Articles tagged with Cellular Proteins
Researchers at OHSU are developing a new approach to scientific imaging to study the dynamic organization of cells by examining how tiny molecules make cells work. The W. M. Keck Foundation has awarded $1 million to develop a one-of-a-kind imaging and computational system.
An international team led by the University of Ottawa has published findings on the importance of the enzyme GCN5 in maintaining muscle integrity. The study discovered that GCN5 plays a crucial role in boosting the expression of key structural proteins, notably dystrophin.
A study published in MBio found that removing the NS2 protein from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) allows the human body's immune response to destroy the virus before exaggerated inflammation begins. This discovery could lead to new therapeutics targeting this protein for other respiratory viruses like influenza A and SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for regulating organelle contacts, essential for producing specific lipids in nerve cells. The study reveals that phosphorylation of a protein at the peroxisomes can block interaction with the endoplasmic reticulum.
A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals the mechanism of membrane curvature that allows cells to form pockets to capture substances. The researchers used high-resolution fluorescence imaging to watch these pockets form within live cells, providing a clearer understanding of how cells 'eat' and consume substances.
Researchers have shed light on the role of RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 proteins in the assembly and maturation of the spliceosome, a complex involved in cell splicing and alternative splicing. The study provides insights into the mechanisms responsible for the maturation of the splicing machinery.
Researchers at PSI have developed a platform to measure biased signalling in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), enabling selective therapeutic effects and fewer side effects. By testing specially designed bivalent ligands, they can bias signalling towards desired pathways.
A study led by LSU Health found how late-onset retinal degeneration develops and identified a surprising potential therapeutic, metformin. The research suggests that an enzyme called AMPK activates the protein CTRP5 to regulate fatty acid metabolism and energy stability.
Researchers at Tel-Aviv University have shed light on the Sigma-1 receptor's topology and function in neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals that the receptor is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and its amino end faces the cytoplasm, providing a crucial mechanism for therapeutic approaches to alleviate suffering from ALS.
Researchers have discovered that specific regions of HAT family proteins determine which amino acids they bind to, leading to unique functions in cell growth and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. This knowledge will enable efforts to develop compounds targeting these proteins for therapy.
Researchers at MDI Biological Laboratory discovered that muscle tissue is protected from reduced protein synthesis during nutrient scarcity, accelerating growth and reproduction. The study suggests potential for developing anti-aging drugs preserving muscle tissue while prolonging lifespan.
A new study uses deep learning to build three-dimensional models of protein interactions in eukaryotes, revealing hundreds of previously unknown complexes. This research has significant implications for understanding cellular processes and developing new medications for various health disorders.
Researchers from the University of Chicago used cryo-electron microscopy to study protein degradation in yeast, describing the structure of a key enzyme involved in ubiquitination. The study provides new insights into the process and its potential role in human diseases such as aging and neurodegeneration.
Researchers have found that heart cells regulate their circadian rhythms through changes in sodium and potassium ion levels, which can impact heart rate. This new understanding may lead to better treatments and preventative measures for combating heart conditions.
Researchers at UMass Amherst discovered that molecular chaperones display 'selective promiscuity', enabling them to play a crucial role in maintaining healthy cells. This property allows chaperones to help many different proteins, which is essential for cell health.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 proteolysis and identifies key cellular substrates with therapeutic potential. The research provides a powerful resource for developing targeted strategies to inhibit the virus, which has caused over 227 million infections and 4.6 million deaths worldwide.
Research reveals how genetic mutations in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases cause CMT by halting protein production and inducing integrated stress response. The study's findings provide new avenues for therapies against the disease.
Researchers found that a family of proteins enhances the immune response to HIV, Ebola and Zika by boosting signals sent within immune cells. This discovery has implications for potential broad antiviral therapy.
Researchers have discovered key insights into how toxic proteins are regulated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Fasting has been found to dramatically increase the production of exophers, a type of neurotoxic protein, and three cellular pathways that contribute to this process have been identified.
Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.
Researchers discover a new way for an antiviral enzyme to detect and destroy viruses that hide inside cell membranes. The OAS1 p46 isoform enhances the immune response against SARS-CoV-2, flaviviruses, and other RNA viruses.
Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a machine learning program that accurately predicts the location of proteins related to actin in cells. The program achieved a high degree of similarity with actual images, showing promise for future applications in cell analysis and artificial cell staining.
Researchers have developed a neural network model called BiteNetPp to detect protein-peptide binding sites, enabling the design of peptide-based drugs. The model consistently outperforms existing methods and can analyze a single protein structure in under a second, making it suitable for large-scale studies.
Scientists have discovered how neurotransmitters and proteins interact to trigger neuronal responses in the brain, with implications for understanding mood disorders and addictions. The study reveals small changes in protein connections control cellular responses, enabling precise regulation of neurotransmitter effects.
Researchers have identified DYRK1A as a critical signaling protein that modifies the molecular machinery of the TOM complex, making it more permeable for enzymes important for cell metabolism. This discovery offers new insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and potential treatment strategies.
Researchers Lynne Maquat and Joan Steitz recognized for elucidating key functions of RNA, a workhorse molecule in cell function. Their discoveries inform RNA-based therapies for diseases like COVID-19 and muscular dystrophy.
A novel chemical tool, ADdis-Cys, has been developed to elucidate protein interaction networks in cells. It enables the simultaneous identification of a protein's interacting partners and pinpointing of their binding regions.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered how five cellular proteins contribute to the formation of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) from relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA), a crucial step in HBV's life cycle. This finding provides potential strategies for developing new treatments for chronic HBV infection.
Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences have identified a possible link between a large cholesterol transport protein and schizophrenia. Mice with disrupted ABCA13 protein showed abnormal behaviour, including impaired prepulse inhibition, suggesting a potential role in the pathophysiology of ps...
A build-up of cellular trash in the brain can cause neurodegeneration and death. Researchers found that Wipi3, a protein involved in alternative autophagy, is essential for preventing toxic iron accumulation.
A novel MAC-tag technology protocol has been introduced for detailed understanding of protein-protein interactions and regulation of cellular networks. The protocol combines state-of-the-art methods AP-MS and BioID to identify protein-protein interactions, providing insights into disease mechanisms.
The study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 protein Nsp1 effectively shuts down the host's anti-viral immune response by binding to the ribosome and preventing protein production. This finding highlights the importance of targeting the interaction between Nsp1 and the ribosome as a potential therapeutic strategy.
Researchers discovered that DNA droplets can exhibit bubbling behavior, similar to boiling water, when exposed to certain enzymes. This phenomenon occurs in lightly-bound systems, where the enzyme penetrates the crowded DNA particles, causing an osmotic effect and leading to a burping-like outburst.
Scientists investigated how immune cells respond to Salmonella infection and found that cathepsins move to the nucleus of infected cells, leading to inflammatory programmed cell death. This discovery shows the benefit of monitoring protein dynamics during infection and unraveling new pathways to defend against pathogens.
Defective ACLP protein causes cellular stress and induces fibrosis in multiple organs, including lungs, livers, and adipose tissues. The study identifies a novel variant of EDS-causing mutations and reveals the protein's role in maintaining connective tissue integrity.
Researchers identified 115 MAM-specific proteins using a new technique, Contact-ID, which facilitates calcium transport and lipid metabolism. The discovery is significant for understanding neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers developed a novel technique to study how deformed microtubules affect their function, shedding light on traumatic brain injuries and Parkinson's disease. Microtubules, like train tracks, transport molecular cargo, but become deformed in certain diseases.
Researchers have resurrected ancient forms of two cell division proteins to study their evolution. They found that one protein boosted the activity of the other through allosteric regulation, a mechanism that has become crucial for cells.
Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a cellular machine called FERARI that sorts out reusable proteins for recycling, introducing a new 'kiss-and-run' mechanism. This process saves energy and time by reusing valuable cell components, potentially mitigating diseases associated with disrupted recycling processes.
A machine learning tool has identified 12 new human proteins carrying functional leucine-aspartic acid (LD) motifs, which play a significant role in cell adhesion and morphogenesis. The researchers also found that LD motif signaling evolved over 800 million years ago, possibly by co-opting ancestral interaction sequences.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that excess levels of a protein, p62 or SQSTM1, increase lifespan in worms. This discovery could help uncover treatments for age-related conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that Tulane virus, a calicivirus similar to human noroviruses, requires intracellular calcium for replication and uses its protein NS1-2 to hijack cellular calcium signaling. This finding suggests that norovirus might use a similar strategy to infect epithelial cells.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a novel imaging technique to visualize kinesin motor proteins and their cargo. The study shows that the 'smart motor' theory is not the only regulation at play, suggesting the involvement of adapter proteins.
Chaperones, molecular protein machines, ensure that proteins are built correctly. In the study, researchers found that chaperones retain one part of interleukin 23-alpha until it is incorporated into the complete complex, controlling its secretion and biosynthesis.
A study published in PLOS Biology has identified conserved proteins and pathways in four major animal models and humans, revealing unique sets of proteins mutated in human disease states. This discovery allows researchers to select the most appropriate model systems for studying cardiac development and investigating diseases.
A novel molecular mechanism has been discovered that underlies several genetic disorders, including MUC1 kidney disease, which results in a 'traffic jam' at the cellular shipping network. Researchers identified a compound called BRD4780 that can clear this traffic jam and prevent protein misfolding.
Aging retinal pigment epithelial cells undergo senescence due to increased oxidative stress, leading to age-related macular degeneration. Researchers found that inhibiting post-translational modifications, specifically SUMOylation, can alleviate this process, reducing SASP genes expression and proinflammatory factors.
Researchers discovered rhomboid enzymes can move quickly through cell membrane by warping surroundings, allowing them to glide rapidly across. This ability enables them to scour the membrane for targets to cut, providing real-time signals to other cells.
A cellular protein called Hsp70 plays a critical role in Zika virus infection, facilitating attachment to cells, replication inside cells, and release of mature virus particles. This discovery validates Hsp70 as a potential target for developing new therapies to prevent or treat Zika virus infection.
Researchers have developed computational methods to predict and design small molecule inhibitors that can disrupt protein-protein interactions, a critical property of cell sustenance. The study provides insights into the challenges faced by researchers investigating protein-protein interactions through computational methods.
Researchers will combine yeast, C. elegans models with mouse models to identify molecular changes in human aging and predict age-associated diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson
A team of researchers investigated influenza A's impact on lung-derived cell lines, discovering that the virus alters protein levels and locations. The study found that many proteins are relocalized, with viral and ribosomal proteins increasing in autophagosomes.
A recent study published in Molecular and Cellular Proteomics found that men should have frequent sex around the time of ovulation to improve their chances of conception. The research suggests that longer periods of abstinence can cause DNA damage in sperm, negatively impacting fertility rates.
Researchers discovered that GTPases like EF-Tu can exist in a mixture of structures, rather than being fixed as 'on' or 'off'. This flexibility may help develop targeted drugs for bacterial infections and cancer treatment.
A recent study reveals that Zika virus proteins bind to cellular proteins essential for neural development, leading to brain damage and microcephaly. The research identifies specific viral factors responsible for the condition, offering new insights into the virus's mechanism of action.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) have developed a novel method to produce therapeutic proteins within two hours using human blood. The technique involves extracting cellular protein synthesis machinery from human blood and adding recombinant DNA to produce specific treatments.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered how bacterial toxin ACD cripples cellular infrastructure by modifying actin protein, affecting muscle contraction, cell division, and immune response. The study could lead to better tactics to fight antibiotic-resistant bugs.
Researchers develop an optimized approach combining AP-MS and BioID to identify protein-protein interactions, stoichiometries, and molecular context. The method enables higher resolution assignment of proteins to cellular or subcellular locations.
Scientists have developed Trim-Away, a novel method that directly and quickly depletes proteins from any cell type. This technique utilizes a protein called Trim21 to recognize antibodies directed against specific cellular proteins, allowing researchers to study their function in natural environment.
Protein add-ons play a crucial role in customizing protein interfaces, allowing proteins to interact specifically with their dedicated partners. The discovery sheds light on how proteins perform specialized functions and enables new avenues for understanding fundamental principles in nature.