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JCI online early table of contents: Sept. 8, 2009

Scientists have engineered a human HIV-1 inhibitor modeled after an owl monkey fusion protein that potently blocks HIV-1 infection. This new treatment showed promise in preventing viral replication in mice and has the potential to be a robust anti-HIV-1 gene therapy candidate.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 8, 2009

A new 'bent' on fusion

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered that synaptotagmin plays a critical role in initiating fusion by bending a target membrane, providing a point of contact for easier merging. The study also found that the protein overcomes fusion deficiency when mutated and compensates with an endocytic protein.

'Jumping gene' may contribute to a premature aging syndrome

Researchers have discovered a fusion protein that may contribute to Cockayne syndrome, a debilitating disorder marked by premature aging and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that the CSB gene's continued expression of CSB-related proteins or protein fragments plays a crucial role in the disease's development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 20, 2008

Penn researchers shine the light of venus to learn how the herpes virus invades cells

University of Pennsylvania researchers have uncovered the key step in how herpes simplex virus, HSV-1, invades healthy cells using cooperating proteins on its outer coat. The study used biomolecular complementation with a fluorescent protein called Venus to demonstrate the effectiveness of monitoring protein interactions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2007

Research pinpoints West Nile virus antibody binding site

Purdue University researchers identified a precise location where an antibody binds to the West Nile virus and proposed a theory for its neutralization mechanism. The study suggests that this antibody works by blocking the positional changes needed for the E protein before fusion, preventing infection.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2006

Received truth turned on end in cancer research

Researchers at Lund University have discovered that the same genetic mechanism is responsible for developing both leukemia and solid tumors, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding has significant implications for treatment strategies, as it may lead to more effective medicines targeting specific fusion proteins.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 6, 2004

Mammalian telomere maintenance

Researchers found that the Ku protein plays a key role in mediating mammalian telomere capping, preventing chromosomal fusion. The discovery sheds light on cellular growth control and aberrations leading to cancer. Mouse cells lacking Ku develop chromosome fusions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 14, 2000

Research puts sting into drama of virus-cell fusion

Researchers at Purdue University have identified a protein segment crucial for the infection of cells by retroviruses and other viruses. By replacing just one amino acid in this region, they were able to eliminate fusion between the virus and its host cell. This discovery may lead to novel treatments to block the entry of these viruses.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateSep 1, 1999

Experimental Therapy Makes HIV-Infected Cells Commit Suicide

Researchers have successfully developed a novel therapy that uses a fusion protein to selectively kill HIV-infected cells by triggering a chain of suicidal events. This approach has potential applications in treating other infectious diseases such as hepatitis C and malaria, and may also be used to target cancer cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 4, 1999