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High-resolution lab experiments show how cells ‘eat’

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 30, 2021

CNIO researchers shed light on the maturation of spliceosome, a cellular process involved in certain types of cancer

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.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2021

Biased signalling for better drugs

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.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

LSU Health contributes to research suggesting late-onset retinal degeneration mechanism and potential Rx

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.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Spanish scientists determine the mode of action of essential proteins involved in cancer and Alzheimer´s disease

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.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 29, 2021

Inhibiting targets of SARS-CoV-2 proteases can block infection, study shows

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.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021

Researchers shed new light on molecular mechanisms in brain diseases

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2021

Study could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

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.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Neural network detects protein-peptide binding sites to kick-start peptide drug discovery

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.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

AI knows where your proteins go

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.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateAug 5, 2021

How cells control mitochondria

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.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2021

Large transporter protein linked to schizophrenia

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...

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 29, 2020

Kiss and run: How cells sort and recycle their components

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 27, 2020

Cellular protein a target for Zika control

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·DateJan 16, 2019

Elucidating protein-protein interactions & designing small molecule inhibitors

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.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Topics in Medicinal Chemistry·DateDec 7, 2018

To trim away a protein

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateNov 16, 2017