Articles tagged with Enzymes
Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease and PTSD, using animal models to investigate how stressful events affect brain cells. They aim to understand the role of estrogen and high-cholesterol diet in developing the disease.
Scientists found a connection between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the production of misfolded proteins called amyloids, which can cause complex symptoms and damage in organs such as the heart and kidneys. The researchers' discovery may help explain why COVID-19 often affects multiple parts of the body.
The study found that silencing cellulase enzymes increases the rate of infection but limits the pathogen's ability to spread, paving the way for new control methods. Fusarium oxysporum is a highly lethal fungus affecting over 100 crops, with its spores remaining in soil for up to 20 years.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have found that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) regulates heart stiffness by acting on titin protein. This discovery could lead to novel treatments for heart failure, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers found significantly higher levels of MMP-2 and MMP-8 in tracheal aspirate samples from COVID-19 patients, contributing to inflammation and tissue damage. The study's findings suggest a novel mechanism underlying severe lung complications and potential new therapeutic targets.
Researchers investigate how enzymes regulate metabolism, weight gain, and liver disease, revealing diet's significant role in obesity and altered lipid profiles. The study also shows that age affects metabolic processes, leading to weight gain, increased fat storage, and unhealthy liver changes.
Researchers have discovered that a human enzyme converts marine sponge chemicals into cell-killing compounds, which could lead to the development of new cancer and infection treatments. The findings identified an untapped toolbox of natural and synthetic compounds that can be converted by widespread enzymes into potentially useful drugs.
A molecular switch, p57, enables stomach stem cells to change allegiance from normal digestion to injury response, potentially leading to new treatments for gastric pathologies. The study's findings suggest that p57 is a key regulator of reserve stem cell state in gastric chief cells.
A team of researchers developed a simple yet powerful strategy for creating new enzymes with novel reactivity that can produce valuable chemical compounds. They used photobiocatalysis to repurpose naturally occurring enzymes and achieved an enantioselective biocatalytic reaction.
A team of researchers discovered a soil microbe's enzyme that performs carbon fixation 20 times faster than plant enzymes. The enzyme consists of pairs of molecules working in sync to get the job done faster. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient artificial photosynthesis and produce fuels, fertilizers, and other products.
Researchers developed an enzyme that can break down plastic waste in hours, making it a promising solution for the world's plastic problem. The enzyme, called FAST-PETase, has the potential to revolutionize recycling and reduce global landfill waste by billions of tons.
A new study reveals that two equal charges in enzymes do not repel each other, but instead attract, facilitating chemical reactions. The researchers used protein crystallography to obtain a structural snapshot of the substrate before the reaction and found an attractive interaction between the enzyme and substrate.
Researchers found that a critical enzyme called AAG plays a crucial role in making cells respond to stress by communicating between different parts of the cell. This new understanding could lead to improved cancer treatments using alkylating agents, a class of drugs commonly used in chemotherapy.
Researchers studied peptide bond formation between tRNA molecules and a ribosomal RNA segment, revealing the potential for minihelices to bind to the primordial peptidyl transferase center. The study suggests that functional interactions between tRNA and PTC could have been 'revised' in evolution.
Researchers at University of Bonn identified a key enzyme, RIM1, that maintains synaptic homeostasis and prevents excessive brain activity. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism.
Researchers found high levels of an enzyme called HDAC9 in healthy neurons, which decline with age and more drastically with Alzheimer's. The study suggests adjusting the enzyme's level may be a potential treatment for both conditions.
Researchers developed a computational technique to predict favorable gene sequences that make Rubisco, a key plant enzyme for photosynthesis. The study found promise for developing faster and more efficient Rubisco enzymes to increase crop yields and adapt to hot, dry future conditions.
Researchers at NTU Singapore's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine found that saturated fatty acids degrade protein FIT2, leading to insulin-producing cells' loss of function and death. This impairs the body's ability to secrete enough insulin, resulting in diabetes.
A team from Goethe University has identified the spatial structure of the mannitol-synthesizing enzyme MtlD in Acinetobacter baumannii, which is crucial for its survival. This discovery could lead to the development of customized substances to inhibit the enzyme and combat this hospital pathogen.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a drug delivery system based on lipid nanoparticles that utilize RNA to boost personalized cancer care. The nanodrug enhances chemotherapy effectiveness and reinvigorates the immune system, increasing sensitivity to cancer cells.
Researchers discovered that by four days after mating, close to 20% of fruit fly sperm proteins are female-derived. Female proteins bind to sperm inside the female, potentially supporting their viability.
Researchers have characterised an enzyme that can break down terephthalate (TPA), a key chemical building block of PET plastic. The discovery provides a blueprint for engineering faster and more efficient versions of this complex enzyme.
Researchers have deciphered the activity of B12-dependent radical SAM enzymes, which regulate methane production by archaea. The study's findings have implications for biotechnologies that control key enzymatic events and could help reduce global warming.
A recent study found that enzyme Dicer plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of chromosomes. In mammalian cells, Dicer works with protein BRD4 to promote genome stability. Removing Dicer from embryonic stem cells caused chromosome misalignment and cell death.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown bacterial enzyme that can produce a new type of biodegradable polysaccharide called acholetin. Acholetin has wide-ranging potential as a biocompatible, biodegradable material for biomedical applications.
Scientists from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have successfully embedded enzymes in metal-organic frameworks to enhance their stability. This innovation enables the use of these enzymes in both aqueous and organic solvents, leading to improved productivity and stability in continuous reactors.
Researchers at Kyoto University have identified a genetic mutation causing albinism in wallabies, tracing it to an inserted retrovirus gene. The study found that the mutation was caused by a copy of the HIV-like virus inserted into the host's genome.
Researchers have identified a novel enzyme that catalyzes the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties. The discovery provides fresh insights into carbohydrate metabolism and offers a breakthrough for the synthesis of sugar chains, which play key roles in various biological processes.
A team of UTSA researchers has developed an innovative inhibitor that blocks the effects of cytochrome P450 8B1, a key enzyme linked to cholesterol absorption and obesity. The treatment shows promise in reducing glucose levels without affecting body weight, offering potential relief from obesity-associated metabolic disorders.
A research team at Leibniz-HKI has developed a new method to produce complex natural products, including the precursor to THC, in amoebae. By leveraging the natural properties of the amoeba, they were able to produce a functional inter-kingdom hybrid enzyme that produces olivetolic acid without additives.
A UC Riverside-led study has identified a potential antiviral therapy for SARS and SARS-like coronaviruses by targeting the papain-like protease enzyme. The research reveals that subgroup 2b PLpros selectively target specific host immune pathways, making them a promising target for future coronavirus therapeutics.
Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.
Researchers discovered how a single mutation in an enzyme enables bacteria to evade antibiotics by using mirrored structures. This finding has implications for developing more resilient inhibitors and proactive drug designs.
Biochemists analyze fermented drinks from Russia and South Africa for antioxidants, fatty acids, and volatile compounds. Kefir and ryazhenka have more diverse fatty acid profiles, while amasi has branched chain fatty acids with potential health benefits.
A new protein group has been identified that functions as a switch to regulate biological activity, found in all domains of life and essential for cellular activities such as gene expression and metabolism. The discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of novel drugs targeting these switches.
The study identifies NEURL4, a mitochondrial ADP-ribosyltransferase enzyme, which plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial DNA integrity. The research suggests potential new strategies for treating diseases with a mitochondrial component, such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Uppsala University have designed a molecule that inhibits the replication of coronaviruses, including the new variant, with great potential for developing an antiviral drug. The molecule has been shown to be effective against both old and new variants, offering hope for treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg mapped SARS-CoV-2 mutation patterns and found that ADAR1-induced mutations weaken the virus. These mutations are more common than other types of mutations, suggesting a protective mechanism against COVID-19.
Researchers have imaged an enzyme involved in carbapenem biosynthesis, shedding light on the process of creating a potent side chain that makes these antibiotics effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to improved antibiotics and new strategies for combating bacterial resistance.
University of Warwick scientists developed a new method to produce indolic amides, carboxylic acids, and auxins using enzymes that mimic plant production. The process is reusable, produces minimal waste products, and could help make pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing more environmentally friendly.
A University of Oklahoma chemist is engineering a sustainable method for producing valuable compounds found in nature, such as cannabinoids and squalenes, using enzymes and E. coli. This approach avoids the environmental and economic challenges associated with traditional plant-based methods.
Researchers at WEHI identified an enzyme in the thymus that is essential for immune T cells to correctly identify threats, safeguarding them from going rogue and attacking healthy tissue. The enzyme KAT7 activates thousands of genes required for 'training' immune T cells not to attack healthy tissue.
The study found that efficient metabolic processes and recycling of components used by the enzyme RuBisCO significantly speed up photosynthesis in Chlorella ohadii. This discovery could lead to improving photosynthesis efficiency in other plants, developing new engineering tools for sustainable food production.
An international team led by the University of Ottawa has published findings on the importance of the enzyme GCN5 in maintaining muscle integrity. The study discovered that GCN5 plays a crucial role in boosting the expression of key structural proteins, notably dystrophin.
Researchers at Waseda University discovered a new protein isoform called Senp5S, which helps regulate Drp1 and mitochondrial dynamics during brain development. The study suggests a novel and vital role for post-translational SUMOylation in neuronal differentiation.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered a link between TET enzyme deficiency and the formation of unusual DNA structures, such as G-quadruplexes and R-loops, which contribute to genomic instability. The study suggests that regulating these structures may be key to controlling cancer development.
A new study reveals the sophisticated mechanism by which adenoviruses infect human cells and transfer foreign DNA into their nucleus. Protein V plays a crucial role in increasing the virus particle's stability and preventing premature DNA release, which triggers an anti-viral alarm system.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that deleting the EtfD Mtb enzyme renders Mycobacterium tuberculosis unable to sustain an infection in mice. The enzyme plays a critical role in fatty acid breakdown, making it an attractive target for TB treatment.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a healthier form of tapioca starch by suppressing multiple genes that increase its resistance to digestion. The resulting starch is composed of longer chains with fewer branches, making it harder to digest and potentially improving intestinal function and blood sugar control.
A study found a strong correlation between the number of microbial enzymes that can degrade plastic and local levels of plastic pollution. Researchers analyzed environmental DNA samples from around the world and discovered over 30,000 enzyme homologues with potential to break down various types of plastics.
New research suggests that cannabis use can lead to harmful drug-drug interactions by interfering with two families of enzymes that metabolize a wide range of drugs. This could result in unintended side effects such as toxicity or accidental overdose, particularly for older individuals using medications.
Scientists have developed an enzyme that degrades the capsule surrounding the bacterium that causes anthrax, reducing virulence and protecting mice from infection. The treatment, known as PEG-CapD-CPS334C, is a promising avenue for treating multidrug-resistant anthrax and other bacterial infections.
Researchers discovered that eliminating α-endosulfine (ENSA) or blocking its function reduces brain changes and improves memory in mice. ENSA blocks a potassium channel, which, when blocked, combats excess ENSA levels associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers from the University of Manchester have discovered a new way to manipulate key assembly line enzymes in bacteria using CRISPR-cas9 gene editing. This approach could lead to the production of improved antibiotics with potentially improved properties, addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers genetically engineer E. coli microbes to convert glucose into olefins, a type of hydrocarbon found in gasoline, using a two-step process with a catalyst. This method has potential to advance green energy technology and create sustainable biofuels.
Researchers have designed a digital camera-based system that can accurately detect jaundice in newborns within one second, sending diagnoses to carers via SMS. The system uses image processing techniques to detect bilirubin levels, triggering blue LED phototherapy and treatment.
Scientists identified multiple enzymes involved in C-glycoside metabolism, revealing a common reaction mechanism in both intestinal and soil bacteria. This discovery could provide insight into how the body breaks down these molecules and potentially lead to new treatments for diseases.
Scientists have engineered enzymes to manufacture molnupiravir, resulting in a shorter and higher-yielding synthesis. The new method reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 for newly diagnosed patients, showing promise as an antiviral treatment.
Researchers found that optimal cellular efficiency occurs when substrate mass equals free enzyme waiting to convert it into products. This relationship was confirmed with E. coli experimental data, offering insights into biochemistry and cellular physiology.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University found that a nanozyme therapy, combining ferumoxytol and hydrogen peroxide, significantly reduced the buildup of harmful dental plaque and targeted bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The treatment effectively killed Streptococcus mutans bacteria while leaving other ora...