Articles tagged with Enzymes
The study analyzed how enzymes work and reconstructed the evolutionary history of metabolic networks, showing they became less random and more organized over time. The researchers created a database called MANET, which revealed that early metabolic pathways were more random and less efficient than present-day ones.
A new study on an enzyme crucial for photosynthesis has uncovered a structural understanding of how light activates chlorophyll synthesis. The researchers discovered how the enzyme captures light and channels it to drive a biological reaction, paving the way for bioengineering artificial light-activated enzymes.
A new study reveals that PGV-1, an analogue of turmeric's curcumin, effectively suppresses tumor cell growth and causes cell death in various types of cancers. The compound's ability to selectively target cancer cells with minimal side effects may lead to breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
Researchers identify previously unknown proteins that suppress trypsin activity, protecting tapeworms from digestive enzymes. The discovery sheds light on the molecular diversity of tapeworms and their ability to evade host immune systems.
Scientists discovered that bacterial cell division requires both mechanical and biological processes. The study found that a build-up of mechanical stress in the cell wall is necessary before division occurs, and can even be triggered by physical pressure.
Researchers at the University of Dundee have discovered an enzyme that could prevent Group A Streptococcus infections by inhibiting a carbohydrate coating on the bacterium's surface. The discovery offers new opportunities for developing antimicrobial drugs with minimal off-target effects.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have obtained 3D structural snapshots of the enzyme Cdc34, a key regulator of cell growth and activity. The team found unique features that could be targeted to develop novel cancer therapeutics with precision.
A new strategy to treat Parkinson's disease has been developed by amplifying healthy GCase enzymes, alleviating symptoms in both human brain cells and mouse models. This approach may be relevant for multiple forms of PD with reduced activity of wild-type GCase.
Researchers at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have created a single system that can diagnose and treat viral infections using Cas13, a CRISPR RNA-cutting enzyme. The system, called CARVER, reduces viral RNA levels by up to 40-fold in human cells.
Colon cells use an enzyme called SQR to convert hydrogen sulfide into CoA persulfide, allowing prioritization of poisonous gas clearance over energy production. A diet lacking in fiber may exacerbate the effects of hydrogen sulfide or ability to detoxify it.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease causes damage to the peripheral nervous system, affecting balance and motor skills. Researchers found that mutated enzymes take on an unusual shape, leading to unwanted interactions with nearby proteins and potential disease severity.
A German-Australian team of researchers has successfully converted carbon dioxide into ethanol and propanol using metallic nanoparticles, also known as nanozymes. This breakthrough is based on the principle of enzyme cascade reactions, where complex molecules are produced from comparatively simple raw materials.
Dr. Jin Liu is working on a $437,864 grant to develop more precise gene editing using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, aiming to reduce off-target effects and increase on-target effectiveness for treating life-threatening diseases such as cancer, eye diseases, and sickle cell anemia.
A new filter developed at the University of Exeter can degrade and dissolve plastic microfibres released during washing, which account for over a third of ocean microplastics. The smart filter catches microfibres and uses enzymes to break them down into safe compounds.
Researchers observed flavobacteria forming tubes and then strings of pearls, which capture and break down laminarin sugar for nutrition. This ecological strategy appears successful, as the bacteria are found in large numbers after algal blooms.
Researchers discovered a bacterial enzyme that removes Neu5Gc from cells, potentially preventing inflammatory diseases. A new type of sialidase was found in the gut microbiomes of mice fed with red meat-like diet, which can be leveraged to strip away animal carbohydrates.
Fungi's genes encode enzymes that use simple building blocks to build complex molecules through a decade-long collaborative research effort, revealing a surprising Diels-Alder reaction. This discovery opens paths for improving chemical reactions and harnessing the enzyme to create new compounds with biological activities.
Researchers found that Leishmania parasites protect themselves from starvation by making an unusual carbohydrate reserve called mannogen, which enables their survival within human hosts. This discovery provides a new understanding of the parasite's metabolism and could lead to the development of new therapies for Leishmaniasis.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new biochemical trick used by microbes to produce an antimicrobial compound effective against malaria. The discovery reveals a completely unknown production pathway, which may lead to the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods for producing similar compounds.
Researchers have visualized the atomic structure of the metabolic enzyme transhydrogenase (NNT) using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals the enzyme's channel gating mechanism and has implications for understanding metabolic regulation and developing novel therapies.
Researchers at UAB aim to understand the biological changes underlying major depressive disorder by studying RNA chemical modifications. They will analyze postmortem brain tissue for changes in mRNA methylation and its impact on gene expression.
Researchers discovered that tryptase enzyme causes blood vessel leakage in severe dengue, leading to shock and bleeding. A possible new treatment strategy using nafamostat mesylate is being explored to prevent hemorrhaging and reverse shock.
A new UNC School of Medicine study found elevated levels of protease enzymes in e-cigarette users' lungs, similar to those seen in smokers with emphysema. Nicotine is believed to be the cause of this reaction, which could lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and shortness of breath.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute develop CRISPR-responsive smart materials that can release bound cargo, change structures, or regulate electric circuits. These materials have potential for novel theranostic strategies, point-of-care diagnostics, and regional monitoring of epidemic outbreaks.
Using a new technique called DOMINO, MIT researchers can store and record complex 'memories' in the DNA of living cells. The system allows for precise editing of DNA bases to encode information, enabling scalable and defined memory systems similar to silicon-based computers.
Researchers discovered that Toxoplasma gondii requires linoleic acid to complete its sexual phase of life, a nutrient found at high levels in feline intestines. The finding may lead to the development of treatments to reduce the spread of toxoplasmosis from cats to humans.
Researchers at Michigan State University have created a synthetic nano-sized factory using a new shell protein that can be controlled to direct useful enzymes inside. The team successfully produced factory shells with the new protein, allowing them to incorporate molecules and control cargo imports.
Researchers discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces a unique type of antacid that prevents phagosomes from fusing with lysosomes, allowing the bacteria to survive. The mechanism involves the production of 1-tuberculosinyladenosine, an acid that reduces acidity and hinders immune cell digestion.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new CRISPR-Cas method that can modify up to 25 target sites within genes in a single step. This technology enables targeted, large-scale cell reprogramming by systematically modifying entire gene networks, with potential applications in basic research and cell replacement therapy.
Researchers at USF have developed a biologically-based technique to transform greenhouse gases into usable chemical compounds, reducing dependence on petroleum and lowering carbon footprint. The method utilizes human enzymes to convert specific one-carbon materials into complex compounds used in various products.
Researchers developed a synthetic catalyst that produces chemicals like methanol using less energy, a cheaper alternative to gasoline. The catalyst mimics the function of natural enzymes in the laboratory, showing promise for industrial applications.
A team of researchers from the John Innes Centre and Stanford University has uncovered new genes that encode the high-value chemistry of limonoids. The discovery opens the door to metabolic engineering, allowing for large-scale production of limonoid pharmaceuticals and possible development of insect-resistant crops.
Researchers at Chiba University successfully recreated the metabolic evolution of plants producing alkaloids by inserting a gene into a model plant. This method identifies newly generated substances, including cadaverine, 5-aminopentanal, and δ-valerolactam, which can be used to produce new compounds for drug industries.
Researchers have developed a biochemical approach to control the conversion of natural gas into liquid fuel, overcoming challenges in selective hydroxylation of methane and propane. This method uses an artificial P450 system driven by hydrogen peroxide, showing comparable or better catalytic properties than known enzymes.
A team of scientists has discovered previously unknown binding sites on a bacterial enzyme that could guide novel approaches to antibiotic design. The researchers identified key sections of the MraY enzyme that can be targeted with new drugs to inhibit the spread of certain bacterial infections.
Scientists at Goethe University have elucidated the interaction of bacterial effectors, revealing how regulator SidJ controls virulence factors. The discovery sheds light on Legionella's ability to multiply in immune cells and offers potential strategies for inhibiting its spread.
University of Illinois Professor Nenad Miljkovic validated the antimicrobial efficacy of John Boos & Co.'s proprietary cutting boards and companion board oil and cream. The study found that application of the Mystery Oil and Board Cream created an antimicrobial, hydrophobic surface that killed bacteria after three hours.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a novel biosynthetic pathway in bacteria that can produce therapeutic compounds. The pathway, found in Pseudomonas syringae, combines elements of both ribosome-based and enzyme-mediated synthesis, allowing for efficient production of natural products.
The ABCE1 enzyme is essential for ribosome recycling, allowing cells to maintain protein quality and homeostasis. Its structure can adopt three conformations to boost recycling, influencing the interaction with ribosomes and ATP.
A clinical trial is underway to treat acid attack victims with a revolutionary new approach using collagenase enzyme. The treatment aims to restore sight by softening the underlying tissue and allowing stem cells to repair damage.
A study by Clemson researchers found that the Cyp2b gene is associated with obesity and fatty liver disease in male mice, regardless of diet. The discovery suggests that enzymes involved in detoxification may play a role beyond diet and exercise in weight management and metabolic health.
Scientists from Tokyo University of Science have discovered exactly how cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is generated, revealing its crucial role in tumor progression. The study's findings suggest that cfDNA can be targeted using DNase1L3, a novel molecule to prevent tumor metastasis and thrombosis.
A deep learning-powered computational framework called DeepEC has been developed to predict enzyme commission numbers with high accuracy and efficiency. It uses convolutional neural networks and homology analysis to identify EC numbers, which is essential for understanding enzyme functions.
Researchers captured high-resolution images of a gene-editing tool called CRISPR-Cas9 using cryo-EM technology, revealing new information about its mechanism. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient and precise versions of the enzyme to correct disease-causing DNA mutations.
Scientists have identified a marine bacterium that can break down the polysaccharide ulvan from sea lettuce into fermentable monosaccharides. This discovery opens up new possibilities for biotechnological exploitation of ulvan, particularly in the agrifood and cosmetics industries.
A defective degradation enzyme leads to the accumulation of gangliosides, causing deterioration in patients with storage diseases. Researchers have discovered that genetic disorders can trigger a cascade of consequential damages.
A new family of enzymes has been engineered to break down lignin, a key component of plants, enabling the production of sustainable materials such as nylon and bioplastics. This breakthrough could reduce reliance on oil and lower CO2 emissions.
Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute elucidated the structure of enzymes that remove tyrosine from α-tubulin, revealing a key regulatory cycle in microtubule formation. This discovery holds promise for developing inhibitors to treat diseases like cancer and neurological disorders.
A team of scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has developed an eco-friendly production platform for a blue pigment called indigoidine. The engineered fungus, Rhodosporidium toruloides, produces the pigment with a high yield, using sustainable carbon sources and reducing toxic chemicals.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences crack long-solved mystery by elucidating MPA biosynthetic pathway, revealing unique cooperation between enzymes and catabolic machinery. The study also sheds light on compartmentalized biosynthesis in fungi and plants.
A study published in Science reveals that certain gut bacteria can degrade levodopa, the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease, by converting it into dopamine outside the brain. Researchers identified Lactobacillus brevis as a key player in this process and found a molecule capable of inhibiting the bacterial enzyme responsible. Th...
Researchers at Goethe University have developed a novel method for producing new peptide drugs, using fragments of natural NRPS systems as building blocks. The approach enables the easy production of peptides in excellent yield, with applications for modifying clinically relevant drugs and producing peptide libraries.
A novel enzyme from a soil fungus breaks down β-1,2-glucan into sophorose, revealing its potential role in the symbiosis of bacteria and plants. The discovery sheds new light on the diversity of glycoside hydrolases and their applications.
Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have identified a new sustainable method to produce lifesaving opiate antidotes by harnessing a microorganism that catalyzes N-demethylation, reducing waste and costs associated with current methods.
Researchers discovered that fibrinogen inhibits MMP2, an enzyme important for normal organ development and repair. High levels of fibrinogen may excessively inhibit MMP2, leading to arthritic and cardiac disorders.
Researchers discovered cytochrome P450 enzymes in giant ocean viruses, which may help develop treatments for life-threatening illnesses. The findings, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could also shed light on the biology and origin of these viruses.
Researchers developed a fast and efficient way to engineer metabolic pathways using cell-free protein synthesis and SAMDI mass spectrometry. This enables the creation of thousands of potential mixtures to be tested in a single day, providing new insights for synthetic biologists.
The NMR structure study provides unprecedented insights into the molecular mechanism of Ixolaris' action on Factor Xa, a key enzyme in blood clotting. The results may lead to the development of specific inhibitors that can prevent thrombosis without interfering with other enzymes.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study enzymes in action, allowing for the measurement of spatial positions and conformational changes. This breakthrough enables better understanding of biomolecules and potential insights into enzyme disorders.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have uncovered a critical mechanism that enables segmented RNA viruses to replicate and survive. The discovery provides new potential targets for the development of antiviral drugs, which could help combat emerging and fatal viruses such as Lassa fever and Rift Valley fever.