Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
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 have purified the enzyme and identified its structure using X-ray crystallography, paving the way for developing drugs that target quorum-sensing pathways. The enzyme disrupts bacterial population sensing, preventing genes from triggering increased virulence.
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
A team of researchers has discovered a molecular missing link that explains why fasting brings on acute attacks of the genetic disease hepatic porphyria. Fasting increases levels of PGC-1a, which regulates the activity of an enzyme in the heme production pathway, leading to toxic buildup of precursor molecules.
A new technique called piggyBac has been developed to systematically inactivate genes in the mouse genome, enabling researchers to understand the functions of individual genes. This method uses a reliable gene-transposing tool that can insert itself into the genomes of human and mouse cells.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered how a protein called nicastrin is involved in the production of beta-amyloid, a key suspect in Alzheimer's disease. By targeting just this portion of the enzyme, they hope to create treatments that block the formation of amyloid plaques without affecting other essential functions.
Researchers at UCLA have identified Rpe65 as a crucial enzyme in the regeneration of rhodopsin visual pigment in the retina after light exposure. This breakthrough could lead to a gene therapy cure for Leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited disease causing up to 20% of childhood blindness.
Researchers found that knocking out laccase-2 enzyme prevents tanning in red flour beetle, revealing protein responsible for hardened exoskeleton. The discovery opens possibilities for developing new insecticides and bio-rational methods to control pest populations.
Researchers have identified three small molecules that can inhibit the enzyme CDK5, which contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery is promising news for the development of new treatments for the disease.
A team of researchers developed a microreactor that continuously regenerates essential cofactors through enzyme-catalyzed reactions, driving favorable reaction equilibria. This innovation enables the efficient biocatalytic synthesis of chiral fine chemicals in larger quantities.
A study analyzing reports of suspected drug-induced liver injury found that AST and bilirubin levels are key predictors of death or liver transplant in patients with severe drug-induced liver disease. Patients with hepatocellular liver damage had a higher mortality rate, highlighting the importance of monitoring these biomarkers.
Researchers found a unique salt-tolerant enzyme in algae that shares structural similarities with human kidney enzymes. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs targeting enzyme-based treatments.
Researchers found that the p16 gene inactivates key enzymes JNK 1 and JNK 2, keeping them from activating proteins that promote cell growth. A small protein mimicking p16 has been designed to mimic its action, showing promise for anti-cancer activity.
Researchers at UT Southwestern discovered that WNK1 activates SGK1, leading to sodium ion channel activation and increased blood pressure. The study suggests that genetic factors may play a role in salt-sensitive hypertension., Genetic factors may contribute to hypertension in certain population groups.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a vicious cycle of protein formation involving alpha-synuclein, leading to fibril formation and further protein clumping. The study suggests that inhibiting the malicious form of an enzyme could potentially lead to new treatment avenues for Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have discovered a new enzyme family that plays a role in Alzheimer's disease, generating toxic molecules called amyloid-beta peptides. The study uses genetically-engineered mice to show that the toxic activity of this enzyme can be separated from its other benign activities.
Researchers used genetic engineering techniques to develop mice with overexpressed PKC-beta 2, demonstrating its role in the progression of diabetic kidney disease. The study found that albumin levels were tenfold higher and oxidative stress three times higher in these mice compared to normal mice.
Researchers at UIC are developing protease inhibitors to block the SARS virus's advance, aiming to reduce viral load and ameliorate disease. The targeted approach, focusing on the backbone of enzymes, is designed to evade mutations that may hinder drug effectiveness.
The new process, developed by Michael Wong and his team, involves mixing polymer, salt, and tiny silica particles to create hollow spheres that can encapsulate drugs, flavor compounds, and other molecular cargo. The microcapsules have potential applications in drug delivery, medical imaging, and enzyme protection.
A new enzyme group has been identified that attaches an unusual molecular tag to microtubules, directing motor proteins to specific destinations. This discovery paves the way for further research on polyglutamylate modification and its role in cellular traffic.
Researchers have solved the co-crystal structure of the Dam enzyme in complex with DNA, revealing its role in regulating bacterial virulence. The study offers a potential target for designing rationally designed drugs to inhibit this enzyme's chemical reaction or DNA binding process.
A new study suggests that eliminating the enzyme ACAT2 could dramatically reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Research in animals shows that cholesterol altered by ACAT2 is more likely to build up in blood vessel walls and cause atherosclerosis.
Researchers from Imperial College London identified an enzyme called IKKá, which acts as a 'brake' on immune cell pathways. By inhibiting IKKa activity, the body's ability to fight off infection increased, but also led to higher inflammatory responses.
Researchers discovered that a 'fickle' enzyme plays both protective and detrimental roles in the heart. When its cofactor is present, it helps regulate blood flow and heart function, but without it, the enzyme produces factors contributing to oxidative stress.
Researchers identified cathepsin B and L as essential enzymes for Ebola virus reproduction, shedding light on its infection mechanism. Inhibiting these enzymes could lead to the development of a broad-spectrum antiviral therapy against multiple hemorrhagic fever viruses.
Researchers have identified the KMO enzyme as a potential therapeutic target for Huntington's disease, with a chemical compound already available to inhibit its activity. The discovery could take research in a new direction towards microglial cells, which are thought to play an important role in the progression of the disease.
A high-throughput screening method using automated imaging and bioinformatics has identified a novel compound with promising potential as an anticancer agent. The compound, hydroxy-PP, targets carbonyl reductase 1, an enzyme involved in chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity.
A recent UCSF study has identified a genetic mutation in the casein kinase1 delta (CK1 delta) gene that is associated with familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (FASPS), a rare sleep disorder. The research, published in Nature, also suggests that circadian rhythm variants may contribute to psychiatric disorders such as depression.
Researchers have identified a missing enzyme in M. tuberculosis that plays a crucial role in the bacterium's ability to acquire iron through mycobactin synthesis. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the iron scavenging pathway in TB and provides new avenues for developing effective anti-TB drugs.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have successfully reversed glycogen buildup in heart and skeletal muscle of genetically altered mice using a muscle-targeted gene therapy. This approach shows promise as a potential treatment strategy for Pompe disease patients who fail to respond to enzyme replacement therapy.
Cancer cells' DNA is tightly compacted, making it resistant to enzyme digestion, unlike healthy tissue. The study's findings suggest new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for distinguishing different types of tumors.
Researchers at Imperial College London have solved the structure of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus enzyme, revealing its atomic details and potential target for anti-viral drugs. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine that can be administered quickly to control outbreaks.
Researchers discovered RNA loops and knots play a crucial role in A-to-I RNA recoding, enabling species-specific editing of proteins. By understanding these molecular structures, scientists can gain insights into the genetic code and improve our ability to interpret genome information.
Researchers have discovered a method to store biomaterials in cells' natural vaults, enabling targeted drug delivery and gene editing. This approach may prove safer than traditional methods by minimizing the risk of an immune response.
Tufts-NEMC researchers have discovered a key enzyme responsible for cancer cell growth and invasion, which can be blocked by new compounds called pepducins. The finding provides a novel therapeutic approach for treating invasive cancers.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have discovered that aconitase, an enzyme involved in energy production, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the mitochondrial genome. This finding reveals a new function for the enzyme, independent of its metabolic activity.
Researchers discovered that a lack of enzyme ACC2 turns fat cells into fat burners, leading to increased oxidation of fatty acids and glucose. This transformation contributes to improved energy maintenance and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.