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Closer to deciphering TOR, the molecular machinery that makes humans and yeast grow

TOR protein's molecular switch regulator, SEA complex, has been structurally solved by CNIO researcher Lucas Tafur. The study reveals that SEA doesn't regulate TOR in the way previously thought, providing new insights into understanding cancer and disease prevention.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2026

Src heterodimerically activates Lyn or Fyn to serve as targets for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) diagnosis and treatment

The study found that Ponatinib inhibits Src-mediated ESCC malignancy with no toxic effect on normal cells. Src interacts with Fyn or Lyn to form heterodimers, which play a key role in ESCC development. Overactivation of specific tyrosine residues can be used as biomarkers for ESCC prognosis.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 3, 2023

PKU researchers harness higher order protein catenation for the development of artificial antibodies

PKU researchers harness higher order protein catenation to create complexed topological proteins, leading to the synthesis of artificial antibodies with enhanced affinity and prolonged serum half-life. The study successfully expands toolkits for protein entangling motifs, promoting advanced protein therapeutics.

SourcePeking University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 12, 2021

Restricting unwanted immune reactions

Scientists at the University of Münster have decoded a mechanism that regulates the release of S100A8/S100A9 protein complexes, which can trigger or amplify inflammatory reactions. The researchers aim to develop new treatment options for autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 6, 2018

A fish of all flavors

A study by Osaka University reveals that a single heterodimer of two T1r members can detect a wide range of sweet and savory flavors in humans. The researchers found that the structure of the heterodimer is similar regardless of the amino acid bound, but with varying affinity for each ligand.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2017

A new approach to chemical synthesis

Researchers have devised a new method for synthesizing communesins, a group of fungal compounds with anticancer properties, by transforming carbon atoms into radicals and joining them together. This approach enables the production of designed variants with potentially greater potency.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 6, 2016