Biomolecules
Articles tagged with Biomolecules
Review highlights antimicrobial peptides as cross-seeding modulators at the neurodegenerative–infectious interface
AI generates first complete models of proteins in motion
Scientists reveal how cells “back up” DNA replication to survive severe damage
How soil bacteria help plants defend themselves against disease
How life could arise from molecules
Complex systems exhibit emergent properties due to water's unique polarity, enabling DNA to store information and proteins to adopt specific structures. This order forms the basis for complex molecules to develop unpredictable properties, driving the evolution of life.
New experimental drug may restore movement after stroke
Researchers discovered that strokes cause a chain reaction within the brain, leading to neuronal cell death. They found that blocking collagen production can prevent this damage and even restore motor function in paralyzed monkeys. The new drug KDS12025 reduces hydrogen peroxide levels and prevents the entire process from being triggered.
Room to move: how proteins behave in crowded environments
Neutron scattering reveals a new type of protein motion that depends on the surrounding environment within assemblies. The observed behaviour, known as non-Fickian diffusion, shows that molecular motion can no longer be described by a single uniform rule across the whole system.
Protein engineering method may lead to more exact treatments
Researchers developed a machine-learning model to predict protease behavior, enabling more precise and effective treatments. The ProSSpeC calculator suggests engineered synthetic proteases that outperform widely used enzymes.
Understanding the diverse chemokine signals in tumor microenvironment for advanced immunotherapy
Chemokines regulate immune cell infiltration and local immunity in tumors, and targeting their receptor axis has emerged as a promising therapeutic target in cancer immunotherapy. Chemokine-modulating strategies combining with other immunotherapies have demonstrated considerable synergistic potential.
UCD scientists discover new ‘courier system’ that cells use to transfer important biological messages
Researchers at UCD have discovered a previously unknown courier system in cells that enables the transfer of coherent biological messages between cells. This breakthrough could lead to improved RNA-, gene- and protein-based therapies by ferrying functional biomolecules directly into previously inaccessible areas within cells.
Proteins cluster in cells for faster performance
Researchers at the University of Groningen discovered that protein clustering in cells leads to reduced movement and improved efficiency in amino acid production. This finding has practical implications for designing efficient cell factories and increasing substance production inside cells.
University of Cincinnati enrolls first patients in clinical trial for prosthetic joint infections
A new clinical trial at the University of Cincinnati is testing a peptide solution to treat prosthetic joint infections after total knee replacement. The trial aims to reduce the need for repeat surgeries and expand the treatment window beyond two weeks.
New study finds interferon therapy to be well-tolerated in compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis
A multicenter analysis of 920 patients with compensated cirrhosis found that interferon therapy was not associated with a higher risk of serious complications compared to standard treatment. Milder side effects were more common and required closer monitoring.
DNA steps out of the "blueprint" role to become an active "field agent"
Researchers have repurposed a bacterial DNA synthesis system to enable DNA to act as an active 'field agent' inside living cells. This allows for the creation of programmable DNA fragments that can regulate gene expression and control protein behavior.
Chinese Medical Journal review illuminates the multifaceted role of LRRK2 in health and disease
The review highlights LRRK2's diverse cellular functions and pathogenic mechanisms in various diseases, including Parkinson's disease and inflammatory disorders. Therapeutic strategies targeting LRRK2, such as kinase inhibitors and emerging approaches like PROTACs and gene therapy, show promise for correcting cellular imbalances and re...
Busy lipids in nano hotspots
A new imaging technique, Lipid-CLEM, has revealed the detailed organization of lipids in cellular membranes at the nanoscale. The technique allows for 3D visualization of lipid densities in membrane nanodomains, providing insights into lipid sorting and behavior within complex cellular structures.
Engineered lipid nanoparticles reprogram immune metabolism for better mRNA vaccines
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed lipid nanoparticles that modify immune metabolism to strengthen mRNA vaccines and reduce common side effects. The new lipid boosts the metabolism of immune cells, providing energy for the body's defenses while dialing down inflammatory signals.
New robotic microfluidic platform brings ai to lipid nanoparticle design
Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed LIBRIS, an automated microfluidic platform capable of generating lipid nanoparticle formulations at high speed and scale. This enables the creation of large, systematic datasets needed to train predictive AI models, accelerating the design of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery.
Why does the body deem some foods safe and others unsafe?
Researchers have identified three new proteins, called epitopes, that help the body determine 'safe' foods, aiding in food tolerance and allergy understanding. The epitopes were found in seed proteins from corn, wheat, and soybean, and interact with regulatory T cells to inform tolerance-or-rejection decisions.
Sugar comforts newborn babies during painful procedures
A new Cochrane review found that sucrose can effectively reduce pain in newborn babies during painful procedures like venepuncture. The study examined 29 clinical trials involving over 2,700 babies and showed that a small amount of sucrose given before the procedure significantly reduces pain when combined with non-nutritive sucking.
Emerging class of antibiotics to tackle global tuberculosis crisis
A team of scientists at the University of Sydney has discovered how three naturally occurring antibiotic compounds disrupt the ClpC1–ClpP1P2 complex, a vital protein degradation machine in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This finding uncovers surprising complexity and provides valuable insight into designing more effective anti-TB treatments.
Enzymes work as Maxwell's demon by using memory stored as motion
Researchers show enzymes can actively shift reactions away from equilibrium, controlling directionality and fine metabolic regulation. Enzyme diffusion enables 'memory' of past reaction events, driving system to new steady state.
Mirror image pheromones help beetles swipe right
Researchers have discovered that the Japanese scarab beetle uses mirror-image pheromones to distinguish between potential mates. The discovery could lead to improved monitoring and control methods for this invasive species.
Self-organization of cell-sized chiral rotating actin rings driven by a chiral myosin
Actin filaments and a fast plant motor protein called Chara corallina myosin XI (Cc XI) were combined to observe spontaneous ring formation. The rings rotated continuously in one direction and remained fixed, even as individual filaments moved within them.
A smarter way to watch biology at work
Researchers have developed a device that cuts sample consumption by as much as 97% while producing high-quality structural data for X-ray crystallography. This innovation enables the study of rare proteins and accelerates drug discovery, unlocking new insights into disease mechanisms.
Breathing in the past: How museums can use biomolecular archaeology to bring ancient scents to life
Recent advances in biomolecular archaeology enable museums to convert molecular data into accessible olfactory recreations. The Max Planck Institute research team developed a workflow for translating ancient chemical signatures into visitor-ready fragrances.
Electrifying biology in a bubble
RNA droplets promote reduction and oxidation reactions, crucial for life, according to UC Santa Barbara researchers. The findings support the idea that these droplets acted as proto-enzymes, enabling the development of more complicated organic molecules.
Understanding how smart polymer solutions transition to gels around body temperature
A team of researchers from Chiba University discovered the structural evolution of poloxamer mixtures at different temperatures, enabling customized gelation behavior. Their findings support precise design of sustained-release formulations for localized therapies, enhancing drug retention and minimizing side effects.
New AI method revolutionizes the design of enzymes
Researchers have developed a new AI method called Riff-Diff to construct artificial biocatalysts, resulting in enzymes that are significantly faster, more stable and versatile. The technology allows for precise design of protein structures around active centres, making enzyme design more accessible to the wider biotechnology community.
Microneedle technology for overcoming biological barriers: Advancing biomacromolecular delivery and therapeutic applications in major diseases
Researchers explore microneedle technology as a novel delivery system for efficient and minimally invasive intradermal drug delivery. The review highlights the design of functional microneedles with specific structures to overcome biological barriers in various tissues, improving therapeutic outcomes.
MIT chemists determine the structure of the fuzzy coat that surrounds Tau proteins
Researchers deciphered the structure of Tau proteins' fuzzy coat using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, revealing its dynamic regions and rigid core. The findings provide insight into how Tau proteins form tangles in the brain, which contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Understanding the role of linear ubiquitination in T-tubule biogenesis
A recent study using Drosophila as a model organism reveals the involvement of linear ubiquitination in T-tubule biogenesis. The findings highlight LUBEL's role in triggering Amph-mediated T-tubule formation, which promotes membrane tubulation and curvature through self-ubiquitination and positive feedback loops.
Scientists boost cell "powerhouses" to burn more calories
Researchers develop experimental drugs that encourage mitochondria in cells to work harder and burn more calories. The findings offer a framework for designing safe and effective weight-loss treatments with potential benefits for metabolic health and neurodegenerative diseases.
Protein production: Slow down to get ahead
The NAC protein complex regulates protein synthesis by slowing down the early stages of protein formation to ensure a smooth process. This optimization allows for reduced risk of collision and coordinates subsequent folding and logistics processes.
New microfluidics technology enables highly uniform DNA condensate formation
A novel microfluidics technology has been developed to produce highly uniform DNA condensates using a simple vibration platform. This approach enables precise control over condensation within a single aqueous phase, preserving biomolecular activity.
Accelerating next-generation drug discovery with click-based construction of PROTACs
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed an efficient strategy to synthesize PROTACs using a three-step click chemistry method. This approach rapidly assembles functional molecules, enabling the easy introduction of ligand components and probe functionalities.
An enzyme neutralizes pathogens by cleaving a bacterial toxin
Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Satiety’s little helper: Protein that supports appetite regulating protein identified
A study published in Science Signaling has identified the MRAP2 protein as a key player in supporting the function of appetite-regulating proteins MC3R and MC4R. The findings suggest that mutations in this protein may contribute to reduced energy balance and obesity risk.
A new immunotherapy approach could work for many types of cancer
Researchers developed a new way to stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells by blocking an immune checkpoint. They created multifunctional molecules called AbLecs, which combine a lectin with a tumor-targeting antibody, and showed they could boost the immune response to cancer cells.
What your sweat can reveal about your health
A new study suggests that sweat can reveal information about a person's health, including hormone levels, medication doses, and early detection of diseases like diabetes and cancer. Wearable sensors using artificial intelligence can detect specific metabolites in sweat, providing personalized health insights.
'Benzoylation flip' turns kenaf yellowing into whitening, opens new route to weather-proof bio-fibers
Researchers achieved hydroxyl groups esterification and lignin dissolution through a two-hour pyridine-benzoyl chloride bath. The resulting fibers became photobleaching and stable under accelerated weathering, with a 15-unit ΔE* swing and 96% plunge in tensile strength.
Seal milk more refined than breast milk
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered that grey seal milk contains approximately 33% more sugar molecules than breast milk, including unique and powerful compounds against disease-causing bacteria. These findings could lead to improved infant formula and potential applications in human health.
New antivenom shows effectiveness against 17 African snake species
A new broad-spectrum antivenom developed by DTU researchers covers 17 African snake species and provides better protection against tissue damage, with a lower risk of immune reactions. The antivenom has shown impressive results in laboratory studies and could revolutionize the treatment of venomous snakebites in Africa.
Proteins critical to cell electrical signaling built from scratch
Researchers have developed new calcium channels that can be precisely controlled to study cellular signaling. The channels, built using artificial intelligence, were designed to mimic natural calcium channels and demonstrate their potential as tools for biomedical research.
Scientists develop an efficient method of producing proteins from E. coli
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technology that improves protein production efficiency in E. coli by reducing ribosome stalling. By identifying short translational-enhancing peptides, they created an AI prediction model to accurately predict translation enhancement strength for all 160,000 possible tetrapeptides.
Order from disordered proteins
A team of researchers developed a computational method that can design intrinsically disordered proteins with desired properties. The work uses automatic differentiation to optimize protein sequences and leverages molecular dynamics simulations for precision. This breakthrough has the potential to reveal new insights into diseases like...
Peptide study paves path toward new weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria
The study reveals why some peptides are more effective and why certain bacterial cells are more vulnerable to membrane disruption. The findings provide a mathematical equation to identify optimal properties for efficacy, opening the door to designing novel compounds against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Longevity research: Dietary stress supports healthy aging
Researchers at the University of Basel discovered that certain RNA molecules in food can prevent harmful protein aggregates that drive aging and disease. A balanced diet promotes healthspan and activates quality-control mechanisms to protect against cellular stress.
New insights into how pathogens build protein machinery for survival in the gut
A new study reveals how pathogenic bacteria construct Eut microcompartments to digest ethanolamine, a nutrient commonly found in the gut. Understanding their assembly offers new targets for antimicrobial therapies.
Magic mushrooms invent active compound twice
Researchers discover two distinct methods for producing psilocybin in mushrooms, one in Psilocybe species and another in fiber cap mushrooms. The finding sheds light on convergent evolution and the unique biochemical strategies employed by fungi to produce the same molecule.
A Decade of migrasome study: From mechanistic insights to clinical translation
Migrasomes, discovered in 2015, are cellular structures formed along cell migration trails carrying cargo such as nucleic acids and proteins. They play dual roles in processes like organ development and immune regulation, offering new insights into disease mechanisms.
Nuclear receptors as targets in brain cancer therapy
Researchers review nuclear receptor role in brain cancer development and explore their potential as therapeutic targets. Modulating these receptors with selective agonists or antagonists may offer new avenues for therapy, such as blocking androgen and estrogen receptors.
Artificial protein mimicking elastin aids tissue regeneration
Researchers developed a novel biomaterial called elastin domain-derived protein (EDDP) that overcomes natural elastin limitations. EDDP promotes cell adhesion and growth, aiding tissue regeneration in damaged tissues like heart valves, blood vessels, or torn ligaments.
Scientists uncover key stabilizing role of small molecules
Researchers from EPFL and MIT discovered that amino acids have a fundamental stabilizing effect on colloids in solution, not related to biology but rather a general property of small molecules. This finding has implications for controlling molecular interactions and may lead to more precise predictions of protein stability.
Compact genetic light switches transform disease control
Researchers developed photo-inducible binary interaction tools (PhoBITs) to precisely control gene expression, cell signaling, and immune responses. PhoBITs enable targeted treatment with minimal side effects, opening new avenues for cancer therapy, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine.
Two ERC Grants for Goethe University: Why a sharks becomes extinct and how to study the dynamics of biomolecules
Researchers Jeremy McCormack and Andrei Kuzhelev at Goethe University are investigating the reasons behind prehistoric shark extinctions using new isotopic analysis methods. They also develop a novel nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique to study large biomolecules.
Research findings offer new insight into blood thinners and bone builders
A team of Virginia Tech researchers has discovered new insights into blood thinners and bone builders, heparin. The findings may lead to designing safer and more reliable heparin therapies. Heparin's molecular composition affects its ability to bind calcium, influencing its effectiveness in biomineralization and blood clotting.
From longevity to cancer: Understanding the dual nature of polyamines
Researchers found that polyamines primarily activate glycolysis in cancer cells, upregulating eIF5A2 and five ribosomal proteins associated with cancer malignancy. In contrast, eIF5A1 promotes healthy aging by activating mitochondria via autophagy.
Rice’s Martí, Sarlah, Wang honored with national American Chemical Society awards
Angel Martí, David Sarlah, and Haotian Wang have been honored with national American Chemical Society awards for their outstanding work in chemistry. The ACS awards recognize individuals who not only advance the field but also inspire students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in chemical sciences.