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Scientists learn how to drug wily class of disease-causing enzymes

Researchers at UCSF develop a method to target GTPases, enzymes involved in Parkinson's and many other diseases, by using drugs targeting the K-Ras oncogene. This approach reveals new drug binding sites that could not be predicted by computational tools.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell·DateSep 9, 2024

Aging speeds up and lifetime becomes shorter in animals whose cells ‘believe’ to have too many nutrients, despite following a normal diet

In animal models, increasing mTOR activity just slightly accelerates aging and shortens lifetime by up to 20%. This research provides clues on why obesity-related diseases worsen with age. A new model allows researchers to study the relationship between nutrient increase and organ aging.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2024
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High-speed atomic force microscopy visualizes cell protein factories

Researchers use high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize the structural dynamics and factor pooling of ribosome stalk proteins, shedding light on the translational GTPase factor mechanism. The study reveals two conformations of the stalk protein and provides evidence for a potential role in further stages of protein synthesis.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2021

Additional genetic cause for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease discovered

Researchers have identified three new genes that play a role in preventing fatty liver development. The genes IRGM, Ifgga2, and Ifgga4 produce regulatory proteins that counteract fat accumulation in the liver, but genetic variations lead to reduced protein production, resulting in increased fat content.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateMay 19, 2020

Molecular switches are not just 'on' or 'off'

Researchers discovered that GTPases like EF-Tu can exist in a mixture of structures, rather than being fixed as 'on' or 'off'. This flexibility may help develop targeted drugs for bacterial infections and cancer treatment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 10, 2018

A 'pause button' for cells

Scientists have created an optogenetic process that inhibits intracellular membrane vesicle trafficking, effectively pausing cellular activity. This innovation enables the observation and control of cell membranes, opening up new avenues for studying diseases like neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 14, 2016

Hide and seek: Revealing camouflaged bacteria

A research team discovered an interferon-induced GTPase protein family that destroys bacterial camouflage, allowing cells to recognize and eliminate Salmonella. This finding sheds light on the immune system's strategies against bacterial pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateApr 16, 2014
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Protein helps parasite survive in host cells

Researchers found that the ROP18 protein disables host cell proteins that protect against infection, allowing the parasite to thrive. This discovery could lead to new treatments for Toxoplasmosis and other parasitic infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateDec 28, 2010

Researchers gain new insight on wonder of cell division

Biologists have found a critical mechanism in cell division, promoting cytokinesis completion by down-regulating branched microfilaments. The discovery uses roundworms and provides insight into protein interactions and signaling mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2008