Top 10 chemistry start-ups
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.
Enzymes
Articles tagged with Enzymes
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A molecular switch links a Scottish mouse, a Finnish patient and Parkinson's disease
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.
Disrupting communication in infectious bacteria
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.
External structure can affect the function of enzymes
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.
Potential drug target for Alzheimer's disease
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 solve mystery surrounding a form of Batten disease
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.
Research: heat-resistant enzymes could produce more cost-effective drugs
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.
Anti-aging molecule NAD+ gets a boost from blocking an enzyme
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.
New CRISPR tool opens up more of the genome for editing
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.
Ancient enzymes the catalysts for new discoveries
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.
En route to custom-designed natural products
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.
Engineered enzyme eliminates nicotine addiction in preclinical tests
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.
Engineered enzyme eliminates nicotine addiction in preclinical tests
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
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.
Common herbicide compound may save millions of lives
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.
Designing a more productive corn able to cope with future climates
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.
'Turbocharging' photosynthesis in corn hikes yield
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.
A Trojan Horse delivery for treating a rare, potentially deadly, blood-clotting disorder
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.
Decoding the structure of an RNA-based CRISPR system
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.
Researchers uncover previously unstudied cancer enzyme
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.
Scanning thousands of molecules against an elusive cancer target
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.
DNA technology provides novel strategy for delivery of complex anti-HIV agent
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.
UTA biochemists study enzymes to provide keys for drug development
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.
Enzyme ducts in the pancreas are formed like rivers
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.
Red or yellow? A simple paper test detects false or substandard antibiotics
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.
Nanobot pumps destroy nerve agents
Researchers create nanobot pumps that neutralize nerve agents and administer antidotes, powered by the enzyme's chemical energy. The technology has applications in medicine, manufacturing, robotics, and fluidics, and could be used to treat diseases like diabetes and deliver targeted treatments.
Gut bacteria provide key to making universal blood (video)
Researchers have discovered a new family of enzymes in the human gut microbiome that can remove red blood cell antigens, enabling the conversion of type A and B blood into universal O-type blood. These enzymes are 30 times more effective than previously studied candidates, paving the way for potential clinical trials.
Maple leaf extract could nip skin wrinkles in the bud
Researchers find that glucitol-core-containing gallotannins from red maple leaves can block elastase activity, maintaining skin elasticity. The findings could lead to the development of plant-based skincare products and create new economic opportunities for farmers in eastern North America.
Scientists identify enzyme that could help accelerate biofuel production
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have identified an enzyme, GPAT1, as a promising target for increasing biofuel production from red algae. The study found that TAG productivity could be increased by more than 56 times in a strain overexpressing GPAT1 without negative effects on algal growth.
A unique combination of catalysts opens doors to making useful compounds
Researchers have developed a new method for making valuable compounds by combining enzymatic and photocatalysts. The study, published in Nature, found that this combination can create important active pharmaceutical intermediates for producing pharmaceutical drugs.
Creation and selective functionalization of virus-like polymer particles
Scientists at Tohoku University successfully developed a method to create virus-like polymer particles with various nanostructures, which can be selectively functionalized. This technology has potential applications in immunoassay systems, drug delivery, and enzymatic reactions.
Scientist receives $708,044 grant from Florida Department of Health to study metastasis
A researcher at Florida Atlantic University has been awarded a grant to develop novel compounds that inhibit enzymes contributing to cancer spread. The focus is on melanoma and breast cancer, with the goal of creating effective anti-cancer therapeutic agents.
How to make the gene-editing tool CRISPR work even better
Researchers found that Cas12a is a more choosier enzyme than Cas9 due to its binding mechanism, making it less likely to edit the wrong part of the genome. This discovery could lead to improved gene editing in plants and animals with increased safety for human applications.
Mysterious DNA modification important for fly brain
A team of Emory scientists has identified an enzyme that removes N6-methyladenine from Drosophila DNA, crucial for neuronal development. The finding provides insights into the role of this modification in humans, particularly in relation to Polycomb proteins.
Breakthrough in industrial CO2 usage
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed an enzymatic process to produce methionine from gaseous CO2, replacing the current petrochemical-based method. The new process requires just two enzymes and has a yield of 40 percent, compared to photosynthesis which uses 14 enzymes with only a 20 percent yield.
Enzyme lays the foundations for allergic immune response
Researchers found that guanylate cyclase enzyme plays a crucial role in the allergic immune response, and its inhibition can lead to reduced symptoms. The study used knock-out mice lacking this enzyme to show that Th1 responses can suppress Th2 responses, resulting in weaker allergy symptoms.
Unwrapping the brewing secrets of barley
Researchers at the University of Adelaide found a link between enzymes involved in malt production and a specific tissue layer within barley grains. The study showed that grains with more aleurone had increased enzyme activity, which could lead to improved brewing processes and new malts.
Study describes enzyme's key role in immune response to Chagas disease parasite
Researchers found that PI3Kγ expression increases during T. cruzi infection, essential for avoiding excessive inflammation and controlling heart parasitemia. The enzyme's absence in macrophages impairs their ability to kill parasites and control inflammation.
Enzyme discovery could help in fight against TB
Scientists have discovered a key structural motif in the tuberculosis NagA enzyme, providing a promising drug target. The research aims to design specific molecules to block its function and inhibit the critical pathway, potentially leading to new TB therapeutics.
Researchers discover new enzyme paradigm for critical reaction in converting lignin to useful products
A team of international researchers has discovered a new family of cytochrome P450 enzymes that can convert lignin into valuable products. The discovery represents a new class of P450s, Family N, with a two-component architecture.
A pretty plant of summer produces a promising anti-diabetes compound
Scientists have identified a promising plant compound, montbretin A, that inhibits pancreatic alpha-amylase activity and reduces blood glucose levels. The discovery of the biosynthetic pathway for this compound lays the groundwork for its potential use as an anti-diabetes drug.
Enzyme may get key role in drug design for breast cancer and brain condition
Researchers have identified TLK2 enzyme as a key player in several diseases, including breast cancer and intellectual disability. The study suggests that inhibiting the enzyme may be an effective therapy approach.
New 'promiscuous' enzyme helps turn plant waste into sustainable products
A new family of enzymes has been discovered that can convert plant waste into high-value products such as nylon and bioplastics. The research also offers additional environmental benefits by creating products from lignin, a previously waste material.
Novel genetic method improves efficiency of enzyme
Researchers developed a new genetic engineering technique to improve an enzyme's ability to break down biomass. The EASy method enables accelerated evolution of desirable traits in microorganisms, leading to more efficient conversion of lignin into fuels and plastics.
Enzyme boost could hasten production of biofuels and other bioprocessed materials
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a more efficient enzyme that can break down plant-based biomass 30 times faster than current methods. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more environmentally friendly biofuel production, as well as more efficient plastic recycling.
Pulses raised as new study reveals secrets of the plant that keeps people calm
A new study has identified the genetic networks behind a critical catalyst called a sarpagan bridge enzyme in Indian Snakeroot, a plant used for millennia in South and South East-Asia as a tranquilizer. The discovery could lead to faster routes to treatments for abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, and some mental disorders.
Low-cost plastic sensors could monitor a range of health conditions
Researchers developed a low-cost sensor made from semiconducting plastic that can measure critical metabolites in sweat, tears, saliva, or blood. The sensor offers higher sensitivity compared to traditional metal electrodes and can be easily modified to detect various metabolites.
Princeton chemists teach an enzyme a new trick, with potential for building new molecules
Researchers at Princeton University have found a way to make a naturally occurring enzyme take on a new role, enabling the catalysis of non-natural reactions. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new enzymatic reactions and potentially more cost-effective chemical catalysis.
DNA enzyme shuffles cell membranes a thousand times faster than its natural counterpart
Researchers created a synthetic DNA enzyme that outperforms naturally occurring enzymes by three orders of magnitude, flipping lipids in cell membranes and inducing cell death in cancer cells. The new enzyme is poised to be used for personalized therapeutics and treatments.
New therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of resistant malignant melanoma
A team of researchers has identified a new family of enzymes that modify transfer RNAs in malignant melanoma, leading to addiction and resistance. Inhibiting these enzymes synergizes with targeted therapies to produce a strong anti-tumoral effect.
Simple sugar delays neurodegeneration caused by enzyme deficiency
Researchers discovered that trehalose increases cellular waste disposal and improves neurological symptoms in MPS IIIB mice. The study found that trehalose delayed retinal degeneration, vision loss, and improved lifespan by activating a master regulator of the lysosomal system.
Enigma of fatty acid metabolism solved: Enzyme shape controls its activity
The University of Basel researchers have solved the mystery of how the ACC enzyme assembles into distinct filaments, revealing its impact on enzymatic activity and fatty acid production. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing selective ACC inhibitors to combat diseases linked to metabolic syndrome.
Breakthrough in lignin research: Spherical particles multiply enzyme efficiency
Researchers at Aalto University discovered that regulating lignin particle surface charge enables enzymes to adhere and multiply in efficiency. The breakthrough paves the way for using lignin as a sustainable material in industries.
Manipulated enzymes
Researchers at TU Graz have achieved a breakthrough in biocatalysis by manipulating an enzyme to create ring-shaped molecules. This innovation enables the production of novel pharmaceuticals and plant protection products with high enantiomeric purity, opening doors for sustainable 'green' chemistry.
Enzyme found to control formation of collagen carriers and inhibit collagen secretion
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology identified USP8 as a key enzyme controlling large collagen carrier formation. The enzyme inhibits collagen secretion when active, promoting its transport instead.
Self-sustaining loop of chemical reactions could revolutionize drug production
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have created a self-sustaining circuit of reactions that produces chemicals more efficiently through a looped set of reactions using enzymes in flow. This method reduces environmental waste, is self-sustaining, and produces higher-quality end products.
New technology for enzyme design
Researchers at University of Würzburg develop new technology to redesign enzyme surfaces, increasing efficiency and selectivity in biochemical reactions. The modified enzymes can convert table sugar into a fructose polymer, with potential applications in medicine and the food industry.
Discovery reveals how cells try to control levels of key HIV protein
Researchers discovered a small molecule that destroys HIV protein Tat, which is responsible for revving up the virus. The molecule reveals proteins in host cells that can potentially target Tat and halt its replication process. This finding offers new insights into the biology of HIV and potential targets for therapy.
Goodbye 'stress granules': Study expands possibilities for treating neurological diseases
Researchers have gained insights into stress granules, clumps of RNAs and proteins that form when cells are stressed, linking them to neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals the critical role of two enzymes, USP5 and USP13, in disassembling stress granules, which could lead to innovative treatments.
Computer redesigns enzyme
University of Groningen biotechnologists successfully redesigned aspartase enzyme using computational method, producing kilograms of pure building blocks for pharmaceuticals and other bioactive compounds.