Articles tagged with Enzymes
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a technique to convert unsaturated oils in temperate plants to tropical-like oils with higher saturated fatty acid levels. This can lead to the production of renewable feedstocks for industrial processes and more healthful nutrition.
Waste products like grass clippings and wood chips can be converted into ethanol using gene-tweaked bacteria. The discovery reveals how a bacterium selects enzymes to break down specific biomasses, enabling more efficient ethanol production.
Researchers identify JARID1d, an enzyme that removes trimethylation marks from histone H3, allowing genes to be active. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms governing gene control and its importance for health.
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified two key enzymes that help meningitis bacteria evade the body's immune system. The discovery could lead to novel treatments by disabling these enzymes and making the bacteria vulnerable to attack.
Researchers discovered Dap1, which controls the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis and drug metabolism. The study found that genetic variations in Dap1 may influence how people react to certain drugs.
A new approach to teaching biology classes at Ohio State University has led to a four-fold increase in test scores among students who are given more freedom to think for themselves. By using real experiments and encouraging critical thinking, students were able to demonstrate a deeper understanding of biological concepts.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered that an enzyme important in fetal heart-cell development regulates cardiac hypertrophy, a key step in congestive heart failure. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme can prevent the onset of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered the role of PanK2 enzyme in detecting fatty acid buildup in mitochondria, a crucial step in cellular energy production. This finding has significant implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in the PANK2 gene.
A team of scientists at WashU Medicine has discovered that the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase I plays a critical role in promoting the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Without this enzyme, mice do not develop aneurysms due to reduced recruitment of inflammatory cells.
The Biodesign Institute is working on a $2.67 million NIH grant to develop antidotes for nerve agent poisoning. The project aims to create 'next-generation' bioscavengers using human enzymes and plant-based production methods.
Researchers discover xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) as a key player in early fat cell development, suggesting potential for new obesity treatment. XOR inhibition blocks fat formation and improves metabolic outcomes in mice.
Scientists have developed a potential neuroprotective treatment using a decoy peptide that tricks the toxic enzyme calpain, preventing over-excited receptors in the brain from causing cell death. The technique may lead to new drugs for stroke and Alzheimer's patients.
Scientists have made significant discoveries about the energy-generating mechanisms of bacteria, specifically Vibrio cholerae. The study reveals that this pathogen uses a unique system involving the enzyme NQR to generate a sodium gradient, which powers essential cell functions like movement and flagellar rotation.
A new paradigm in immune regulation has been discovered, where LAG-3 protein acts as an immunological molecular brake controlled by the strength of the T cell receptor signal. The study shows that cleavage of LAG-3 proteins on activated T lymphocytes allows them to greatly increase their proliferation rate during an immune response.
Researchers at VBI have identified a potential target for inhibiting excessive glucose production in type 2 diabetics by modulating the activity of key enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. This approach could lead to the development of novel therapeutics to slow down but not eliminate glucose overproduction.
French researchers applied quantum chemistry to enzyme models and found that lead's electron shield causes toxic effects in the nervous system, kidneys, liver, brain, and blood. The complexation agents used as antidotes may not be lead-specific, removing other important metal cations from the body.
A team of researchers found the cellular mechanism that prevents protein mutations and accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This discovery may lead to new insights into neurological disease origins and potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that a simple chemical link called a thioester bond acts like a switch to control the handoff of a protein called NEDD8 between enzymes E1 and E2. This switch triggers a biochemical cascade that keeps cells alive and functioning normally, including regulating cell division.
Research reveals that PMR1 enzyme forms temporary shelters in stressed cells to protect mRNA, allowing protein production to resume when stress ends. This protective mechanism may help cancer cells evade cancer therapies.
A combination of bone marrow transplantation and gene therapy has greatly lengthened the lives of laboratory mice with Krabbé disease, a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder also found in people. The dual therapy improved motor skills and increased lifespan by more than twice as long as untreated mice.
Researchers developed an efficient synthetic route to produce cryptophycin 1, a promising anti-cancer drug from blue-green algae, and identified a key enzyme that introduces the epoxide group in the desired beta configuration.
Researchers at USC have provided the first 3D view of a protein from an enzyme family that mutates genes to both help and hinder human health. The study sheds new light on the rare immune deficiency disease hyper-IgM immunodeficiency syndrome type 2 (HIGM-2).
Researchers discovered the role of metalloproteinases in increasing vascular permeability and blood loss associated with Dengue. In vivo experiments neutralized these enzymes, providing a new model for treating hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola and Marburg.
A year-long study found that enzyme replacement therapy reduced the risk of death in children with Pompe disease by 99 percent. The treatment, which involves replacing the deficient enzyme acid a-glucosidase, was shown to improve respiratory performance and reduce the need for ventilators.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a 'super' form of the enzyme Akt1 that can extend the lives of dendritic cells, the master switches of the immune system. This enhances the immune response against tumors by expanding T-cells, which attack cancer cells.
Researchers at UCLA and Rutgers University have solved the mystery of DNA transcription, revealing a new mechanism involving the 'scrunching' of DNA during transcription. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in combating bacterial diseases that kill millions worldwide.
Researchers discovered a new pathway that regulates the p53 protein, a key molecule controlling cancer in humans. The study suggests potential approaches to diagnosing or intervening in cancer progression.
Researchers have determined the APOBEC-3G protein structure, providing key insights into its role in the immune system and potential as a drug target. The study suggests that editing errors introduced by A3G can help defend against HIV, and future drugs may be designed to replicate this natural protection.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have made a breakthrough in developing a new class of cancer drugs that target the Aurora B enzyme, which helps cells divide and can lead to uncontrolled cell growth in cancer. Early clinical trials suggest the drug's toxicity is mild, offering a revolutionary new way to treat cancer.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine identified an enzyme that degrades a key component of brain plaques characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. The enzyme, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), breaks down abnormally aggregated proteins known as amyloid fibrils, which are the main ingredient of brain plaques.
Researchers found that a specific gene variation is associated with lower pain sensitivity and reduced risk of chronic pain. The study suggests that individuals with this genetic marker may be less sensitive to pain and have a lower risk of developing neuropathic pain.
A Scripps Research study has identified a key regulator of lipid signaling networks that contributes to cancer. The findings suggest that the enzyme KIAA1363 may be a critical factor in tumorigenesis and could serve as a potential diagnostic marker for ovarian cancer.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are exploring how nutrients in broccoli prevent cancer by bonding with a specific enzyme. This enzyme is linked to inflammatory diseases and cancer, and understanding its role could lead to anti-cancer compounds.
A study found that patients with NAFLD have a significant risk of developing end-stage liver disease, cardiovascular complications, and diabetes. Lifestyle modifications are recommended to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve liver histology.
Researchers used NMR to detect higher energy structural sub-states of E. coli dihydrofolate reductase, finding that dynamic fluctuations channel the enzyme through its reaction cycle by minimizing energetic barriers. This challenges the traditional 'induced fit' hypothesis and highlights the importance of protein motion in catalysis.
Researchers found that an enzyme called Cathepsin B breaks down the amyloid plaque protein in Alzheimer's disease, offering a potential new treatment approach. Increasing CatB activity reduced plaque deposits in mice with human APP, suggesting it could be a protective mechanism against AD.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that deleting an inflammation enzyme in mice slowed the development of atherosclerosis. The study suggests that a new class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may benefit the heart and reduce its risk of disease.
Researchers found a new pathway for building neurotransmitter lipids using enzyme Abh4, which could lead to more selective treatment options for metabolic and central nervous system disorders.
Researchers have discovered a new approach to develop antibiotics, which is more efficient and environmentally friendly. This breakthrough could help create powerful new drugs to combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that a gene for an anti-insect enzyme is up to 250 times more active in people with severe sinus inflammation. The enzyme's presence was linked to chronic sinusitis, which affects an estimated 32 million Americans.
A team of Wisconsin scientists has found a simple process to expand on nature's chemical creativity, making critical anticancer agents and antibiotics. The discovery opens the door to a variety of new opportunities in the natural product drug arena.
Researchers discovered that a switch in just two amino acids can make a difference between functioning at moderate temperatures and adapting to extreme heat. This finding has implications for adjusting crops to climate conditions and improving enzyme efficiency in industrial processes.
Researchers found that modified versions of bisphenol A stimulate breast tumor cell growth and are absorbed by breast cancer cells. The study suggests human enzymes convert BPA into a more toxic form, increasing the risk of breast cancer. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have successfully restored normal memory and synaptic function in mice suffering from Alzheimer's disease. By increasing the levels of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (Uch-L1), they were able to improve the animals' ability to create new memories.
The study reveals that water molecules trapped inside RNA enzymes form hydrogen bonds with other water molecules or parts of the molecule, creating a domino effect that modifies the structure elsewhere. This network-like behavior is essential for the enzyme's activity.
Researchers at NIST determined the three-dimensional shape of class IV adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme found in plague bacteria Yersinia pestis. The unusual configuration may play a role in disrupting cell processes in infected hosts, highlighting the importance of molecular data for developing defenses against plague and other pathogens.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the zebrafish that causes copper distribution disorders similar to those in humans. The discovery suggests new potential treatments for structural birth defects and confirms similarities between zebrafish and human genetics.
Ohio State University researchers used mathematical simulations to study chemical reactions in cells, finding that many graphs indicate quirky behavior. This 'quirkiness' may be essential for biology and could help explain why cells sometimes react unexpectedly to medicines.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a surprising connection between the energy usage of yeast cells and their genetic material. Removing an enzyme involved in energy production led to the shutdown of 70% of genes and cell death. This study could lead to new strategies for slowing aging and treating cancer.
Researchers identified a group of gene mutations that cause 'broken hearts' in fruit flies, which could help identify genes responsible for human heart defects. The study found that mutations in enzymes involved in lipid synthesis play a crucial role in heart formation.
Researchers have developed an enzyme inhibitor that targets betaine-homocysteine-S-methyltransferase (BHMT), slowing cancer growth by reducing methionine production. The BHMT inhibitors show promise as a potential treatment for cancer, with the possibility of enhancing efficacy when combined with other drugs.
UM researchers discover benzodiazepine-423 inhibits F1F0-ATPase enzyme, reducing ATP production while selectively targeting disease-causing cells. This mechanism may open new avenues for treating various conditions including lupus, arthritis, and psoriasis.
A new enzyme, prolyl endoprotease (PEP), has been identified that can efficiently degrade gluten in the human stomach, a process previously impossible. This breakthrough offers potential relief to those with celiac disease, who currently rely on a strict gluten-free diet.
New nanomaterials created using naturally occurring enzymes can be broken down into biologically compatible building blocks, enabling applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. The materials have potential uses in delivering pharmaceuticals and preserving food and cosmetics.
Researchers have developed a new oral enzyme therapy that allows celiacs to safely consume low-to-moderate levels of gluten. The therapy, which involves the use of EP-B2 and PEP enzymes, has shown promise in breaking down gluten proteins and preventing inflammation.
Sirtuins have been implicated in the health benefits of calorie restriction, which is known to lengthen life span. The discovery reveals that sirtuins directly control specific metabolic enzymes called AceCSs, transforming them into a form that allows the body to utilize acetate as an energy source.
Evolutionary biologist Jianzhi Zhang discovers parallel evolution of pancreatic enzyme RNASE1 in Asian and African colobine monkeys, showing identical amino acid changes despite separate duplication events. The study reveals a division of labor between old and new genes after duplication.
Researchers used high-intensity x-ray beams to create crystal structures of enzymes and their cofactors, revealing an alternating binding mechanism that enables continuous turnover of toxic compounds. This discovery may help understand metabolic disorders and develop corrective measures.
Researchers at UCLA have made an important advancement in protein engineering by developing a new method to control proteins using nanotechnology. They successfully replaced the natural chemical mechanism controlling protein function with mechanical control, opening up possibilities for reduced side effects and improved treatment options.
A study by Joslin researchers found that the PKC-beta enzyme is responsible for fluid retention and weight gain associated with popular type 2 diabetes drugs. The study suggests a potential treatment using PKC-beta inhibitors to prevent these side effects.