Articles tagged with Cellular Proteins
Researchers at Umeå University have developed next-generation chemo-optogenetic tools that enable precise control of proteins in real-time in living cells. The new molecular glues can be turned on or off using light, allowing for multiple activation cycles and overcoming limitations of previous systems.
A study on six serodiscordant couples found that women who were immune to SARS-CoV-2 had elevated expression of the gene IFIT3 compared to their male partners. This suggests that overexpression of IFIT3 may offer protection against COVID-19 by inhibiting viral replication and preventing cell invasion.
The foundation has awarded eight recipients of the 2025 Damon Runyon-Rachleff Innovation Award, including five early-career researchers with initial grants of $400,000 over two years. The awardees aim to develop novel cancer therapies using innovative approaches such as engineered skin bacteria and small molecule-boosted drug delivery.
Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for nematode infection in soybeans, paving the way for the development of more resistant crops. By engineering 'decoy' proteins that trick nematodes into cleaving themselves, scientists aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and lower agriculture's environmental impact.
A KAIST research team identified core gene expression networks regulated by proteins that drive phenomena such as cancer development and tissue differentiation. The study revealed that IPMK acts as a critical transcriptional activator in these networks, enhancing SRF's protein activity.
Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology found that fava bean protein nanofibrils alter the activity of receptor genes and interact with cell membranes, influencing texture perception. The study aims to develop sensorially appealing plant-based foods with improved texture.
Researchers developed ProteinReDiff, an AI-powered method to redesign proteins for improved ligand binding. The approach uses initial protein sequences and ligand SMILES strings, reducing reliance on detailed structural data.
A small protein called Shethna II forms a complex with enzyme nitrogenase to protect it from oxidative damage. This discovery could help reduce synthetic fertilizer use in agriculture and initiate a paradigm shift in green biotechnology.
Researchers identified a novel genetic risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, linking a PTPN2 variant to increased ACE2 expression and susceptibility. The study suggests Tofacitinib may mitigate this risk, offering new treatment options for patients at higher genetic risk.
Researchers have developed a method that precisely defines the locations of proteins within cells, revealing their relationships with one another. The team created a high-resolution map that organizes proteins according to their compartmentalization, providing crucial insights into cellular organization and response to infections.
Researchers at CCM Biosciences have discovered novel enzyme activators that fully restore the activity of Sirtuin-3, a master regulator of cellular energy production. These compounds hold significant potential for addressing age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Researchers have developed new models to explore the role of a membrane anchor on the folding and aggregation of PrP. Anchoring stabilizes folding and inhibits aggregation, with clumping induced by pre-formed aggregates, suggesting a potential mechanism for infectious prion diseases.
Researchers at U of T have created SIMPL2, a platform that simplifies detection and improves accuracy of protein-protein interactions. The tool enables the rapid identification of protein interactions, including weak ones, for targeted drug therapies.
The team developed a Synthetic Translational Coupling Element (SynTCE) that enhances the precision and integration density of genetic circuits in synthetic biology. This allows for more efficient gene circuit integration, minimizing interference between biological parts and enabling precise control over multiple genes.
Researchers have created a molecular flipbook to study the ultrafast movement of ribosomes inside cells. Using high-resolution template matching, they detected 41 different conformational states of ribosomes, providing new insights into protein synthesis.
A new study reveals how transcription factors navigate DNA and chromatin structures to determine cellular identity. Researchers discovered novel DNA elements as genomic signposts guiding TFs to specific genetic switches.
Researchers found that cellular RNA molecules help regulate antiviral signaling by activating the MAVS signalosome. This signaling pathway is crucial for coordinating immune responses against virus invasion. The study's findings suggest a potential role for RNA-based therapeutics in combating infections and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers discovered a giant virus, FloV-SA2, that encodes a ribosomal protein called eL40. This protein is crucial for translating genetic information into proteins, the building blocks of life. The study reveals new insights into how viruses interact with host cells and manipulate cellular metabolism.
A new proteomics method, peptide-centric local stability assay (PELSA), enables the simultaneous identification of ligand-binding proteins and their binding sites in complex systems. PELSA has been shown to have superior sensitivity in target protein identifications, identifying more kinase targets than state-of-the-art methods.
Researchers identified the critical role of TIMM50 protein in mitochondrial energy production and its link to a severe and rare neurological disease. The study's findings suggest potential targets for future drug treatments and advance research on protein import into mitochondria in brain cells.
A study by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers reveals that Toxoplasma gondii parasites use cap-independent translation to make proteins for dormant stages, evading drug treatment. This unconventional method has been found in both the parasite and human cells, making it a potential target for new treatments.
Researchers have developed implantable sensors that track protein levels in real time, enabling continuous monitoring of inflammation at the cellular level. The technology has been successfully tested in diabetic rats, detecting changes in cytokine proteins associated with inflammation.
Scientists have created a living cell therapy that can navigate to specific organs using a
A study by IRB Barcelona has identified a molecular mechanism underlying idiopathic autism, linking the lack of a specific neuronal microexon to decreased gene expression crucial for neuronal development. The discovery reveals how CPEB4 condensates regulate gene expression and highlights potential therapeutic approaches.
Researchers uncovered how mutated PSEN2 accelerates disease progression in familial Alzheimer's disease by impairing synaptic function and disrupting cellular processes.
Proteins moving slowly through cells lead to widespread dysfunction, affecting gene expression, ribosome production, and more. Researchers propose restoring protein mobility as a therapeutic target for treating chronic diseases.
Research highlights Nup93's critical role in endothelial cell function and vascular health, with promising findings for new treatments to slow down aging. Low Nup93 levels are associated with inflammation and cellular aging, while restoring its levels can reverse harmful effects.
The study found decreased NMDA receptors in synapses and increased extrasynaptic membranes in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting neuronal toxicity-related activity. The novel protocol allows for precise analysis of these receptors in human postmortem brains, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
Scientists at Purdue University have identified new molecular markers for neurodegenerative diseases by analyzing protein behavior with age. The study sheds light on how phosphorylation causes protein aggregation, a hallmark of these diseases.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered a little-known protein, PDGFA-associated protein 1 (PDAP1), that plays a crucial role in the replication and infection of hepatitis A virus. The protein is used by the virus to exploit the host cell's stress response, allowing it to produce its own proteins necessary for replication.
Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have identified S-adenosyl-L-methionine as the unexpected donor of methyl groups in mercury transformation. The discovery could aid in developing effective environmental remediation strategies to address methylmercury poisoning, which can cause severe neurological damage.
A team of researchers has identified a mechanism that interferes with the splicing process in a more subtle way, leading to cell death. The study reveals that spliceosome subunits U4, U5, and U6 are normally stabilized by protein USP39, but when mutated or absent, stability is compromised, causing incorrect connections during splicing.
Researchers linked disease-related proteins and genes to identify specific cellular pathways responsible for Alzheimer's genesis and progression. The study identified 38 proteins with causal effects in Alzheimer's progression, including 15 potential targets for medicines.
Researchers from Indiana University have uncovered how the EphA2 protein receptor contributes to cataract formation. The study found that canonical ligand-dependent EphA2 signaling remains stable in aging lens tissue, while non-canonical signaling increases with age, affecting lens fiber cell maturation.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism to detach and recycle parts of cellular canal membranes as needed. The study, conducted with supercomputer simulations, shows that protein regions can cause the membrane to bulge and pinch off, forming vesicles for recycling.
Researchers at POSTECH have identified GLUT3 as essential for the suppressive function of regulatory T cells in tumor microenvironments, which can be targeted for cancer immunotherapy. The team's findings highlight the critical role of GLUT3 in regulating protein modifications that sustain immune suppression within tumors.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a variant of TMEM16F protein that enhances the spread of Parkinson's pathology, potentially leading to new treatments. The study found that cells with the mutation secrete more pathological α-synuclein, which can form Lewy bodies and damage brain cells.
Researchers discovered that p14<sup>ARF</sup> activates tumor suppression by forming gel-like assemblies in the nucleolus, disrupting ribosome production and cell toxicity. This process contributes to cancer cell death, providing a new mechanism for tumor suppression.
Researchers at UC Riverside develop a novel method to degrade the Pin1 protein, which is involved in pancreatic cancer development. The 'molecular crowbar' strategy has the potential to target and break down harmful proteins, offering new hope for cancer therapy.
Researchers discover SARS-CoV-2 hijacks three host proteins to shield itself from complement-mediated lysis, significantly impairing viral clearance. This may affect the course of acute and post-COVID-19 sequelae, deepening our understanding of immune evasion mechanisms.
Rice bioengineers create a mathematical model that challenges long-held assumptions about IL-12's behavior in the body, suggesting repeated doses cause immune cells to hoard IL-12 before it reaches the bloodstream. The findings have significant implications for IL-12 therapy design and may lead to more effective dosing regimens.
Researchers at Kumamoto University identified G-quadruplexes as a central role in promoting alpha-synuclein aggregation, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibiting G4 assembly may prevent the onset of synucleopathies and position it as a promising target for early intervention.
Researchers identified hundreds of brain proteins associated with inter-individual differences in functional connectivity and structural covariation. The proteins were enriched for those involved in synapses, energy metabolism, and RNA processing, providing insights into the mechanistic basis of human cognition and behavior.
A new study shows that preventing F-actin accumulation in the brains of aging fruit flies can maintain cellular recycling, extend lifespan and improve cognitive function. This discovery may offer a promising direction for developing interventions to promote healthier aging in humans.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has developed a rapid screening system to identify compounds that can stop the growth of amyloid proteins. The study found 40 compounds that demonstrate the ability to inhibit amyloid formation, providing a promising lead for future disease treatments.
A recent study published in Cell reveals that nearly one in six disease-causing mutations leads to proteins mislocalizing within the cell. The research team developed a high-throughput imaging platform to assess protein location and found that breakdowns in protein stability are a major driver of misplaced proteins.
A new study discovered how TRIM25, a cellular superhero, finds and binds to viral RNA to activate an immune response. The researchers found that this binding is critical for TRIM25's antiviral activity and its ability to target regions of viral RNA.
Scientists have discovered a way to switch cellular activities on and off using light, opening up new possibilities for biological research and medical applications. The researchers created photoreceptors similar to those in the retina, which can be triggered by light pulses to initiate specific cellular signalling processes.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have re-engineered natural killer immune cells with blue light-activated protein function, allowing them to infiltrate and kill solid tumor spheroids. The technology has shown promising results in killing breast cancer and melanoma cells within seven days.
Researchers at U of T have discovered that C2H2 zinc finger proteins, which primarily bind to DNA, also regulate RNA processing through various mechanisms. These proteins modify mRNA, controlling its length and altering it after transcription.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to study protein interactions using LiP mass spectrometry, identifying thousands of interaction interfaces between proteins. They found that stress situations alter around five dozen protein complexes and their interactions, with a key player being the SAGA complex.
Researchers at University of Dundee have designed a new variant of CRBN protein using innovative molecular
A new study found that toxic SOD1 protein trimers interact with various proteins in different tissues, contributing to cellular dysfunction and degeneration in ALS. Septin-7 is identified as a potential therapeutic target, potentially slowing or disrupting ALS progression.
A team of researchers has identified the USP50 protein's role in regulating DNA replication by deciding which enzymes to use during critical processes. The study found that USP50 helps cells balance nuclease and helicase activity, preventing replication defects when it is absent.
Scientists have found that biomolecular condensates can cross membranes without specialized cutting proteins, a process called wetting, which is essential for plant survival. The study shows that these liquid droplets can exert large capillary forces on membranes, cutting them in two and enabling material exchange between cell parts.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a fluorescent biosensor to observe PKC activity in real time and 3D space. The study revealed designated signaling territories where different types of PKC are active, shedding light on their critical role in human disease.
Researchers have characterized a novel class of proteins in the parasite Leishmania infantum involved in regulating its cell cycle, which could lead to the development of more effective drugs against visceral leishmaniasis. The discovery highlights six F-box proteins essential for L. infantum growth and development, providing potential...
A team from UNIGE and EPFL has demonstrated the Entropic Pulling mechanism of Hsp70 chaperones, a long-debated theory that explains their role in controlling protein quality. The study uses nanopore single-molecule technology to show that Hsp70s generate a strong force to manipulate protein structure, ruling out previous models.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham uncover key regulators of malaria parasites' cell division, revealing NEK1 as a potential drug target. The study aims to find new therapeutic targets for controlling malaria transmission.
Chung-Ang University researchers have identified a potential anti-aging drug called IU1 that enhances proteasomal activity and autophagy, leading to improved muscle strength and extended lifespan in fruit flies. The study suggests that preventing disruption of protein homeostasis mechanisms could be key to increasing longevity and impr...