Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A new biochemical platform has been developed to map the activity of lysine methyltransferases, a family of enzymes promising targets for cancer treatment. The platform enables high-resolution views of how these enzymes selectively mark proteins with chemical tags, leading to potential new therapeutic targets.
A study published in Cell Reports identified an enzyme on the surface of some lung cancer cells that helps feed the cancer, making it a promising treatment target. The enzyme, TMPRSS11B, promotes tumor growth by encouraging lactate export and may be susceptible to antibody or small molecule therapy.
A breakthrough study has demonstrated that long-term effects of spinal cord trauma on breathing and limb function may be reversible. Rats treated with a new therapy regimen regained complete diaphragm and partial forelimb function, with full recovery maintained six months after treatment.
Researchers have determined the structure of an enzyme that helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. A small molecule stimulates LCAT enzyme action, showing promise for treating heart and kidney disease. The study paves the way for potential new therapeutics.
A recent study discovered a genetic regulatory mechanism that controls the production of interferon beta, which causes inflammation and activates immune cells. Interfering with specific enzymes involved in RNA methylation may represent a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have discovered a new central enzyme in the steroid biosynthesis pathway, challenging long-held evolutionary views. The finding has potential applications for controlling toxic algae and parasitic infections in aquaculture.
Researchers from ITMO University developed a method to enhance enzyme activity using radio frequency radiation, resulting in acceleration of enzymatic processes. The technique uses magnetic nanoparticles to adsorb radio emission and convert it to heat, stabilizing the enzyme and allowing for remote control of biochemical systems.
A team of chemists has identified key enzymes in the metabolism of staphylococci, which could be targeted to starve bacteria and develop new antibiotics. The researchers used a novel methodology to isolate and analyze these enzymes, discovering previously unknown targets for new antibiotic development.
A new study by the University of Illinois and Massachusetts Institute of Technology refutes the idea that C4 crops like corn and sugarcane are limited in their ability to produce Rubisco, an enzyme essential for photosynthesis. The researchers found that these crops' chloroplasts have sufficient space to house more than enough Rubisco ...
A team of researchers has successfully replicated the internal channel structures of natural enzymes in metallic nanoparticles, resulting in three times greater catalytic activity. The study focused on the oxygen reduction reaction and found that active centers within the channels enhanced reaction efficiency.
These start-ups are using chemistry to fight disease, control agricultural pests, and make safer lithium-ion batteries. The selected companies have ignited investor interest with their groundbreaking ideas.
A molecular pathway previously studied in laboratory conditions has been verified to be disrupted in Parkinson's disease patients. The study identifies a key enzyme switch that plays a pivotal role in protecting the brain against stress.
The Konstanz research team developed a technique to measure enzyme inhibition in living cells, which allows for the discovery of inhibitors targeting quinolone biosynthesis. Inhibiting this process disrupts bacterial communication and prevents toxin production, blocking infectious properties.
A study published in Communications Biology found that changing an enzyme's surface density can alter its ability to bind different substrates. By swapping single components on the surface, researchers were able to convert one enzyme into another, with implications for biotechnology applications.
Researchers found that a pharmacological inhibitor of HDAC3 reduced amyloid-beta in vulnerable brain regions and improved memory in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that HDAC3 represents a potential drug target for several hallmarks of AD.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a new mechanism for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 8, a form of Batten disease. The study found that the CLN8 protein plays a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of lysosomal enzymes from the endoplasmic reticulum to the lysosome.
A new study suggests that heat-resistant enzymes like Cytochrome P450 can be designed for better and more cost-effective drug production. The enzyme's flexibility at high temperatures may lead to improved drugs for humans, producing them en masse and making them more cost-effective.
Scientists have discovered a way to increase NAD+ levels in the kidney and liver by blocking an enzyme, ACMSD, which limits its production. This breakthrough has shown promise for treating liver and kidney diseases, with enhanced mitochondrial function and improved health outcomes.
Researchers have developed a new Cas9 enzyme that can target almost half of the genome's locations, significantly expanding its potential use. This could enable editing of many more disease-specific mutations, including those responsible for sickle cell anemia.
Researchers from the University of Queensland recreated 450-million-year-old enzymes to accelerate chemical reactions, offering a cheaper alternative to current processes. The ancient enzymes showed improved performance at high temperatures, lasting about 100 times longer than natural enzymes.
Scientists have successfully explained the structure and function of docking domains in peptide natural products. This breakthrough allows researchers to redesign docking domain interactions, modulating the product spectrum of a rhabdopeptide-synthesizing NRPS. The discovery has promising implications for creating new substances.
A new engineered enzyme, NicA2-J1, eliminates nicotine addiction in rats by breaking down nicotine in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain. This approach reduces withdrawal symptoms and prevents relapse, offering a promising smoking cessation treatment.
Researchers test engineered NicA2-J1 enzyme, breaking down nicotine before it reaches brain, reversing signs of nicotine dependence and reducing relapse rates. The treatment shows promise in preclinical tests, potentially offering a new smoking-cessation treatment option.
Artificial enzymes convert solar energy into hydrogen gas using a new method developed by researchers at Uppsala University. The technique utilizes photosynthetic microorganisms with genetically inserted enzymes combined with synthetic compounds, enabling efficient production of renewable hydrogen gas from solar energy.
Researchers discovered a common herbicide compound inhibits key enzyme in fungal species, preventing growth and proliferation of infections. The study offers hope for new treatments to combat drug-resistant fungal diseases.
A team of researchers has successfully engineered a more productive corn variety that can better cope with future climates. By increasing the enzyme Rubisco, which captures CO2 from the atmosphere, they achieved a 15% improvement in crop biomass and CO2 assimilation.
Researchers from Cornell University and the Boyce Thompson Institute found a way to overexpress a key chaperone enzyme called RuBisCO Assembly Factor 1 to increase RuBisCO content in corn. This discovery has the potential to improve photosynthetic efficiency, leading to increased biomass production and reduced environmental footprint.
UAB researchers develop potential therapy for TTP, a rare and deadly blood-clotting disorder, by delivering ADAMTS13 enzyme via platelets. The treatment inhibits thrombus formation in human and mouse blood, showing therapeutic benefit.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered the molecular structure of CRISPR-Cas13d, a promising enzyme for emerging RNA-editing technology. This breakthrough enables scientists to visualize how the enzyme guides and targets RNA, paving the way for new strategies to treat RNA-based diseases.
A new study reveals METTL13's role in controlling protein formation and preventing serious disorders like cancer and Alzheimer's. The researchers' breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted methods and drugs to ensure the enzyme functions correctly.
Researchers at NCATS developed a new system to accelerate the discovery of chemical compounds that inhibit NSD2, an enzyme implicated in multiple cancers. The team tested over 16,000 compounds and identified 44 promising inhibitors.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute developed a novel strategy for delivering complex anti-HIV immunoadhesins using synthetic DNA technology, achieving robust and long-term in vivo expression. This breakthrough enables the production of functional eCD4-Ig immunoadhesin with enhanced potency.
Researchers are mapping the function of specific enzymes that may facilitate the development of new drugs to fight bacterial infections and cancer. The study could also potentially help against neurodegenerative diseases such as autism, Down syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's.
Researchers studied pancreas duct formation in mice and found that the network resembles road networks, with stronger ducts expanding and weaker ones shrinking. This study may lead to better understanding and treatment of cystic fibrosis and other diseases involving abnormal duct formation.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a cheap and easy-to-use detection device that can quickly identify counterfeit antibiotics. The device uses a simple paper-based test to detect the presence of antibiotics, with a strip turning red if a falsified sample is present.