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A molecular system with potential to target DNA structures associated with cancer

A team at CiQUS has created a molecule that self-assembles into fibrous materials, becoming active upon stimulation by cobalt ions. The molecule selectively binds to DNA three-way junctions, opening new opportunities for spatiotemporal control in targeted anticancer therapies.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 23, 2025

Towards gene-targeting drugs capable of targeting brain diseases

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have made breakthroughs in delivering gene-targeting compounds to the brain, using cholesterol-modified oligonucleotides that can penetrate the cerebral cortex beyond the blood vessels. This could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as brain cancers.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025

A protein from tiny tardigrades may help cancer patients tolerate radiation therapy

Researchers have developed a new strategy to protect cancer patients from radiation-induced DNA damage using a protein from tardigrades. The approach makes use of messenger RNA encoding the protein, which is delivered to patient tissues before radiation treatment. This reduces double-stranded DNA breaks by 50% in mouse models.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 26, 2025

KAIST uncovers the principles of gene expression regulation in cancer and cellular functions​

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.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2025

Novel molecular insights into bone remodeling

Researchers identify Fam102a as a key regulator of both osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, leading to enhanced osteoblast formation and bone volume. The study reveals significant protein-protein interactions involving Fam102a and Kpna2, shedding light on the critical molecular interactions involved in bone remodeling.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

Study sheds light on the origin of the genetic code

A recent study revises our understanding of the universal genetic code's evolution, suggesting that early life preferred smaller amino acids over larger ones. The researchers found that amino acids with aromatic ring structures were incorporated into the code later than previously thought, offering clues about other extinct genetic codes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Researchers offer alternative to hydroxyurea in study of DNA replication process

Researchers at Colorado State University have identified an alternate method to study changes during the DNA replication process in lab settings using genetically modified yeast. This new approach provides a less toxic and quickly reversible alternative to hydroxyurea, allowing for better insight into cell cycle arrest mechanisms.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2024

UMass Amherst researchers ID body’s ‘quality control’ regulator for protein folding

UMass Amherst researchers have identified the 'quality control' regulator for protein folding, a crucial process that ensures essential cellular functions. The discovery of this regulator, Sep15, could lead to new treatments targeting misfolded proteins associated with diseases like Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2024

USC researchers develop AI model that predicts the accuracy of protein–DNA binding

A new AI model, Deep Predictor of Binding Specificity (DeepPBS), can accurately predict protein-DNA binding across different types of proteins. This tool allows for the prediction of binding specificity from protein-DNA complex structures, reducing the need for high-throughput sequencing or structural biology experiments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2024

Research shows how RNA 'junk' controls our genes

Researchers at Arizona State University created a detailed map of the 3'UTR regions of RNA in C. elegans, revealing crucial elements for gene regulation and protein production. The study provides valuable insights into the machinery of gene control, shedding light on fundamental biological processes essential to human health and disease.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

Master autoimmune regulator gets by with a little help from its friends

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have reclassified Foxp3 as a transcriptional cofactor, revealing its reliance on DNA-binding proteins to regulate the immune system. This discovery has significant implications for future T-cell engineering and potentially treating autoimmune diseases.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

UAB researchers uncover protein SRSF1’s uncommon ability to bind and unfold RNA G-quadruplexes

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered that the protein SRSF1 can bind and unfold complex RNA Guanine-quadruplexes. This finding could provide new avenues for treating illnesses such as cancer, which is often linked to misfunctioning splicing processes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

A new antibody capture method reveals G-quadruplex landscape and its regulation

Researchers developed an improved method for G4 landscape determination, revealing that sequence property-specific constraints in the nuclear environment mitigate G4 formation. The technique, AbC G4-ChIP, captures G4s efficiently without bias, showing that depletion of a repeat-binding protein enhances net G4 capture at specific sites.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2024

Moderation surpasses excess

The study identifies FAM53C as a cytosolic-anchoring inhibitory binding protein of the kinase DYRK1A, regulating its activity and cellular location. This finding may provide potential clinical insights into treating Down syndrome and related diseases.

SourceKyoto University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023