Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
Researchers at Monash University have discovered how a blood clot-busting enzyme is switched on, revealing a 'peek-a-boo' mechanism that could lead to new treatments for clotting and bleeding disorders. The findings also provide insights into the molecular details of current plasminogen-activating drugs.
Scientists have discovered that inhibiting the HDAC2 enzyme can reverse Alzheimer's symptoms in mice by removing gene 'blockades' that shut off memory formation. This finding suggests that targeted drugs could be effective in treating the disease, which affects millions worldwide.
Scientists at Simon Fraser University have discovered a new approach to treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting a specific enzyme. By maintaining the correct balance of sugars in brain proteins, they hope to slow or prevent the development of the fatal condition.
Sanford-Burnham researchers discovered the first 3D structure of the botulinum neurotoxin and its protein bodyguard. This reveals a weak spot that can be targeted to develop new therapeutics, including potential treatments for botulism and bioterrorism agents.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered an energy sensor mechanism that helps regulate cell energy storage. The study found that a protein called AMPK, which acts like an energy thermostat, is affected by acetyl groups added to it.
A team at Karolinska Institutet has generated a map of the effects of small molecules on PARP1 and other proteins, which may explain putative side effects and contribute to new cancer therapies. The study's results provide unique insights into specificity and cross-reactivity of PARP inhibitors.
Researchers at the Stowers Institute have discovered a new mechanism controlling cell polarity in yeast. An enzyme called flippase flips phospholipids to create a polarized membrane, with all molecules involved found in both yeast and mammalian cells. This discovery opens up avenues for studying human diseases.
Researchers discover genes passed from plant to plant between species with distant kinship, contributing to the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. This 'lateral gene transfer' allows plants to adapt to new environments by taking genes from others.
Pablo Sobrado's research focuses on developing enzyme inhibitors to combat tropical diseases. He aims to identify specific inhibitors against enzymes crucial for pathogenesis in several human diseases.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that enzymes are only imported into peroxisomes when their transport proteins are recycled. This discovery supports the export-driven-import model and sheds light on the complex process of protein import.
Scientists at the University of Alberta have shed light on the structure and function of PNKP, a key DNA repair enzyme. By understanding how this enzyme repairs damaged DNA, researchers hope to develop new therapies that target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
Research reveals LSD1's key function in silencing embryonic stem cell genes during differentiation, allowing cells to adopt new operating systems. The findings hold broader implications for understanding defective operating systems in diseases like cancer.
A research team led by Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Linke has discovered that protein networks play a crucial role in stabilizing muscle fibers using the same mechanism as DNA methylation. The study found that disrupting this network leads to significant changes in muscle structure and function.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have discovered a link between inositol phosphate signalling and histone deacetylase enzymes, which play a key role in regulating gene expression. This finding has significant implications for the therapeutic intervention of certain types of cancer.
A team of scientists has identified a molecular 'culprit' in the emergence of oxygen on Earth, dating back to 2.9 billion years ago. Manganese catalase, an enzyme that generates oxygen as a byproduct, is believed to be responsible for the rise of planetary oxygen.
Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is crucial for constructing the acrosome, a critical structure in fertilization. Without DHA, sperm cells fail to form properly and fertility is compromised.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified the critical sugar chain produced by the LARGE enzyme, which plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle cell viability. The study's findings could lead to rapid testing of potential muscular dystrophy therapies and treatments for Lassa fever.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University developed an implantable biofuel cell that converts a cockroach's internal chemicals into electricity. The device can provide enough power to control the bug or transmit sensor data, and has shown promise for long-term use without harming the insect.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a low-dose combination therapy using cancer medicines to eliminate or prevent the immune response in children with Pompe disease. This treatment has saved the lives of four patients who were previously predicted to fail enzyme replacement therapy.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of endomannosidase, an enzyme used by devastating human viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C to replicate. This breakthrough opens the door to developing inhibitors that block both pathways used by these viruses.
Researchers at UMass Amherst discover a key interaction for treating Fabry disease using small molecule chaperones like galactose and DGJ. These molecules help stabilize the faulty alpha-galactosidase enzyme, reducing symptoms and toxicity.
Treatment with Sirt1 overexpression may slow brain cell loss in Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder. Increased Sirt1 expression protected against neurodegeneration and huntingtin aggregation in mouse models.
A team of scientists led by Donald Bryant has corrected a decades-old assumption about how cyanobacteria make energy and synthesize cell materials. They discovered that these bacteria can complete the TCA cycle in a slightly different way, allowing them to produce energy.
The study found an enzyme called 3D which forms fibrous structures during viral replication. A molecule to prevent this formation has been identified, providing a new avenue for exploration and potentially leading to a treatment for foot-and-mouth disease.
Researchers at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute have discovered a crucial component of Tankyrase, a protein linked to the bone development disorder cherubism. The study reveals how Tankyrase identifies its substrates, opening new avenues for inhibiting its function in cancer therapy.
Researchers at University of Warwick have found that the CPT1 enzyme has a switch controlling its activity, which can lead to better understanding of individual metabolic rates. This discovery may lead to development of drugs targeting specific patients with conditions like diabetic keto acidosis.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have developed a novel antimalarial agent, BCX4945, which kills the deadliest malaria parasite by starving it of vital building blocks. The study shows promising results in non-human primates, paving the way for more potent therapies against this deadly disease.
Phosphonic acids are persistent pollutants found in common medicinal products, detergents, and herbicides. Bacteria have been shown to break down these molecules with surprising ease, thanks to the identification of specialized proteins that perform key bond-breaking steps.
Scientists have developed new approaches to boost the effectiveness of enzymes involved in breaking down toxic pollutants such as PCBs. By modifying amino acids and updating mechanisms, researchers can create more flexible mutant enzymes that can metabolize a wider range of substrates.
Researchers have created a self-assembling platform for biosensors using synthetic DNA and carbon nanotubes. The technology allows for the creation of highly efficient sensors for detecting various compounds, including glucose, with potential applications in diabetes management and personalized medicine.
A $7.5 million NIH grant will fund a Center of Excellence at Ohio State University to develop novel enzyme-based antidotes for nerve agents and pesticides. The team aims to create efficient enzymes that can neutralize multiple toxic agents, paving the way for new treatments and preventive measures.
Researchers have made a fundamental discovery about enzymes, revealing that flexibility is an essential feature of enzyme function. This finding has significant implications for improving the efficiency of enzymatic processes and developing new treatments for diseases such as AIDS.
Researchers found that blocking arginase-2 activity prevents kidney failure in diabetic mice, offering a new therapeutic approach for diabetic nephropathy. The study also suggests that this inhibition may protect against albuminuria and cardiovascular problems.
Researchers have solved the long-standing mystery of Garrod's fourth inborn error of metabolism by identifying two different DCXR mutations linked to pentosuria in Ashkenazi Jews. This discovery sheds light on historical and geographical patterns of human genetic mutations, providing a new understanding of the condition.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a more efficient method for converting corn stover into cellulosic ethanol by separating its three distinct parts: the rind, pith, and leaves. This new approach enables better utilization of enzymes to break down cellulose, resulting in increased ethanol production with reduced costs.
Researchers have identified two new drugs that may be effective in treating bipolar disorder, a condition characterized by mood swings between mania and depression. The drugs target the NKA enzyme and ERK protein, which are abnormally active in people with bipolar disorder.
Differences in two metabolic enzymes may explain susceptibility to liver damage. Low levels of GAPDH and NDPK are associated with increased oxidative stress and disease severity.
A new study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that key phytochemicals in broccoli are poorly absorbed if taken as a supplement. Cooking broccoli can also reduce its health value. The study suggests that eating whole foods, especially lightly cooked, is necessary to retain adequate levels of essential compounds.
David A. Estell, a Genencor researcher, received the Enzyme Engineering Award for his work on protein engineering and developing efficient proprietary technology for producing advanced biofuels. He has also initiated new technology development and holds over 70 issued U.S. patents.
Genencor calls for industry, science, and policy collaboration to develop a biobased economy driving renewable energy, fuels, and chemicals production. Key components include cultivating feedstock, developing infrastructure, and building sustainable biorefineries.
Researchers found that the polyphosphate storage site represents the first known universal organelle, present in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. This discovery challenges traditional definitions of bacterial organisms, suggesting LUCA was more complex than previously thought.
Researchers identify enzymes from fungi like Thielavia terrestris and Muceliophthora thermophila, which thrive at high temperatures, to accelerate biomass breakdown and improve biofuel production. The discoveries have great promise for significant improvements over existing systems.
Scientists at Virginia Tech and Penn have identified two enzymes, peptidases, as potential targets for new anti-malarial drugs. The researchers developed chemical genetic tools to specifically inhibit these enzymes, blocking hemoglobin degradation and starving the malaria parasite to death.
Researchers have identified a new class of DNA repair enzymes that lack uracil repair capabilities, instead repairing adenine damage. This discovery provides insights into the diversity of DNA repair functions and highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific discovery.
Three Johns Hopkins researchers, including Andrew Feinberg, Gyanu Lamichhane, and Thomas Hartung, have received NIH Director's Awards for their groundbreaking work in epigenetics, tuberculosis, and toxicological testing. Their research aims to revolutionize cancer treatment, develop new antibiotics, and improve human health.
Researchers challenged online gamers to predict the structure of a protein-cutting enzyme from an AIDS-like virus using the game Foldit. The players successfully generated accurate models, which were refined and determined to be correct within days.
A team of gamers solved the molecular structure of a retrovirus enzyme using online game Foldit, achieving results in just three weeks. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new anti-AIDS drugs by targeting specific features on the molecule.
Researchers have deciphered the structure of an essential enzyme in photosynthetic organisms, a target for algaecide development. This discovery could lead to the creation of compounds that block the enzyme's function, inhibiting algae growth without harming other plant life.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that pairing broccoli with spicy foods containing myrosinase significantly enhances its individual cancer-fighting power. This is achieved by ensuring absorption takes place in the upper digestive system, where sulforaphane can be quickly and effectively released.
Researchers at UCSF found that mice lacking a specific enzyme are less responsive to nicotine and alcohol, suggesting a promising target for a dual treatment approach. The discovery could lead to medications that reduce reward craving in people struggling with addiction.
Researchers found that mice without the HDAC3 enzyme experience rapid thickening of the heart muscle and heart failure on a high-fat diet. This molecular link has implications for people on Western diets and combating heart disease.
Researchers discovered that a commercial enzyme can extract water from an ethanol byproduct, reducing electricity, natural gas, and energy consumption. This could significantly decrease the amount of greenhouse gases emitted during ethanol production.
Scientists have identified a unique protein in an insect gut microbe that stores iron, regulating the concentration of molecules important for plant-insect interactions. The discovery sheds light on the survival strategies of the microbe and its relationship with the host insect.
Researchers find that a specific white blood cell type, neutrophils, promote tumor growth and spread by inducing new blood vessel formation. This discovery opens the door to developing novel drugs targeting early-stage cancers.
Biologists at USC discovered major declines in the availability of an enzyme, known as the Lon protease, as human cells grow older. The finding may help explain why humans lose energy with age and could point medicine toward new diets or pharmaceuticals to slow the aging process.
Scientists have identified bacteria in giant panda feces with potent effects on breaking down plant material, which could be used to produce biofuels. These bacteria can convert up to 95% of plant biomass into simple sugars, eliminating the need for high heat and pressure processes.
A study published in Nature journal has identified the structure of the enzyme that decomposes nitrous oxide, a harmful climate gas with a 300 times stronger impact than carbon dioxide. The discovery provides insight into the decomposition mechanism and its dependence on environmental conditions, which may help prevent N2O emissions.
The molecular structural basis for severe head deformities and ambiguous sex organs in babies born with Antley-Bixler syndrome has been revealed, suggesting that riboflavin therapy may reverse enzyme defects. The study also found that the enzyme NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase plays a crucial role in human syndromes.
A breakthrough discovery identifies a key gene, SIRT3, that exacerbates the development of metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to obesity, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. The study suggests that increasing SIRT3 activity could help alleviate symptoms and develop new treatments for this growing health concern.
A modified form of the enzyme Cdk5 is elevated in Alzheimer's disease patients, triggering damage to nerve cell connections. This discovery suggests that SNO-Cdk5 could be targeted for the development of new Alzheimer's disease therapies.