Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
Researchers found that combining biochar with starch accelerates oxytetracycline degradation and reduces its transfer into lettuce, a widely consumed leafy vegetable. The study's results suggest a cost-effective and sustainable solution for reducing antibiotic residues in farmland.
Researchers at the University of Konstanz are developing new methods to modify natural substances using enzymes, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, ecologist Catalina Chaparro-Pedraza is studying how organisms adapt to environmental changes and their impact on ecological resilience.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce sturdy and reusable bioplastics from domestic raw materials, reducing reliance on petroleum-based chemicals. The bioplastics, known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have similar levels of toughness and malleability to traditional plastics, but are infinitely recyclable.
A team of researchers at the University of Toronto has identified a protein, Shikimate kinase-like 1 (SKL1), that enables land plants to convert light into energy through photosynthesis. This discovery holds promise for improved herbicides and increased efficiency of photosynthesis in food crops.
Researchers at IBEC created an artificial cell that migrates towards specific substances like living cells do. The study demonstrates how microscopic bubbles can be programmed to follow chemical trails and explores the core principles behind chemotaxis.
Researchers developed enzyme–PS conjugates that improve PS stability and biocompatibility. Enzyme carriers remodel pathological microenvironments, enabling catalysis-augmented PDT. The study proposed a systematic criterion for assessing binding strength between enzymes and Ce6.
Researchers have developed new artificial nitrite reductases that can precisely generate nitric oxide under conditions relevant to medicine, food safety, and environmental protection. These synthetic catalysts promise low-cost supplements for hypertension or ischemia and precise antibiofilm treatments.
A team of researchers has identified a molecular mechanism regulating the activity of NMTs, enzymes that modify proteins to regulate biological functions. The study reveals a potential new starting point for developing improved drugs targeting certain types of cancer and viral infections.
Researchers at Charité analyzed the laws of enzyme evolution on a large scale, revealing that certain areas change faster than others. The findings have implications for the development of new antibiotics and other medicines.
A team of researchers, led by Bibek R. Karki, traced the evolutionary history of the PRPS enzyme complex to understand its functions and importance in cellular biochemistry. They found that all four enzymes are crucial for cell function and work together to form a large complex.
A randomized clinical trial found that cannabidiol (CBD) administration led to liver enzyme level elevations in 5.6% of participants and potential drug-induced liver injury in 4.9%. Hepatic enzymes returned to normal within weeks after discontinuation. Further research is needed on CBD's long-term effects and safety.
Scientists from the University of Bath have identified two new families of chemical compounds that inhibit alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (MCR) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key enzyme for TB survival. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for TB and potentially other diseases like prostate cancer.
Scientists have introduced an innovative approach to trap enzymes within nanoscale protein compartments, simplifying their use and extending their functional lifespan. This reduces costs and enhances reusability, offering a more sustainable pathway for PET recycling.
The University of Illinois team created a user-friendly process to improve enzyme performance using AI and automated robotics. By predicting sequence changes and testing variants, they increased the activity of two key industrial enzymes by up to 26 times and 90 times.
Scientists at The University of Texas at Arlington identified a new enzyme, IDO1, that plays a crucial role in inflammation and cholesterol regulation. By blocking this enzyme, macrophages regain their ability to absorb cholesterol, offering a potential new way to prevent heart disease.
The study identified two new families of natural compounds, syrilipamides and secimides, produced by the bacterium. These molecules show remarkable toxicity against competing microorganisms, particularly fungi and amoebae. The discovery also highlights the importance of the SecA enzyme in expanding the chemical repertoire of Pseudomona...
Scientists developed a precise, cost-effective way to make chiral ketones for medicines, agrochemicals, and more using photocatalysis. This approach solves the challenge of reaching remote stereocenters in molecules, allowing for eco-friendly production of valuable chemicals.
Researchers discovered that fungal enzymes cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) can efficiently degrade plant biomass, allowing for the extraction of valuable components. This breakthrough suggests a promising method for using diverse, non-edible plant biomass in biotechnology applications.
Researchers have successfully used insects as mini molecule-making factories to create and modify complex molecules, including fluorescent nanocarbons. The 'in-insect synthesis' technique enables the production of functional molecules with unprecedented precision and versatility.
A New Zealand study supports the theory of punctuated equilibrium, which suggests that evolution occurs in short, intense periods followed by long stretches of stability. The research confirms rapid evolutionary change coincides with species branching, potentially leading to its wider acceptance.
Researchers develop peptide-bridged fusion oxidoreductase, reducing NADP input and increasing conversion rates. The enzyme's electrostatic cofactor channeling enhances transportation effectiveness factors, suppressing side reactions.
A high-fat diet leads to metabolic enzyme dysregulation, insulin resistance, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species in cells. Reversing these effects with antioxidants can mitigate damage.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization derived three golden rules to design functional enzymes. These rules prioritize interface coupling, conformational change speed, and reaction dynamics.
Researchers discovered that herpesvirus protein kinases mimic human cyclin-dependent kinases, regulating viral infection and latency. Phosphorylation of the viral enzyme contributes to its survival and persistence, while phosphorylation downregulates its activity, allowing for balance between host survival and viral persistence.
A new study at Stellenbosch University found that blocking the enzymes involved in glycolysis could cut off the malaria parasite's primary energy source and kill it. This approach has shown promise for developing new malaria drugs, particularly against resistant parasites.
Mass General Brigham researchers developed a machine learning algorithm, PAMmla, to predict properties of genome editing enzymes. The approach helps reduce off-target effects and improves editing safety and efficiency, enabling customized enzymes for new therapeutic targets.
Common prescription medications can disrupt sterol biosynthesis, potentially causing developmental disorders. The editorial highlights the need for mandatory sterol biosynthesis screening in clinical practice.
Research found that MPO promotes inflammation and inhibits protective mechanisms in perivascular adipose tissue, leading to poorer vascular function. Inhibiting MPO could be a promising therapeutic approach for obesity-related cardiovascular risk reduction.
Researchers have found that targeting PGM3 can help stop the growth of glioblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor. By blocking this enzyme, tumors can be effectively suppressed.
Researchers found that SIRT2, a previously unknown enzyme, plays a key role in excessive GABA production associated with Alzheimer's disease. This process leads to brain inflammation and memory impairment. By targeting SIRT2, scientists can selectively block its harmful effects on memory without affecting other brain functions.
STITCHR uses an RNA system to replace entire genes, overcoming CRISPR limitations in targeting every mutation. The tool offers a one-and-done approach for gene therapy, addressing cystic fibrosis and other diseases with thousands of mutations.
Researchers have developed a new approach to overcome treatment resistance in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Dual aromatase-steroid sulfatase inhibitors (DASIs) show promise in effectively blocking both enzymes involved in oestrogen production, potentially reducing tumour growth.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the dynamic motion of a human chromatin remodeler in action, capturing 13 distinct structures that reveal the full picture of nucleosome sliding. This comprehensive view sheds light on how chromatin remodeling affects gene access and expression.
Researchers discovered senolytics can target Alzheimer's disease-associated brain enzymes AChE and BChE without affecting healthy ones. This selective approach may lead to safer treatments that improve memory and reduce inflammation in older adults.
Researchers at the University of Surrey warn that mpox's sustained human-to-human transmission poses a significant risk to global health. The virus can cause a painful rash, fever, and swollen glands, and has the potential to spread among children, who are at greater risk of serious illness.
Researchers developed a new viscoelastic model of enzymes, elucidating the intertwined effects of elastic forces and friction forces on enzyme function. This breakthrough allows proteins to be perceived as soft robots or programmable active matter, revolutionizing our understanding of enzymatic catalysis.
Cells employ a protein network to repress TE activity and keep themselves healthy. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is a lead choreographer in this process, protecting cells from genomic instability by restraining TET activity.
Yali Dou, a molecular biologist at Keck School of Medicine of USC, has been elected as an AAAS fellow for her groundbreaking work in understanding leukemia and cancer. Her research on mixed-lineage leukemia proteins has led to the development of potential cancer treatments and a deeper understanding of epigenetics.
A new enzyme discovered can extract high-value molecules from lignin, a forestry by-product, using a hydrogen peroxide-driven process. This breakthrough could support the development of green chemistry 'enzyme factories' to produce valuable chemicals.
Researchers developed a sensor platform that tracks multiple metabolites continuously, offering a window into disease onset and health status. The technology harnesses natural biochemical processes, enabling reliable detection of over 800 metabolites, with potential applications in diagnosing metabolic disorders and optimizing fitness.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered how C. diff converts a poisonous compound into a usable nutrient, increasing its competitive advantage in the infected gut. The findings point to novel therapeutic strategies, including targeting the TudS enzyme to preserve healthy gut microbiota.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to target hard-to-target proteins in human cells by reprogramming proteases to selectively degrade disease-causing proteins. The study demonstrates proof of concept for developing novel therapies for Parkinson's disease, cancers, and other illnesses, using α-Synuclein as a model protein.
A team of researchers discovered that lactate dehydrogenase (BbLDH) is essential for Borrelia burgdorferi growth and infectivity. As a unique biochemical feature, BbLDH can be targeted to develop genus-specific inhibitors for Lyme disease treatment.
Researchers at the Center for Redox Processes in Biomedicine have identified new inhibitors of h15-LOX-2, a protein involved in inflammatory and metabolic processes. These compounds may provide promising candidates for developing new drugs to boost studies on the enzyme's biological role.
Researchers discovered plastic-degrading enzymes in landfills worldwide, suggesting a promising method for plastic recycling. The study identified 31,989 possible enzymes and predicted protein functions using machine learning and tertiary structure modeling.
Ancient bacteria can respire carbon dioxide and hydrogen into acetic acid to produce ATP. A new mechanism involving sodium ions is activated when acetic acid is produced, driving a molecular turbine that generates energy.
Kayunta Johnson-Winters, a UTA associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been honored as an American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology fellow. Her research on F420-dependent enzymes has expanded understanding of disease proteins and paved the way for potential treatments.
A new enzyme discovered in a gut bacterium has the potential to synthesize unique glycans with prebiotic properties, supporting gut health. The novel β-galactosidase could drive innovation in prebiotic products and contribute to developing new treatments for diseases like Chagas disease.
A new study published in Microorganisms explores the impact of starch on oral health and finds that high AMY1 copy numbers alter the oral microbiome, increasing disease risk. The researchers discovered that populations with a history of agriculture and starch consumption have more copies of the gene, which provides a survival advantage.
Researchers developed a new method to search through billions of molecules to identify potential anti-inflammatory drug candidates. The method uses computer algorithms to explore vast chemical space and has the potential to speed up the costly drug development process.
Researchers successfully developed CoQ10-producing rice through targeted gene editing, offering a cost-effective approach to nutritional fortification. The discovery provides great potential benefit for human health, particularly heart protection, and expands the food sources of CoQ10.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme called CH25H in cancerous lymphatic cells whose properties enable the immune system to fight tumors more effectively. The enzyme converts cholesterol into 25-hydroxycholesterol, a metabolite that promotes antiviral immunity and enhances anti-tumor immunity.
A study by Durham University has shown that E-coli bacteria produce an enzyme breaking down nutrients from dead cells, offering a banquet for neighboring cells. This process demonstrates that death is not the end of programmed biological processes, which can evolve to function after death.
Researchers found that women who had used the oral contraceptive pill had a lower risk of ovarian cancer, with a 39% reduced risk for those who had given birth to two or more children. The study also identified certain biomarkers and lifestyle factors associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer, including lower body weight and short...
A comprehensive study reveals that Akkermansia muciniphila breaks down sugars locked in mucus using a set of enzymes. The findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind this process and its potential applications in understanding disease and improving gut health.
Researchers propose a new framework describing living matter as a double cascade spanning 18 orders of magnitude in space and time, with critical points marking the emergence of self-replicating machines and complex societies.
Researchers developed new materials to facilitate electron transfer between enzymes and electrodes, improving biosensor performance. This innovation enables accurate measurements for disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and sustainable energy technology.
Researchers at Kyungpook National University have developed a new approach to map and engineer enzymes for enhanced plastic recycling. They employ landscape profiling to identify efficient biocatalysts for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET), producing high-purity monomers under mild conditions.
Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for nematode infection in soybeans, paving the way for the development of more resistant crops. By engineering 'decoy' proteins that trick nematodes into cleaving themselves, scientists aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and lower agriculture's environmental impact.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University and the Max Planck Institute have identified a single gene controlling testosterone levels in three male morphs of shore birds, also applicable to vertebrates including humans. This super enzyme (HSD17B2) rapidly breaks down testosterone, producing diverse mating behaviors.