Articles tagged with Chimeric Proteins
A recent study identified a new type of β-1,2-glucan-binding protein in bacteria, which binds cyclic β-1,2-glucans and has implications for understanding bacterial interactions with these complex molecules. The discovery opens up new avenues for developing biological pesticides to protect crops from pathogens.
A new cytokine delivery platform reprograms the tumor microenvironment to enhance CAR-T cell function in preclinical brain cancer models. The strategy leads to a broader immune response that inhibits tumor growth and extends host survival, even in mice with only a fraction of cells expressing the CAR-targeted antigen.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified a novel combination therapy approach to treat pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) fueled by NUP98 fusions. Targeting the complex alone or in combination with another anticancer drug significantly increased survival in AML model systems.
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant progress in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. They found that pre-surgical combination therapy showed promising results, with high rates of pathological complete response and major pathological response.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered how a group of proteins linked to Parkinson's and ALS act as 'guardians' of mitochondria, maintaining their normal size and function. The study found that when mitochondria become too large, they leak mitochondrial DNA into the cytosol, triggering an inflammatory response.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys developed a new method of generating antibodies by fusing two immune system proteins, enabling the creation of stable monoclonal antibodies. This breakthrough has potential applications in diagnosing and monitoring diseases such as lupus and cancers.
The researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to expand the color palette of bioluminescent protein to 20 distinct colors, enabling advanced simultaneous multi-color imaging. This innovation makes it significantly easier and more cost-effective to monitor multiple targets or track individual cells within a population.
A new study using a novel mouse strain expressing Halo-tagged SOCS1 reveals that the inhibitor needs to exceed a threshold level to suppress GM-CSF and IFN-gamma signaling. The findings emphasize SOCS1's crucial function in modulating cytokine signaling.
Researchers provide comprehensive review of RSV's virology, clinical impact, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for effective vaccines to mitigate this critical health need. The review highlights RSV's severe impact on infants, children, and older adults, as well as its potential effects on multiple organs and systems.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have imaged the structure of RSV proteins, which are crucial for the virus's interaction with host cells. The images reveal that pairs of F proteins may be a key target for destabilizing the virus and preventing infection.
Researchers develop an artificial fusion protein combining UndB with catalase, creating a whole cell biocatalyst that converts fatty acids to alkenes with high efficiency. The biocatalyst produces pure 1-alkene as a valuable biofuel and can be used to generate a large number of hydrocarbons.
Researchers at U of T have harnessed CRISPR to efficiently and precisely control RNA splicing, enabling the systematic interrogation of gene functions and correction of splicing deficiencies in diseases. This new tool allows for targeted activation or repression of alternative exons with high specificity.
Dr. Jeetain Mittal's NIH grant will support multiscale computational models investigating phase separation in biology, particularly heterochromatin formation and its role in neurodegenerative diseases. The research aims to elucidate the molecular origins of phase separation using innovative models and methods.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a 'Goldilocks' binding strength between T-cell receptors and cancer proteins determines anti-cancer T-cell efficacy. The optimal middle-ground binding strength creates cancer-killing effector cells, while too little or too much stimulation leads to exhaustion.
Researchers have developed a breakthrough therapy that can adapt CAR-T cell therapy to target solid tumors, potentially transforming cancer treatment. The therapy uses a novel antibody and costimulatory protein to activate T cells, overcoming the challenges of immune suppression in solid tumors.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interrupts p53-MDM2 interaction but does not bind with p53 protein in cancer cells. The study also shows that SARS-CoV-2 spike suppresses p53-dependent gene activation, leading to increased cell viability after chemotherapy exposure.
Scientists discovered an immune cell protein that can target and destroy fibrolamellar carcinoma, a rare liver cancer with a poor prognosis. T-cell therapy may effectively treat the disease by recognizing the fusion protein, providing a novel approach for FLC treatment.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo have discovered that fusion proteins hijack gene regulatory complexes through their unfolded domains, causing cancer. The study found that these disordered domains interact with high specificity and form liquid-like droplets, enabling cancerous genes to be activated.
Researchers created an additional means for therapy to find and eliminate cancer cells using a small peptide, demonstrating better efficacy in lab tests and in vitro experiments. The study used computational analysis and predicted protein models to understand how structure impacts antigen recognition and therapy efficacy.
A new study found that HSP10 treatment improved exploratory preferences, object contacts, and swimming time in aged mice, while also increasing proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts. The protein also mitigated age-related gene reductions and increased sirtuin 3 levels.
Researchers used AI to identify 2 promising antigens as candidates for a gonorrhea vaccine, which accurately predicted reduction of bacterial populations. The antigens were tested in lab and animal models, showing efficacy in killing bacteria and decreasing bacterial burden.
Researchers have identified a neoplastic fusion transcript RAD51AP1-DYRK4 in luminal B breast cancer, associated with higher ki67 expression and aggressive clinical characteristics. MEK inhibitor trametinib may be effective in blocking the MEK-ERK signaling driven by this fusion.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have uncovered the atomic structure of the Langya virus, a highly infectious virus with pandemic potential. The study aims to develop broad-spectrum human vaccines and treatments for Henipaviruses, which cause severe disease and have the potential to get out of control.
Researchers have cloned the wheat rust resistance genes Lr9 and Sr43, revealing that they encode unusual kinase fusion proteins. This breakthrough enables new options for addressing disease resistance in bread wheat and could lead to heat-resistant versions of the Sr43 gene to adapt to climate change.
Researchers at St Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a tool to comprehensively characterize oncogenic fusions in pediatric cancer cells. The tool has the potential to cure certain tumors by targeting these fusion genes with CRISPR-Cas9, selectively killing cancer cells while leaving healthy ones intact.
Researchers identify the minimum contribution of TACC3 for FGFR3-TACC3 fusion protein activation, revealing a novel target for treating FGFR translocation-driven cancers. The study shows that clinically identified FGFR3-TACC3 fusion proteins differ in biological activity depending on specific breakpoints.
A novel COVID-19 vaccine developed by Brazilian scientists combines two SARS-CoV-2 proteins to trigger a cellular immune response. The vaccine, called SpiN, showed promise in animal trials, protecting against three strains of the virus and reducing viral load by up to 50 times.
Researchers have developed a novel fusion protein that enables the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using widely available glucose meters. The test was validated on various patient samples and found to be as accurate as four different ELISAs.
The article suggests a potential treatment option for COVID-19 by targeting SARS-CoV-2's interaction with ACE2 receptors. Combining DPP4 inhibitors and spironolactone may mitigate COVID-19 complications and infections without adverse side effects.
A team of researchers has identified over 250 gene activators in human cells, expanding our understanding of transcriptional regulation and its role in cancer. The study also reveals new insights into how proteins interact with each other to regulate gene expression, potentially leading to the development of targeted therapies.
A team of scientists created a uniform protein nanoparticle, TIP60, with a diameter of 22 nm, which can be modified to target specific molecules. The 3D structure of TIP60 was elucidated using cryo-electron microscopy, revealing an icosahedral 60-meric structure with porous properties.
A recent study explores the plant immune system using chimeric maize leaves with an auto-active R protein. Researchers found that Rp1-D21 triggers a defense response without recognition events, leading to cell death in affected areas but not neighboring cells.
Researchers found sequence changes in the beta myosin protein that explain the difference in contraction velocity between small and large mammals, with human and rat proteins differing at nine key sites. The study suggests these changes enabled slower heart rates in larger animals as they evolved from smaller species.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified two potential drug candidates for a deadly AML subtype in children. JAK inhibitors and Mepron showed promise in slowing human AML cell growth and extending survival in mice with the CALM-AF10 mutation.
Researchers developed a fusion protein that selectively targets tumor neovasculature, inhibiting tumor growth in immunocompetent mice. The antibody-based delivery of engineered cytokines shows potential for improved therapeutic effects.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered how an abnormal protein misdirects gene expression in cells, contributing to the growth of sarcoma tumors. The researchers found that a small segment of the SS18-SSX fusion protein binds to nucleosomes, leading to aberrant activation of genes.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have obtained the first 3D structure of a base editor, a promising DNA manipulation tool that can precisely replace one nucleotide with another. This discovery could lead to more versatile and controllable base editors for use in patients, addressing 60% of known genetic diseases.
Researchers found that Nafamostat can inhibit the fusion of viral envelope with host cell membranes, a crucial step in COVID-19 infection. The study showed that Nafamostat is more effective than Camostat at lower concentrations, making it a promising candidate for treating COVID-19.
A new tool called ProtFus screens scientific literature to validate predictions about fusion protein activity, which can help improve personalized cancer treatment. The tool identified 2,908 interactions across 18 cancer types, aiding in the study of alterations of protein networks for individual patients.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that combining proteins from two lethal viruses can enhance their pathogenic potential. The team found that a hybrid protein pair has greater fusion capability, which could be leveraged to stop viral-cell fusion and develop more effective vaccines.
Researchers created Cas9-CPs and ProCas9s, which simplify genome editing and epigenetic modifications. These variants enable molecular sensing, tissue-specific genome editing, and potential application as a pathogen-sensing system.
Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified ZFP64 as the single key to the cascade of events leading to mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), an aggressive blood cancer. Shutting down this protein may be a cure for MLL, which predominantly occurs in infants and is difficult to treat.
A newly discovered plant protein complex is crucial for a biological process called vacuole fusion, which is critical to plant growth and development. The study revealed that the curvature of vacuolar membranes plays an important role in their fusion.
Researchers have developed a theoretical model describing the mechanical properties of lipid membranes, revealing how viruses infiltrate cells. The study highlights the importance of cell membrane elasticity and energy costs in viral fusion.
Research reveals fusion pores in cells have dynamic behavior, opening and closing rapidly, contrary to conventional wisdom. The number of SNARE proteins affects the pore's state, with more proteins leading to a mostly open state.
The Biophysical Society has announced the winners of its international travel grants, chosen based on scientific merit and proposed presentation at the meeting. The recipients will be honored at a reception on February 18, 2018, in San Francisco.
Researchers have found a common protein involved in both sexual reproduction and viral infections, which could lead to breakthroughs in controlling parasites like malaria. The discovery reveals that the protein acts as a biochemical 'key' enabling cell fusion, and its structure is similar to that of viruses.
A team of researchers at Osaka University has discovered a novel autophagy-dependent secretory system that facilitates the secretion of inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1 beta and leaderless proteins such as ferritin. This finding opens new therapeutic avenues for diseases related to autophagy.
Researchers have found a mechanism that explains how cells transport cargo efficiently and selectively within their boundaries. The discovery reveals that flexibility in large tether proteins plays a crucial role in initiating the fusion process.
A team at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering developed a novel strategy for engineering protein fusions to improve in vivo efficacy and safety. The approach enabled the creation of cell-targeted drugs that reduce potential side effects and accelerate new drug development.
Researchers developed a real-time system to track Ebola virus particles' interaction with human cells, revealing crucial host and viral proteins involved in fusion. The study identifies specific cellular proteins required for fusion, offering insights into designing future drugs or vaccines.
Researchers have developed a novel optogenetic protein, Opto-mGluR6, which can be tailored to bring this promising technology closer to medical application. This breakthrough could potentially restore sight in patients suffering from any kind of photoreceptor degeneration, including severe forms of age-related macular degeneration.
A new study from Columbia University Medical Center has found that a drug targeting the fused protein in glioblastoma may lead to significant clinical improvement and tumor reduction. The research suggests that developing a more precise drug could result in better treatment outcomes for patients with brain cancer.
A fusion protein composed of scFv and human serum albumin has been developed to target the acetylcholine receptor in myasthenia gravis. The protein showed a high inhibition rate (2.0-77.4%) for binding to acetylcholine receptors, indicating potential therapeutic efficacy.
A team of scientists from Washington State University has discovered a unique mechanism used by the deadly Nipah virus to infiltrate human cells. Two proteins on the surface of the virus communicate like skilled burglars, allowing it to launch full-blown disease despite being only a single, miniscule virus.
Researchers at University of Helsinki and ETH Zurich have solved the three-dimensional structure of RSV, a common cause of respiratory infection. The structural model provides valuable information for intelligent vaccine design, targeting the virus's fusion protein and matrix protein.
Researchers have identified a cell growth pathway that is unusually active in pediatric brain tumors, known as gliomas. The study suggests that tools developed to diagnose and treat NF1 may also be helpful for sporadic brain tumors.
Researchers at CNIO discover chimeric RNA, which combines information from multiple genes, and identify 175 transcripts and 12 new proteins. The study challenges the classical vision of genome storage and raises questions about the function and importance of this process.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a new class of molecular mutation in various forms of breast cancer, which may shed light on the development and growth of different types of breast tumors. Fusion transcripts, the mutated forms of RNA, could provide a way to identify tumor subtypes and offer new strategies for treatment.
Researchers at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have identified two cell surface proteins, Jamb and Jamc, crucial for muscle cell fusion. The discovery sheds light on cellular fusion and its importance in muscle development, potentially leading to new treatments for muscle-wasting disorders.