Articles tagged with Enzymes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Oregon State University have created a portable sensor that can detect cortisol hormone levels in sweat, providing a fast and reliable diagnostic tool for various diseases. The device uses an artificial enzyme to capture cortisol molecules, producing electrical signals that indicate the hormone's presence.
A study by IMBA researchers links muscle degeneration to a deficiency in the enzyme PCYT2, essential for lipid synthesis. PCYT2 depletion affects mitochondrial function and muscle energetics, highlighting the importance of lipid balance in muscle health.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found a way to spur brain immune cells to clear toxic waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease by targeting their metabolism. The study reveals a ‘metabolic switch’ in the brain’s immune cells that can be manipulated to improve their function.
The study reveals that enzyme ATE1 enhances activity upon binding iron-sulfur clusters and is sensitive to oxygen, moderating the cell's response to oxidative stress. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic targets for diseases tied to chronic cellular stress.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified a promising approach to delay aging by detoxifying glycerol and glyceraldehyde, harmful by-products of fat. By activating an enzyme called AMAR, they found that microscopic worms lived longer and healthier lives, and similar effects were seen in other lab models.
Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.
Researchers found that Fumarate Hydratase is repressed in macrophages, leading to the release of cytokines and worsening inflammation. Restoring or targeting this enzyme could lead to new anti-inflammatory therapies for diseases like Lupus and sepsis.
Soil bacteria have been used to produce prodrugs by selectively epoxidating indole and indene. This breakthrough enables the sustainable biocatalysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients with high purity.
A hormone called FGF21 protects mice from ethanol-induced loss of balance and righting reflex by activating a specific part of the brain that controls alertness. The study reveals that higher FGF21 concentrations can dramatically accelerate recovery from intoxication.
A study by Kumamoto University researchers reveals LSD1's role in regulating skeletal muscle response to environmental stress. The findings suggest that LSD1 moderates muscle adaptation to environmental conditions, with potential implications for maintaining muscle health and preventing diseases such as sarcopenia.
The University of Houston researchers have developed a new test that uses glow-in-the-dark materials to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of at-home COVID-19 tests. The test, which can detect COVID-19 proteins more efficiently, has shown excellent results compared to commercial tests.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have found queen-like mutants among social parasite ants, which can infiltrate and take over host colonies. These unique ants exhibit intermediate traits between worker and queen behavior, allowing them to thrive in the colony while avoiding dangers associated with leaving their nest.
Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.
Research by the University of the Basque Country found that gluten-free products often lack essential nutrients like fibre and protein. Gluten-free pasta, for example, is now made from millet instead of rice flour, improving nutrition.
Researchers have successfully grown electrodes in living tissue using the body's molecules as triggers, paving the way for fully integrated electronic circuits in living organisms. This breakthrough method allows for substrate-free organic bioelectronics and targets specific biological substructures for nerve stimulation.
Researchers have discovered a surprising mechanism by which the molecular machine Dis3L2 unwinds and destroys RNA molecules. By changing shape, Dis3L2 reveals an RNA-splitting wedge, allowing it to execute its tasks in a more dynamic and versatile way.
A team of scientists developed a simplified and efficient method for artificial production of terpenes, using fluorinated alcohol catalyst solutions. This approach allows targeted production of natural substances from simple starting materials, offering potential applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
Researchers at Washington State University found that CBD inhibits a key enzyme for nicotine metabolism, slowing down its effects and allowing smokers to wait before feeling the urge to smoke. The study suggests that CBD could be a useful tool in reducing harm from smoking and quitting nicotine addiction.
A new study found that a medication previously used to treat seizures can reprogram donor hearts to boost the production of beneficial enzymes, increasing storage time and improving post-transplant function. This technology could lead to a paradigm shift in extending heart storage and reducing primary graft dysfunction.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered a new treatment approach that can kill prostate cancer cells by targeting the PI5P4Kα enzyme. This finding has significant implications for addressing treatment resistance in prostate cancer and may lead to improved treatments for other cancers.
Researchers discovered that mitochondria actively transport coenzyme Q to the cell surface to protect cells from cell death. The transport process is crucial for regulating coenzyme Q distribution within the cell.
Researchers have discovered a way to produce limonoids, a family of valuable chemicals with potential as bee-friendly insecticides and anti-cancer drugs. By identifying the enzymes required for production, they can now use host organisms to create these compounds in a more sustainable way.
Rice University scientists identified a new Diels-Alderase enzyme, CtdP, which catalyzes the Diels-Alder reaction with precise stereochemistry control. This discovery could lead to improved pharmaceutical synthesis and development of more effective drugs.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology reveal how a specific enzyme, Fsr, converts sulfite into sulfide, allowing methanogens to grow safely on toxic substances. This discovery opens opportunities for biotechnological applications and provides insights into the evolution of these microorganisms.
Researchers found that an algal strain with a defective Old Yellow Enzyme biocatalyst exhibits oxidative damage due to insufficient light energy dissipation. The study suggests that the enzyme plays a crucial role in maintaining photosynthetic balance.
Researchers from KAIST and Chungnam National University have developed a new equation to predict drug interactions, improving accuracy by 80% compared to the existing FDA formula. The new equation takes into account factors such as gut bioavailability and enzyme concentration.
Researchers from ETH Zurich elucidated the structure and function of tryptophan C-mannosyltransferase (CMT), a glycosyltransferase enzyme involved in C-mannosylation. The study reveals the enzyme's novel mechanism, enabling precise understanding of protein sequences and sugar substrates.
Researchers found that abnormal methylation processes lead to disruption of gene expression essential for brain development in people with Williams syndrome. The study suggests targeting treatments to correct these disruptions.
Researchers have improved the FDA's equation for predicting drug interactions by addressing fundamental limitations and incorporating new models. The modified equation has shown a significantly increased accuracy of about 80%, which is expected to contribute to increasing the success rate of new drug development.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that OGT regulates mTOR, a key protein for mitochondrial powerhouses, keeping cells healthy. The study may lead to important medical advances in understanding cancers, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Plant biochemists have discovered a new level of regulation in the biochemical machinery that plants use to convert organic carbon into aromatic compounds. The research reveals new strategies for controlling plant biochemistry, including genetic tools to precisely control which compounds get produced in different parts of a plant.
Researchers discovered that methanotroph Methylococcus capsulatus Bath can grow in the presence of small amounts of H2S using an enzyme switch. The study found that at 0.75% H2S concentration, bacteria switch from mxaF to xoxF, increasing methane consumption and mitigating greenhouse effects.
Researchers at EMBL Grenoble have discovered that THC inhibits the human enzyme autotaxin, which is involved in cancer, inflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis. This finding provides new molecular insights into the therapeutic effects of medical cannabis.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a photochemical process that simplifies the manufacture of essential precursors for drugs and agricultural chemicals. By illuminating reagents with visible light, they can form diazides in conditions far gentler than current industrial processes.