Articles tagged with Enzymes
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.
UT Southwestern researchers found that a Yersinia outer protein called YopJ cripples host enzymes, preventing the immune response and allowing the bacteria to survive. The study presents a new paradigm for how cells regulate signaling and could lead to a better understanding of host-pathogen interactions.
Scientists have confirmed experiments that chemical chaperones can partially correct the genetic defect responsible for most cases of Gaucher's disease. This could lead to a cost reduction of at least 100-fold compared to current enzyme replacement therapy.
A genetic disorder causing hypoglycemia, congenital hyperinsulinism is linked to defects in insulin secretion by pancreatic cells. Mutations in the glutamate dehydrogenase gene impair enzyme sensitivity, leading to excessive insulin release and hypoglycemia.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a key mechanism that regulates blood vessel growth and regression. By targeting this process, new drugs may be designed to dismantle existing vessels or promote vessel regression in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Schepens scientists identify the intracellular switch that regulates angiogenesis, a process that can be both beneficial and detrimental to the body. The discovery may lead to more targeted drugs for diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
In the absence of MT1-MMP, preadipocytes fail to break through extracellular matrix, disrupting fat cell development. However, MT1-MMP is essential for remodeling the surrounding matrix to facilitate normal fat formation. The enzyme may also regulate collagen in white adipose tissue and act as a protein-degrading rheostat.
Researchers Montasir Abbas and Y. H. Percival Zhang received the Powe award to develop models for optimizing traffic signal timing to reduce vehicle emissions. They will also explore ways to improve ethanol production processes using enzymes that break down cellulose into biofuel.
Researchers found that inhibiting heme oxygenase-1 activity reduces tumor growth in mice with Kaposi's sarcoma lesions. The study offers a potential new treatment for the disease.
Researchers have provided new insight into enzyme function through detailed experimental observations and theoretical analysis. Their findings suggest that enzymes use quantum mechanical tunnelling to overcome energy barriers, which could lead to improved pharmaceuticals and manufacturing processes.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have made a significant breakthrough in producing a chemical precursor of artemisinin, the best drug available today to cure malaria. The team's goal is to develop a low-cost alternative that can be widely distributed in developing countries, where the current cost is a major barrier.
Researchers found that St. John's wort and Echinacea can alter the metabolic capacity of enzymes that process medications, potentially leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy. This interaction is particularly concerning for commonly used pharmaceuticals like oral contraceptives and antihistamines.
Researchers have identified a molecular road map for designing new drugs to treat SARS-infected patients, potentially expanding treatment options beyond just COVID-19. The breakthrough was made by unlocking the three-dimensional structure of the papain-like-protease enzyme, essential for viral replication and infection.
A new study uses racemization, the conversion of an optically active compound to a racemic form, as a potential marker for extraterrestrial life. Researchers also developed more sensitive polarimeters that can detect smaller concentrations of optically active compounds in samples from outer space.
Researchers have discovered a plant enzyme called Mir1-CP that protects corn from pests by degrading insects' peritrophic matrix. The enzyme accumulates at feeding sites within an hour of caterpillar feeding, causing impaired nutrient utilization and inhibiting growth.
Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard Medical School found that Pin1 enzyme accelerates amyloid precursor protein (APP) toggle between its good and bad forms, preventing plaque buildup and tangles. This discovery opens up new therapeutic approaches to treating Alzheimer's.
A new screening technique using tandem mass spectrometry can detect seven devastating diseases with enzyme deficiencies in lysosomes. Early diagnosis enables the administration of treatments to repair the biochemical chain and minimize damage, offering improved quality of life for affected children.
A team from Harvard Medical School found that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) helps remodel brain tissue seven to 14 days after a stroke, potentially aiding recovery. High levels of MMPs were detected in the peri-infarct cortex, an area involved in stroke recovery.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new, eco-friendly method for producing Taxol, a top-selling cancer-fighting drug. By harnessing enzymes from the Pacific yew tree and using water-based chemicals, they aim to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
Researchers from UW-Madison reveal that protein stability under severe confinement is a delicate balance between energy and entropy. This finding has significant implications for numerous applications, including laundry detergent engineering where enzymes must withstand high temperatures.
Researchers identify key proteins in Salmonella metabolic paths, finding that blocking certain enzymes may not be effective against the bacteria. Only a few essential enzymes are necessary to keep Salmonella alive, and these are also present in other pathogens or human organisms.
Researchers are testing LY450139, a gamma secretase inhibitor, to prevent amyloid plaque build-up and stop Alzheimer's disease progression. The study aims to determine the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage of the drug in 45 participants.
Scientists successfully synthesized nisin, a peptide antibiotic, in a test tube using just two enzymes. The compound's unique structure and properties make it a potential candidate for developing new antibiotics with reduced resistance.
A new study published in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics found significant variability in pesticide susceptibility among Latina women and their newborns. The researchers used PON1 enzyme activity as a marker for pesticide resistance and discovered that genetic variants can significantly affect enzyme levels, particularly in children.
Researchers discovered significant variations in enzyme expression between adults and children, impacting drug treatment effectiveness. Enzyme levels change dramatically during early life stages, affecting individual susceptibility to drug reactions.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center have engineered a more efficient variant of the RuBisCO enzyme, which could lead to faster plant growth and more effective carbon dioxide conversion. The new enzyme produces up to 500% more enzyme than existing variants, paving the way for potential solutions to global warming.
Research finds elastases cause emphysema through generation of pro-inflammatory elastin fragments. Blocking elastin fragment activity prevents emphysema in both mouse models. Elastin fragments are chemotactic, attracting inflammatory cells.
Scientists discovered that mice lacking the DNA repair enzyme NEIL1 develop severe obesity and metabolic syndrome, with enlarged livers and insulin resistance. The study suggests an important role for NEIL1 in preventing metabolic disorders.
A team of scientists has shed light on the molecular mechanism of Dicer, an enzyme involved in RNA interference, a process that governs key developmental events. The study reveals that Dicer not only cleaves RNA but also measures and snips it into precise increments.
Researchers have gained a detailed understanding of Dicer's molecular structure, which serves as a 'molecular ruler' for processing RNA fragments. This discovery has significant implications for gene-silencing processes and could lead to new treatments for diseases.
A new study found that the food additive dihydrocoumarin inhibits the activity of Sir2p and SIRT1 enzymes in yeast, which are forms of sirtuin also found in humans. This inhibition increases cell toxicity and decreases lifespan by up to 30%.
A UW-Madison study finds that defective cells can be reinvigorated by replacing a missing enzyme, allowing the healthy maintenance of myelin. The research provides proof of principle for a new therapeutic strategy to treat Krabbe's disease and other inherited demyelinating diseases.
Researchers discovered that a Jekyll-and-Hyde enzyme plays a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease. Transient production of the enzyme p25 enhances learning and memory, whereas chronic expression impairs these cognitive functions. The study uses mice to demonstrate the dual effects of p25 on neural mechanisms.
A team of researchers has discovered a parasite enzyme, PfSUB2, that sheds sticky surface proteins, allowing the parasite to invade red blood cells. The discovery could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs that target this enzyme.
Scientists have discovered a novel protein complex that allows methanogens to survive in environments with sulfite, a toxic compound. The enzyme, coenzyme F420-dependent sulfite reductase, converts sulfite into sulfide, an essential nutrient for the organisms.
Researchers have engineered mice to respond to a therapy that lowers beta amyloid production, which forms senile plaques in the brain. Early treatment may be crucial in preventing plaque growth and improving outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found two biomarkers, sVCAM-1 and NT-proBNP, significantly predict recurrent ischemic stroke risk in patients. High levels of these markers are associated with a 3.6 times increased risk, indicating potential new therapeutic targets for blood pressure-lowering therapies.
A recent study published in the journal Hypertension has found a significant association between fatty liver and an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that GGT levels are strongly affected by weight and body fat distribution, particularly in overweight participants with central obesity.
A Brandeis University study advances understanding of protein dynamics, proposing that enzymes are more mobile than previously thought. The research linked low-energy and high-energy states to enzyme function, shedding light on improving rational drug design through docking to dynamic targets.
Researchers have found that mice lacking iNOS live twice as long and develop fewer brain lesions than those with iNOS. This could lead to a new treatment approach for Alzheimer's disease, which currently only temporarily improves cognitive function.
Researchers at UVa have isolated a natural compound, INS2, that works by sending a message inside cells to respond to insulin, helping cells dispose of excess glucose. The study found that the more compound injected, the more blood sugar decreased in diabetic rats.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a new enzyme that can break down chloroacrylate pesticide residue in just 10,000 years, significantly longer than other environmental pollutants. This enzyme is found in bacteria that thrive on the pesticide and has implications for designing more efficient enzymes.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel method for proofreading and error-correction in nanomaterials, utilizing catalytic DNA to detect and remove incorrect particles. This approach mimics nature's accuracy mechanisms in protein synthesis and holds promise for precise control over nanoparticle assembly.
Researchers discovered a specific endometrial target gene, GlcNAc-6-OST, plays a crucial role in the implantation process. Increasing estrogen and progesterone levels enhances this gene's expression, facilitating L-selectin ligand production and successful implantation.
Researchers create three-dimensional topography on DNA surfaces using enzyme-driven process. The method combines enzyme-driven 'carving' and vertical length addition, enabling precise control over structure and composition of DNA nanostructures.
A study by Duke University Medical Center discovered a gene that is more active in obese individuals, causing skeletal muscle tissue and cells to store excess fat. Exercise can potentially change this gene's activity, improving energy balance and enhancing fat burning.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that plant-derived compounds can block the activity of an enzyme that triggers inflammation in joints. These phytochemicals, also known as phase 2 enzyme inducers, may provide a new approach to treating arthritis and preventing joint pain.
A study has identified a new molecular chaperone involved in assembling the enzyme complex I of mitochondria. The research found that B17.2L is a key protein required for this process and that it is mutated in patients with progressive encephalopathy.
The Northeast Sun Grant Institute at Cornell is a regional hub for researching plant biomass in energy and chemical production. The institute aims to develop sustainable industries and communities by producing bio-economy goods such as biopower, biofuels, and bioproducts.
Researchers discovered that photolyase uses energy from visible light to repair UV damage in plants and animals, with water playing a key role in the process. This enzyme is missing in humans and other mammals, making them more vulnerable to skin cancer.
Rokach's research focuses on designing and synthesizing radio- and photo-affinity ligand molecules to bind to the disease-causing enzyme, which contributes to asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis. The grant will support his work on identifying the structure of the enzyme.
Researchers have captured a molecular movie of the sperm's fusion with the egg's coating, revealing a tightly regulated process that enables fertilization. The study found that calcium release triggers membrane fusion, and loose SNARE formations precede the final tight configuration.
Researchers are developing an in vitro model to evaluate the ability of several inhibitors to block protein aggregation by TGases. Several compounds show positive effects, including creatine and cystamine hydrochloride.
Chemists at Ohio State University have successfully tested molecules against HIV and Hepatitis C virus RNA, mimicking natural enzymes to break apart target molecules. The complexes could produce fewer side effects and combat drug resistance, potentially leading to the development of multi-functional drugs