assembly lines and tailoring enzymes that modify the peptides.
The ASBMB-Avanti award recognizes Dr. Dowhan's work on lipid-protein interactions, which has expanded our understanding of lipids' roles in cellular processes. His research has established the molecular basis for new lipid functions and impacts a wide range of investigators.
Qdot molecular imaging enables precise tracking of tumors, identification of cancer types, and real-time optical biopsy. The technology holds promise for a one-two punch approach to diagnose and treat cancer.
Researchers aim to develop new catalysts that can convert water into hydrogen with improved efficiency, reducing energy consumption by up to 40%. The project seeks to replicate nature's process of splitting water into oxygen and protons using manganese-based catalyst materials.
Orphan nuclear receptors are structurally related to well-known hormone receptors but lack known ligands. Dr. Forman's work identifies novel signaling pathways and regulatory molecules that contribute to critical diseases, including fat cell formation, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol homeostasis.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered a protein called Chd1 that recognizes a flag on histones and attracts other proteins to turn genes on. This finding sheds light on how chemical information carried on histones is recognized and read during gene regulation.
Researchers identified mutations in the sialin protein, responsible for transporting sialic acid out of lysosomes. The study found that even milder forms of the disease involve reduced transport activity and potential therapeutic targets.
Research identifies DDR2 as critical signaling molecule in osteoarthritis progression, leading to increased MMP-13 expression and cartilage degradation. The study suggests that DDR2 inhibitors may slow down osteoarthritis progression, offering a potential new approach for treatment.
Scientists have identified a promising new antibiotic target in diphosphomevalonate (DPM), which can inhibit the virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae and prevent its survival. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel antibiotics to cure pneumonia and other streptococcal diseases.
New discoveries have increased resolution on vertebrate morphological sequence, documented rapid tetrapod appearance, and sparked controversy over environmental factors. Research highlights adaptations that enable fish survival on land, including air-breathing organs and biochemical strategies.
The Planaria worm is an attractive study subject due to its simple biochemistry, brain, and spinal cord, allowing researchers to study the effects of multiple drugs on withdrawal. The worms respond to dopamine, opioids, cocaine, and cannabinoids, making them a promising model for understanding complex drug interactions.
Researchers have identified a new species of amyloid β-peptide, Aβ46, which is 46 amino acids long and produced by γ-secretase at a novel cleavage site. This discovery may provide new insights into the mechanism of Alzheimer's disease and open up avenues for treatment and prevention.
Researchers discovered that IRAK1 activates the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, which may play a role in preventing excessive inflammation and contributing to plaque stability. This finding provides a new therapeutic target for treating atherosclerosis.
Researchers at Wyeth determined the three-dimensional structure of PKCΘ, a key signaling molecule in T lymphocytes. This discovery has potential to identify selective inhibitors for autoimmune diseases by disabling T cell activation.
Researchers discovered that overexpression of Down Syndrome Critical Region 1 (DSCR-1) reduces tumor growth and blocks blood vessel formation. This breakthrough could lead to novel strategies for inhibiting endothelial cell dysfunction and abnormal blood vessel formation.
A newly discovered protein, PICT-1, has been found to regulate PTEN stability by regulating phosphorylation. This discovery represents a huge breakthrough in understanding the tumorigenic pathways of breast and prostate cancers.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill develop new technique to trap single water molecule inside protein molecule using mass spectrometry, improving inhibitor molecules for cancer treatment. The discovery may lead to more effective combination therapies with anti-cancer agents like cytarabine.
Researchers have identified a new region on the bcl-2 gene that regulates its expression and stability. This discovery may lead to the development of new cancer therapies by targeting the CA-repeated Region (CAR) to reduce bcl-2 levels in cancer cells.
Researchers discovered that MMP-1 operates as an extracellular molecular motor converting chemical energy into motion by breaking collagen bonds. This process contributes to tissue growth, development, and repair, and may even aid in cancerous invasion.
Huberman and Yompakdee found a stretch of DNA surrounding late-firing origins that contains repeats rich in the nucleic acid component guanine. These repeats, called Late Consensus Sequences (LCS), affect replication timing, with more copies causing regions to replicate late.
Scientists have successfully created a mouse lacking both MAO A and MAO B, revealing the combined actions of these enzymes in neurotransmitter regulation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into anxiety- and stress-related disorders.
Dr. Brian Strahl, an assistant professor at UNC School of Medicine, will attend a White House ceremony in honor of his selection for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. He was chosen for his exceptional potential for leadership and innovative research in chromatin biochemistry and gene regulation.
Researchers have discovered a small, Smac-like molecule that can encourage the death of cancer cells without harming normal cells. The compound mimics the natural protein Smac, which normally regulates cell death in healthy cells.
Researchers identified human VPS37 proteins as crucial in HIV-1 budding and protein sorting. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs targeting these proteins to prevent infection spread. Human VPS28 was also found to bind to TSG101, essential for HIV-1 replication.
Scientists developed a new near-field microscope that excites local lattice vibrations in polar crystals, allowing for nanoscale mapping of crystal quality. The technique reaches a 100-fold higher resolution compared to conventional infrared microscopes and enables non-destructive chemical analysis, nanoscopic sensors, and optical data...
Researchers have identified a crucial function for microcephalin, a protein involved in primary microcephaly, a rare neurological disorder. The discovery links microcephalin's function to DNA damage responses that prevent cancer development, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers at McGill University have identified a new gene, beta1-integrin, that plays a crucial role in the growth and development of breast cancer. Blocking this gene's function has been shown to halt tumour proliferation and prevent tumours from growing.
Researchers characterized intermediate states in protein folding at an atomic level, a crucial step towards predicting protein structure and improving drug design. This breakthrough could help understand errors in folding linked to diseases like cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new technique called chromatin array, which provides a detailed picture of gene activation and expansion. This technology allows for the detection of genes that are not accessible using traditional RNA microarrays, enabling scientists to study previously inaccessible genes.
Researchers discover COX-2 enzymes can produce DNA-damaging genotoxins, increasing cancer risk. Vitamin C may also contribute to DNA damage under certain conditions.
The University of Houston is celebrating Women in Computing with a recent gala that honored two shining stars: associate professor Susan Hardin and computer science senior Mehnaz Bhayani. Susan received the Top Houston Women in Technology award, while Mehnaz won a $7,000 Kathi Bowles Scholarship to support her academic pursuits.