Researchers identify energetic frustration in p53's sequence as a key factor in its fragility. The study shows that p53's flexibility comes at a high cost, allowing it to perform roles but making it prone to misfolding and aggregation. This knowledge offers a roadmap for cancer treatment by targeting specific regions sensitive to water.
Researchers have uncovered a critical mechanism by which mutant p53 protein converts other proteins into cancer-promoting agents, driving tumor growth. Heparin, a widely used anticoagulant, can inhibit the formation of these harmful aggregates, providing a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers discovered that prion protein and copper form sticky droplets under oxidative stress, leading to abnormal solid formation. The study highlights the biological significance of liquid-liquid phase separation in regulating copper homeostasis by PrP.
A recent Brazilian study found that the Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 is implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, with researchers identifying TLR4 receptor as a potential therapeutic target. The study involved experiments with mice and showed that infusion of the Spike protein induced delayed memory impairment.
A Brazilian study demonstrates that a hyperimmune serum consisting of purified antibody fragments produced in horses can be an efficient approach to combat covid-19. The neutralizing activity of the sera has been proved to be high against the P.1 (Gamma) and P.2 variants, improving animal clinical conditions in hamsters.
Researchers at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro discover a crucial link between phase transition and cancer pathology. Mutant p53 aggregates are formed through liquid-to-liquid phase separation, progressing to a gel-like or solid-like state that plays a key role in cancer development.
A Brazilian research team identified the presence of mutant p53 protein clusters in chemotherapy-resistant glioblastoma cells, which can lead to drug resistance. The study found that these clusters are organized in a way that makes them resistant to temozolomide, a common treatment for the disease.
Researchers made progress in understanding protein conformation and accumulation in familial ALS, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1-3 individuals per 100,000. The study sheds light on the interaction between normal and mutant Sod1 proteins, revealing misfolding as a central problem in ALS.
Researchers found that prion proteins form liquid droplets modulated by DNA sequences, turning into solid and toxic states. These structures are related to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and other spongiform encephalopathies.
Scientists observed how alpha-synuclein protein variants change over time, identifying initial stages of protein aggregates linked to early onset familial cases. They also found evidence of which protein species are important for amyloid filament growth and distinct structures depending on the mutation.
Researchers found that Zika virus replicates in adult human brain tissue and impairs synapse function and memory in infected mice. The study showed that the virus causes a strong inflammatory response, leading to microglia activation and synapse damage, resulting in memory loss.
The NMR structure study provides unprecedented insights into the molecular mechanism of Ixolaris' action on Factor Xa, a key enzyme in blood clotting. The results may lead to the development of specific inhibitors that can prevent thrombosis without interfering with other enzymes.
Researchers found a truncated variant of the p53 protein, Δ40p53, forming amyloid aggregates in endometrial cancer cells. This finding promises new perspectives for treating Type 2 endometrial cancer, the most aggressive form of the disease.
Researchers discovered a correlation between mRNA codon composition and protein abundance, revealing the importance of gene sequence optimization for efficient translation. The study's findings have significant implications for medicine and bioengineering, offering new avenues for treating diseases and boosting biotech applications.
Researchers discovered that PRIMA-1 reverses mutant p53 aggregate accumulation, leading to the restoration of native protein function. The compound's potential as an anticancer drug is highlighted by its phase II clinical trials and positive results in breast and ovarian cancer cell lines.
Researchers found that resveratrol inhibits mutant p53 protein aggregation, preventing breast cancer cell migration and proliferation. This breakthrough could lead to a treatment for over half of malignant tumors, targeting novel strategic targets in cancer research.