Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
The Toxoplasma parasite's ability to infect and grow within various cell types is attributed to its broad culinary tastes. However, this adaptability comes at the cost of energy expenditure. Researchers have identified a critical enzyme, TgFBP2, that plays a crucial role in the parasite's survival.
Researchers from MDC and Charité elucidate the process of skeletal muscle atrophy in patients with congestive heart failure, identifying a new regulator and signaling pathway. The study reveals that angiotensin II induces muscle atrophy through the activation of MuRF1, but also highlights potential therapeutic targets to prevent furthe...
Researchers from LMU Munich have discovered that human DNA repair enzymes employ a 'pincer' strategy to target damaged DNA, using a sugar molecule as a key component. This finding sheds new light on the complex process of DNA repair and its importance in maintaining genome stability.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a bacterial enzyme that can degrade nicotine, offering a potential alternative to smoking cessation aids. The enzyme, NicA2 from Pseudomonas putida, has shown promising characteristics for drug development, including stability in lab settings and minimal toxic byproducts.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have successfully manufactured biocatalysts suitable for industrial applications by harnessing the power of cyanobacteria's photosynthesis. The production process uses carbon dioxide and water as source materials, eliminating the need for mineral oil-based resources.
Researchers have identified new genetic markers for mosquito resistance to insecticides, which could improve its detection in the field. The study also found that mutations affecting detoxification enzymes can increase the biodegradation of insecticides in resistant mosquitoes.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have developed a new genetic technique using CRISPR-Cas9 to improve the nutritional value of feed for livestock. The method generates specific yeast that combine protein with digestive enzymes, reducing the need for supplements.
Researchers aim to improve crop productivity by optimizing photosynthetic efficiency, a process that has plateaued due to its inefficiency. Designs include smart canopies with layered plants and tailored light-absorbing pigments to minimize light saturation and maximize energy use.
University of Calgary scientists have characterized a novel gene that encodes the gateway enzyme in the formation of morphine. This discovery could lead to the development of alternative painkillers, such as codeine and oxycodone.
Researchers have created an artificial enzyme that can stimulate genes to work harder in specific tissues, offering hope for treating genetic diseases. The hybrid enzymes, which are fully synthetic and recognize target genes via RNA decoys, amplify gene expression in a limited way and only when the gene is active.
A new checkpoint enzyme, Plk1, has been discovered to play a crucial role in monitoring chromosome segregation during cell division. This finding may provide important clues for the development of new cancer treatments.
The study identifies two enzymes, KDM4A and KDM4C, which alter gene expression in embryonic stem cells to direct their differentiation into endothelial cells. The enzymes work through epigenetic modifications, changing the activity of genes without altering DNA itself.
Researchers have identified a fusion gene in poppy plants that facilitates important steps in the plant's morphine-producing pathway. The findings complete the metabolic pathway for morphine, enabling the production of the economically important drug without the need for cultivating poppy fields.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism behind diabetes-related heart damage and developed a potential treatment strategy. By targeting the movement of sugar molecules and enzymes inside heart cells, they were able to restore normal function in diabetic rat hearts.
Scientists have identified a gatekeeper enzyme that prevents cell death in Wolfram syndrome, a rare form of diabetes. Replacing or enhancing the enzyme strengthens cellular membranes and stops molecules from leaking into other parts of the cell.
A team of researchers from Purdue University has identified molecules that inhibit the MERS virus's essential 3C-like protease enzyme. The discovery could lead to better treatments for those infected with MERS. The unique properties of this enzyme make it an attractive target for potential treatments.
A gene previously suspected of influencing human obesity has been cleared of its connection, according to a new study. The researchers developed tools to analyze complex genomic regions, including the AMY1 locus, and found no association with body mass index.
Researchers from UNC School of Medicine provide direct experimental evidence for the rapid synthesis of two classes of proteins necessary to create life on Earth. They found that a single ancient gene probably used its two opposite strands of DNA to code for different catalysts that both activated amino acids.
The study found that Fam20C phosphorylates more than 100 different secreted proteins, directing numerous cellular processes. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer cell metastasis and developing new therapeutic targets.
In a study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found that disabling the production of NETs (neutrophil extracellular traps) can speed up wound healing in diabetic mice. By preventing neutrophils from producing NETs, wounds healed more quickly and tissue repair was improved.
Researchers discover fructose's role in heart failure, finding it efficiently converts to fat and stimulates glycolysis. Fructose also activates HIF, leading to increased KHK-C production and a vicious cycle of growth and damage.
Researchers have pioneered a new technique to pinpoint enzyme activity, shedding light on their efficiency in speeding up chemical reactions. This breakthrough could lead to new candidates for biological applications and more environmentally friendly industrial processes.
A team of scientists has discovered a new enzyme that plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of vitamin A in plants and its unexpected dependence on heme iron. The findings could help increase the levels of provitamin A carotenoids in food crops, reducing global vitamin A deficiency.
Researchers at Lehigh University present breakthroughs in capturing tumor cells, creating bioengineered enzymes to fight bacterial biofilms, and developing a stable chemical reagent. These innovations have the potential to positively impact industries such as food safety and medical devices.
Researchers at NYU have found that microRNA can serve as a decoder ring to understand complex biological processes, highlighting the potential for miRNA to shed light on diseases such as coronary artery disease and cleft palates. By analyzing miR-200, the team identified a trio of glycans critical to cell movement and tumor metastasis.
A study published in Chemical Communications suggests that a natural plant chemical called trans-chalcone can help prevent tooth decay. By blocking the action of an enzyme that allows bacteria to thrive, researchers found that trans-chalcone prevents the formation of plaque and biofilms around teeth.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that an enzyme called 11β-HSD1 is increased in muscles of older women, leading to reduced grip strength and insulin resistance. The researchers believe inhibiting this enzyme could hold the key to preventing or reversing muscle wasting associated with aging.
Researchers at Princeton University have revealed the structure and biosynthesis of streptide, a peptide involved in bacterial quorum sensing. The study used a combination of chemical and biological approaches to determine the structure of streptide and its mechanism of production.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of Maryland have developed a new cancer treatment method that withholds an essential nutrient from cancer cells, starving them until they self-destruct. The method involves removing asparagine, a nutrient that cancer cells can't produce on their own.
A new study demonstrates the ability to visualize metabolic enzyme structures at near-atomic detail using cryo-electron microscopy. This advancement has immense implications for drug design and development, revolutionizing the field of structural biology.
Researchers found that chronic high blood sugar disrupts mitochondria activity by altering levels of O-GlcNAc transferase and removal enzymes. This leads to less efficient energy production, increased heat and damaging molecules, and further elevates blood sugar.
Researchers at UCSF-Brown have discovered an enzyme that breaks down bat tissue, exacerbating the spread of white-nose syndrome. They identified Destructin-1, a collagen-digesting enzyme, and found potential inhibitors, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers successfully boost enzyme activity by 170-fold, rendering antigen-neutral and compatible with all patients regardless of blood type. This breakthrough advances blood transfusions and potentially organ and tissue transplants from mismatched donors.
Scientists at the University of British Columbia have created an enzyme that can alter the sugar structures in Type A and B blood, making it more compatible with Type O blood. The breakthrough could lead to a solution for blood transfusion shortages, as the universal donor Type O blood can be given to patients of all blood types.
Scientists at University of Otago challenge traditional understanding of enzyme evolution, finding evidence of rapid evolution and ancient catalysts. The research has implications for designing proteins with biomedical applications.
AMPK activity levels vary across cellular compartments, affecting different sets of proteins. In unstressed cells, the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane had low activity, while the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum showed high activity.
Researchers at Neuromed Institute discovered a molecular mechanism causing ADHD symptoms, linked to PI3K gamma enzyme dysregulation and hyperactivation of Locus Ceruleus brain area. This finding offers a new understanding of the disease, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found that chronic drinking is associated with higher CYP2E1 and CYP2U1 protein expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala (AMG), particularly in the AMG. This could lead to interactions between metabolism of drugs and endogenous substrates, altering drug response and brain physiology.
Researchers found that papain breaks down skin cell connections, leading to increased skin permeability and inflammation. The enzyme can still trigger allergic reactions even when its enzymatic function is blocked.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that catalyzes the formation of a natural insecticide, Spinosyn A, at lower temperatures than previously thought. The new mechanism reveals how the enzyme guides the substrate towards the transition state, resulting in a more energetically balanced reaction.
Researchers from CNIO have developed a new anti-obesity treatment that reduces body weight and improves metabolic syndrome symptoms in obese mice and monkeys. The treatment, CNIO-PI3Ki, selectively targets the storage of nutrients in excess, leading to weight loss without affecting other tissues or brain function.
The TSRI team found that a specific enzyme called ItpkB is crucial in maintaining healthy periods of inactivity in blood stem cells. Without this enzyme, HSCs become hyperactive, leading to anemia and other diseases. Researchers are now exploring the potential of targeting ItpkB to develop new therapies for these conditions.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered that cytomegalovirus manipulates fatty acid elongation, a process essential for virus replication. The virus induces the expression of elongase enzyme 7, which is necessary for efficient replication.
Scientists have identified PDE-9 as the long-sought culprit in heart failure by analyzing lab animals and human heart cells. The enzyme interferes with the body's natural 'braking' system, leading to progressive weakening and stiffening of the heart muscle.
Researchers found that Ras activity determines circadian clock phase and induces phase-shifts in response to light. Artificially increased Ras activity alters the circadian rhythm.
A new study found that a vole's aerobic exercise metabolism increased by 48% and basal metabolic rate rose after 13 rounds of selection for enhanced oxygen consumption. Gene expression changes in the heart and liver were identified as the primary adaptive response.
Researchers at Australian National University have made a breakthrough in boosting the sluggish activity of Rubisco, a crucial enzyme for plant growth. By introducing a modified version of RAF1, scientists successfully doubled Rubisco levels in leaves, leading to increased photosynthesis and plant growth.
A new pretreatment process called Co-solvent Enhanced Lignocellulosic Fractionation (CELF) reduces the need for enzymes in biofuel production by up to 90%, cutting costs by 30% or more. This technology also extracts up to 90% of lignin from biomass, paving the way for additional high-value chemicals and fuels.
Scientists have discovered evidence of life pulling nitrogen out of the air and converting it into a form that could support larger communities, 3.2 billion years ago. This finding suggests that life on early Earth was more diverse than previously thought, with no nitrogen crisis to limit its growth.
Scientists from UNC-Chapel Hill have developed a groundbreaking research tool to investigate epigenetic mechanisms, shedding light on the critical role of histone proteins in gene regulation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into diseases such as Alzheimer's, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the biosynthetic pathway of CoQ10, a molecule essential for cellular metabolism. The study, led by Dr. David J. Pagliarini, reveals that protein CoQ9 regulates enzyme Coq7, and that CoQ10 synthesis is organized as a multiprotein complex to increase efficiency and regulation.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered a new quality control mechanism where RNAs proofread themselves, ensuring proteins are made correctly. The CCA-adding enzyme uses a screw-like motion to add CCA groups to tRNAs, and the RNA itself determines whether to allow further additions.
Scientists have visualized protein degradation in intact nerve cells for the first time, shedding light on how proteasomes remove defective proteins. The study reveals that only a minority of proteasomes are actively degrading proteins in quiescent cells.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered that enzymes believed to promote cancer actually suppress tumors. Correcting a loss-of-function PKC mutation in colon cancer cells reduced tumor growth in mouse models, demonstrating normal PKC activity inhibits cancer.
A new study identifies pyruvate carboxylase as a key metabolic enzyme that drives proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer. Elevated PC expression was found in cancerous tissues and decreased growth rates when PC was reduced or inhibited.
Research at RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Center reveals ENGase enzyme responsible for protein degradation in absence of NGLY1. Studies show that inhibition of ENGase activity may serve as therapeutic target for patients with NGLY1 mutation.
Researchers at RIKEN found that preventing abnormal sugar attachment to BACE1 enzyme reduces Alzheimer's plaques and improves cognitive performance in mice. This study reveals a novel mechanism for Alzheimer's disease development and potentially offers a new therapeutic target.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered coenzyme A's crucial role in cell metabolism and its regulation of nitric oxide. The study identified hundreds of proteins influenced by coenzyme A-driven protein nitrosylation, with potential implications for understanding disease mechanisms.
A novel analytical method enables characterization of epigenetic tags, revealing that the system adapts to the loss of single epigenetic writer and eraser enzymes. The study also finds that biological systems can compensate for the loss of individual functional components by attaching novel acetylation tags at nearby sites.
Researchers at TSRI identify an enzyme that produces inflammatory lipid molecules in the brain, which causes a rare neurodegenerative disorder. The team finds a potential treatment approach by targeting this enzyme and discovers a weight-loss drug that can block its activity.