Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers have created a microgel that can recover costly enzymes, overcoming significant obstacles in using natural enzymes in laboratory and industrial settings. The microgel enables efficient enzyme recovery, allowing for repeated use in catalyzing commercially important reactions.
Scientists at Georgia Tech are testing compounds that may inhibit the enzyme essential for the HTLV-I virus's reproduction, with potential as treatments for the fatal adult T-cell leukemia. The research aims to develop better inhibitors of the protease enzyme, which could lead to a new pharmaceutical agent in about five years.
Researchers developed a disposable sensor using carbon nanotubes and enzymes to detect OP nerve agents. The sensor can detect traces of up to 5 parts per billion, making it a promising tool for identifying toxin exposure.
A study found that a component of snake venom can help remove stubborn bloodstains from clothes, with fibrinolytic enzymes facilitating the breakdown of blood protein fibrin. Researchers successfully tested the enzyme on blood-stained denim swatches, showing significantly fainter stains after treatment.
Researchers at UCSD and TSRI have developed a method for creating highly specific inhibitors of the AChE enzyme, a key target for treating neuromuscular and cognitive disorders. The new approach utilizes click chemistry to bring reactant components into proximity on an enzyme template, resulting in potent and selective inhibitors.
A peptide, MUC7 12-mer, has shown promise for treating drug-resistant fungal strains. When combined with a protease inhibitor cocktail, its anti-microbial action was significantly increased.
A new computer method called FamClash has been developed to predict the activity of hybrid enzymes, which are created by combining similar enzymes from different organisms. The approach identifies incompatible residue pairs that can lead to reduced enzyme activity, and provides valuable insights for protein engineering interventions.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new enzyme that can create antibiotic compounds by nature's machinery. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance.
Purdue researchers discovered a method to boost the production of ferulate 5-hydroxylase, an enzyme used in pharmaceuticals. By altering nutrients and controlling fermentation time, they increased the enzyme's activity by 45% and productivity by twice its normal rate.
Researchers have discovered a brain receptor, GABA-A, that can be manipulated to control the switch between addicted and non-addicted states in the brain. By controlling this switch pharmacologically, it may be possible to take drug addicts back to a non-addicted state in a relatively short period of time.
Researchers found that diesel exhaust particles trigger more severe allergic responses in individuals with certain genetic variations, particularly the GSTM1 and GSTP1 genes. This study suggests a new route of intervention for pollution-related lung health problems.
Researchers at Northwestern University have made a breakthrough in treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the gene that causes memory loss. The study found that inhibiting an enzyme called BACE1 can prevent memory deficits and brain cell functional abnormalities in laboratory models of Alzheimer's disease.
A bacterial enzyme keratinase has been found to fully degrade transmissible prions responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy and other diseases. Researchers plan to test its effectiveness in mice to confirm non-infectious levels of prion after degrading it to undetectable levels in vitro.
Researchers develop a method to capture enzyme activity in real-time, revealing detailed information about molecular interactions. This breakthrough enables the design of targeted synthetic drugs for cancer treatment.
A study of 100 patients with abnormally high liver enzymes found that 57 had HCV RNA in their liver biopsies, suggesting occult infection. HCV RNA was also detected in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells from 40% of patients, potentially allowing for easier detection and monitoring.
Telomeres protect chromosome ends, but when they're short, enzymes called exonucleases nibble away, causing gene loss. This discovery challenges the long-held assumption that chromosome fusion is the primary mechanism behind genomic instability.
A team of researchers has identified an enzyme, protein kinase C, that may play a crucial role in turning fleeting experiences into lasting memories. The study found that this enzyme helps to activate genes that express proteins involved in forming long-term memories.
A study by Duke University researchers found that a fungus's ability to breach the immune system is linked to an enzyme called flavohemoglobin. The team discovered that this enzyme plays a crucial role in defending against nitric oxide produced by the immune system, and that disabling it can significantly reduce fungal virulence.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute report new insights into the role of sirtuins in gene expression, revealing a mechanism likely to be general for the entire sirtuin enzyme family. This discovery may offer an explanation for the connection between metabolism and aging.
A newly discovered protease enzyme, Taspase1, plays a crucial role in the MLL protein's dual-function. Blocking Taspase1 may provide a novel way to halt runaway cell proliferation in leukemia. Enzyme inhibitors with few side effects could be effective against various cancers.
Melatonin levels are high at night and low during the day, but a newly discovered regulatory mechanism reveals how exposure to light accelerates melatonin disappearance. The study identified a critical phosphate group in enzyme AANAT that determines its stability, shedding new light on cellular processes.
A study published in Neurology reveals that Gulf War veterans under 45 have developed ALS, a neurodegenerative disorder, at an alarming rate. The Department of Veterans Affairs confirms the findings using a different method, raising questions about environmental exposures during the war and potential links to Gulf War syndrome.
Researchers found genetic mutations in PHF9 disrupt critical intracellular repair mechanisms, leading to Fanconi Anemia's serious complications. The discovery highlights the importance of PHF9 as a potent cog in DNA repair machinery, with potential implications for preventing excessive DNA damage and cancer.
Scientists, led by Bartel, develop RNA enzymes in lab that can replicate and act as enzymes, but still short of the 200-nucleotide goal. The RNA-world hypothesis proposes RNA played both DNA and protein roles in early evolution, with researchers re-creating this system to study its feasibility.
Silverman's research focuses on inhibiting an enzyme that produces nitric oxide, a compound linked to high blood pressure, stroke, and neurological diseases. His work aims to block the overproduction of nitric oxide in the brain without affecting its normal function.