Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a way to extract large quantities of hydrogen from any plant, potentially bringing a low-cost, environmentally friendly fuel source to the world. The new process uses xylose, the most abundant simple plant sugar, to produce high-purity hydrogen with an energy efficiency of over 100 percent.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to kill deadly pathogenic bacteria, including listeria, using nature-inspired nanobiotechnology. The coating kills listeria on contact, even at high concentrations, without affecting other bacteria.
Mutated histone H3 causes aberrant gene silencing in childhood brain cancer DIPG, leading to tumor growth. Researchers identify potential tool for inhibiting enzymes, developing pharmaceuticals targeting specific SET-domain methyltransferases.
Lyme disease bacteria rely on manganese to make essential enzymes, evading immune system defenses that starve pathogens of iron. This discovery opens the door to new therapies targeting manganese, potentially improving disease detection and treatment.
Studies on the fruit fly Drosophila show that blind flies can't see due to histamine recycling in glial cells. Flies lacking Ebony and Tan genes have impaired vision, but those with Black mutations still struggle to see without histamine recycling. Further research is needed to understand the role of enzyme Black in vision.
A study published in Blood journal found that cord blood stem cells are effective and safe alternatives to matched donor bone marrow stem cells in treating children with Hurler's syndrome. The research showed improved engraftment rates, enzyme levels, and survival rates among patients who received cord blood transplants compared to tho...
Researchers at Ohio State University identified a unique mechanism by which vitamin E inhibits the activation of an enzyme called Akt, leading to tumor cell death in prostate cancer cells. The gamma form of tocopherol was found to be the most potent anti-cancer form of vitamin E.
Scientists have identified enzymes that can reverse a key protein modification involved in breast cancer, cellular stress reactions, and gene regulation. The discovery enables selective manipulation of ADP-ribosylation, which could lead to new treatments for inflammasions and cancers.
A researcher has received a grant to develop a method to organize enzymes on electrodes to create nanoscale devices that efficiently convert chemical energy into electricity. The goal is to enhance kinetics by spatial organization and apply the understanding to biofuel cells, pharmaceuticals, and commodity chemicals.
Researchers have developed a new line of transgenic 'Enviropigs' that can digest high levels of phosphorus in plant matter, eliminating the need for supplements. This breakthrough could improve food production and reduce environmental pollution by producing less phosphorus waste.
Scientists aim to understand how promiscuous enzymes can be engineered to tackle new functions, such as removing toxins from the environment. The goal is to develop biodegradable enzymes that can replace toxic chemicals in industrial processes.
A new study investigates the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in airway smooth muscle contraction, revealing its potential as a therapeutic target for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research suggests that PKC activation could contribute to airway hyperresponsiveness and exacerbate lung diseases.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to increase isobutanol production in yeast by up to 260%, boosting it entirely within mitochondria. This approach may also be applicable to other biochemicals, opening opportunities for metabolic engineering and renewable energy production.
Researchers isolated an enzyme called NucB from the marine bacterium Bacillus licheniformis, which can break down biofilms in sinusitis. The enzyme cleared over half of biofilm organisms tested, offering a potential solution to chronic sinusitis.
A genetic mutation causing Pompe disease has been found in both humans and dogs. A genetic test can now diagnose canine Pompe disease, allowing for the identification of affected individuals and their breeding lines. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options and disease management.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have identified an enzyme called APOBEC3B as a key player in causing DNA mutations found in most breast cancers. The discovery may lead to new diagnostic methods and treatments that can prevent or block these harmful mutations, offering hope for improved breast cancer outcomes.
A previously poorly investigated signalling pathway is crucial for prostate cancer cell proliferation, involving the production of cAMP at multiple locations in the cell. Inhibiting the soluble adenylyl cyclase enzyme suppresses cancer cell growth, suggesting a promising new therapeutic approach.
Scientists at Salk Institute have discovered a new way for plants to coordinate their growth by sharing chemical messages, overturning conventional views of metabolic regulation. This finding has implications for breeding better crops and treating metabolic diseases.
Researchers develop bi-functional enzyme to increase alkane output in bacteria and plants, eliminating hydrogen peroxide inhibition. The combo enzyme boosts reaction efficiency by producing oxygen, a key component required for activity.
Researchers have developed an experimental molecular therapy that crosses the blood-brain barrier to reverse neurological lysosomal storage disease in mice. The therapy uses a modified enzyme called IDUAe1, which penetrates the blood-brain barrier and delivers large-molecule therapeutic agents to treat brain diseases.
Researchers have successfully created single-molecule 'intelligent' motors powered by common enzymes, catalase and urease. These motors can generate force and move in specific directions, even at the nanoscale, with implications for applications in medicine, engineering, and more.
A recent review article suggests that hydrogen sulfide has multiple anti-aging pathways, including inhibiting free-radical reactions and activating SIRT1. It also shows promise in treating age-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's disease, and cancer.
Researchers in Calgary have launched the world's first gene therapy clinical trial for Fabry disease, a rare inherited enzyme deficiency. The trial aims to transplant stem cells with a working copy of the GLA gene into patients, potentially curing the condition.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego discover that blocking digestive enzymes can reverse shock, reduce organ damage, and increase survival rates in animals. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, provides novel insights into the mechanism of multiorgan failure and death.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of enterococcal cytolysin, a 'virulence factor' that kills human cells. The enzyme responsible for its formation was found to produce distinctly different ring structures with unusual stereochemistries.
Researchers discover protein OTUD7B, which regulates TRAF3's destruction and controls NF-kB pathway implicated in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Cells with intact OTUD7B suppress non-canonical NF-kB signaling, leading to increased lymphoid cell growth and hyper-responsiveness to antigens.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins has identified a system that makes certain immune cells impervious to HIV infection. The discovery suggests a new approach to eradicating the virus from the body by targeting non-dividing cells.
Researchers identified the protein OTUD7B as TRAF3's protector, revealing its role in regulating a molecular pathway implicated in immune system-related diseases. OTUD7B suppressed non-canonical NF-kB signaling, leading to increased lymphoid cell growth and hyper-responsiveness to antigens.
Researchers discovered that mutation of a critical folic acid enzyme causes neural tube defects in mice. Folic acid supplementation reduces neural tube defects, but the exact mechanism is still unclear.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic identified an association between the naturally occurring enzyme Kallikrein 6 and malignant brain tumors. Higher levels of KLK6 were associated with shorter patient survival rates, but blocking its receptors made tumor cells more susceptible to treatment.
Researchers discovered a class of p53 target genes and regulatory molecules that regulate metabolism and senescence in cells. Malic enzymes, identified as novel pharmaceutical targets for anticancer therapy, may also play a role in the normal process of cellular aging.
A new enzyme treatment has been developed to neutralize the effects of lethal chemicals responsible for thousands of deaths each year. The treatment, known as a bioscavenger, was found to protect mice against nerve agents and showed no lasting effects.
Researchers have discovered a new compound that restores health to mice infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The compound targets an enzyme essential for bacterial survival and has been shown to be highly active against MRSA in mice.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that mice lacking a widely accepted enzyme for long-term memory formation were still able to form memories as well as normal mice. The study refutes the prevailing theory of how synapses strengthen, suggesting PKM-zeta is not the key molecule for long-term memory.
Researchers have created new biocatalysts using the power of protein engineering and evolution, allowing nature's premier oxidation catalyst to drive synthetically useful reactions. This breakthrough enables the production of pharmaceutical drugs and natural products in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner.
Researchers identify novel enzyme involved in β-1,4-galactan production, which can be used to engineer plants for increased biofuel efficiency. The study reveals a family of proteins named GT92 that play a crucial role in pectin synthesis.
Scientists have developed a pill that breaks down gluten peptides, making it possible for people with celiac disease to consume gluten-containing foods. The enzyme, called KumaMax, has been engineered to break down over 95% of the offending peptides in acidic conditions like those in the stomach.
Researchers at Rice University have created a method to trigger biochemical reactions remotely on demand by exposing plasmonic gold nanoparticles to near-infrared light, enabling chemical processes to occur at lower temperatures. This technology has great potential for industrial applications, including energy savings and more sustaina...
A study has identified two enzymes elevated in prediabetes that could lead to new therapies for vascular complications and help predict who is at risk of developing diabetes. Elevated arginase and indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase trigger a stress response that damages blood vessels and immune cells.
Researchers have reconstructed DNA and proteins from prehistoric yeast cells to examine evolutionary forces that shaped modern-day enzymes. They found that copying existing genes led to the emergence of new enzymes with different sugar-b Breaking down different sugars.
Researchers found that compressed propane increased inulinase activity, but the effect depended on enzyme structure and experimental conditions. The study explored the potential of compressed fluids to boost biotransformation reactions in industrial processes.
A team of scientists using the world's most powerful X-ray laser has revealed the three-dimensional structure of a key enzyme that enables the single-celled parasite causing African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. This discovery paves the way for designing new drugs to inhibit the parasite without harming humans.
Researchers have developed a new treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease by knocking out the gene responsible for producing the HDAC6 enzyme. This intervention improved cognitive abilities and behavioral disorders in mice, suggesting that improving cellular traffic may be key to treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a new way in which the chromatin-remodeling enzyme ALC1 is activated. Through biochemical experiments, they found that ALC1's shape shifts in the presence of its activators PARP1 and NAD+, making it accessible to regulate gene transcription and DNA repair.
Researchers exposed a possible Achilles' heel of the sleeping sickness parasite by solving its molecular structure with an X-ray laser. The discovery reveals a unique plug that can selectively block a vital enzyme, potentially killing the parasite without harming humans.
A team of researchers has discovered a bacterium that can efficiently degrade hemicellulose, a key component in biofuels. By unlocking this microbe's enzymes, scientists may be able to engineer microbes that can convert more plant material into fuel.
Scientists have mapped a weak spot in the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness, providing a promising target for treating the disease. The study uses X-ray lasers to determine the structure of biological molecules, which could lead to the development of a new drug.
The NREL team developed a breakthrough method using microscopic imaging to study the relationships between biomass cell wall structure and enzyme digestibility. They found that understanding the localization of enzymes and their effects on the cell wall is crucial for optimizing sugar yields and reducing costs in biofuel production.
A new study published in Circulation reveals that the arginase enzyme may play a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with type II diabetes. Inhibiting this enzyme improves blood vessel function in diabetics with angina, but has no effect on healthy individuals or those without angina.
An international team of biologists led by IU has identified the enzyme and molecular mechanism controlling chromatic acclimation in Synechococcus, a cyanobacteria that maximizes light harvesting for photosynthesis. This discovery has implications for healthcare and climate change research.
Researchers have found that a specific enzyme, CYP2J2, is overexpressed in women with preeclampsia, contributing to the development of high blood pressure. Inhibiting this enzyme reduced disease symptoms in animal experiments, suggesting a potential new treatment for preeclampsia.
Biologists at Bielefeld University have confirmed that certain algae species can draw energy from other plants by digesting cellulose, a previously thought exclusive trait of fungi and bacteria. This groundbreaking discovery has significant implications for bioenergy production.
Researchers at VIB and Oxyrane have created a new technology that produces enzymes for metabolic disorders like Pompe disease more efficiently than current treatments. The novel method uses yeast cells instead of mammalian cells, resulting in 17 times more efficient absorption by patient cells.
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified a way in which Salmonella bacteria counteract human cell defenses. The study found that Salmonella injects a protein that prevents cells from recycling transport carriers, effectively cutting off the supply line of toxic enzymes.
Researchers show tRNA synthetases, essential in protein production, can also regulate transcription through a single chemical alteration, with implications for immune response and cancer. This transformation may lead to new treatments for allergies and cancer.
A study predicts that G6PD deficiency is widespread across malaria-endemic regions, affecting up to 350 million people. The deficiency poses a significant risk for severe complications when treated with primaquine, a key drug for malaria treatment.
Researchers have discovered how a particular type of carbapenemase enzyme reorients bound antibiotics to destroy their antimicrobial activity. This understanding could lead to the design of new drugs that can resist being broken down by such enzymes, helping combat increasing antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a compound in green tea, can reduce blood glucose levels when combined with starchy foods. This suggests that drinking green tea with meals containing starch may help control typical blood sugar increases.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered that blocking a specific enzyme can promote myelin-forming cell differentiation and remyelination in MS patients, potentially leading to improved nerve cell function. The discovery could be a 'life-changer' for millions with MS and other demyelinating diseases.
The Johns Hopkins team used X-ray crystallography to map the arrangement of atoms in the enzyme that forms unique molecular bonds within the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This structure reveals a distinct pattern of bonds, creating a new target for TB drug development.