Researchers at VIB's Jean Jeener Bio-NMR Center discovered how bacterial proteins regulate stress response via dynamic allostery, a previously theoretical concept. This breakthrough uses NMR technology to visualize protein folding and conformational changes.
Scientists discover A20 protein plays a protective role in chronic bowel inflammation, making it a promising therapeutic target. The study confirms genome-wide analysis results showing defects in A20 associated with Crohn's disease development.
The Flanders Institute for Biotechnology has received a high score from the European Research Council due to its excellent research in biotechnology. The institute supports promising researchers with ERC grants to advance their work and develop new therapies for autoimmune diseases and neurological disorders.
T-ALL is caused by interplay of various factors including genetic errors that disrupt white blood cell formation. The study identifies PTPN2 as a tumor suppressor gene lost in leukemia patients, contributing to cancerous cell proliferation.
Yeast's ability to convert sugar to alcohol is attributed to duplicated genes at the chromosome margins, allowing for optimal sugar processing. This process likely evolved in beer and wine yeasts around the Cretaceous era, enabling them to digest various sugars.
Researchers find NINJA protein connects JAZ proteins with TPL, blocking MYC2 activation and triggering defense mechanism. The discovery sheds light on the link between growth and stress in plants, revealing a complex molecular mechanism for regulating gene expression.
Researchers at VIB and Ghent University discovered that inducing nitric oxide release in mice with septic shock significantly reduces organ damage and increases survival chances. The findings challenge the long-held assumption that nitric oxide is responsible for the condition's severity.
Researchers have discovered a correlation between excess gene copies and the severity of mental illness in males, with more copies leading to more serious handicaps. The study identifies GDI1 as the responsible gene on the X-chromosome, revealing a new mechanism for genetic disorders.
Scientists at VIB have identified a bacterial defense mechanism that repairs damaged proteins caused by oxygen. The discovery, using the intestinal bacterium E. coli, has implications for human cells and may provide new insights into protein protection against oxidation.
Flemish researchers develop a groundbreaking technology for plant breeding by leveraging epigenetics to optimize energy metabolism. This method has shown significant improvements in rapeseed yields, with potential applications in various crops and reduced water and fertilizer requirements.
Scientists have developed a revolutionary technology to analyze protein mixtures, revealing a key enzyme that stabilizes proteins in mitochondria. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research on proteins and their roles in cell function.
Researchers at VIB have determined the structure and operating mechanism of a deadly toxin-antitoxin system found in bacteria. The discovery provides new avenues for developing a class of antibiotics to combat bacterial threats.
Researchers have developed the first ever fly model for neuromuscular disease Charcot-Marie-Tooth by introducing mutant genes from human patients into fruit flies. The study reveals that fruit flies with the mutant YARS gene exhibit symptoms of CMT, including reduced movement and nerve cell degeneration.
Researchers found that unstable junk DNA helps tune gene activity, allowing organisms to rapidly adapt to changes. This discovery suggests that 'junk' DNA has a functional role in the evolution of our genome.
Researchers at VIB develop efficient and safe gene delivery approach based on non-viral genetic elements called transposons, overcoming limitations of viral vectors. This technology may simplify gene therapy, improve safety and reduce costs, treating cancer and genetic disorders.
Recent DNA duplications occurred 65 million years ago, coinciding with the last mass extinction event. Plants with duplicated genomes were better adapted to survive dramatic environmental changes.
Researchers at VIB have identified a molecule that can form the basis for a new therapy for Alzheimer's disease. By targeting the Aph1B γ-secretase complex, they hope to develop a medicine that can prevent the formation of amyloid plaques and stop the progression of the disease.
Researchers developed a blood test to measure progranulin levels, predicting the risk of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in patients. A shortage of progranulin leads to brain cell death, causing FTD, and this test can detect it before symptoms appear.
Researchers at VIB have identified a key gene that suppresses cancer across species, including humans. The Atonal gene regulates the final step of cell specialization, which is lost in cancer cells, offering new hope for therapy.
The study reveals that PHD2-blockers can convert abnormal endothelial layers into tightly aligned cells, allowing anti-cancer medicines to reach their destination more easily. This improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces cancer cell migration.
Researchers at VIB confirm GPR3 protein's role in reducing amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery paves the way for developing a new medicine to combat the disease and preserve brain cells.
Scientists have identified how nematodes trick plants into producing food for them by manipulating auxin transport. This discovery opens doors to developing environmentally friendly methods to counteract this phenomenon and protect crops from devastating nematode attacks.
Researchers have developed a new method to track down the cause of hereditary diseases more quickly and efficiently. This technique allows for genetic tests that take months today to be carried out in just a few weeks, providing a faster and more cost-effective solution.
VIB researchers found a way cells can detect nutrients via transceptors, similar to hormone signaling. This discovery offers promising possibilities for treating metabolic diseases by targeting newly discovered receptor proteins.
Researchers at VIB and NeuroNova are conducting the first trial of a potential ALS treatment, which involves administering VEGF protein directly into the cerebrospinal fluid. This innovative approach has shown promising results in animal models, with treated rats manifesting the disease later and living longer than untreated animals.
Researchers have discovered that only two genes are necessary for converting annuals into perennials, allowing plants to store energy in specialized cells and continue growing for a long time. This breakthrough has significant implications for agriculture and the evolution of plant life strategies.
Researchers found that PIN proteins are transported throughout the cell membrane and then endocytosed before being recycled and transported to the bottom of the cell. This mechanism allows plants to quickly adapt to changes in gravity, enabling new 'undersides' for roots and shoots.
Researchers at VIB have discovered a protein called ACR4 that triggers the formation of root offshoots in plants. This discovery can lead to more efficient agricultural practices, such as promoting or retarding root offshoot growth for better nutrient absorption and crop yields.
Fragile X protein FMRP suppresses protein production, but its mechanism was unclear. Researchers discovered that FMRP works with CYFIP1 to control protein production at synapses. Disruption of this regulation leads to diseases like Fragile X syndrome and Autism.
A disturbed cleavage of the Nrg-1 protein is connected with the development of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. This discovery provides a new step forward in improved diagnosis and targeted treatment of the disease.
Research by VIB-K.U.Leuven scientists finds that location in cell affects carcinogenicity of NUP214-ABL1 protein, a kinase linked to T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This discovery opens new avenues for targeted therapies and potential treatment approaches.
Researchers have developed a simple model to study injured brain tissue, enabling the induction of regeneration of axons. The fruit fly model has shown that activation of the JNK signaling pathway promotes nerve bundle repair.
Researchers at VIB have identified a molecular link between Alzheimer's disease and the formation of amyloid plaques in the brain. The study suggests that microRNAs may play a role in increasing BACE1 protein, a key component of plaques.
The genetic code of the Laccaria bicolor fungus has been fully sequenced, revealing new insights into its symbiotic relationship with trees. The study identifies key genes that facilitate nutrient uptake and protect against parasites, while also enabling communication between the fungus and tree.
Gas6 protein has proven successful in treating mice with anemia without causing side effects, while reinforcing EPO's effect. This could form the basis for a new treatment for patients where EPO is ineffective.
VIB researchers elucidated the function of MALT1, a key player in controlling inflammatory reactions, and found that it cleaves the A20 protein. This discovery offers possibilities for developing new medicines to counteract MALT1 and restore natural inhibition of inflammation.
Researchers have identified a new cause of mental retardation, finding that duplication of two proteins (HSD17B10 and HUWE1) leads to overproduction, offering promising possibilities for treatments. The discovery simplifies the search for remedies by targeting protein production rather than repairing or replacing defective proteins.
Researchers connected to the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven have been able to prevent muscular tissue with severe hypoxia from dying, enabling new therapeutic possibilities for heart attacks, strokes, and organ preservation. They discovered that a metabolic shift allows muscles to use less oxygen in safer manner.
VIB researchers find certain brain lipids destabilize fibrils, leading to toxic protofibril formation and memory loss in mice. This discovery opens new avenues for medicines against Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have discovered a new potential cancer therapy that targets angiogenesis, the formation of blood vessels that feed tumor cells. Anti-PLGF inhibits the growth of VEGF(R)-resistant tumors without affecting healthy vessels, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers developed a new blood test to detect liver cancer in an early stage, improving detection accuracy by 70%. The test uses the ratio of two sugar groups on blood proteins to identify liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis.
Scientists at VIB have discovered a new control system that helps plants cope with stress by containing energy consumption and mobilizing reserves. This finding may be valuable beyond plants, as the proteins involved are also found in mammals and could play a role in understanding disorders such as diabetes and cancer.
VIB researchers have discovered that oral intake of allergens via the lactic acid bacterium Lactococcus lactis can treat various autoimmune and allergic disorders. This innovative strategy, patented by VIB, is being developed into biopharmaceutical medicines by ActoGeniX.
Scientists are testing a universal flu vaccine that targets all 'A' strains of the virus, offering broad and lifelong protection. The vaccine has shown promising results in laboratory animals and is now being administered to a small group of healthy people in Phase I clinical trials.
Researchers discovered that caspase-14 plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's balance of moisture and protecting against UVB radiation. The protein helps to regulate the processing of a key protein involved in skin structure, which can explain dehydration.
VIB researchers have discovered that MYB duplication is associated with T-ALL cases, leading to increased MYB concentrations. This finding opens up possibilities for targeted therapies against this specific group of patients.
Researchers have successfully produced proteins that resemble antibodies in plant seeds, demonstrating their potential for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The antibody variants are just as active as whole antibodies and can be used in medical applications, with advantages including high production capacity and timely processing.
Scientists have identified a crucial role of TPH2 protein in regulating serotonin levels, which may be linked to the development of depression and manic depression. The study suggests that variations in the TPH2 gene are associated with an increased risk of developing these psychiatric disorders.
Researchers have successfully unraveled the first tree genome, that of the poplar, revealing approximately 45,000 genes. This knowledge can help accelerate bio-ethanol production and improve trees' efficiency in processing biomass for paper and energy.
Researchers find that inhibition of eNOS or PI3K provides total protection against anaphylactic shock. The study reveals a new mechanism underlying the condition, with eNOS-derived NO playing a crucial role.