Research on enzymes and the reactions they drive. Covers enzyme evolution, plastic-degrading enzymes, brain immune cells, and molecular imaging.
Researchers from Imperial College London and UCLA have visualized the structure of lactose permease, an enzyme in E. coli that pumps lactose into cells. The structure data reveals a possible mechanism of action for this protein family, which plays critical roles in depression, stroke, and diabetes.
Researchers have found that the enzyme Pin1 plays a crucial role in protecting neurons from age-related degeneration and tangle formation in Alzheimer's patients. By understanding how Pin1 works, scientists hope to develop new therapies to prevent or slow down neurodegenerative processes.
Researchers have identified new serum biomarkers for ovarian cancer, which may be used in conjunction with existing methods such as CA125 marker and ultrasound to improve diagnosis. These newly discovered markers show promise in detecting the disease at an early stage, leading to better treatment outcomes.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a new compound that activates glucokinase, an enzyme that regulates blood sugar levels. The compound has shown promise in improving insulin secretion and glucose usage in animals with diabetes, paving the way for potential clinical trials.
UCSD researchers define multiple steps initiated by COX-2 enzymes, including cyclic adenosine monophosphate and Inhibitors of Apoptosis, leading to suppressed cell killing and uncontrolled growth. The study also explains how aspirin and NSAIDs can reduce colon cancer incidence by inhibiting COX-2.
Researchers at USC developed synthetic enzymes that can combat oxidative damage, leading to improved memory in mice. The findings suggest these compounds may be more effective than traditional antioxidants in humans and could potentially treat various diseases with an oxidative component.
Weizmann Institute researchers have solved the 3D structure of the glucocerebrosidase enzyme involved in Gaucher disease. The discovery may lead to the design of more effective therapies, including enzyme replacement therapy and small molecule supplements.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new method to accurately measure quantities of a cheese-ripening enzyme in milk. The study combines infrared spectroscopy with statistical analysis to determine the concentration of plasminogen, enabling the creation of a model of the enzyme system function.
Researchers aim to develop anti-microbial drugs by targeting enzymes in microbial pathways that synthesize essential amino acids. Structural information of these enzymes will be obtained using x-ray crystallography, paving the way for designing candidate inhibitors.
Researchers have developed DNA enzymes that can produce branched and lariat RNAs, key intermediates in the biological process of splicing. The discovery could provide new insights into RNA splicing and its connection to genetic diseases.
A newly discovered enzyme from Thermus brockianus may transform industrial bleaching from environmentally problematic to environmentally green. The catalase enzyme works well in hot, alkaline wastewater, breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found a relationship between insulysin and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered that even partial decreases in insulysin activity raised amyloid-beta peptide levels in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer's.
Researchers at Ohio State University have identified a viral protein called p12 that mimics the way HIV-1 enters and infects human cells. The discovery provides valuable insight into how retroviruses overwhelm the human immune system, shedding light on the mechanisms of HTLV-1 infection.
Researchers found that a bacterial enzyme, peroxiredoxin, controls the balance of hydrogen peroxide in cells. The enzyme regulates hydrogen peroxide levels to prevent damage while allowing it to signal important cellular processes.
Researchers have discovered the first crystal structure of human carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1), an enzyme that metabolizes cocaine and heroin. The enzyme's structure holds promise for developing treatments for acute overdose and detoxifying chemical weapons, including nerve agents such as sarin and VX.
USC researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism behind immunoglobulin class switching, which enables antibodies to adapt to different areas of the body. The study reveals that an R-loop forms between the DNA and RNA strands, creating a stable bond that determines the cut point for DNA splicing.
Researchers have found that heating broccoli to 60°C increases the levels of anti-carcinogenic sulphoraphanes, which may help prevent cancer. To achieve high levels of these beneficial compounds, plant breeders could consider eliminating genes that code for a protein called ESP.
St. Jude researchers have gained insights into the critical role of E1 enzymes in controlling cellular functions by modifying ubiquitin-like proteins. The discovery sheds light on how cells maintain order and perform vital activities like immune responses and cell division.
Researchers have developed a new type of biofuel cell that runs off of alcohol and enzymes, potentially replacing rechargeable batteries. The cells can be charged instantly with a few milliliters of alcohol and may last up to a month without recharging.
Scientists have found that the DNA-repair enzyme functions uniquely in different organisms, with varying electron transfer pathways. This discovery may lead to the development of a novel enzyme for treating skin cancer in humans.
Researchers have developed a technology that uses gold nanoparticles to attach enzymes to electrodes, improving the measurement of biological molecules. The technique enables more sensitive and specific glucose monitoring in diabetic patients, with higher flow rates detected than with traditional methods.
Researchers discovered that a gene mutation in mice leads to severe glaucoma by disrupting ocular drainage structures. Administering L-DOPA to pregnant mice with the mutation improved pup outcomes, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
Researchers discovered a new gene mutation that affects L-DOPA production, potentially leading to new treatments for glaucoma. The study found that administering L-DOPA prevented severe abnormalities in mice with a genetic defect similar to primary congenital glaucoma.
Researchers increase vitamin C content in plants by introducing a gene that boosts the enzyme responsible for recycling vitamin C. The technology could provide an important means of increasing vitamin C levels in crops, improving nutrition and public health.
A Texas chemist has won a national award for his work on vitamin B12, a natural product he has worked with for about 30 years. He is now working on recreating the pathway for taxol, an anti-cancer drug derived from yew trees.
Walsh's research team has focused on developing selective antibiotics that target bacterial enzymes while leaving human ones intact. His work has helped design new variants of vancomycin, some of which are now in human trials to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Scientists at the University of Iowa have gained insight into how naphthalene dioxygenase, a bacterial enzyme, utilizes oxygen to catalyze reactions. This breakthrough has implications for developing microorganisms that can clean up toxic waste and creating novel drugs.
Researchers developed a microchip with light-impeding holes to observe individual enzymes interacting with other molecules. This technique enables detailed analysis of fluctuations and variability in enzyme behavior, crucial for understanding molecular movement and predicting less predictable behavior.
Researchers have visualized the molecular structure of succinate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in cellular respiration, revealing its anti-aging function. The study shows that the enzyme's three-dimensional shape prevents the formation of destructive oxygen atoms, which can cause cellular aging.
Research reveals bilirubin's role in protecting cells from oxidative damage, potentially improving outcomes for conditions like stroke and heart attack. The study also sheds light on the paradox of bilirubin's production, suggesting it may be an evolutionary development to combat cellular stress.
Researchers discovered a key molecule regulating multiple genes in yeast and humans, potentially enabling rapid response to stress. The molecule, inositol polyphosphate, affects hundreds of genes by regulating enzymes that alter chromatin structure.
Preservatives can be grouped into three types: antimicrobials, antioxidants, and enzymes that fight natural ripening. Sulfur dioxide blocks microbial growth in foods, while propionates and benzoates help keep bakery products fresh.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new treatment for Gaucher disease by using small molecules to partially correct the genetic defect that underlies most cases of the disease. The therapy targets the most common mutation and could be more convenient and less costly than current enzyme replacement therapy.
Scientists have identified a unique mechanism used by the Esa1 enzyme to relax DNA packaging, differing from other enzymes in its family. This discovery opens up new possibilities for developing targeted cancer therapies.
Patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy for a near-two-year period show improved pain levels and reduced organ damage. The treatment continues to be effective despite the presence of antibodies in some patients.
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have identified a potential target for anxiety-reducing drugs that may be less addictive and have fewer side effects. The research found that mice lacking a certain enzyme exhibit reduced anxiety levels, providing insight into the mechanisms of stress creation.
Researchers at Stanford University Hospital have discovered a bacterial enzyme that can rapidly degrade toxic fragments of gluten, potentially providing an alternative to a strict gluten-free diet. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of Celiac disease patients worldwide.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine identified a protein fragment called gliadin as the cause of gluten intolerance. They also proposed using a dietary enzyme to break down the fragment into harmless bits, offering hope for future treatment.
Researchers have identified a protein fragment in cereal grains that causes celiac sprue, an autoimmune disorder requiring strict gluten-free diets. A bacterial enzyme that breaks down this peptide may also offer relief to those with the condition, according to a study published in Science.
Researchers discovered a mutation in the caspase-8 gene in two siblings with an immune disorder, which led to impaired lymphocyte activation and severe immunodeficiency. The study found that functional caspase-8 restored immune cell function, suggesting its potential as a target for new therapies.
Researchers successfully immobilized an enzyme called organophosphorus hydrolase, nearly doubling its activity levels. The breakthrough could lead to the development of novel sensor and decontamination systems for homeland security and environmental protection.
Researchers found that beta-secretase activity is increased in Alzheimer's diseased brains, specifically in temporal and frontal cortex. This increase persists throughout the duration of the illness, making BACE a promising target for treatment, even late in the disease.
Researchers at Michigan State University and the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute found a way for an enzyme to repair DNA using iron and oxygen, bypassing oxidation. This discovery offers possibilities for understanding biological functions and combating diseases such as cancer and aging.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach to treat mucopolysaccharidosis VII, a disorder affecting multiple organ systems, in dogs. The treatment involves four intravenous injections of a retroviral vector expressing canine beta-glucuronidase, resulting in normal enzyme activity and near-normal mobility in treated dogs.
Researchers discovered an enzyme called Hck that plays a role in activating macrophages, which form part of the immune system in the lungs. The team found that altering the enzyme led to progressive lung disease in mice, mimicking human COPD symptoms, including mucus accumulation and scarring.
Researchers found that knocking out enzymes adds fucose to proteins, protecting the kidney from damage and inflammation. Developing drugs targeting these enzymes could lead to new therapies for conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers have developed a new agent using phage enzymes that can specifically target and eliminate millions of anthrax bacteria within seconds. This targeted killer also shows promise as an anthrax detection and decontamination tool, with potential applications in mailrooms or subway stations.
Scientists have identified a new enzyme pathway that leads to nerve cell death outside of the cells, which can be targeted by new drugs. This discovery could lead to novel treatments for stroke and several neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have identified genetic markers that can predict which patients with schizophrenia will benefit from clozapine treatment. The study found that genetic variations in four key genes, including 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, can successfully predict treatment outcome in approximately 77% of cases.
Researchers have found that a gene repair mechanism called MBD4 enzyme can reduce gene mutations in mice, which are up to three times more common without the enzyme. This discovery may aid in understanding how cancer develops and finding new treatments.
Researchers found that adenylyl cyclase activity levels were more sensitive to recent alcohol consumption in subjects with a family history of alcoholism. Chronic marijuana users had substantially higher adenylyl cyclase activity levels, suggesting possible abnormal metabolism or product of marijuana use.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that even mild elevations in liver enzymes ALT and AST are associated with a nearly twice higher death rate compared to normal levels. Elevated enzymes signal liver injury and can result from HIV treatment, viral hepatitis, or alcohol abuse.
A previously unrecognized function of myeloperoxidase has been identified, affecting vasculature through a pathway independent of chlorine bleach production. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to treat inflammatory vascular diseases and conditions like septic shock.
Researchers at UC Riverside discovered a molecular switch called Rop that assists plant survival in low-oxygen conditions, such as flooding. The enzyme ADH is produced through a rheostat-like mechanism, which is controlled by the Rop switch.
Researchers have discovered zebrafish produce enzymes similar to human COX enzymes, which could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular disease and cancer. The study also shows that drugs targeting COX-2 behave similarly in zebrafish as in humans.
Scientists have solved the long-standing riddle of how nitroglycerin works by discovering an enzyme called mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (mALDH) that breaks down the drug. The team found that mALDH causes nitric oxide to be released from nitroglycerin, leading to tolerance in patients.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a link between an enzyme called MSP and multiple sclerosis tissue damage, which could lead to new treatment options. The study found that excess MSP promotes demyelination, but also contributes to proper oligodendroglia function when functioning normally.
Researchers discovered PRDX3, a key powerhouse enzyme, plays a crucial role in controlling tumor growth. By manipulating PRDX3 activation, tumors can be halted or accelerated. Understanding this pathway could lead to new cancer treatments.
Researchers have found that MMP enzymes recruit circulating inflammatory cells to form atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to acute cardiovascular events. The study also reveals the complex roles of MMP enzymes in remodeling the extracellular matrix, suggesting new therapeutic strategies to limit plaque growth.
Researchers have discovered a novel sugar digestion pathway in Pyrococcus furiosus, utilizing non-related enzymes. The organism's unique ability to withstand high temperatures makes its enzymes industrially valuable.