Articles tagged with Enzymes
Researchers at UTA have discovered a method to deactivate caspase-3 enzymes by removing water molecules, which could lead to the development of new treatments for autoimmune diseases like arthritis. This breakthrough, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a database of caspase-3 variants with varying le...
Researchers discovered a rare enzyme called 5NAA-A in bacteria Bradyrhizobium sp. JS329 that breaks down the toxic compound 5-NAA, rendering it harmless to potatoes. This mechanism could inspire future work to engineer an enzyme or bacterium to detoxify thaxtomin.
Researchers at Lund University have discovered the binding mechanism of DNA building blocks to an enzyme, a key step in controlling its function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs targeting nosocomial infections, with potential applications for treating chlamydia.
A study published in Molecular Psychiatry identified an enzyme whose production is turned off in nerve cells of the frontal lobe when alcohol dependence develops. This deficiency leads to continued use of alcohol despite adverse consequences. The research team hopes to develop effective medicines for treating alcoholism and contributin...
A team of researchers has identified an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the formation of compounds giving aged wines their distinct aroma. The discovery, published in New Phytologist, sheds light on how common plant molecules are transformed into specific odorants in wine.
Researchers discovered a metabolic enzyme that acts as a gatekeeper for the innate immune system, triggering strong inflammatory responses against harmful bacteria. This finding may help explain why obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and coronary artery disease are often accompanied by inflammation.
Researchers found the proton pump enzyme activates to regulate blood pH levels in stingrays by transporting excess acid from cells to the bloodstream. This study's findings suggest a potential link between the enzyme's role in humans, particularly in regulating blood and urine functions.
Researchers at Salk Institute identify a connection between ApoE4 and protein build-up associated with Alzheimer's, providing a possible biochemical explanation for extra ApoE4 causing the disease. They also found that ApoE4 keeps the enzyme HtrA1 from breaking down tau protein, responsible for tau tangles associated with Alzheimer's.
Scientists at MIT and the University of São Paulo have identified the structure of an enzyme that targets parasites responsible for spreading these diseases. The distinctive structure of the class I fumarate hydratase enzyme makes it a promising target for new medical therapies.
Changes in intestinal flora caused by antibacterial drugs can reduce enzyme activity in the liver and kidneys, affecting drug metabolism and transport. This study suggests that altered intestinal flora may lead to reduced drug efficacy and increased side effects.
Research identifies ACMSD enzyme as key player in regulating inflammation and its byproducts, which may contribute to depression and suicidal tendencies. The study found reduced activity of the enzyme in patients who have attempted suicide, suggesting a potential biomarker for identifying individuals at risk.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have shown that early exposure to the human IDUA protein increased immune tolerance, allowing for widespread expression of the enzyme and resolution of brain lesions. The study informs the planning of first-in-human trials for MPS I treatment.
A new study has discovered a diverse range of plant enzymes, including Rubisco, that have superior characteristics for improving crop photosynthetic efficiency. The research found that some plant species produce more effective Rubiscos than major crops like wheat and soybean, which could help address global food security.
Researchers at Osaka University identified a new drug target by inhibiting the SPP enzyme, reducing HCV particle production and improving pathological liver conditions. The discovery also revealed a protein quality control mechanism that could be useful for treating other diseases.
Researchers developed self-healing polyelectrolyte coatings that can repair themselves and neutralize chemicals, protecting users from toxic substances and hazardous environments. The coatings are thin, micron-sized and can increase material strength while being reusable and rewearable after laundering.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have harnessed carbon dioxide to neutralize toxicity in ionic liquids, streamlining the biofuel production process and reducing costs. The process could significantly lower production expenses and make biofuels more sustainable.
A team of researchers studied four filamentous Ascomycete fungi to understand their role in carbon degradation. They identified a wide variety of carbohydrate-active enzymes that can directly oxidize labile and recalcitrant carbon, suggesting these species play a key role in lignocellulose conversion.
Researchers found that a specific enzyme is necessary to turn off genes after physical activity ceases, leading to faulty brain wiring and impaired learning. The inability to shut off these genes can affect motor skills and learning abilities, even in adults.
Researchers have identified a potential target for treating insulin resistance by inhibiting the protein PKD1, which limits AMPK's activity. This discovery may lead to effective treatments for obese and diabetic individuals, including lifestyle interventions such as exercise and diet modifications.
Scientists have identified a regulatory system in collagen that regulates enzyme activity, potentially shedding light on disease processes. The study reveals that collagen defects can spontaneously form and heal, with tension eliminating defects in tendons.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center discovered a novel way to control SETDB1 protein activity through monoubiquitination, which inhibits target gene expression and could lead to new cancer therapeutics. This breakthrough suggests E2 enzymes as attractive targets for cancer treatment.
Researchers at the Buck Institute discover metformin reduces toxic acid levels associated with Maple Syrup Urine Disease, a disorder identified 1 in 180,000 births. Metformin treatment significantly reduced ketoacid buildup in skeletal muscle of mice and toxic acid levels in human skin cells.
Researchers have visualized how immune cells create networks of DNA traps called NETs to capture and destroy microbes. The process, known as NETosis, involves the transformation of histones and release of digestive enzymes into the extracellular space.
Researchers from Hiroshima University have identified a new prebiotic, derived from fermented burdock root, that improves colon health in rats by increasing beneficial bacteria. The enzyme, produced during fermentation, has a stronger effect on Bifidobacterium in the colon than previous varieties of prebiotics.
Scientists at Hokkaido University and Duke University discovered the structure of MraY enzyme and its interaction with natural inhibitor MD2. This finding could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs targeting bacteria.
Scientists discovered that itaconate, a natural substance produced by macrophages, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It reduces the activity of immune cells and may be used to treat pathologies caused by excessive inflammation or oxidative stress.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory engineered a novel enzyme to alter lignin structure in aspen trees, resulting in increased access to biofuel building blocks without inhibiting plant growth. The modified trees released up to 62% more simple sugars and had an almost 50% increase in ethanol yield
Researchers at Clemson University are working on a sensor that can detect tributyl phosphate, a solvent used to enrich uranium. The goal is to create a reliable and long-lasting sensor that can be deployed remotely to investigate potential nuclear threats.
Researchers propose using small amounts of efavirenz to increase CYP46A1 enzyme activity, leading to improved memory and reduced plaque development. Studies suggest a 40% increase in cholesterol breakdown in mouse models, with potential benefits for human Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed biodegradable and harmless silk micro-rockets using innovative 3D inkjet printing. These devices can be used in drug delivery and locating cancer cells, and have the potential to revolutionize safe biological environments.
Scientists have developed a magnetically controlled drug that can dissolve blood clots up to 4000 times more efficiently than ordinary enzyme-based drugs. The new material protects enzymes from inhibitors and maintains therapeutic properties over extended periods.
Researchers discovered that red-eyed treefrog embryos use a unique mechanism to escape deadly snakes, rapidly releasing enzyme-degrading substances from specialized glands on their snouts. This process allows the tiny escapees to wriggle through an aperture created in the egg membrane, ensuring survival.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified CD38 as the key enzyme responsible for decreased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels during aging. This decline is associated with age-related metabolic decline and conditions like obesity and diabetes. Increasing NAD levels may be achieved by inhibiting CD38 function.
Entamoeba histolytica is a parasitic infection causing 50 million cases of amoebic dysentery each year and killing 50,000-100,000. Researchers aim to accelerate understanding of the parasite's metabolism by studying unusual enzymes that enable its survival.
Chem, Cell Press' new physical sciences journal, aims to move the field forward through original research articles, reviews, and front matter. Key findings include transporters with high selectivity for chloride over other ions, stable phosphorous carbene analogs, and strategies for producing chemicals from renewable sources.
A new analysis of a group of bacteria called Streptomyces reveals the way some strains developed advanced abilities to tear up cellulose and points out more efficient ways to make fuel from plant material. The study identifies important enzymes and new groups of enzymes produced when Streptomyces flex particular genes.
Carbonic anhydrases are essential enzymes regulating the carbon cycle; recent studies focus on naturally occurring products inhibiting CA activity. Various natural product classes, including coumarins, phenols, polyphenols, and terpenes, have demonstrated CA modulator properties.
A new study reveals that an enzyme called NMNAT2 helps protect neurons from protein clumps, which cause degenerative brain diseases. Higher levels of NMNAT2 were found in people with greater resistance to cognitive decline.
Researchers discovered that stick insects can produce microbial enzymes, including pectinases, which degrade plant cell walls. This 'horizontal gene transfer' occurred between 110 to 60 million years ago, allowing the insects to break free from their microbiome's digestive capabilities.
Researchers at Phoenix Nest and LA BioMed are working on developing therapies for treating different forms of Sanfilippo disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects children. The new grants will focus on recombinant enzyme therapy and stem cell treatment to combat devastating brain damage caused by MPS IIID and MPS IIIB.
A new study by UNIST researchers has observed structural changes in carbonic anhydrase for the first time. The enzyme catalyzes a reaction converting CO2 and water into protons and bicarbonate ions at a rate of 106 reactions per second, crucial for regulating chemical environments.
The study reveals ULK1 and ULK2 control protein movement from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus, maintaining cellular homeostasis. Restoring this process quelled ER stress response in cells deficient in the two enzymes.
Researchers found a gene called CYP2J19 that converts yellow carotenoids into red ones in the skin and feathers of red birds. The study suggests that for a bird to grow red feathers, it needs not just the redness gene but also a special form of the gene involved in feather growth.
Scientists have identified a cytochrome P450 enzyme that allows some bird species to convert yellow pigments into red colors, enhancing color vision and possibly signaling individual quality. The discovery fills a gap in understanding the genetics of red coloration in birds, with implications for future research on evolution and ecology.
A team of scientists has identified a back-up mechanism for memory storage that takes over when the molecular mechanism of primary long-term memory storage fails. They found that mice engineered without an enzyme crucial to long-term memory storage still form memories because they deploy an alternative method, involving PKCλ/ι.
A study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that tiny ocean organisms called Pelagibacterales help regulate the Earth's atmosphere by producing dimethyl sulfide, a gas that stimulates cloud formation and can impact climate stability. The research shows that these bacteria have a previously unknown enzyme for producing DMS.
Researchers from Kobe University identified enzymes that convert 3-hexenal into 2-hexenal, reducing the grassy odor in tomatoes. This breakthrough can be used to produce sweet tomatoes with less unpleasant fragrance.
A Florida State University researcher is studying the regulation of calcium in heart cells to correct a calcium imbalance and develop new treatment strategies for cardiomyopathies. The goal is to identify components involved in disease development and open the door for more effective treatments inside the cell.
Researchers at University of Bristol and Newcastle University have discovered a natural Diels-Alder enzyme, AbyU, which catalyzes the powerful chemical reaction. The discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics and other medical treatments.
Scientists at Lehigh University have developed a biological method to produce quantum dots using a single enzyme, reducing production time, environmental burden, and cost. This breakthrough could lead to widespread use of QDs in various applications, including sustainable fuel production and water purification.
The Venus flytrap's carnivorous lifestyle is built on herbivore defense strategies, utilizing sensory hairs to capture prey. The plant's genes show a mix of leaf and root characteristics, with glands that supply digestive enzymes and nutrients.
Enzymes play a crucial role in most biological processes by controlling energy transduction and genetic information. Researchers at USC determined that dynamics has little to do with accelerating enzyme-catalyzed reaction rates, clarifying the factors contributing to their activity. This discovery sheds light on the 100-year-old puzzle...
Scientists at UC Berkeley have identified a key epigenetic switch that increases lifespan in mammals, offering hope for new treatments to improve human metabolic function. The discovery was made in the nematode worm C. elegans and found to be linked to increased lifespan in mice.
Researchers at the Universities of York and Leiden have created fluorescent chemical probes to measure acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme levels in human cells. This technology enables rapid detection of enzyme deficiencies, informing more effective treatments for Pompe disease and potentially other inherited conditions.
A team of researchers at the University of Leicester has made significant progress in understanding the role of inositol phosphate molecules in regulating gene expression. By developing a novel peptide-based inhibitor, they have gained insights into how enzymes are activated by these small molecules, paving the way for more specific an...
Researchers at Duke University have discovered the structure of MraY enzyme, revealing a hidden binding pocket that can be targeted by muraymycin. This breakthrough provides a platform for designing broad-spectrum antibiotics that could combat antibiotic-resistant infections and save millions of lives.
Researchers track NADPH production through a novel pathway, revealing an environmental-dependent switch between two recognized routes. The findings have implications for diseases such as cancer and diabetes, highlighting the importance of understanding NADPH pathways in cellular processes.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center report a breakthrough in extending the life of implantable devices by rapidly regenerating molecular constituents in situ. The new approach, using an enzyme called Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A, enables repeated regeneration of bioactive films without device removal.
UCLA biochemists have devised a method to convert sugar into various useful chemical compounds without using cells. The approach, called synthetic biochemistry, has shown promise in producing complex enzyme systems that can function well enough for industrial applications.
Drexel University researchers developed a strategy to overcome biological barriers in cancer medication delivery. By decorating nanovehicles with enzymes and adding an extra layer of polyethylene glycol, the particles can penetrate solid tumors more effectively, increasing antitumor efficacy.