Articles tagged with Enzymes
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Princeton University have discovered the 3D structure and mode of action of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase-1 (DGAT1), a key enzyme in triglyceride synthesis and fat absorption. This finding opens opportunities for designing novel strategies to manage obesity and other metabolic diseases.
Researchers have successfully developed a method to create proteolytically resistant therapeutic peptides that can survive the gastrointestinal tract. This breakthrough enables the development of oral peptide drugs targeting gastrointestinal targets, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Researchers discovered significant antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition in various culinary herbs, including rosemary, oregano, and lemon myrtle. These findings suggest that these herbs may have preventive effects on cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, as well as cognitive decline.
A research team at McGill University has gained a deeper understanding of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), tiny natural machines that produce biologically active compounds. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new potent antibiotics, immunosuppressants and other modern drugs by leveraging bacteria and fungi.
Scientists at Washington State University have discovered candidate genes that could be used to manufacture Taxol more quickly and efficiently. The genes, characterized by lead researcher Mark Lange, will enable engineers to develop organisms that can produce the cancer-fighting drug.
Researchers have successfully created plants that produce their own visible luminescence through the insertion of DNA from mushrooms. The plants glow brightly and continuously throughout their lifecycle, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional lighting sources.
Enzyme structure varies depending on whether it's measured in a test tube or a living cell, according to researchers at the University of Bonn. This fundamental principle has implications for drug research and studies involving biomolecules.
Scientists at Forschungsverbund Berlin found that anti-oxidative enzymes, particularly SOD2, contribute to the unusual longevity of the corpus luteum in lynxes. This discovery provides important insights into lynx reproduction and may support conservation breeding programs.
Researchers at VTT have successfully broken down FODMAP compounds using enzymes, creating new stomach-friendly plant-based food products. This innovation allows for a more inclusive plant-based diet, reducing the need to avoid healthy foods that contain FODMAPs.
Researchers investigate DPP4 enzyme inhibition as a possible treatment for coronavirus. Preliminary studies suggest that inhibiting the DPP4 enzyme could effectively treat COVID-19, offering new hope for treatment options.
Skoltech researchers have found a new mechanism of bacterial self-defense against microcin C, a potent antibiotic produced by some strains of Escherichia coli. The discovery involves histidine-triad (HIT) superfamily hydrolases, enzymes that break down the antibiotic and render it useless.
A recent study by Professor Michael Schrader and his team has explored the impact of peroxisome alterations on disease. The researchers found that defects in peroxisomal dynamics and division can lead to metabolic disorders, including developmental and neurological abnormalities.
A new therapy targeting Gaucher disease has been discovered using nanovesicles, which can selectively target brain tissue and deliver enzyme replacement therapy without harming healthy cells. This approach shows promise in treating other neurologic conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that intestinal alkaline phosphotase (IAP) helps maintain gut barrier function and reduces systemic inflammation, leading to increased lifespan and reduced frailty. IAP supplementation may have therapeutic potential for conditions linked to the gut and inflammation.
A new decontamination method developed by OSU and NC State University uses hydrogel beads containing bacteria and a slow-release food source to transform toxic contaminants into harmless compounds. The system has functioned continuously for over 300 days without maintenance, removing more than 99% of contaminants from groundwater.
Researchers have created a new tool called CHyMErA that enables simultaneous editing of multiple genes and genomic fragments in the same cell. The method uses a combination of Cas9 and Cas12a enzymes to systematically target DNA at multiple positions, allowing for comprehensive analysis of gene cooperation and function.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Science develop a more efficient and cost-effective way to accurately synthesize DNA, increasing accuracy by nearly seven-fold. The new error-correction system uses chemical stabilizers to extend the life of key proteins, reducing costs and labor time.
UC San Diego researchers found that the enzyme SPRK1 plays a crucial role in untangling a sperm's genome by kicking out special packing proteins. This process allows for major reorganization of the paternal DNA and enables the fusion of the mother's and father's half-genomes.
A study published in Immunity identifies an enzyme that blocks self-healing in blood vessels during inflammation, hindering regeneration. Removing this enzyme allows cells to fully regenerate, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for improving endogenous regeneration.
Researchers have visualized the first structure of a lipin enzyme, crucial for triglyceride production, revealing how it regulates fat storage and its role in diseases like heart disease and obesity. The study provides insights into mutations that lead to abnormal triglyceride production.
Cyanobacteria, previously thought to lack oil production ability, can now produce oil from water and carbon dioxide with light. This discovery opens up possibilities for producing animal feed or biofuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made significant breakthroughs in developing new antidotes for certain poisons that can mitigate their effects more efficiently compared to existing remedies. Additionally, a novel system has been designed to direct traffic lights and reduce fuel consumption by identifying the most fuel...
A recent study published in Drug Metabolism and Disposition found that mice with drug-induced liver damage can safely take medications for diabetes, hypertension, and depression at lower doses. This breakthrough suggests that people with damaged livers may be able to continue taking life-saving medications while healing.
A recent study found that bumblebee queens' ability to reproduce and survive is hindered by a lack of sugar in their diets. Queens' fat bodies fail to produce essential enzymes required for metabolism and detoxification from pesticides, leading to reduced lifespans and population decline.
The study reveals the modular design of ALG6, an enzyme responsible for forming lipid-linked oligosaccharides, enabling its adaptation to various substrates. The researchers also developed methods for synthesizing complex glycans in the lab, providing new insights into LLO biosynthesis.
Researchers at UCSF successfully transplanted stem cells into fetal mice carrying a genetic mutation that causes MPS7, a disorder affecting enzyme production. The treatment improved survival rates and helped sustain the fetus through birth, with potential benefits for related metabolic disorders.
Researchers are exploring enzymes' essential features to convert abundant raw materials into usable fuel. PNNL scientists designed an artificial enzyme that converts carbon dioxide to formate, a potential kind of fuel.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered that the overactive LRRK2 enzyme wreaks havoc on motor and cognitive abilities in Parkinson's disease. The team has simulated the activity of the enzyme in the laboratory, visualizing its effects on protein complexes and paving the way for new treatments.
A novel simplified biotechnological route has been developed to convert sugarcane bagasse and wheat straw into fine chemicals. The new process uses a cascade of three catalytic enzymes to release ferulic acid from lignocellulosic biomass and convert it directly into coniferol, resulting in high conversion yields.
A new gene mutation, A143T variant of GLA gene, is associated with an increased risk of Fabry cardiomyopathy. Patients carrying the mutation should initiate treatment to prevent disease progression.
Scientists at Kyushu University found that two enzymes, BGLU28 and BGLU30, play a crucial role in breaking down glucosinolates in plants deficient in sulfur. The study reveals that these enzymes are essential for plant growth under sulfur-deprived conditions.
A fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, has been found to use an enzyme called chitosan deacetylase to alter its cell wall structure, making it invisible to the human immune system. Researchers have identified a new chitosan deacetylase that is crucial for the fungus's ability to evade detection.
Researchers at LMU have determined the structure of a specialized transport system for inserting folded globular proteins into membranes. The system exploits the airlock principle, allowing mitochondria to transfer essential protein Rip1 in its folded state across their inner membrane.
A research team has discovered a possible target for new sleeping sickness drugs using an X-ray laser. The scientists decoded the structure of a key enzyme in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which could lead to a specific drug that kills the parasite.
A University at Buffalo-led research team is studying molecular interactions that enable enzymes to accelerate chemical reactions. The goal is to understand how enzymes perform their job, with a focus on enzyme activation and inhibition.
Scientists have discovered a potential way to halt blinding macular degeneration by targeting an enzyme called Dicer, which is lost with age and leads to damage in the retina. The approach uses gene therapy to restore the enzyme, offering a new treatment option for both dry and wet forms of AMD.
Researchers at IKBFU developed a stable capsule composition for the L-phenylalanine-ammonium lyase enzyme to treat phenylketonuria. The study found that storage temperatures above 25°C significantly decrease enzyme activity, but the optimal temperature remains unknown.
A UC San Francisco-led research team has discovered the first conclusive evidence that natural selection may also occur at the level of the epigenome for tens of millions of years. The study found a particular epigenetic mark on the DNA sequence of Cryptococcus neoformans, which should have disappeared during the age of the dinosaurs.
Researchers at Rutgers University develop innovative ammonia-salt based solvent that rapidly dissolves plant fibers, slashing enzyme use by up to 50-fold. The process can reduce biofuels production costs and extract more lignin from plant waste.
A new mathematical model, ETFL, accurately models enzyme expression and its associated metabolic cost in living cells. The model integrates biochemistry, thermodynamics, and multi-omics data to predict enzyme activity and metabolism.
Researchers found that leukemia cells are 'addicted' to vitamin B6, using it to accelerate cell division. By limiting this enzyme's activity, a new drug could slow or stop cancer growth without harming healthy cells.
A new study published in Nature Plants reveals that there is no simple or universal solution to the problem of engineering plants to cope with the challenges posed by climate change. Higher levels of photoprotection may actually interfere with other mechanisms important for plant growth, and targeted adaptation is a complex task.
Studies in mice and humans with pancreatitis reveal a link between FGF21 deficiency and the disease. Replacement therapy with FGF21 may reverse conditions in about 24 hours, offering a new treatment strategy for acute pancreatitis.
Researchers discovered that DHCR7 inhibitors and intermediate cholesterol metabolite 7-DHC promote IFN-I production and an antiviral response by activating AKT3 and IRF3. This may aid in the development of new drugs to treat viral infections.
Researchers have discovered a new alginate lyase in a heat-loving bacterium that can directly utilize brown algae and ferment its components into ethanol with high-yield. The study has identified previously unknown enzymatic families contributing to bioconversion, shedding light on sustainable seaweed-based biofuel production.
A study reveals that predatory lacewing larvae can tolerate the toxic isothiocyanates produced by caterpillars of the diamondback moth, which are unable to detoxify glucosinolates. This difference in detoxification mechanism has no impact on lacewing fitness or prey choice.
University of Wisconsin-Madison chemists create a novel method for synthesizing large ring-shaped molecules, the backbone of many pharmaceuticals, using foldamers that mimic enzymes' ability to bring molecular ends together and form rings.
Researchers have designed artificial sweetener derivatives that inhibit two tumor-associated enzymes, showing improved activity against cancer cells. These compounds selectively bind to enzymes CA IX and XII, making them potential anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers have discovered an unusual light-dependent enzyme in microalgae that can convert organic waste oils and fats into sustainable biofuels. The goal is to develop a system that can produce drop-in fuels from waste oils and fats, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Researchers discovered a single female pangolin has higher levels of chitinase, an enzyme breaking down insect protein, than other animals. This suggests pangolins have specialized dietary needs and require specific foods when raised in captivity.
A team of researchers at Penn State developed protocells with enzymatic activity, actively moving independently like living cells. High ATP concentrations surprisingly suppress protocell movement by binding to the ATPase enzyme.
A recent study has found that BPA levels in humans are significantly higher than previously estimated, with a 44-fold increase in exposure. The research challenges the safety assumptions of regulatory agencies and highlights the need for more accurate measurement methods.
Enzymes from white rot fungi accelerate lignin breakdown in wood, a key step in carbon cycling. This process is the rate-determining step in the global carbon cycle, with half-life exceeding the age of the universe.
Flinders University researchers have developed a method to enhance plant tolerance to climate change stressors by manipulating mitochondrial respiration. This approach has shown promise in improving plant recovery from drought and high light conditions.
A study by Adrien Guillot et al. found that knockout of the ALDH-2 enzyme in mice reduces excessive but not moderate alcohol seeking activity. Targeting this enzyme specifically in the liver may prevent heavy drinking without affecting moderate consumption.
Researchers have uncovered the critical genetic components responsible for oat's natural defense against soil pathogens, including the notorious Take-all disease. The finding holds significant implications for breeding other crops with similar resistance mechanisms.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a way to monitor enzyme workflows, allowing them to target the amino acid composition of enzymes. This enables more efficient enzyme design, leading to lower drug costs, reduced CO2 emissions, and greener chemistry.
A team of researchers at the University of Arizona has uncovered a previously unknown cellular structure that enables bacteria to rapidly defend against viruses. This newly formed filament increases DNA-cleaving ability by 200 times, making it an essential component of bacterial immune responses.
The University of Adelaide team identified an enzyme that helps produce natural tartaric acid in grapes, enabling winemakers to balance sweetness and acidity. This discovery has the potential to save the Australian wine industry significant sums of money by reducing reliance on expensive additives.
A team of researchers at Penn State developed a way to control the direction of self-propelled protocells using enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions. The protocells can move towards or away from specific chemical signals, enabling targeted drug delivery and reducing the amount of medication required.