Articles tagged with Enzymes
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
Researchers isolated a highly reactive iron-sulfur complex from a bacterium, which outperforms current industrial catalysts in reactivity. The discovery could lead to the development of new, more efficient chemical processes and materials.
Researchers found that increasing one skill can significantly impact others, with some activities dropping and others increasing in levels. The primary function of the enzymes remained largely unchanged despite changes in other promiscuous traits.
Researchers at Stanford University have solved part of the puzzle on how Botox works by binding to specific sites on proteins called SNAREs, preventing muscle contraction and paralysis. The study could help develop alternative treatments for botulism and find new medical applications for Botox and other neurotoxins.
Scientists found that animals with extra copies of the AMP-1 enzyme lived 13% longer than controls, while environmental stressors activating AMP-1 also led to longer lives. The study's findings have broad implications for understanding human aging and potentially extending lifespan through exercise and therapeutics.
Scientists have discovered a defense mechanism in certain plant species that were believed to be bred out of existence due to human selection. The study found that a specific enzyme and protein complex work together to defend against insect attacks, but their activity is suppressed in plants bred for desirable traits.
Researchers found that sperm motility and ATP production depend on a metabolic pathway called glycolysis, which uses sugar to produce energy. Without the enzyme glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase-S (GAPDS), sperm movement is severely impaired, making it a potential target for non-hormonal male contraceptives.
Researchers at Cardiff University have identified an oxygen-sensing molecule, hemoxygenase-2, which helps the brain adjust breathing rates in response to low oxygen levels. The discovery has important implications for understanding and treating conditions where oxygen levels are scarce, such as following a stroke or during birth.
New research from Newcastle University found that green and black tea inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in the brain linked to memory decline. The study suggests that drinking regular cups of tea may help improve memory and slow the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at INEEL isolated a stable catalase enzyme from T. brockianus, improving industrial half-life by 86,000-fold, reducing environmental costs and toxicity associated with chlorine-based bleaching processes.
Researchers discovered that MMP-1 operates as an extracellular molecular motor converting chemical energy into motion by breaking collagen bonds. This process contributes to tissue growth, development, and repair, and may even aid in cancerous invasion.
A study by Yale University researchers reveals that lowering a specific lipid in nerve terminals affects neurotransmitter exchange between neurons. The findings have implications for understanding synaptic transmission and potentially developing new treatments for diseases like Down syndrome, cancer, and diabetes.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have uncovered the structure of an enzyme that produces folate, a nutrient essential for bacterial survival. The team created images of the molecular structure using X-ray crystallography and discovered a new target for drugs that could avoid antibiotic resistance in anthrax bacteria.
Researchers have successfully synthesized the 22nd amino acid, L-pyrrolysine, and demonstrated its incorporation into new proteins within E. coli bacteria. The discovery explains how this amino acid is inserted into proteins inside living cells, following a traditional path that had been predicted by scientists.
Researchers have discovered that DNA stimulates the activity of a viral enzyme, providing a potential new target for antiviral drugs. The discovery could help prevent adenovirus infections, which can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye infections, including blindness.
The study reveals that VAMP8 is essential for the normal functioning of pancreatic acinar cells, which produce digestive enzymes. Mice lacking VAMP8 showed reduced levels of digestive enzymes and partial resistance to pancreatitis, suggesting a potential link between VAMP8 and this condition.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered the structure and function of the 'tail' of a protein essential for cell replication, revealing potential targets for new anticancer drugs. The study found that a slight modification in the protein's shape can create unique enzyme activity.
A20, an enzyme that regulates the immune system's response to bacterial infections, prevents over-reactions of the immune system to blood infections known as sepsis. The research shows A20 also controls the immune reaction that can cause inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers discovered that Streptococcal bacteria use an enzyme called streptokinase to block the human blood clotting response and spread within the body. The study found that subtle variations in plasminogen genes may explain why some people are more susceptible to strep infections.
A recent simulation study revealed that damaged DNA becomes more susceptible to bending due to a reorganization of its sugar-phosphate backbone. This change allows the molecule to bend easily, which is recognized by enzymes as a damaged site.
Saint Louis University researchers discovered that the blood-brain barrier has a transport system for enzymes that is lost with aging. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating lysosomal storage diseases by targeting the blood-brain barrier's delivery mechanism.
A team of scientists has identified an enzyme called CYP4AW1 that breaks down insect pheromones, allowing for the development of targeted treatments to prevent agricultural pests from breeding. By blocking this enzyme with a specific chemical, researchers may be able to disrupt the communication between insects and prevent infestations.
Researchers have identified viral proteins that can kill specific bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus, which cause various infections. These enzymes can be delivered orally or nasally to decolonize individuals in high-risk settings.
Researchers at Brown Medical School have discovered two key enzymes, PC1 and PC2, that play a crucial role in processing the precursor of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and regulating calorie-burning. This finding will aid in the understanding and treatment of obesity, which affects nearly 68 million adults in the United States.
Research finds that leptin controls hypothalamic prohormone convertases 1 and 2, influencing thyrotopin-releasing hormone production. This regulation plays a key role in energy balance and may lead to novel treatments for obesity and thyroid axis disorders.
Researchers found a nematode's oxygen-sensing mechanism can regulate blood pressure. The discovery reveals that worms prefer lower oxygen concentrations, which may explain their unique behavior.
The nematode C. elegans prefers 6% oxygen, which helps it survive in environments with low oxygen. The worm's oxygen sensors are similar to those used by humans and other animals to detect nitric oxide.
Researchers have identified a naturally occurring genetic difference controlling brain serotonin production, which may explain psychiatric disorders and influence patient responses to SSRIs. The discovery sets the stage for new insights into the role of the serotonin enzyme and gene in animal behavior and human disorders.
A study found that enzymes in plant cells can produce different products based on their location within the cell. The research, conducted by Brookhaven National Laboratory scientists, suggests that modifying an address signal on these enzymes could change their product output.
Researchers have developed a way to study single molecules of RNA enzymes, also known as ribozymes. They found that modifications anywhere on the molecule affect catalysis rates, even far from the active site. This discovery may lead to practical applications in designing biological sensors for various purposes.
Researchers discover COX-2 enzymes can produce DNA-damaging genotoxins, increasing cancer risk. Vitamin C may also contribute to DNA damage under certain conditions.
Scientists at Verdia used microbial diversity collections to discover a family of genes with low enzymatic activity, which they improved using the MolecularBreeding directed evolution platform. The result was a nearly 10,000 fold increase in enzyme activity over parental enzymes.
Ribosomes, critical sites of protein synthesis, speed up chemical transformation through entropic origin, not lowering energy barrier like conventional enzymes. This discovery helps scientists understand ribosome function and design inhibitors for protein synthesis.
Researchers have detailed the workings of a key enzyme in tuberculosis bacteria's cell walls, which could lead to the development of new antibiotics. By understanding how this enzyme works, scientists can design inhibitors specific to it, potentially creating new treatments for TB and leprosy.
A team of chemists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has identified a key enzyme essential for the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. Disrupting this enzyme could lead to the development of a new family of antibiotics, providing hope for millions of people affected by multidrug-resistant TB.
By decreasing the enzyme dehydroascorbate reductase, UC Riverside researchers have improved drought tolerance in plants, enabling them to conserve water resources and survive droughts. This discovery is highly valuable for U.S. and world agriculture, particularly in areas with erratic rainfall.