Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a link between the BACE1 enzyme and schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice lacking this enzyme. The study found that these mice exhibited deficits in social recognition and other schizophrenia-like traits, which improved with treatment with antipsychotic drug clozapine.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that blocking the CaMKK2 brain enzyme decreases appetite and promotes weight loss in mice. The study also showed that this enzyme is required for appetite control and protects against obesity-related health issues.
A team of researchers led by the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has analyzed the genome of Trichoderma reesei, a champion biomass-degrading fungus. The study found that despite its reputation, T. reesei employs a surprisingly minimal repertoire of genes to break down plant cell walls.
A team of researchers has decoded the genetic sequence of Tricoderma reesei, a fungus that can break down plant fibers into simple sugars. This finding could unlock possibilities for industrial processes that convert corn, switchgrass, and cellulose-based waste into ethanol.
Bubonic plague bacteria produce excessive aspartic acid due to missing enzyme, contributing to its high lethality. Researchers found that a single genetic mutation in Yersinia pestis leads to this imbalance.
A team of scientists has identified new non-histone targets for a protein methyltransferase enzyme, expanding our understanding of epigenetic regulation in cells. The discovery broadens the view on methyltransferases and indicates that epigenetic gene regulation is more complex than previously thought.
Scientists develop novel strategy to inhibit ß-secretase enzyme in Alzheimer's disease by targeting cell membrane RAFTS. The approach demonstrates effective inhibition of amyloid peptide formation with concentrations as low as 100 nM.
The use of cell-based assays is increasing in early drug discovery work to test toxic effects, according to Genetic Engineering News. The technique offers a faster and lower-cost alternative, with market estimates projecting over $230 million by 2015.
Researchers have created a highly efficient method for producing hydrogen from plant biomass, addressing three major technical barriers to the 'hydrogen economy'. The new system could enable pollution-free and fuel-efficient transportation in the future.
Scientists from Michigan State University have discovered a way to convert entire corn plants into biofuel using an enzyme found in cow stomachs. This breakthrough enables the production of affordable cellulosic ethanol by unlocking plant fibers previously considered unusable.
A team of scientists has developed a computer-controlled system that can drive the evolution of improved RNA enzymes without human input. The system, known as an 'evolution-machine,' uses selection pressure to guide the evolution process, resulting in an enzyme that is 90 times more efficient at using starting ingredients.
Researchers found that increasing production of angiotensin-converting enzyme in macrophages enhances the immune system's ability to sense and respond to tumors. This discovery suggests a strategy for amplifying immune system function in humans, potentially enhancing cancer patients' ability to resist tumor growth.
Researchers observed a group of six enzymes forming a cluster in living cells, which are essential for cell replication and DNA production. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by disrupting purine synthesis and halting cancer cell replication.
Researchers have identified a key player in the killing of brain cells after a stroke or seizure - asparagine endopeptidase (AEP). AEP unleashes enzymes that break down brain cells' DNA, causing permanent damage.
A gene therapy treatment has been developed to restore a missing liver enzyme in people with glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia). The treatment has shown promising results in animal studies, with protected blood glucose levels for up to a year. Further research is needed to test the safety and efficacy of the treatment in humans.
Researchers at OHSU and Washington University have identified the mechanism of a bioengineered enzyme that functions efficiently as a potent clot busting agent, retaining minimal power to cause clot building. The breakthrough could lead to a safe alternative for treating heart attacks and strokes with a $20 billion market potential.
A new US population-based study found that elevated liver enzymes discovered during routine medical care are associated with a higher risk of mortality. Elevated AST and ALT levels were linked to increased standardized mortality rates, suggesting these simple blood tests could be valuable indicators of long-term outcome.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a crucial role of the Hax1 protein in protecting cells from apoptosis. The findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical interactions that control programmed cell death, which may lead to new treatments for diseases like Parkinson's.
Embryonic livers store glycogen by overproducing the enzyme hexokinase (HK), which can produce glycogen independently of blood-glucose levels. This adaptation safeguards energy storage for newborns. Meanwhile, a protein called NCKX5 plays a key role in skin color production, exchanging sodium for calcium across cell membranes.
Scientists have discovered a gene expression pathway that exerts a sweeping influence over the process of oxidative stress. This pathway could potentially be manipulated to mitigate damage caused by oxygen and prevent diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and aging.
A new study by Buck Institute researchers finds that high levels of MAO-B enzyme in mice lead to Parkinson-like symptoms. The findings suggest that humans with high MAO-B levels may be at risk for the disease and could benefit from preventive treatment.
Researchers found that increasing ER calcium levels partially restored mutant lysosomal enzyme homeostasis in cell lines. Diltiazem and verapamil, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, achieved this through a Ca2+ ion-mediated upregulation of chaperones, potentially treating neuropathic storage diseases.
Researchers discovered that calcium channel blockers diltiazem and verapamil can restore partial enzyme homeostasis in cell lines from patients with Gaucher disease, Ą-mannosidosis, and type IIIA mucopolysaccharidosis. This finding may lead to a new treatment option for patients with neuropathic lysosomal storage diseases.
Scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of human kynurenine aminotransferase II, an enzyme regulating glutamate activity. The discovery provides insight into biochemical regulation and may lead to treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers have discovered a crucial role for heparan sulfate in regulating embryonic stem cell potency, while also uncovering the mechanism behind SARS lung damage. The structures of key enzymes involved in these processes are now understood, opening up new avenues for treatment and drug development.
Researchers are studying how enzymes break down cellulose, a tough plant-based material. This study aims to develop a basic understanding of the mechanism and activity of these enzymes, which could lead to more efficient and economical production of cellulosic ethanol.
A team of chemists led by Chad Mirkin aims to mimic nature's finely controlled chemical processes to develop materials and devices with high sensitivity and selectivity. The researchers will focus on creating supramolecular structures for environmental remediation, power generation, and detection systems.
Scientists at UAB have identified a new lung cancer marker, AKR1B10, which can appear even before cancer develops. The enzyme's activity may play a role in the development of lung cancer and could be targeted by future treatments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have created a three-dimensional picture of the PIK3CA enzyme, often mutated in various cancers. The study reveals how mutations affect the enzyme's activity and interactions with other proteins.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute uncover two new methods for correcting mistakes in protein synthesis, which could help identify underlying causes of diseases. The discovery also suggests the presence of a triple redundancy system to prevent mistranslation errors.
Scientists at Cornell's Baker Institute of Animal Health have successfully assembled and functioned a human-made device that mimics the biological pathway powering sperm, which could be used to release drugs or perform mechanical functions inside the body. The device uses a nickel-NTA chip to replicate the glycolysis pathway, allowing ...
Scientists have identified novel enzymes in termite guts that can improve biofuel production from wood and waste biomass. The discovery was made by analyzing the genomic sequence of termite gut microbes, revealing a rich source of enzymes for accelerating cellulosic biofuels.
Altered levels of an enzyme controlling brain hormone production linked to social isolation-induced anxiety and aggression in mice. The study suggests a potential mechanism for the psychological effects of social isolation, which could lead to the development of new treatments.
University of Illinois researchers successfully simulated every step of the photosynthetic process using a computer model that mimics evolution. The new findings suggest that by rearranging the investment of nitrogen, they can almost double efficiency in plants. This could lead to increased crop yields and improved plant productivity.
Virginia Commonwealth University researchers have discovered a new mechanism to inhibit key enzymes involved in clotting disorders. The newly designed molecules, known as sulfated DHPs, show promise in preventing thrombin and factor Xa's critical action.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a key enzyme involved in the development of Type 1 diabetes. The discovery, centered on the 12/15-lipoxygenase gene, has significant implications for understanding and treating the disease, with potential applications for preventing or reversing Type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have discovered a novel approach to developing treatments for Chagas disease by targeting the parasite's triosephosphate isomerase enzyme. By identifying specific binding sites, they found that dithiodianiline can selectively inactivate the parasitic form of the enzyme without affecting its human counterpart.
Researchers have found that mate tea can increase HDL (good) cholesterol activity by up to 10% compared to other drinks. An international agreement aims to study 84 genotypes of mate tea, including cultivated and wild varieties, to identify the most nutritionally beneficial types.
A new heparanase inhibitor has shown promising results in animal models, indicating its potential as a cancer drug. The enzyme heparanase splits polysaccharides into shorter fragments, which can promote tumor growth. By inhibiting this enzyme, researchers hope to develop a new treatment for cancer.
Researchers at the University of Iowa and Veterans Affairs Medical Center discovered how African trypanosomes shed their VSG surface protein to evade the immune system of tsetse flies. This enzyme synergy is a key step in the pathogenesis of sleeping sickness, which affects 60 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have mapped the 3D structure of T7 endonuclease 1 enzyme, responsible for splitting DNA strands and creating genetically unique offspring. The discovery is expected to shed light on human individuality and viral replication mechanisms.
A recent study found that TPPII stimulates the formation of fat cells in worms and mammalian cells, leading to decreased fat stores. Mice with lower levels of TPPII were thinner than their wild-type littermates despite comparable food intake.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia successfully delivered beneficial gene to entire mouse brain with one injection, correcting diseased areas. The technique has potential for treating rare genetic neurological disorders like Tay-Sachs disease and Sly syndrome.
Researchers uncover the elusive signal that triggers plantwide resistance, found to be methyl salicylate, an aspirin-like compound.
Scientists identify key enzymes responsible for modifying anthocyanins, which produce plant colors and offer antioxidant properties. The discovery could lead to the development of natural food colorings and improved understanding of plant-based cancer treatments.
Researchers at Durham University have developed a new screening system to identify safer drugs for leishmaniasis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of non-toxic anti-protozoal drugs with reduced side effects, potentially saving lives in tropical regions.
Researchers at Duke University have developed an inkless microcontact printing technique using enzymes from E. coli bacteria, achieving features as small as 1 nanometer in precision. The method eliminates the need for ink and improves resolution limits by hundreds of times.
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that produces vitamin C in plants, revealing the antioxidant's critical role in plant growth. The findings also suggest that vitamin C is necessary for plants to grow, contradicting previous assumptions.
University at Buffalo researchers have made significant breakthroughs in genetic engineering of micro-organisms into cellular factories, enabling the production of high-value chemicals and pharmaceutical compounds. The team has successfully produced flavonoids with yields far above previous microbial synthesis efforts.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of a glycosyltransferase enzyme crucial for viral assembly. This discovery may enable scientists to develop drugs inhibiting certain viral infections.
Researchers at UW-Madison developed a novel enzyme that can decorate chemical molecules with natural sugars, altering their biological effects. The new enzyme has the potential to create a range of therapeutic agents for cancer treatment and infection prevention.
Scientists at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed a new method to create natural antibacterial molecules using enzyme ingredients. This breakthrough process allows for the synthesis of complex molecules in a relatively simple mixing process, paving the way for cheaper and more sustainable 'green' chemistry.
Scientists are developing a bioengineered yeast strain that can efficiently turn switchgrass, hemp, corn, and other natural materials into ethanol. The modified yeast produces enzymes to break down a wider variety of sugars, maximizing ethanol production from biomass.
Johns Hopkins researchers have solved the long-standing puzzle of how bacteria produce the B vitamin folate, uncovering an unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process. The discovery sheds light on potential antibacterial drug targets and could lead to new therapeutic options.
Research links exhaust fumes to increased asthma risk in genetically susceptible children, particularly those with high microsomal epoxide hydrolase activity and GSTP1 genetic variants. Children exposed to road traffic pollution are also at greater risk of developing asthma.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that the UDG enzyme searches for genetic damage by trying on DNA building blocks like a puzzle, holding onto mistakes and leaving correct ones in line. The discovery may help address how diseases like cancer arise in the genome.
MGH researchers create novel enzymes through mRNA display technique, enabling evolution without prior knowledge of enzyme mechanism. The developed enzymes show promise for improving chemical synthesis and developing new therapies.
Researchers found that green tea concentrate increased GST enzyme activity by up to 80% in people with low levels, suggesting a potential mechanism for its anti-cancer properties. The study suggests that green tea may help strengthen metabolic defense against toxins capable of causing cancer.
A University of Minnesota team found that the TOPK enzyme, which regulates cell growth and other functions, promotes transformation in colorectal carcinoma by activating related enzymes. This suggests that drugs targeting TOPK could have anti-cancer benefits.
A trio of enzymes regulates cell size in bacteria by sensing nutrient availability, with disruptions leading to defects in chromosome segregation. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms behind uncontrolled growth in cancer cells.