Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
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.
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 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 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 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.