Scientists at IOCB Prague have discovered a previously unknown passive mechanism by which positively charged short peptides can penetrate cells. This process is based on membrane fusion induced by the transported peptides and shares the same mechanistic basis as known processes in neurons during nerve impulses.
A team of researchers has discovered a protein called LEDGF/p75 that contributes to the regulation of gene expression in mixed lineage leukemia. The study found that this interaction is strongly modulated by phosphorylation from an enzyme called casein kinase 2, providing a new therapeutic route against the cancer.
Researchers from IOCB Prague and IP CAS demonstrate a strong converse piezoelectric effect at individual molecules of heptahelicene derivative on a silver surface. The study provides new insights into the electromechanical behavior of individual molecules, opening up possibilities for nanoscale molecular devices.
Scientists discovered a new binding motif that enables positively charged amino acids to bind with negatively charged terminal groups in peptides or proteins. This discovery may help rationalize why certain peptides easily pass through cell membranes and aid in designing efficient transport of drug molecules.