Articles tagged with Enzymes
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 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.
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.
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.
The study found that Moringa leaves contain 30 times more iron and 100 times more calcium than spinach, making them a rich source of essential nutrients. The tree's roots and stem parts also exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential as a superfood.
A recent study by Cornell University has discovered a strong correlation between the AMY1 gene, which breaks down starch, and specific gut bacteria. This finding suggests that people with more copies of this gene may have benefited from increased starch digestion during times of scarcity.
A wearable system developed at KAUST can detect glucose and lactate levels in sweat, providing insights into blood sugar problems and oxygen deficiencies. The device uses a stretchy patch with MXene-based electrodes that can be repeatedly swapped out for improved detection accuracy.
Yu-ming Huang and Abhay Thakur have been awarded the Protein Science Best Paper Award for their pioneering work on biomolecular diffusion and protein folding. Their research has shed new light on the importance of diffusional channeling in metabolism, signaling, and other cellular processes.
Researchers developed a method to detect and edit DNA methylation in individual mouse oocytes, enabling predictions of offspring phenotype. The technique allows for correction of genetic disorders, such as Angelman syndrome, and may facilitate study of epigenetic information.
Researchers have developed an enzyme-like heterogeneous TiO2 photocatalyst with high catalytic activity for hydrogen production. The catalyst's unique enzymatic characteristics enable it to efficiently convert light energy into H2, rivaling the performance of expensive Pt-TiO2 photocatalysts.
Researchers have decoded the structure of MHETase, an enzyme that breaks down PET plastics into their basic building blocks. This discovery paves the way for developing more efficient enzymes to recycle PET, a key step towards a circular economy and mitigating plastic waste.
Researchers develop new microscope, SCATTIRSTORM, to study cellulase and plant cell wall dynamics for more efficient biofuel production. The microscope enables high temporal resolution and spatial resolution, allowing for detailed understanding of enzyme activity.
A recent study by scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory has revealed the mechanistic details of a protein involved in the assembly of lignin, a key cell-wall component. The discovery identifies an electron shuttle protein that delivers fuel for the construction of one specific type of lignin building block.
Researchers at University of the Basque Country have discovered that vitamin B12 inhibits the LRRK2 enzyme, a key target for developing treatments for hereditary Parkinson's. The study shows promise for a new class of neuroprotective therapies.
The study reveals the full structure of human ACLY at high resolution, paving the way for targeted drug development. ACLY inhibition could provide a better approach for treating cancer and metabolic disorders.
A new study sequencing the milkweed bug genome has revealed a link between diet and wing development, as well as toxic pigmentation. The research also highlights differences in metabolic enzymes between insects with specialized diets, offering insights into their biology and potential strategies for integrated pest management.
Researchers are exploring RNA editing as a way to treat diseases without permanent genetic changes. This approach uses an enzyme called ADAR to make precise edits to RNA, which can be reversible and avoid the risks of CRISPR.
Researchers developed BridgIT, a tool that annotates proteins for 93% of enzymatic reactions, filling gaps in metabolic networks. The tool correctly predicts enzymes for 211 out of 234 non-orphan reactions and 334 out of 379 hypothetical reactions.
Researchers found that C. elegans can acquire the molybdenum cofactor (Moco) by consuming E.coli bacteria, a molecule essential to enzyme function. This ability offers potential therapeutic avenues for treating Moco deficiency, a rare human genetic disorder.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found that chromatin changes quickly in response to low oxygen, preceding gene expression activation. This discovery sheds light on how cells respond to oxygen deprivation and may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found that a blood-clotting protein called thrombin can degrade nerves, but nerve-supporting glial cells like Schwann cells block its effects. This discovery could have implications for diseases such as ALS, MS, and Alzheimer's.
A new class of oral cholesterol-lowering drug bempedoic acid has shown effectiveness in reducing LDL cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. The treatment is well-tolerated, with minimal side effects, making it a potential option for patients unable to take statins.
Researchers identified 1,544 enzymes that play a key role in wheat's defense against fungal infections. The study found that proteases are involved in cell death induced by infection, but contradicting the current understanding that caspase-like enzymes initiate this process.
A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum has identified a crucial role for a sixth transport step in the regulation of peroxisome function. The study reveals that this step is essential for maintaining the balance between import and export of enzymes, preventing diseases such as infant mortality
A study published in Nature Communications found that an inhibitor of ACVR1 slows tumor growth and increases survival in an animal model of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Researchers believe this enzyme mutation cooperates with a histone mutation to initiate tumor development.
Scientists from two French teams have identified 79 new 'sugar cleavers' enzymes using bioinformatics methods, expanding the known families to over 200. These enzymes can serve as tools in domains like bioenergy, cosmetics, and nutrition.
Researchers have discovered a way to block the VCC-1 enzyme, which disables a new antibiotic resistance gene found in benign Vibrio cholerae strains. The discovery uses Avibactam, a US FDA-approved combination drug, to effectively combat the resistant bacteria.
A study by LMU Munich microbiologists identified an enzyme crucial for Helicobacter pylori's ability to regulate gene expression and adapt to its environment. The discovery sheds light on the bacterium's genetic diversity and its impact on human health, including the development of stomach cancer.
Researchers have discovered that removing arginase 2 enzyme reduces neuron death and degeneration of nerve fibers in the retina after optic nerve injury. The study found that deleting this enzyme decreases inflammation and promotes recovery, suggesting it as a potential treatment target.
Acarbose, a type II diabetes drug, changes the gut microbiome in a reversible and diet-dependent way, according to new research. The findings suggest that more attention should be paid to how medications affect the gut microbiome, particularly for diabetes treatments.
A team of Harvard researchers has unraveled the process by which bacteria manufacture streptozotocin, a key compound used to treat pancreatic cancer. The study reveals an iron-dependent enzyme with two domains that catalyze different steps in the production of nitrosamine compounds.
A novel glycyl radical enzyme has been discovered in Bilophila bacteria, responsible for degrading taurine and producing toxic hydrogen sulphide. The enzyme's oxygen-sensitivity and role in intestinal barrier permeability and colon cancer are being further investigated.
Researchers discovered rhomboid enzymes can move quickly through cell membrane by warping surroundings, allowing them to glide rapidly across. This ability enables them to scour the membrane for targets to cut, providing real-time signals to other cells.
Researchers developed a designer enzyme with an unnatural aniline side chain, increasing its activity by a factor of 90. Directed evolution led to variants with higher conversion rates, showing the potential for this method in producing highly effective enzymes.
Researchers created membraneless protocells that facilitate chemical reactions, providing insights into the prebiotic 'RNA world'. These assemblies concentrate RNA molecules and enzymes, allowing them to participate in fundamental chemical reactions.
Scientists at MCG are studying a new treatment target for retinal damage, characterized by blood vessel disruption leading to vision loss. They believe the key lies in arginase 1, an enzyme that helps regulate inflammation, which can be either damaging or reparative.
A research team led by Professor Jaeheung Cho has found a new active intermediate synthesized in the oxidation process using biomimetic catalysts and artificial oxidants. This discovery clarifies the oxidation mechanism and clears the long-standing debate on the role of metal-iodosylbenzene intermediates.
Researchers have identified 10 genes encoding transaminases, which can synthesize compounds with special chirality. This breakthrough could aid bioprospecting and genetic engineering programs to produce new medicines.
The University of Warwick has identified the enzyme DGAT1, which controls how much fat is added to particles released by the liver. Inhibiting this enzyme allowed scientists to 'slim down' particles and load them with less fat, reducing the amount of 'bad' cholesterol in the blood.
Scientists have discovered how COQ9 binds to aromatic isoprene lipids, accessing membranes through an amphipathic helix. This finding presents new insights into the production of CoQ and may inform strategies to treat lipid deficiency disorders.
Cyanobacteria assemble intricate carboxysomes to concentrate carbon dioxide, improving RubisCO efficiency. Researchers discovered that CcmM binds to RubisCO enzymes in a non-traditional manner.
A nearly 30-year mystery has been solved by Rutgers and international scientists, who discovered the molecular machinery that produces potent antibiotic microcin B17. The findings provide tools to design new antimicrobials and anticancer drugs.
Researchers have identified a key molecule named PI3K alpha that binds to gelsolin and suppresses its enzyme activity, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy. The discovery offers potential for targeted therapies in patients with heart failure.
Researchers have designed a new Cas9 enzyme, ProCas9, that can be controlled by specific enzymes present in cells or viruses. This allows for more accurate and precise gene editing with added security. The technology has potential applications in treating diseases and improving crop resistance to viral pathogens.
Researchers discover ADAR1 enzyme promotes cancer cell resistance to treatment by hyper-mutating tumor suppressor RNAs. This enzyme may provide a molecular radar for early detection of malignancies and represent a new therapeutic target for preventing cancer cell resistance.
A new review in Frontiers in Pediatrics suggests that microbial transglutaminase, a common food additive, could be both the cause and trigger of autoimmune attacks leading to celiac disease. The enzyme modifies gluten fragments, which are then recognized by the immune system as foreign, triggering an immune response.
A novel mechanism regulating cellular injury by phagocytes has been identified through research on myoferlin, a protein involved in calcium-dependent lysosomal exocytosis. Myoferlin deficiency impairs the cytotoxic capacity of phagocytes, leading to increased accumulation of debris and reduced secretion of lysosomal enzymes.
Researchers successfully developed yeast to produce large quantities of stevia, a zero-calorie sweetener, cutting out the need for plant extraction. The study aims to improve the production process and create next-generation no-calorie sweeteners with better taste.
Researchers at UVA Health System have made a breakthrough in understanding human papillomavirus (HPV) and its role in causing cancers. They discovered that the virus relies on a specific enzyme, USP46, to form tumors, making it a promising target for new therapies.
A comprehensive genomic study found that BACE1 and SIRT2 have significant roles in Alzheimer's disease progression, while ADAM10 and SIRT1 levels are lower in affected individuals. The study also reveals correlations between enzyme expression and cognitive performance scores.
Researchers from KIT develop a new biomaterial that enables the use of enzymes for 'green' production of value-added chemicals. The new biomaterial facilitates rapid reactions with low energy consumption, making it an attractive alternative to traditional catalysts.
Researchers at John Innes Centre discovered the two-step process by which catnip produces nepetalactone, a terpene that sends cats into ecstasy. This process may help recreate useful medicines, including vinblastine and vincristine, more efficiently.
Researchers have identified a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease by studying fatty acid metabolism. Inhibiting an enzyme involved in generating oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, may offer protection against neurotoxicity.
Research reveals that coffee compounds eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide and caffeine work together to maintain enzyme PP2A activity, dephosphorylating pathogenic α-synuclein proteins. This synergy prevents neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease models.
A team of scientists has uncovered a new compound produced by the bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum, which is found in volcanic hot springs. The discovery reveals that the microbe modifies a previously unknown thiol to produce a compound called N-methyl-bacillithiol, which plays a crucial role in the sulfur cycle. This finding has signif...
Researchers discovered that the Cas10 enzyme, part of the type III CRISPR-Cas system, can selectively target foreign genetic material while avoiding its own DNA. This dynamic regulation enables bacteria to maintain a robust immune response even when invaders mutate their genetic sequences.
Researchers found that curcumin treatment improved muscle function and exercise capacity in mice with heart failure and healthy controls. Curcumin also increased Nrf2 activation and antioxidant enzyme levels, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy to improve quality of life for people with heart failure.