Articles tagged with Enzymes
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new treatment for Pompe disease, a genetic condition that affects 1 in 40,000 people in the US. The treatment has been shown to be safer and more effective than current therapy, improving respiratory muscle function, endurance, and overall quality of life.
A new study maps brain regions responsible for alcohol's intoxicating effects, revealing that acetate produced in the brain plays a key role in cognitive impairment. The research also suggests that abnormalities in enzyme production can lead to detrimental effects associated with alcohol misuse.
Researchers identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis' use of rubredoxin B to survive in iron-deficient conditions, helping the bacterium evade the immune system. The study provides new insights into the development of drug resistance and potential targets for therapeutic agents.
A new natural blue food coloring has been developed by converting anthocyanins in red cabbage using a custom enzyme. The discovery could provide an eco-friendly alternative to widely used synthetic blue dyes.
Scientists have developed a novel naturally derived cyan blue colorant from red cabbage anthocyanin pigments, which shows high stability over time. The new compound, Peak 2, can produce both blue and green colors in food products, offering an alternative to synthetic blue dye.
Researchers discovered a link between the mutated enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and increased oxidative stress in mouse models of Folling Disease. This finding may explain some comorbidities found in adult PKU patients and has implications for understanding the disease.
Researchers at Nagoya University discovered a DNA-like molecule called XNA that could be synthesized without enzymes, supporting the hypothesis of an XNA world before the RNA world. The findings suggest that XNAs can carry genetic code stably and potentially transfer genetic information between DNA and RNA.
Researchers discovered that the potato toxin α-solanine is biosynthesized from the spirosolane α-tomatine found in tomatoes. The conversion involves a dioxygenase enzyme called DPS, which can be suppressed with an inhibitor, offering a potential basis for suppressing poisonous compound synthesis in potatoes.
By introducing covalently linked fluorophores into a bacterial photosynthetic enzyme, researchers broadened the enzyme's band of harvestable light wavelengths. This improvement boosts energy conversion efficiency and paves the way for developing an efficient artificial photosynthesis system for solar energy conversion.
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a way to evaluate enzyme lifespan, allowing them to identify enzymes that need improvement. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields by reducing energy spent on replacing worn-out enzymes.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme on the surface of Aspergillus fumigatus that breaks down vital molecule NAD, affecting immune cells and weakening the immune system. The discovery may lead to new treatments for fungal infections.
Researchers at Michigan State University are exploring the impact of climate change on plants' efficiency, focusing on photorespiration, a process that reduces plant productivity. By understanding this phenomenon better, they hope to develop new breeding techniques and improve crop yields.
Higher temperatures can reduce photosynthesis efficiency and hinder plants' ability to regulate CO2 uptake and water loss. Plants with structural features that make them more or less susceptible to heat stress also influence how temperature affects crop yields.
Researchers uncover key mechanism of acyl protein thioesterase APT2's membrane binding and function. APT2 binds membranes through electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic loop, enabling deacetylating proteins.
Researchers at the UAB have designed minimalist biostructures that imitate natural enzymes, carrying out two differentiated and reversibly regulated activities. These peptides can be used to create 'intelligent' nanomaterials with tailor-made combinations of catalytic functions for practical applications.
Scientists at the University of Freiburg have discovered three key enzymes that play a crucial role in synthesizing natural products. These enzymes restructure a chemical precursor molecule to create the carbon backbone of these compounds, which are used for various pharmacological effects.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to combat periodontitis by targeting only the bacteria that cause the disease. The approach uses a test substance that attacks glutaminyl cyclase, an enzyme in the bacteria that plays a special role in metabolism.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute modified E. coli to produce chondroitin sulfate, a drug used to treat arthritis, in an animal-free fashion. The process allows for fast and efficient production of the drug, with potential applications in therapeutics and regenerative medicine.
Researchers found evidence of oxygen-using enzymes in ancient bacteria and archaea, dating back 3 billion years before the Great Oxygenation Event. This suggests that life forms already utilized oxygen long before the main event, which allowed for the evolution of humans and other oxygen-breathing organisms.
A Canadian pilot study on gene therapy for Fabry disease shows the treatment is working and safe, enabling patients to produce normal levels of the defective enzyme. The trial, led by Dr. Aneal Khan, treated five men with a single dose of gene therapy, which resulted in stable patients who are no longer requiring replacement therapy.
Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes childhood dementia and premature death. Researchers are developing a new combination therapy using gene therapy and stem cells to restore metabolic defects in brain cells.
Researchers used DNA origami to analyze ultra-fast movements of CRISPR enzymes, enabling them to understand how they recognize target sequences. This technique will help optimize CRISPR for fewer off-target matches and improve gene editing processes.
The Spinning Disc Mesh Reactor (SMDR) creates chemicals by reacting enzymes on a spinning cloth-covered plate, like a vinyl record. It offers flexibility and scope for batch production, making pharmaceutical companies more responsive to emerging health issues.
A team of scientists at Osaka University has discovered a new protein called QhpG that enables the conversion of amino acid residues on polypeptides into an enzyme cofactor. This finding may lead to the development of novel bioactive peptides and enzymes for bioremediation purposes.
A new method has enabled scientists to study the natural structure of large enzymes, revealing that they function differently than previously thought. This discovery could help better understand certain diseases, including Alzheimer's and those caused by viruses, and potentially lead to new treatment options.
Researchers found that Lactobacillus bacteria use enzymes to manipulate bile acids, creating a favorable gut environment. The type of bile acid and the presence of specific enzymes affect the toxicity of the acids and bacterial survival.
A Danish research team has discovered a new control mechanism in the innate immune system, involving the ITIH4 protein. The study found that ITIH4 inhibits proteases via an unknown mechanism, preventing damage to healthy cells.
A new method has been developed to identify peptides that inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs), enzymes that play a role in cancer development and treatment. The researchers hope to use this method to develop more specific HDAC inhibitors with fewer side effects, leading to improved cancer therapy.
A new genetic disorder, LINKED, has been identified by NIH researchers, characterized by developmental delays and malformations of the brain, heart, and facial features. The disorder is caused by mutations in the OTUD5 gene, which interferes with key molecular steps in embryo development.
Researchers discover that a gel containing GzmB inhibitor VTI-1002 reduces skin blistering by 50% and protects skin integrity, offering hope for targeted treatments for pemphigoid diseases. Current corticosteroids often cause severe side effects, making alternative therapies needed.
Researchers have engineered a new-to-nature metabolic connection, the TaCo pathway, which fixes CO2 instead of releasing it in photorespiration. This synthetic pathway is more energy-efficient than any other proposed alternative, with potential applications in improving crop yield and recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Researchers at the University of Münster developed a strategy to switch DNA functions on and off using light. This allows for better understanding and control of cellular processes, such as epigenetics. The method involves transferring photocaging groups to DNA using protein engineering.
A new Texas A&M AgriLife Research project aims to enable temporary genetic changes in mosquitoes, which then remove themselves from the population. The goal is to test and fine-tune a self-deleting gene technology to control mosquito populations and prevent disease transmission.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa have identified the molecular defects associated with LIC Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes mortality in young children. The study found that small mutations in the NSMCE3 gene affect the Smc5/6 complex's ability to compact DNA, leading to severe defects in DNA repair.
Engineers from Aarhus University and MIT have enabled the biological synthesis of high-yield industry-relevant production of climate-neutral drop-in fuels from biowaste using an unusual light-dependent enzyme. The discovery proves that fatty acyl-CoA is the preferred reactant for the enzyme, leading to a 89% conversion rate into alkanes.
The discovery sheds light on how a subtle deviation in the development process can be detrimental to individual survival and reproductive success. The study reveals that Kdm7a regulates Hox gene expression, which is crucial for embryonal morphogenesis and vertebrate body plan development.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that beta-carotene's full health benefits require an active enzyme to produce vitamin A. The active enzyme BCO1 converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which helps lower bad cholesterol and protect against atherosclerosis.
A preclinical study by University at Buffalo researchers has identified new genes that could be key therapeutic targets for treating Alzheimer's disease. The study found that inhibiting certain enzymes involved in abnormal gene transcription can reverse memory deficits associated with the disease.
A new study by UC Riverside and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has revealed how bacteria control metabolic intermediates, enabling more efficient biofuel production. By understanding this regulation, scientists can design cells that produce desired chemicals while preventing excessive buildup of unwanted products.
A recent study has identified a genetic variation that influences cognition and IQ in people with schizophrenia, suggesting the possibility of developing new therapies to target learning and memory problems. Higher levels of a specific brain chemical were found to be associated with better visual and working memory.
Researchers found that green tea and muscadine grape extracts can inhibit the Mpro enzyme in SARS-CoV-2, while dark chocolate and cacao powder showed reduced activity. The study suggests that these plant compounds could be used to develop new treatments for COVID-19.
A new method enables specific inhibition and removal of DNA methylation at targeted locations using enzymatic photocaging. This technique involves attaching photocages to AdoMet analogues, which are then transferred to methylation sites, allowing for precise control over gene regulation.
Researchers applied CRISPRi technology to understand metabolic robustness in E. coli, revealing mechanisms that buffer enzyme knockdowns. The study identified specific buffering mechanisms across multiple metabolic pathways, paving the way for developing industrially useful microbes with controlled metabolism.
Researchers have uncovered new details of human ribosome maturation, revealing a crucial step in protein synthesis. The study identifies key enzymes and proteins involved in the final trimming step, which is essential for producing functional ribosomes.
A research team at Osaka University has discovered a new enzyme that helps make valuable bioactive saponins, including glycyrrhizin, a potent natural sweetener with antiviral properties. The enzyme discovery opens novel routes for producing these high-value products commercially.
Researchers have successfully installed part of the C4 photosynthetic pathway in rice, paving the way for more efficient and water-use-friendly crop varieties. The breakthrough could increase photosynthesis efficiency by 50% and improve nitrogen use efficiency.
A team of researchers has discovered how an enzyme called UCH37 helps cells get rid of damaged proteins. By removing branchpoints from ubiquitin chains, UCH37 allows proteins to be degraded more efficiently, which could lead to new cancer treatments.
The iSCAN test kit combines virus amplification with a CRISPR-Cas system for effective SARS-CoV-2 detection. It can be completed in under an hour and requires locally manufactured reagents.
Researchers develop model that links movement of predators and prey to segregation of oil and vinegar, expanding theoretical framework from inanimate matter. The model reveals universal characteristics of active living matter, including bacteria, enzymes, and motor proteins.
Researchers at MedUni Vienna's Institute of Pharmacology have isolated a beetroot peptide that inhibits prolyl oligopeptidase, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of protein hormones in the body. The study suggests that this peptide could be a promising drug candidate for treating neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases.
The study highlights the potential of microbial enzymes in addressing global challenges such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular therapy and biofilm-related infections. Bacillary proteases have been shown to exhibit fibrinolytic and thrombolytic properties, making them promising alternatives to existing drugs.
Researchers at ORNL used neutron scattering to create a three-dimensional map of the SARS-CoV-2 enzyme molecule critical to virus reproduction. The study reveals the location of every atom in the protease enzyme, enabling the design of more specific and effective drug inhibitors.
Researchers found that bats lack AIM-2 receptors, which could reduce inflammation and allow viral reservoirs. In vitro experiments showed partial restoration of inflammasome signaling when human AIM-2 genes were introduced into bat cells.
Researchers developed a more efficient way to produce fucosyltransferase VI (FTVI) enzyme, which enhances the homing ability of cord blood stem cells. This breakthrough could improve the effectiveness of cord blood transplants for treating various life-threatening conditions.
Scientists at Harvard's Wyss Institute have created a new method for enzymatic DNA synthesis that uses photolithographic techniques to write digital data into DNA. The approach enables the simultaneous writing of multiple DNA strands with varying sequences, paving the way for high-capacity data storage in DNA.
Researchers compared the DNA of four C3 grass crops and four C4 grass crops to identify regions that control the expression of four enzymes involved in photosynthesis. They found 'activators' that trigger expression in bundle sheath cells and 'repressors' that restrict expression in mesophyll cells.
Researchers developed two molecules that inhibit SARS-CoV-2-PLpro, an enzyme used by the virus for production and immune system disruption. This discovery provides a framework for anti-COVID-19 drug design.
A study on the Orobanchaceae parasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonicum reveals that β-1,4-glucanase enzyme is crucial for both plant parasitism and cross-species grafting. The enzyme facilitates cell-cell adhesion and transport of water and nutrients between the parasite and host plants.
A collaboration between NREL and the University of Portsmouth has led to breakthroughs in understanding how enzymes like PETase and MHETase work together to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The research reveals that combining these two synergistic enzymes significantly improves their ability to break down PET.
Researchers repurpose anti-malarial compounds to target the intestinal parasite Cryptosporidium, killing it in cell cultures and immunocompromised mice. The compounds work by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for protein production within the parasite.