Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
A team of scientists found that 5hmC localizes at sites of DNA damage and repair, with TET enzymes playing a critical role in maintaining its reparative function. This discovery raises the possibility that 5hmC helps keep chromatin open for other DNA damage response proteins.
A team of scientists has produced a structural movie showing the creation of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a major methyl donor in the body that plays a role in some cancers. The research provides insight into how this enzyme synthesizes SAMe and highlights it as an excellent therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that APOBEC3 enzymes target the lagging-strand template during DNA copying, causing C-to-T mutations. This discovery sheds light on a major source of mutations driving tumor growth and explains microbial evolution.
Researchers discovered a new type of enzyme assembly in C. thermocellum that allows the microorganism more freedom to explore for additional biomass, providing redundancy in its cellulolytic system. The findings have important implications for industry and could lead to cheaper production of cellulosic ethanol and other advanced biofuels.
Scientists at the universities of Bonn and Leipzig found a way to break through insect shells using enzyme chitinase 2 and growth factor idgf6. This discovery offers new starting points for controlling agricultural parasites and disease-carrying insects, such as mosquitoes that spread Zika virus.
A team of international scientists led by Maren Friesen from Michigan State University discovered a previously unknown bacteria that can fix its own nitrogen, a compound used in critical biological functions. The finding has significant implications for reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a 'unicorn' worth chasing.
Researchers have successfully treated a genetic disorder using a viral vector to deliver genome-editing components, correcting the disease-causing mutation. The treatment improved survival in newborn mice but showed poor results in adult animals, highlighting the need for further adjustments to the gene-editing system.
A team of international scientists has identified a mechanism for chromatin-remodeller enzymes to regulate gene expression in embryonic stem cells. By mapping the location of these enzymes across the genome, researchers found that they bind to specific nucleosomes before gene sequences, controlling access to critical DNA regions.
Researchers have found age-dependent alterations in metabolism and gene regulation in middle-aged fruitflies, linked to a reduction in lifespan. The study identified a common process of protein acetylation as a key factor in the aging process.
Researchers from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that failing hearts switch to ketone metabolism as an alternative fuel source. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic targets to prevent or slow progression of heart failure.
A team of plant scientists has identified two superior forms of a naturally occurring enzyme known as Rubisco, which could improve photosynthesis and increase wheat yields by up to 20%. The researchers found variation in the enzyme's catalytic properties among closely related genotypes, including wild relatives of bread wheat.
A team of researchers found that specific patterns of histone modifications, known as acetylation motifs, play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. The study suggests that the distribution of these motifs depends on the neighboring marks, providing new insights into epigenetic mechanisms.
Scientists have discovered the molecular mechanism behind thyX's role in enabling diseases to reproduce. The finding could lead to the creation of non-toxic antibiotics that block the chemical reaction involving thyX. Several deadly diseases rely exclusively on thyX for survival and reproduction.
McGill researchers have taken 3D images of a large section from a medicine-synthesizing enzyme in action. The images reveal the intricate way these proteins function and could lead to the development of new antibiotics. This breakthrough may bring scientists closer to understanding how many antibiotics are made.
UC Davis researchers discovered an enzyme, LesA, that plays a key role in the bacterial infection of grapevines with Pierce's disease. The enzyme triggers the process causing leaf damage, unrelated to previously thought mechanisms. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and combating the disease.
New research in The FASEB Journal suggests that genetic polymorphisms in the one-carbon metabolic pathway combined with low vitamin B may increase risk for vision and other ocular changes during spaceflight. This study could help identify issues related to cardiovascular disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and other conditions.
Researchers from Rice University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered how two bacterial enzymes, LigE and LigF, work together as a team to break down lignin. This finding could lead to the development of new biofuels processes that convert plant biomass into ethanol and other fuels.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of enzymes in regulating chromatin, which plays a crucial role in planarian stem cell differentiation. The study found that specific enzymes, Set1 and MLL1/2, target genes involved in cilia formation, suggesting that defects in these processes may be linked to various huma...
Researchers have invented a technique to dramatically accelerate protein evolution, allowing them to test millions of variants in hours or days. The technology, called µSCALE, enables the identification of promising variants and their DNA sequences, paving the way for breakthroughs in medicine, industry, and biosensors.
Researchers identify NEK7 enzyme's switch-like activity in immunity, leading to potential new treatments for metabolic disorders and inflammatory conditions. The study provides insights into the inflammasome pathway and its connection to cancer.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have determined a detailed structural view of MMP7, an enzyme that makes cancer cells more aggressive and likely to spread. Understanding its structure could help prevent cancer cell signaling and slowing their growth.
A team of Israeli and French scientists has discovered a gene that controls the production of male flowers in cucurbit plants, allowing for the creation of female-only flowers. This finding has significant implications for agricultural productivity, as female flowers are associated with higher yields.
Scientists at Cornell University's Baker Institute have developed a device that diagnoses stroke in under 10 minutes using a drop of blood. The technology detects biomarkers in the blood to measure the concentration of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), a substance found in higher concentrations in stroke victims.
Scientists at Austrian Research Centre of Industrial Biotechnology discover a new enzyme in white rabbit's foot fern with high activity, enabling efficient recycling of cyanide wastes. The breakthrough opens doors for industrial applications in crop protection and repellent production.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have discovered a compound that accelerates diabetic wound healing, opening doors to new treatment options. The study found that combining an MMP-9 inhibitor with enzyme MMP-8 enhances healing even further.
Researchers have found that deleting certain sugar-adding enzymes from plants results in similar defects across distantly related species, highlighting the importance of these modifications. The addition of sugar molecules to proteins controls tip growth, a process critical for cell wall formation and seed production.
Researchers found that mice exercising on a wheel increased SIRT3 levels, protecting against neurodegeneration and degeneration. Bolstering mitochondrial function with gene therapy technology also offered protection against stress and age-related cognitive decline.
Researchers at the University of York have published research on the 3-D structure of human heparanase, an enzyme that degrades sugars and contributes to cancer cell proliferation. The study's findings will enable a more rational approach to drug design and the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach that delays symptoms and extends lifespan in dogs with a comparable disease to Batten disease. The treatment involves delivering a working version of a gene to produce a key enzyme, resulting in striking clinical improvements and slowed disease progression.
Researchers at the University of Michigan found that zinc oxide nanopyramids can disrupt the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on medical implants, reducing bacterial load by over 95%. The coating may enable antibiotic treatments to succeed or allow the human immune system to take over.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have discovered an enzyme that enables some fish and amphibians to supercharge their vision to detect red and infrared light, aiding navigation in murky waters. This discovery could lead to advances in biomedical research, particularly optogenetics, where light is used to control brain activity.
Researchers have detected how nature produces key chemicals similar to those in drugs that fight malaria, bacterial infections and cancer. The discovery sheds light on a complicated chemical process in nature that synthetic biologists can now borrow to engineer a whole new class of synthetic medicines.
Researchers have determined the structure of a key enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which could lead to new drugs for the disease. The discovery provides a potential starting point for developing treatments that target this enzyme.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute have made a breakthrough in developing cold-tolerant corn plants by increasing Rubisco enzyme levels, which can help them withstand harsh winter conditions. The new technology could enable farmers to harvest twice and increase crop yields.
Researchers have discovered a long-acting enzyme that rapidly and safely metabolizes cocaine, potentially providing a treatment option for cocaine overdose. The enzyme, E12-7Fc-M3, has been shown to eliminate cocaine from the bloodstream for extended periods of time.
Scientists have identified a new class of DNA repair enzyme that can recognize and remove positively charged lesions, including bulky ones. This discovery expands the understanding of DNA damage repair pathways and offers insights into alternative mechanisms for repairing genetic information.
Scientists have identified the enzyme responsible for synthesizing tenuazonic acid (TeA), a well-known fungus-killing toxin that affects rice and other crops. The unique TeA synthetase 1 (TAS1) enzyme has an NRPS-PKS structure, previously thought to be exclusive to bacteria.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting cGAS enzyme rescues mice from two lethal autoimmune diseases, suggesting a new therapy for AGS and SLE. The findings build on previous studies identifying cGAS as a sensor of innate immunity, paving the way for potential treatments.
Scientists at Umeå University have made a breakthrough discovery in extracting molecules from wood using enzymes that can function in switchable ionic liquids. The development opens up new possibilities for the production of biofuels and other industrial products.
Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a type of deep-sea bacteria that can convert industrial carbon dioxide into bicarbonate, a process that could help neutralize greenhouse gases. The enzyme produced by the bacterium has high thermal stability, making it suitable for industrial applications.
A type of bacteria, Thiomicrospira crunogena, produces an enzyme, carbonic anhydrase, that can convert industrial carbon dioxide into bicarbonate. The enzyme has high thermal stability and could be used in industrial settings to neutralize greenhouse gases.
Researchers discovered that mutant GlyRS enzyme blocks molecular signals essential for maintaining motor neuron health, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and decreased sensation. By amplifying the 'health' signal, they were able to reverse symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in mice.
Researchers at Jena University developed a cellular system to study inflammation processes in real time, providing a method for targeting new therapeutic approaches. The system allowed them to clarify the exact regulatory mechanism of 5-LO and FLAP interaction, enabling tests for active compounds.
Researchers found that nicotine increases the speed at which codeine is converted into morphine in the brain, leading to greater pain relief but also a higher risk of addiction. People with more of this enzyme may experience increased pain relief but be more prone to codeine dependence.
The WSU researcher will investigate genetic markers in UGT enzymes that indicate an increased risk of lung and head and neck cancers from tobacco smoke exposure. The study aims to develop personalized approaches to medicine and cancer treatment by understanding the detoxification pathway.
Researchers discovered that mice lacking both Pten and Shp2 enzymes are prone to lethal anemia, which can occur even if they lack one of the enzymes alone. This finding suggests that genomic screening before treatment may help prevent anemia in cancer patients.
A Johns Hopkins University biologist has made significant progress in understanding the mysterious shape-shifting ways of stem cells. The study found that an enzyme in the niche where stem cells are found can help sustain them and promote other cells to become like stem cells, which has medical implications for diseases such as cancer.
Researchers discovered that the Dengue virus NS1 protein binds to the host enzyme Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), increasing its glycolytic activity to support viral replication. This finding suggests that GAPDH is a crucial target for developing new treatments against dengue.
A new CRISPR-Cpf1 system offers a simpler approach to genome engineering with precise DNA cutting capabilities. The system, discovered by Feng Zhang and his colleagues, has potential to advance genetic engineering and cancer research.
Researchers developed a selective synthesis method using an enzyme from E. coli, assembling simple molecules to form complex carbohydrates with few steps and no waste, replicating prebiotic conditions. The process has great potential in chemistry for obtaining natural molecules and active ingredients.
Two Korean research teams have discovered the redox-switch of thiolase, a key enzyme involved in n-butanol biosynthesis. This finding enables increased n-butanol production using metabolic engineering approaches.
A recent study by TSRI researchers has uncovered a novel pathway between the cell's powerhouses (mitochondria) and the immune system. RIPK3, an enzyme involved in cell death, relays signals between mitochondria and NKT cells, regulating both cancer and inflammatory responses.
A Umeå University research group has identified two bacterial enzymes that can be used to modify proteins for use in medical drugs. The AnkX-Lem3 system allows for the addition and removal of a phosphocholine moiety, enabling fine-tuned control over protein function.
Biologists at the University of York have found a key plant enzyme that reacts with TNT, generating toxic compounds. The discovery raises hope for a new, sustainable method to remediate explosives-contaminated land and water.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University investigate the role of hydrolytic enzymes and metalloproteinases in making enterobacteria resistant to antibiotics. They find that these pathogens can cause severe diseases like meningitis, septicemia, and endocarditis, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Researchers have discovered how bacteria convert phosphonate compounds into phosphate, using a complex of fourteen proteins. This mechanism could be used to develop techniques for removing pesticide residues from drinking water and understanding the greenhouse effect.
Researchers at Florida State University have uncovered a previously unknown activation mechanism for the glucokinase enzyme, which plays a crucial role in glucose regulation. This discovery sheds new light on how the enzyme's functional properties manifest in disease, including hyperinsulinemia and diabetes.
A team of scientists has identified a novel tungsten-containing enzyme in the bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii, which shows potential for converting plant biomass into useful chemicals and fuels. The discovery could lead to more efficient production of commercial renewable fuels and reduce greenhouse emissions.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reveal a more accurate structure of Protein Kinase C (PKC), providing new targets to fine-tune the enzyme's activity. The corrected structure suggests ways to turn PKC 'on' for cancer treatment and 'off' for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
Researchers have identified a bacterial enzyme called NicA2 that breaks down nicotine in blood samples within 30 minutes. The enzyme also remained stable for several days and showed no observable side effects in mice, suggesting its potential as a new approach to help smokers quit.