Researchers uncover enzyme important in reproductive biological clock
A novel mitochondrial enzyme was identified as key to reproductive aging, increasing oocyte clustering with age and affecting fertility
Enzymes
Articles tagged with Enzymes
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Engineering of plant cell wall modifying enzymes opens new horizons
A University of Adelaide-led study introduces a new method to engineer plant cell wall enzymes, enabling the production of valuable products. The technique involves controlling specific enzymes' catalytic function to assemble, structure, and remodel plant cell walls.
New grant to optimize gut microbes, boost health benefits of broccoli
Researchers at the University of Illinois are exploring how gut microbe communities impact broccoli's health benefits. They plan to identify which microbes maximize the benefits and develop custom probiotics to help people with lower-efficiency microbial communities.
Magnesium deficiency is detrimental to plants
The study reveals that magnesium transport proteins are essential for plant metabolism and chloroplast functioning, impacting growth and yield. The analysis of three newly identified magnesium release and transporter proteins shows their importance in photosynthesis.
Starch discovery reaps benefits for brewing, baking and milling industries
Research has clarified how starch granules form in wheat seeds, unlocking diverse potential benefits for various industries. The discovery of the enzyme PHS1 crucial for B-type granule initiation offers opportunities to create variations in starch for different food and industrial applications.
A newly discovered plant gene that helps make apiin: the search ends here
A research team at Ritsumeikan University has identified the elusive ApiT gene in celery, crucial for apiin synthesis. The discovery may pave the way for efficient biosynthesis of apiin, a compound with potential health benefits and medicinal uses.
Timing is key
Researchers have deciphered a biochemical mechanism explaining how cortisone preparations mediate inflammation-resolving effects in human immune cells. Cortisone influences enzymes involved in the formation of inflammation-resolving messenger substances, inducing resolvins early but impairing function later.
Images of enzyme in action reveal secrets of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Researchers used cryoelectron microscopy to visualize how ribosome-modifying enzymes squeeze RNA nucleotides and alter them, leading to drug resistance. The discovery may lead to the design of new antibiotic therapies targeting these enzymes.
An escape signal for the nematode: Artificial intelligence helps elucidate structure of a novel light sensor
A team of scientists has successfully elucidated the structure and function of LITE-1, a biomolecule used by Caenorhabditis elegans to detect danger. The researchers used artificial intelligence to predict the structure of LITE-1, which is a channel protein that forms a pore in the cell membrane allowing charged particles to pass through.
CABBI develops eco-friendly enzyme to create key chemical building blocks
Researchers at CABBI develop photoenzymatic system to efficiently synthesize chiral amines, crucial chemical building blocks with wide applications. The team's new method addresses a longstanding challenge in synthetic chemistry and offers a promising platform for biomanufacturing.
New chemical process makes it easier to craft amino acids that don’t exist in nature
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method to create unnatural amino acids, expanding the toolkit of human biochemistry. This breakthrough could lead to novel protein-based therapies and organic chemistry branches.
A butterfly effect
Researchers at MPFI discovered Protein Kinase C delta's (PKCd) role in regulating cell-wide gene expression through synaptic plasticity. The study found that PKCd activates biochemical reactions that spread throughout the neuron, influencing gene transcription and memory formation.
Potent anti-cancer therapy created using ‘click chemistry’
Researchers at UCL and Stanford University create a three-component anti-cancer therapy using click chemistry, improving cancer-killing efficiency with sialidase enzyme, and exploring potential for next-generation agents.
New enzyme discovered by HKU plant biochemists unlocks potential for health-promoting compounds in sorghum
Researchers have discovered a new enzyme, SbSOMT, that unlocks the potential for health-promoting compounds in sorghum. The enzyme catalyzes the production of O-methylated stilbenes, which have been shown to possess anti-ageing, anti-neurodegeneration, and anti-diabetes properties.
Powerhouse proteins protect heart cells from chemotherapy damage
Scientists identified a process by which enzymes help prevent heart damage in chemotherapy patients. Enzymes normally found in mitochondria move to the nucleus, keeping cells alive. This discovery suggests new methods for testing individual patient responses and potentially preventing heart damage from chemotherapy.
Rensselaer researcher receives grant to study enzymes in deep sea organisms
Catherine Royer's research aims to understand how enzymes function under high pressure and thrive in extreme temperatures. The project could lead to the development of new biotechnological applications.
A glimpse into the hexasome: 40 years on
A recent study by the Eustermann group at EMBL Heidelberg reveals that DNA packaging into hexasomes impacts the function of enzymes involved in gene regulation. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the molecular processes of how this packaging regulates genome expression and maintenance.
Cellular process that fuels plant growth yields surprising insights
A new study by Rice University bioscientists reveals how plant cells collaborate to fuel growth, shedding light on corresponding mechanisms in human cells. The findings focus on the role of enzyme MIEL1 and its human counterpart PIRH2 in breaking down protein coatings on lipid droplets.
Breathing poison: Microbial life on nitric oxide respiration
Researchers have isolated two previously unknown species of microbes that can grow on nitric oxide, a highly reactive and toxic molecule. These microbes, named Nitricoxidivorans perserverans and Nitricoxidireducens bremensis, convert NO to nitrogen gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
Preclinical studies led by Johns Hopkins medicine researchers advance potential new target to treat HIV infection
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new target for treating HIV infection by blocking the neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase2) enzyme. Inhibiting this enzyme can prevent HIV replication and kill infected cells, offering a promising therapeutic approach.
Researchers identify a new mechanism, cancer hijacks enzyme substrate motif mutations
Researchers identified a new mechanism by which cancer hijacks enzyme substrate motif mutations, enabling tumor growth and therapy resistance. The study found that colorectal cancer hijacks BUD13 mutations to inactivate a key tumor suppressor, Fbw7.
Scientists designed new enzyme using Antarctic bacteria and computer calculations
Researchers have successfully predicted and created a new enzyme with improved heat tolerance by inserting mutations from a pig enzyme into an Antarctic bacterial variant. The hybrid enzyme showed a 6°C higher optimum temperature and increased catalytic activity compared to the original variants.
A new bacterial blueprint to aid in the war on antibiotic resistance
Scientists have gained high-res structural insights into a key bacterial enzyme to develop new drugs that target its weaknesses and suppress disease-causing bacteria. The enzyme Lnt is not found in humans and has huge potential as a therapeutic target with fewer side effects for patients.
Architects of their own destruction: why do tobacco hornworm caterpillars attract their own predators?
Researchers found that tobacco hornworm caterpillars introduce an enzyme into plants during feeding, modifying the plant's fragrance to attract predators. This interaction may be beneficial for the caterpillar's development, outweighing any costs associated with its interaction with the plant.
New enzyme could aid anticancer drug development
A new enzyme, CtdY, has been identified that can break an amide bond, a fundamental type of bond found in proteins. This discovery holds significant promise for the pharmaceutical industry, as it could enable the creation of new anticancer drugs and improve treatment outcomes.
Repurposed drug shows promise for treating cardiac arrhythmias
Researchers identified five previously unknown CaMKII inhibitors, including ruxolitinib, which was found to be the most effective at inhibiting CaMKII activity in cell and mouse models of arrhythmias. The study provides a promising new approach for treating heart conditions.
Treatment with enzyme inhibitor can help combat antimicrobial resistance
Researchers found that intravenous treatment with MK-3402, a metallo-beta-lactamase inhibitor, can effectively fight antimicrobial resistance in certain bacteria. The studies suggest that dosing three times per day provides adequate blood levels to block bacterial enzymes.
ACSL4: Biomarker, mediator and target in quadruple negative breast cancer
A new review paper suggests ACSL4 status as a biomarker for breast cancer subtype classification and predictor of response to hormone-based therapies. The enzyme may also serve as a target for developing new treatment modalities in quadruple negative breast cancer.
Cancer discoveries could enhance immunotherapy, breast cancer care
Researchers discovered that targeting specific blood vessel enzymes can enhance immunotherapy effectiveness and prevent breast cancer metastasis. By disabling the enzyme DNMT1 in blood vessels, doctors may bolster anti-tumor immune cells entry and increase patients' response to treatment.
Bremen researchers cultivate archaea that break down crude oil in novel ways
Archaea of the genus Candidatus Alkanophaga use variants of methyl-coenzyme M reductase to degrade liquid petroleum alkanes at high temperatures. Bacteria of the genus Thermodesulfobacterium form consortia with archaea, facilitating degradation and contributing to the global carbon cycle.
DNA damage repaired by antioxidant enzymes
The nucleus is metabolically active and uses antioxidant enzymes to repair DNA damage. Cells relocate mitochondrial machinery to the nucleus in response to DNA damage, highlighting a paradigm shift in cellular biology.
You can make carbon dioxide filters with a 3D printer
Researchers at NC State University have developed a novel method for creating CO2 capture filters using 3D printing. The filters, made from a hydrogel material infused with the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, captured 24% of CO2 in a gas mixture and retained 52% of its performance after over 1,000 hours. This technology has potential applic...
Phenomenal phytoplankton: Scientists uncover cellular process behind oxygen production
Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown process in marine phytoplankton that accounts for between 7% to 25% of all oxygen produced and carbon fixed in the ocean. This discovery sheds light on how tiny organisms contribute to global oxygen production, with potential implications for our understanding of evolution.
Research led by UMass Amherst is the first to unlock the secret of microbial slime
Researchers discovered that oxalic acid helps create a sticky, gel-like extracellular matrix in fungi and bacteria. The more oxalic acid present, the more viscous the matrix becomes, allowing microbes to control nutrient uptake and resistance to antibiotics.
Research project analyzes medical, nutritional and environmental applications of new Antarctic bacteria
Researchers discovered two new psychrophilic species of bacteria with cold-adapted enzymes, which can be used in biotechnology to produce refrigerated foods, improve detergent quality, and remove pollutants from cold environments. The study was conducted in collaboration with Uruguayan scientists and supported by FAPESP.
Self-driven disposable sensor for easy measurement of blood glucose levels at home
Researchers developed a biofuel cell on a chip that measures blood glucose levels using a few microliters of blood. The sensor generates an electrical signal based on the enzyme's reaction with glucose, providing accurate readings using general-purpose devices like smartphones.
Circumventing the renal toxicity associated with cisplatin treatment
Researchers have found a compound that can prevent cisplatin-induced renal toxicity and improve the outcomes of cancer treatment. The aromatic ketone 2',4',6'-trihydroxyacetophenone (THA) inhibits the CCBL1-mediated metabolism of cisplatin, reducing its toxic effects without affecting its potency.
AI predicts the function of enzymes
A new AI method accurately predicts enzyme-substrate pairs, opening doors for efficient drug discovery and biotechnology. The ESP model, developed by a team of researchers, can work with any combination of an enzyme and over 1,000 substrates.
Targeting cellular respiration as a therapeutic strategy in glioblastoma
Researchers discovered that FDA-approved HDAC-inhibitors can impact energy metabolism in solid tumor cells, including glioblastoma. The combination of HDAC-inhibitors and imipridones may synergize to enhance killing of GBM cells by reversing cellular respiration.
A newly discovered molecular pathway gives hope for overcoming challenges in the treatment of cancer
Researchers at Koc University have identified a novel molecular mechanism that can slow down or block muscle wasting in cancer patients. The activation of EDA2R signalling promotes skeletal muscle atrophy, and deleting either EDA2R or NIK enzyme can protect the organism from muscle loss.
With formic acid towards CO2 neutrality
Researchers develop a new method for fixing carbon dioxide using formic acid, which can replace conventional chemical manufacturing processes with carbon-neutral biological methods. The process produces formaldehyde, a non-toxic substance that can be fed into metabolic pathways to create valuable substances.
Restoring control to a particular brain region may help to prevent return to use of opioids
Researchers at MUSC identified changes in pyramidal neurons contributing to drug seeking. Inhibiting enzyme protein kinase A restored normal function and reduced opioid-seeking behavior.
Using plants as factories for green drug production
Scientists have engineered plants to produce peptides with antibiotic activity against drug-resistant pathogens, which also enhances stability and prolongs activity. The resulting plants yield potent drugs at significantly lower costs than traditional methods, making them an environmentally friendly option for pharmaceutical production.
Tiny microbes could brew big benefits for green biomanufacturing
Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.
UC Irvine scientists develop gene silencing DNA enzyme that can target a single molecule
Researchers at UC Irvine have developed a DNA enzyme that can target specific RNA mutations in cancer cells while leaving healthy strands intact. This breakthrough technology could revolutionize disease treatments with precise, targeted therapies.
Brain cells are starved of energy in autophagy dysfunction, new study finds
Researchers discover that brain cells die from lack of energy when autophagy, a natural cleaning process, malfunctions. Compounds boosting NAD levels can improve neuron survival and combat age-related neurodegeneration.
Existing drugs prevent Alzheimer’s disease-related cognitive impairment in mice, new research at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University shows
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce inflammation, restore cell function and prevent cognitive impairment in mice with amyloid buildup. CAIs also improved cerebrovascular health and enhanced amyloid-clearing capacity.
Enzymes from bacteria and fungi break down plastic
Researchers have developed enzymes that can efficiently break down plastic, reducing its environmental impact. However, over-reliance on these technologies may not address the root issue of excessive plastic production.
Study points to cause of safety concerns in widely used painkiller diclofenac
Research finds diclofenac's high variability in metabolism due to UGT2B17, a little-studied enzyme. The study suggests genetic testing and dose adjustments for specific populations can help minimize side effects.
Serine racemase upregulation improves learning and synaptic function
Researchers found that enhancing NMDAR function via increased serine racemase expression improved attention and cognitive flexibility in middle-aged rats. Upregulating serine racemase in the medial prefrontal cortex also increased glutamatergic synaptic transmission, including NMDAR activity.
One step closer to better drug therapies for tuberculosis
Researchers at UMass Amherst microbiologists have identified an enzyme involved in TB pathogen's survival and growth. The discovery offers a potential target for drug therapies for the deadly disease, which has few effective treatments and caused over 1.6 million deaths worldwide in 2021.
Study reveals how pollinators cope with plant toxins
A study by the University of Exeter and Bayer AG found that pollinators produce a conserved family of cytochrome P450 enzymes to tackle alkaloid toxins in plants. These enzymes allow bees to safely consume nectar and pollen from toxic plants, shedding light on insect tolerance mechanisms.
Enzyme that breaks down PET plastic: Leipzig scientists increase efficiency
Researchers at Leipzig University have increased the efficiency of an enzyme that breaks down PET plastic, which has implications for bioplastics and a more sustainable future. The team used computer simulations and experiments to improve the enzyme's activity and stability.
University of Cincinnati-led research team studies role of metabolism in lysosome function
A research team led by the University of Cincinnati's Atsuo Sasaki aims to understand how an enzyme regulates lysosomal function based on energy molecule GTP. This study could lead to new treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and anti-aging.
A protective probiotic blunts the ill effects of alcohol in mice
A genetically engineered probiotic has been shown to blunt the ill effects of alcohol in mice by reducing alcohol absorption and prolonging tolerance. The treatment also shortened recovery time after alcohol exposure and reduced liver damage. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
Study reveals the 3D structure of a protein involved in genome editing
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered the 3D structure of TnpB, a protein involved in genome editing and a probable precursor to the CRISPR-Cas12 enzyme. The study reveals how TnpB recognizes and cuts DNA using a unique pseudoknot shape similar to that found in guide RNAs of Cas12 enzymes.
People with NAFLD have decreased expression of a liver enzyme needed for medication processing, according to researchers from Indiana University and Eli Lilly
A study from Indiana University School of Medicine found that people with NAFLD have significantly decreased levels of the liver enzyme CYP2C19, which is important for medication processing. This decrease may lead to slower clearance of certain medications and reduced effectiveness of medicines like antidepressants and clopidogrel.
AI predicts enzyme function better than leading tools
A new AI tool, CLEAN, can predict enzyme functions based on amino acid sequences, outperforming leading state-of-the-art tools in accuracy and reliability. The tool was developed using contrastive learning and verified experimentally with both computational and in vitro experiments.
Prototype taps into the sensing capabilities of any smartphone to screen for prediabetes
Researchers at the University of Washington developed GlucoScreen, a new system that leverages smartphone capacitive touch sensing to measure blood glucose levels. The system's accuracy is comparable to standard glucometer testing, making it potentially less costly and more accessible for widespread screening.
ORNL-led team designs molecule to disrupt SARS-CoV-2 infection
A team of scientists has designed a molecule that targets the PLpro enzyme in SARS-CoV-2, limiting its replication and hampering the host's immune response. The covalent inhibitor shows promise as a new treatment for COVID-19 and other viral diseases.