Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
Duke researchers add anti-cancer agent bortezomib to treatment regimen for Pompe disease, improving outcomes for three infants with severe form of the disorder. The addition reverses established immune response and reduces antibodies, leading to dramatic clinical improvements.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a synthetic enzyme that stabilizes drug molecules, making them resistant to breakdown by the human liver. This approach could lead to improved existing drugs and easier production of radioactive tracer versions for medical imaging.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified two small molecule chaperones that can stabilize the defective alpha-NAGAL enzyme, offering hope for developing the first drug treatment for Schindler/Kanzaki disease. These molecules, DGJ and DGJNAc, can increase the amount of functional enzyme in cells.
Scientists found that clot-busting enzyme t-PA also removes necrotic cells from the body. The process involves a blood clot-like structure, allowing for efficient removal without damage to the body.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Purdue University have discovered a way to 'toggling' intestinal enzymes that process starchy foods, helping to better control blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. The process involves using inhibitors to regulate the enzymes, which could lead to new solutions for diabetics and...
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered a molecule necessary for producing nylon using genetic changes found in cancer tumors. This breakthrough enables environmentally friendly adipic acid production from cheap sugars.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed a novel technology to produce an enzyme used to treat lysosomal storage disease, reducing costs by up to $300,000 per year. The breakthrough uses greenhouse-grown maize seeds to manipulate messenger RNAs and control sugar processing, paving the way for more affordable treatments.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a new enzyme called BACE2 that destroys beta-amyloid, a toxic protein fragment associated with Alzheimer's disease. The discovery suggests that impairments in BACE2 may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and could lead to gene therapy as a potential treatment.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology identified a specific enzyme, CYP337B3, responsible for the cotton bollworm's resistance to pyrethroids. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the genetic mechanisms behind insecticide resistance.
A study at McGill University reveals that people with genetically fast nicotine metabolism have a greater brain response to smoking cues than those with slow metabolism. This finding may lead to tailoring smoking cessation programs based on individual genetics.
Researchers at Aarhus University have determined the atomic structures of MASP-2 and its substrate C4, shedding light on the complement system's activation process. The findings may lead to more intelligent ways of developing drugs that attenuate undesired activation of the complement system.
University of Alberta medical scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the structure of molybdenum, a critical metal in human health. The research reveals two forms of the molecule with distinct functions, providing new insights into diseases such as metabolic and respiratory disorders.
Researchers found that ACE plays a crucial role in the development of red blood cells and the kidneys. Mice lacking ACE had impaired kidney function and reduced fertility. The study suggests new potential therapeutic targets for blood pressure regulation and fertility issues.
Researchers found a specific enzyme triggers chemical reactions in female mice, leading to increased visceral fat accumulation. Estrogen suppression of the enzyme's activity may explain why postmenopausal women tend to gain belly fat.
A new study by bioengineers at the University of California, San Diego, challenges the long-held paradigm that enzymes are highly efficient and specific in catalyzing chemical reactions. The researchers found that at least 37 percent of E. coli's enzymes catalyze multiple metabolic reactions in actively growing cells.
Scientists have found that a type of ocean microbe, Nitrosopumilus maritimus, produces methylphosphonic acid, which is a key component in the production of ocean methane. This discovery helps explain the 'methane paradox' and has implications for climate change modeling.
Researchers at Caltech have identified a specific sugar, GlcNAc, that plays a key role in keeping cancerous tumors fed. By altering the addition of carbohydrates to proteins, tumor cells can survive under harsh conditions and thrive. This finding offers new potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Researchers identified how certain RNA viruses hijack a key DNA repair activity of human cells to multiply, providing a new target for universal treatments. This discovery could lead to the development of broad-spectrum treatments for picornaviruses, including the common cold, without resistance issues.
Researchers have discovered compounds in berry wines that inhibit enzymes responsible for carbohydrate absorption, which could lead to a tasty and effective treatment for diabetes. The drinks contain high levels of anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and may have positive effects on cognitive function.
Researchers discovered that cathepsins, involved in various diseases, may attack each other, reducing degradation of critical proteins like collagen. This phenomenon could explain the failure of current drugs to inhibit cathepsin activity.
Scientists have developed proteins that can destroy chemical warfare agents up to 15,000 times more effectively than their natural counterparts. The new substances have potential uses in protecting soldiers and others from nerve gas attacks.
Researchers have developed a universal model for concentrating and extracting enzyme pairings, which could lead to breakthroughs in biotechnology and biomedical applications. The approach involves using baited nanoparticles to capture and recycle enzymes, allowing for efficient isolation of complex systems.
Researchers mapped the importance of enzyme shape and function in rhomboid proteases, finding four main regions important for maintaining shape and at least two regions crucial for function. The study's findings could lead to the development of drugs to treat malaria and other parasitic diseases.
Researchers have designed efficient enzymes that can metabolize cocaine, potentially preventing its physiological effects and aiding in treatment of drug dependency. The development of these enzymes is crucial for the creation of anti-cocaine medication.
A low-protein diet during pregnancy may increase the risk of hypertension in children. Research suggests that reduced activity of an enzyme called Hsd17b2 allows more testosterone to reach the fetus, leading to increased susceptibility to adulthood hypertension.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that same molecular changes confer resistance in multiple insect species across four orders, suggesting a high level of evolutionary repeatability
A study by Tufts University researchers found that a single moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury can disrupt proteins regulating BACE1 enzyme associated with Alzheimer's. The team identified complex mechanisms leading to rapid elevation of BACE1 in the brain, which may lead to new drug treatment targeting this mechanism.
Researchers identified two enzymes, t-PA and MMP-3, that promote injury severity following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Inhibiting these enzymes may protect the brain from TBI by blocking the activation of MMP-3, which causes damage. The study provides a promising therapeutic target for treating human TBI.
Researchers at UC San Diego identified a key enzyme in malaria parasites that could lead to new anti-malarial drugs. The team discovered a selective inhibitor, ML276, which stops parasite growth even in resistant strains.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a variation of an enzyme's ability to 'hop' along DNA, modifying genetic material and physical capabilities in bacteria. The study provides insight into epigenetic gene regulation and its potential applications in biomedical fields.
Researchers discovered a way to inhibit Taspase1 by 'gluing together' individual molecules, providing a promising approach for cancer treatment. The enzyme plays a critical role in the development of leukemias and solid malignancies, making it a key target for disease therapy.
Researchers reprogrammed asthma-promoting immune cells in mice, reducing airway damage and inflammation. The discovery identifies a potential target for new treatments of chronic inflammatory diseases.
A new study suggests that white rot fungi may have ended the Carboniferous period by breaking down lignin, a key component of coal. The research also identifies diverse fungal enzymes that could be used to generate biofuels, providing promising fossil fuels alternatives.
Researchers from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have identified the enzyme YfcM as a key player in bacterial pathogenicity modification. The discovery of YfcM, which displays hydroxylase activity and lacks sequence similarity to known proteins, has significant implications for the development of new antibiotics.
A new study at University of Illinois Chicago found that the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) helps cancer cells survive during initial tumor formation and when they spread to other organs. AMPK promotes cell survival by regulating NADPH, a molecule that reduces harmful reactive-oxygen species.
Scientists have found that a long-used anti-cancer drug, cisplatin, can prevent the clumping of an enzyme linked to ALS. This discovery suggests that cisplatin could be a promising lead compound for developing new treatments for the incurable disease.
A new study from Duke University found that a drug blocking fatty acid amide hydrolase activity reduces fear in mice by increasing endocannabinoids. Human genetic differences related to the same enzyme also influence how well people cope with fear and stress.
Researchers have developed a new therapy that targets a specific enzyme to stop the spread of brain bleeds and protect brain cells from further damage after a stroke. The compound has potential for use in both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, offering a longer window of treatment for patients.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg are working on developing substances that can prevent parasites, bacteria, and fungi from producing essential proteins. If successful, this could lead to the development of new drugs for several major diseases, including cancer, parasitic diseases, and bacterial and fungal infections.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that caspase-11 enables immune cells to fuse and degrade bacteria causing Legionnaires' disease. The enzyme's activation helps kill the bacteria by triggering a fusion event between phagosomes and lysosomes, preventing bacterial replication.
A team of researchers has identified a hereditary enzyme deficiency, MPS IIIE, which leads to cognitive decline and learning difficulties in mice. The discovery also sheds light on the role of heparan sulfate degradation in lysosomal storage disorders.
Researchers have developed chemical compounds that selectively block the attachment of sugar molecules to cells, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The new tools can help scientists understand how glycans influence cell function and behavior.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have discovered a new enzyme in the coca plant that catalyzes a key step in cocaine biosynthesis. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of tropane alkaloids and reveals that the pathways in coca and belladonna evolved independently.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a method to repeatedly encode, store and erase digital data within the DNA of living cells. This breakthrough enables the creation of a binary digit equivalent to a 'bit' in data parlance.
Researchers found a specific enzyme, 5-lipoxygenase, linked to microgravity-induced cell death in astronauts, which may lead to therapeutics for aging-related immune problems. The discovery could also benefit the elderly on Earth by bolstering their immune systems.
A team of researchers led by Dr. Brendan Lee discovered a treatment that bypasses the enzyme deficiency causing argininosuccinic aciduria, allowing patients to receive nitric oxide through medication. This breakthrough has shown promise for treating similar conditions in hypertensive teens and individuals with organ damage.
The liver has been found to have a major impact on body weight regulation through its ability to influence appetite hormones in the brain. Research published in Diabetes reveals that overexpression of FBPase enzyme in the liver leads to reduced fat accumulation and decreased food intake.
Researchers have discovered a new and improved version of an enzyme that can detoxify deadly nerve agents, such as sarin. The PON1 variant shows 40-3,400-fold higher efficiency in metabolizing the three most toxic G-type nerve agents.
Researchers discovered that a key enzyme in the milk of lactating tsetse flies functions similarly to mammalian enzymes, making them a potential model for studying lipid metabolism during mammalian lactation. Reduced levels of this enzyme led to poor health in offspring, suggesting targeting it could aid population reduction efforts.
Concordia physicists have modified a battery-like enzyme to store energy for hours, not seconds. This breakthrough uses natural systems to develop sustainable, carbon-neutral energy converting systems that could lead to new medical applications.
A new method to control a heat-loving microbe has been discovered, enabling its use as a miniature factory for producing biofuels and other materials. By inserting a gene from another organism into the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus, researchers can switch on lactate production at lower temperatures.
Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a crucial enzyme system that regulates chromosome pairing during meiosis, ensuring precise genome sorting and development of healthy sperm and eggs. The discovery could lead to insights into fertility, miscarriages, cancer, and developmental disorders.
Researchers successfully implanted a biofuel cell in a snail, generating sustainable electrical micropower for extended periods without harming the animal. The long-lasting enzymes used induced an electric current by breaking down glucose and oxygen molecules.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that genetically-determined differences in salivary amylase activity influence blood glucose levels after starch consumption. Individuals with high salivary amylase activity tend to have lower blood glucose levels and may be better adapted to eat starch-rich foods.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology have discovered a new serine protease, neutrophil serine protease 4 (NSP4), which forms part of the antibacterial defense arsenal of neutrophil granulocytes. NSP4 could provide a new target for treating diseases involving an overactive immune system.
A study by IRB Barcelona analyzed tRNA genes in over 500 species, revealing that enzyme activity adapted genome structures to specific codon recognition. This discovery explains the separation of Bacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea genomes and has implications for biotechnology and cancer research.
A team from Graz University of Technology has developed a new method for measuring pH in enzyme reactions using luminescent dual-life-time referencing. This method, known as DLR-based pH meter, combines a pH indicator and a reference standard to provide real-time characteristics of enzyme reactions.
Researchers discovered how bacteria modify an enzyme to recognize and disarm a potent antibiotic. The adaptation allows bacteria to protect themselves from toxins while still being susceptible to certain antibiotics, offering new insights into treatment strategies.
Researchers have discovered a dramatic improvement in life span and motor function in mice with infantile Batten disease when treated with gene therapy and bone marrow transplants. The combination therapy created a striking synergy, with mice living nearly 18.5 months, more than double the lifespan of untreated mice.
A Phase 2 pilot study will test the efficacy and safety of InflammaGen Shok-Pak, an enzyme inhibitor that blocks autodigestion, a condition leading to multi-organ failure. The treatment has shown promising results in pre-clinical studies and ex-U.S. patient experiences.