Articles tagged with Enzymes
Researchers discovered that an insect digestive enzyme removes sugar from a plant defense compound, promoting larva growth on dandelion plants containing the compound. This process also leads to the larva avoiding plants with high concentrations of the compound.
Researchers at Ural Federal University developed an ultra-sensitive sensor to analyze honey for nitrobenzene, a toxic compound. The sensor's exceptional accuracy and low sample requirements make it suitable for on-site analysis.
Researchers at IOCB Prague have created a glowing DNA enzyme called Supernova, which catalyzes a chemiluminescent reaction. This breakthrough uses artificial evolution to identify light-producing deoxyribozymes in a vast library of DNA molecules, opening up new possibilities for point-of-care assays and high-throughput screens.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have successfully engineered microbes to produce novel chemicals and developed a new technique for studying enzyme reactions in real-time. This breakthrough could lead to the production of sustainable fuels, pharmaceuticals, and renewable plastics.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that the BRCA2 gene requires a specific enzyme, PP2A-B56, to repair DNA damage. This finding may pave the way for more targeted treatment of cancer patients with certain mutations.
A research team at Iowa State University aims to create more robust microbes that can produce heat- and acid-resistant enzymes, improving the bioproduction of fuels and chemicals. The goal is to make industrial fermentation more efficient and cost-effective.
Researchers at TTUHSC have identified novel targets for treating stroke, focusing on enhancing neurolysin activity. The study discovered small molecules that can selectively enhance the activity of neurolysin, which showed promise in reducing damage to the brain after a stroke.
Researchers at WVU will explore how a specific enzyme protects the brain from stroke effects and aging. Their findings may indicate a potential target for medications improving brain blood vessel function after a stroke.
A new study by Oxford academics found that approximately 20% of flies and cockroaches carry carbapenem resistance, while 70-80% carry extended spectrum cephalosporin resistance. Climate change could lead to a doubling of insect populations and an increase in the global spread of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at DTU Health Tech have invented a one-pot assay, NISDA, for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA without the need for enzyme-based methods. The assay detects low concentrations of RNA in 30 minutes and has shown high accuracy and sensitivity.
Scientists have developed a method to produce strigolactones, a group of plant hormones that prevent excessive budding and branching. By combining yeast and bacteria, researchers can synthesize these hormones from microbes, providing a promising alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers at Penn State have imaged a protein facilitating RNA modification, allowing them to reconstruct the process. The study reveals how a chemical tag is added to tRNA, improving its ability to translate messenger RNA into proteins.
Research reveals how genetic mutations in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases cause CMT by halting protein production and inducing integrated stress response. The study's findings provide new avenues for therapies against the disease.
Researchers discovered a massive enzyme complex in methanogenic archaea that directly transfers electrons from electron bifurcation to CO2 reduction, increasing efficiency. This finding may lead to sustainable biotechnological development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study reveals evidence of beer drinking 9,000 years ago in southern China, with ancient pots found at a burial site containing residues consistent with beer fermentation. The discovery suggests that ritualized drinking played a significant role in forging social relationships and cooperation among ancient communities.
Researchers developed an AI tool that can quickly and accurately identify suspicious proteins in the body by analyzing their movements. The method, known as diffusional fingerprinting, uses machine learning algorithms to predict protein behavior with over 90% accuracy.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science discovered endophytic bacteria that can survive extreme conditions within passion fruit seeds. The bacteria were isolated from seedlings grown from cut seeds and found to possess biocatalytic activities related to the metabolism of secondary metabolites, such as resveratrol and piceatannol.
A study reveals the biological process used by Xanthomonas to weaken plants' defense systems and discovers a novel class of enzymes called CE20 that can assist infection. This discovery contributes to developing strategies to combat citrus canker and obtaining advanced sugars from agroindustrial waste.
Researchers have uncovered a weakness in the key enzyme that solid tumour cancer cells rely on to adapt and survive when oxygen levels are low. Inhibiting this enzyme, called Carbonic Anhydrase IX (CAIX), can effectively stop cancer cell growth.
Researchers used evolutionary 'time travel' to study an ancient enzyme from archaea, finding a universal NTP binding motif that could be used for novel enzyme design. The study also revealed how the human version of the enzyme evolved over time.
A preclinical study found that age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakening cardiac contractions in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Boosting SIRT1/SIRT3 levels may help protect against such injuries, potentially reducing heart attack complications and deaths.
Researchers found a mutation in ELOVL4 enzyme impairs communication between neurons, leading to impaired motor control and coordination. The study provides new insights into the essential role of ELOVL4 in motor function and synaptic plasticity, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies for patients with spinocerebellar ataxia.
A study by UCI researchers reveals two ways APOBEC3A is controlled in response to stress, offering potential therapeutic strategies against cancers and viral infections. The findings could lead to new treatments that prevent DNA mutations caused by the enzyme, reducing disease progression and resistance.
Researchers discover a new way for an antiviral enzyme to detect and destroy viruses that hide inside cell membranes. The OAS1 p46 isoform enhances the immune response against SARS-CoV-2, flaviviruses, and other RNA viruses.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that enables the accumulation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid in plant cell walls, a potential game-changer for sustainable industrial chemical production. By controlling the expression of this enzyme, plants can be engineered to produce more of this valuable chemical building block.
Researchers discovered an enzyme from Amazon fungus Trichoderma harzianum capable of breaking down diverse plant biomass sugars, enhancing the efficiency of second-generation ethanol production. The enzyme's industrial use is now viable at low cost due to genetic engineering techniques.
The KAUST Metagenomic Analysis Platform (KMAP) enables researchers worldwide to analyze massive microbial data, eliminating the need for advanced bioinformatics skills. KMAP allows scientists to identify proteins and enzymes with potential applications in various industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
The anammox bacterium uses the nitrite oxidoreductase enzyme (NXR) to convert toxic nitrite into nitrate, a crucial process in nature's nitrogen cycle. Researchers have now mapped the molecular structure of NXR, gaining insight into its complex structure and organization within the cell.
Researchers discovered that symbiotic bacteria living in shipworms' gills do not have the enzymes to break down lignin, a thick and difficult-to-digest layer of cellulose. Despite this finding, scientists are still trying to figure out what within the shipworm could be responsible for breaking down lignin.
Researchers have produced detailed molecular blueprints of the bacterial enzyme Lit, which may enable bacteria to evade the immune response and contribute to antibiotic resistance. The study's findings could lead to the development of new antibiotics targeting this enzyme.
Researchers developed hybrid enzyme catalysts using a de novo approach to expand biocatalysis, improving stability and activity. The method involves introducing defects into MOFs to alleviate diffusional restrictions and facilitating access of substrates to encapsulated enzymes.
Researchers have engineered an enzyme to bind to and degrade plastic particles, potentially helping to resolve the issue of complete recycling of PET in industry. The enzyme, called PET2, was found to accelerate the reaction between PET's chemical components and water when positive charges were introduced on its surface.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified a metabolic control pathway that regulates T follicular helper cells, offering targets for drugs to stimulate the adaptive immune response and treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus. The finding holds promise for developing new vaccines and treatments.
Rice University scientists have isolated a biocatalyst that controls the chirality of compounds, enabling more accurate drug synthesis. The discovery could lead to improved pharmaceutical production by providing a new tool for controlling stereochemistry.
Researchers discovered ethane-eating microbes at hydrothermal vents, which use the same enzyme as methane-eaters to break down ethane. The enzyme's unique structure was visualized with unprecedented precision, revealing a larger catalytic chamber and additional methyl groups, allowing for efficient recognition of ethane.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a novel flavoprotein dioxygenase crucial for bacterial tropone biosynthesis. The enzyme activates oxygen in a previously unknown way and incorporates it into a chemical precursor compound, generating the basic structure of tropone.
A study found that certain genetic variants of MTHFR enzyme can increase folate deficiency risk, leading to neurological and heart problems. Researchers identified over 656 possible variants, including the common A222V variant, which affects enzyme function in subtle ways.
The new technique uses engineered yeast cells to produce enzyme and histone proteins, conduct biochemical assays internally, and then display the results. This approach significantly reduces the time required for examining a single enzyme/histone pairing from a week to just a couple of days.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that TET enzymes play a crucial role in keeping immune cells on a healthy track, suggesting potential new avenues for controlling cardiovascular disease. The study also identified the minor but important role of TDG enzyme in immune cell demethylation.
Researchers at Heidelberg University discovered an enzyme that breaks down Wnt proteins, shaping body axis development in the freshwater polyp Hydra. This discovery may play a role in human diseases such as cancer.
Researchers discover bacteria that can break down toxic chemicals like lindane and HBCD, which have been banned in many countries due to their persistence in the environment. The microbes produce enzymes that can degrade these pollutants, offering a potential solution for cleaning up chemical waste from landfills.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed chemical probes to detect an enzyme that breaks down antibiotics, making bacteria resistant to treatment. The probes can also be used to study nutritional immunity and may help find alternative treatments for resistant bacteria.
Researchers discovered MCAD's protective role in glioblastoma cells, which relies on the enzyme to detoxify toxic byproducts of fatty acid metabolism. Inhibiting MCAD appears to be specific and potent in killing glioblastoma cells.
Scientists from the University of Bath explore racemases, critical enzymes linked to cancers and other life-threatening diseases, and propose strategies for finding drugs that neutralize them. Lab experiments show promising outcomes in targeting these enzymes, with potential applications in treating various diseases.
Researchers have found that Rubisco proton production can enhance CO2 acquisition, allowing plants to fix more carbon dioxide and produce more sugar. This discovery could lead to improved crop yields and increased food security.
Scientists at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered two enzymes, histone deacetylases (HDACs), that inhibit the body's inflammatory response in the skin. These enzymes allow the skin to tolerate certain microbes living on its surface while preventing a constant rash from developing elsewhere.
Researchers develop therapeutic strategy to disrupt sticky biofilm that causes early childhood caries, a severe form of dental decay. The treatment targets the bonds between bacteria and yeast, reducing biofilm volume and making it easier to remove.
Research reveals that just three amino acid changes can dramatically alter an enzyme's function, allowing microbes to thrive in diverse ecosystems. This discovery has significant implications for understanding disease-causing bacteria and developing remedies.
Researchers from JAIST have synthesized high-performance BioNylons using itaconic acid and amino acids, which degrade under the pepsin enzyme found in mammal stomachs. These novel materials show improved thermal/mechanical performances compared to conventional nylons.
Researchers created a probe that glows when detecting an enzyme associated with blood clots and strokes. The probe, made up of two components, can host fluorescent molecules and detects an increase in fluorescence intensity when the probe comes into contact with the enzyme.
A new study reveals diatoms primarily use one pathway to concentrate CO2, continuing to operate at higher CO2 concentrations. The team found that marine diatoms are highly efficient in fixing atmospheric CO2, fixing nearly one-fifth of the global carbon fixation on earth.
Researchers discovered an enzyme in a fungus that breaks down lignocellulose, a key component of forestry and agricultural waste. This breakthrough has the potential to produce valuable chemicals and fuels, increasing the sustainability of renewable energy sources.
Scientists have developed a new class of cancer drug targeting enzymes that play a key role in translating DNA into proteins. This approach shows promising results in treating acute myeloid leukaemia, with the drug significantly reducing cancer cell growth and proliferation.
Researchers have identified a new light-driven enzyme, fatty acid photodecarboxylase (FAP), that converts fatty acids into alkanes and alkenes under blue light. The enzyme's complex photocycle drives this transformation, and its structure has been elucidated using serial femtosecond crystallography.
A team of researchers has discovered that JMJD3 enzyme promotes inflammation in monocyte/macrophages, leading to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Blocking this enzyme prevents aneurysm formation, providing a potential new target for treatment.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new treatment for Pompe disease, a genetic condition that affects 1 in 40,000 people in the US. The treatment has been shown to be safer and more effective than current therapy, improving respiratory muscle function, endurance, and overall quality of life.
A new study maps brain regions responsible for alcohol's intoxicating effects, revealing that acetate produced in the brain plays a key role in cognitive impairment. The research also suggests that abnormalities in enzyme production can lead to detrimental effects associated with alcohol misuse.
Researchers identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis' use of rubredoxin B to survive in iron-deficient conditions, helping the bacterium evade the immune system. The study provides new insights into the development of drug resistance and potential targets for therapeutic agents.
Scientists have developed a novel naturally derived cyan blue colorant from red cabbage anthocyanin pigments, which shows high stability over time. The new compound, Peak 2, can produce both blue and green colors in food products, offering an alternative to synthetic blue dye.
Researchers discovered a link between the mutated enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) and increased oxidative stress in mouse models of Folling Disease. This finding may explain some comorbidities found in adult PKU patients and has implications for understanding the disease.