Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a computational workflow that can design thousands of new enzymes, predict their behavior, and test their performance across multiple chemical reactions using machine learning. This breakthrough accelerates the process of creating new enzymes, which can enhance perfumes, clean laundry, ...
Researchers analyzed 74 leaf beetle species to understand how they digest plant cell wall components. They found that most species use either their own pectinases or those from symbiotic bacteria, with no overlap between the two.
A new position paper from the International Osteoporosis Foundation and International Federation of Clinical Chemistry proposes a unified nomenclature for bone status indices to enhance diagnostic consistency and clarity. The guidelines offer a comprehensive framework to unify terminology and improve comparability across studies.
Researchers at CCM Biosciences have discovered novel enzyme activators that fully restore the activity of Sirtuin-3, a master regulator of cellular energy production. These compounds hold significant potential for addressing age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a previously unreported enzyme that catalyzes the creation of cyclopentachromone-containing compounds. This breakthrough could potentially lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals for treating cancer and inflammation.
Increasing Rubisco, the plant enzyme responsible for capturing atmospheric CO2, can complement existing efforts to enhance yields while research on complex innovations progresses. This approach may offer benefits sooner than other strategies, particularly in conditions with decreased CO2 concentration, such as drought or heat stress.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a genetic twist in cyanobacteria, allowing them to produce two forms of the enzyme RuBisCo, which could enhance carbon storage. This adaptation may play a crucial role in ocean carbon sequestration and has potential implications for more efficient crop production.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a novel class of antivirals that target a type of enzyme essential to SARS-CoV-2 infections and many RNA viruses, including Ebola and dengue. The findings may pave the way for a faster and more robust response to future pandemics.
Researchers at King's College London developed a new method to produce biofuels from fatty acids in cooking oil, making it as effective as diesel with improved efficiency. The technology uses enzymes to break down fatty acids into alkenes, reducing the need for conventional catalysts and toxic chemicals.
Researchers have identified UBA1 enzyme as key mediator for immune response to tumors, inhibiting its activity increases T-cell recruitment and lowers tumor resistance. Pairing UBA1 inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade therapies may make immunotherapy more effective for patients with 'cold' tumors.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute developed a new, efficient metabolic pathway to convert acetyl-CoA into pyruvate, enabling effective CO2 utilization. The 'lactyl-CoA mutase' enzyme can produce valuable products like 3-hydroxypropionate for sustainable plastics.
Scientists have developed a novel enzyme, SUPer RNA EcoGII Methyltransferase (SUPREM), which can selectively modify RNA and has high methylation activity. This tool can be used to investigate RNA modifications in various diseases, providing new insights into their role in cell health.
Researchers achieved significant improvements in ethanol yields by genetically modifying cyanobacteria to optimize carbon flow and overexpress key enzymes. Modified strains produced ethanol at rates between 0.24 and 3.8 g/L, demonstrating robust performance improvements.
Scientists have designed bioluminescent proteins that can produce multiple colors of light for real-time imaging in cellular and animal models. These proteins are small, efficient, highly stable and can be used for non-invasive bioimaging, diagnostics, drug discovery and more.
A team of scientists at IISc has devised a way to break down biofilm barriers using an enzyme from the cow’s digestive tract, making bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. The enzyme successfully broke down biofilms in four strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and prevented its development altogether.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that TYK2 transforms tau into a toxic protein contributing to Alzheimer's disease. Partially restraining TYK2 could be a strategy to reduce tau levels and toxicity.
Researchers found that plants have multiple enzymes for adding methyl groups to DNA, allowing them to override genetic instructions. The study reveals the evolutionary history of these enzymes and their unique structures, providing insights into plant resilience to environmental changes.
A team at Penn State developed an experimental pipeline called Cleavage High-Throughput Assay (CHiTA) that can test the activity of thousands of predicted twister ribozymes. The study identified approximately 94% of tested ribozymes as active, revealing their function can persist even with slight imperfections.
Researchers from Osaka University have developed tough biodegradable plastics with movable cyclodextrin crosslinks, which improve both durability and degradation capabilities. The new polymers can be broken down by enzymes into useful precursor molecules, reducing waste generation.
Researchers have identified a unique multidomain enzyme capable of catalysing two separate reactions, cyclization and hydroxylation, on a single peptide substrate. This breakthrough discovery opens the possibility of developing innovative drug molecules with potential therapeutic applications for life-threatening infections and cancer.
Researchers used ex vivo lentiviral gene therapy to treat MPS IVA in mice, achieving partial correction of bone pathology and complete correction of heart pathology. The study suggests potential for novel therapies to treat patients with MPS IVA.
Researchers discovered a beneficial gut bacterium that produces an enzyme capable of metabolizing key molecules involved in regulating appetite, immune responses, and neuronal function. The discovery highlights the importance of gut microbes in human physiology and may lead to new strategies for maintaining health and treating diseases.
Scientists have characterized enzymes involved in the degradation of ethane, a process that plays a crucial role in the biological filter at marine seeps. The study reveals a key aspect of the ethane-degrading microbes and their ability to adapt to different environments.
Researchers found specific gene mutations in barley affect starch synthesis, forming elongated starch granules with altered properties. Mutations disrupt enzymes, altering glucose chain formation and branching.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered a family of enzymes that work to reduce IgG-mediated pathologies in diseases like Myasthenia Gravis. The newly found enzyme was used to treat various IgG-mediated pathologies in mice and found to be extremely effective, requiring only 4,000 times less of the enzyme than current treatments.
Genetic variations in carbohydrate-active enzymes may predict which IBS patients benefit from low-carb diets, offering potential personalized treatment options. A study of 250 IBS patients found that those with defective genes showed marked improvement on a low-FODMAP diet.
Researchers found that ACLY activity activates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a pro-inflammatory environment associated with chronic inflammation and aging. Blocking ACLY activity reduces inflammation-related genes in aged cells, suggesting a potential strategy for managing aging and age-related diseases.
Researchers discovered GAME15, a crucial protein for controlling steroidal glycoalkaloids and saponin production in Solanum plants. The study also showed that steroidal saponins play an ecological role in insect defense, with GAME15 knockout plants being more susceptible to herbivores.
A team of researchers has identified mangrove bacteria that can transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles, which are a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery of novel enzymes and bacterial species with the ability to break down PET could potentially be used to develop new strategies for plastic waste cleanup.
Researchers found Itaconate stimulates immune cells to produce anti-viral proteins called interferons by blocking an enzyme called SDH, offering a potential therapy for autoimmune and infectious diseases.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an innovative synthesis technology to produce high-purity, fully chemically synthesized mRNA. This breakthrough cuts down the production time and can be used to address concerns about purity and speed in mRNA vaccine development.
Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have developed a highly selective inhibitor for Matrix Metallopeptidase 7 (MMP7), an enzyme crucial for cancer spread and progression. The novel peptide D'20 demonstrates remarkable stability and selectivity, targeting MMP7 while leaving similar enzymes unaffected.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a fluorescent biosensor to observe PKC activity in real time and 3D space. The study revealed designated signaling territories where different types of PKC are active, shedding light on their critical role in human disease.
The red milkweed beetle's genome has been sequenced, providing insights into how it safely feeds on toxic plants. The study found an apparent expansion of genes related to toxin sequestration and metabolic enzymes.
Researchers successfully designed and engineered novel enzyme systems that can degrade various types of plastics. By replacing the binding module with different modules, they created chimera LPMOs capable of recognizing and breaking down different types of plastics, including biosourced polyhydroxyalkanoate.
A UC Irvine-led team has engineered an efficient new enzyme that can produce synthetic genetic material called threose nucleic acid. This advancement advances the discovery of potentially more powerful, precise therapeutic options for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
The team created a new method by adding two different enzymes to the existing reaction, increasing conversion rates from 46% in 7 hours to 80% in 5 hours. This approach also improved fumaric acid production efficiency from 10% to 16%.
Researchers review UBA1 loss of function in VEXAS Syndrome, a hematoinflammatory disorder characterized by severe inflammation, cytopenias, and oncogenicity. They explore therapeutic options, including clone-targeting drugs, to combat this challenging disease.
Researchers discovered that wastewater bacteria can break down plastic into small pieces called nanoplastics and use a specialized enzyme to further degrade it. The bacteria then use the broken-down plastic as a food source, providing new possibilities for developing bioengineering solutions to clean up difficult-to-remove plastic waste.
A University of North Florida biologist has received a four-year NIH grant to investigate the functional role of dual-specificity phosphatase 4 (Dusp4) in skeletal muscle atrophy. The study aims to characterize Dusp4's role in modulating muscle size and strength.
Researchers identified a crucial protein, TIMP3, overproduced in AMD and found that blocking its activity can reduce drusen formation, suggesting a promising treatment strategy. The study offers new avenues for preventing AMD and improving the lives of millions affected by this disease.
A new study reveals that two specific genes in the RNA interference pathway play a crucial role in preventing virus transmission from parent to progeny in plants. This discovery could lead to healthier crops and potentially reduce the transmission of diseases like Zika from mothers to human children.
Researchers found that certain C4 crops can control water loss through non-stomatal mechanisms, allowing them to absorb carbon dioxide despite raised temperatures and increased atmospheric demand. This discovery has significant implications for improving water-use efficiency in these crops.
A new study reveals that soil pH sets the stage for microbial interactions and community composition, with bacteria cooperating to survive in acidic environments. The research sheds light on global nitrogen cycling and provides insights into reducing potent greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers identified protein kinase N as a key regulator of heart fibrosis, which threatens heart function. Deleting this enzyme reduced cardiac dysfunction, suggesting anti-PKN treatments may protect against heart failure.
Scientists are investigating the basic biology of protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5), an enzyme found in 15% of human cancers. The goal is to understand its normal functions and avoid potential side effects when targeting it for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that certain proteins called killer toxins produced by brewer's yeast can suppress diastatic strains and prevent spoilage. Adding these killer yeasts at the point of contamination may be a remediation procedure to curb the issue.
Researchers at WVU are working on a project to inhibit the myeloperoxidase enzyme, which feeds pancreatic cancer growth. By targeting this enzyme, they hope to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer, showing promise in mouse models and potential for future clinical trials.
New research reveals that downregulating the enzyme EGLN2 can protect motor neurons and mitigate ALS symptoms in animal models. This discovery brings hope to understanding how to slow or prevent this devastating disease.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that disruptions in the basement membrane zone between the epidermis and dermis could make it harder for pigment-producing cells to adhere. An enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) may be overexpressed, leading to disturbance of the basement membrane.
Over 12,000 years ago, humans in Europe increased their ability to digest carbohydrates by expanding the number of genes for enzymes that break down starch. This rapid increase in gene copies provided a survival advantage and tracks the spread of agriculture across Europe.
A study by researchers from Brazil and Germany found that a surface protein on Aspergillus fumigatus spores suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory substances by immune cells, making it easier for the fungus to infect the body. The enzyme glycosylasparaginase plays a crucial role in this process.
Researchers have developed a novel, more selective inhibitor of the human immunoproteasome using a bacterially derived natural product. The new compound targets autoimmune diseases without disrupting other cellular mechanisms.
A newly developed compound, MOD06051, targets neutrophils and reduces harmful inflammation in rat models. This approach differs from current treatments that may have broader immunosuppressive effects, offering a safer alternative.
New research compares four methods for extracting edible insect protein, finding that alkali extraction boosts protein content while enzyme treatment improves nutritional value. Additionally, salt-assisted extraction reveals anti-inflammatory effects and anti-diabetic properties.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered a natural tyrosinase inhibitor from Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum that inhibits melanin synthesis and provides an alternative to toxic hydroquinone-based products. The compound, cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr), exhibits low toxicity and potential benefits for hyperpigmentation treatment.
Researchers identified a new enzyme XccOpgD in Xanthomonas that enhances pathogenicity, leading to potential anti-bacterial pesticides. The discovery offers sustainable solutions to global agricultural challenges and promotes environmental stewardship.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an eco-friendly method to precisely mix fluorine into olefins using natural enzymes and light, offering a more efficient strategy for creating high-value chemicals with potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels and more.
Researchers at Ohio State University are exploring the role of caspase 11 in SARS-CoV-2 infection, aiming to prevent inflammation and tissue injury. They will use human cell samples and experimental inhibitors to develop new treatment strategies for long COVID.
Researchers have developed a smart RNA capable of regulating gene expression in response to various signals, enabling the precise design of gene therapies and advanced personalized treatments for diseases.