Articles tagged with Peptides
Scientists have developed a pill that breaks down gluten peptides, making it possible for people with celiac disease to consume gluten-containing foods. The enzyme, called KumaMax, has been engineered to break down over 95% of the offending peptides in acidic conditions like those in the stomach.
Researchers discovered an organic compound, D737, that restored motor function and longevity to fruit flies with Alzheimer's disease. The compound prevented protein clumps, a hallmark of the disease, by inhibiting amyloid beta 42 aggregation.
Researchers have engineered natural gut peptides to carry small steroids, improving insulin secretion, blood glucose, and body weight in mice. The study's findings suggest a potential breakthrough in treating type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, with minimal risk of estrogen-related side effects.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered genes in sea urchins and sea cucumbers that can change collagen elasticity, potentially leading to new ways to keep skin looking young and healthy. The study found peptides that cause rapid stiffening or softening of collagen, which could be used to combat aging-related wrinkles.
Researchers at Kansas State University have designed a membrane-bounded vesicle formed entirely of peptides that can safely deliver drugs to specific cells in the body. The peptide vesicles offer advantages over existing drug delivery systems, such as improved stability and durability.
Researchers found that eliminating an enzyme called jnk3 leads to a 90% reduction in amyloid beta peptides, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This finding suggests jk3 could be a new target for Alzheimer's intervention.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that combining two peptide agents with a low-dose chemotherapy drug can delay tumor onset and progression in breast cancer models. The treatments caused few side effects.
A new study found that gastric bypass surgery changes the gut microbiota composition in rats, increasing beneficial bacteria and altering peptide release. This shift resembles prebiotic treatment effects, suggesting a potential link between postsurgical gut modulations and improved metabolic outcomes.
Scientists have engineered a peptide inhibitor to target specific skin proteases, offering potential relief for people with conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. By modifying the binding surface of sunflower trypsin inhibitor, researchers created novel inhibitors that may help restore the skin's original state.
Researchers have mapped the female fruit fly's post-coital behavioral switch using neural circuitry analysis. The study reveals that stimulation of specific neuronal clusters triggers a dramatic change in behavior, influencing both the female's and male's actions.
A hybrid vaccine has demonstrated a 43% reduction in risk of recurrence, with an estimated rate of 10.3% compared to 18% in control group, in patients with varying levels of HER2 expression.
Researchers have designed and tested molecules that can block or enhance aspects of the immune system's activity, offering a potential new treatment for inflammatory diseases. The breakthrough, published in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, uses a novel optimization-based approach to design peptides with unprecedented potency and precision.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop a peptide therapy that mimics DJ-1's normal function, protecting dopamine-producing neurons and reducing mobility dysfunctions. The treatment has shown promising results in pre-clinical trials on mice, indicating a viable option for Parkinson's patients.
UC Davis researchers have discovered novel compounds that disrupt amyloid formation and reduce inflammation in neurons, potentially preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease damage. The spin-labeled fluorene compounds demonstrate excellent detection of amyloid and anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers create iPhage particles that penetrate cells using penetratin, targeting specific organelles like mitochondria and ribosomes. They discover a peptide ligand that disrupts ribosomal function, killing cancer cells and reducing cell survival in malignant and non-malignant cells.
Researchers developed a new method to identify antigens that induce autoimmune reactions by generating cells emitting green fluorescent light when stimulated. The technique uses genetic engineering techniques and is highly sensitive, allowing for the analysis of millions of antigens in hours.
Researchers have identified three active variants of a conotoxin that blocks the transmission of pain signals in nerves. These venomous peptides, derived from cone snails, show great promise for developing new painkillers with minimal dependency and faster degradation rates.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are conducting a study to investigate the potential of a novel snake-venom peptide, cenderitide, to reduce cardiac and renal injury following a heart attack. The therapy may help prevent deterioration of cardiac and renal function in treated patients.
Researchers at Tufts University have combined two peptides to successfully stimulate wound healing. The combination promotes blood vessel growth, tissue re-growth, and cell migration, demonstrating a 50% increase in blood vessel wall development.
Biochemists at TUM have determined the first crystal structure of an immunoproteasome, a specialized protein complex involved in immune defense. The study reveals atomic differences between immunoproteasomes and constitutive proteasomes, enabling the development of new drugs that selectively target the immunoproteasome.
A new study at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute suggests that the heart hormone natriuretic peptides play a role in breaking down fat. The peptides turn on a molecular mechanism similar to what's activated when the body is exposed to cold and burns fat to generate heat.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a cell-permeable peptide that blocks viral replication in liver cancer and cirrhosis. The peptide targets heat shock proteins (HSPs) 40 and 70, which are important factors in hepatitis C virus infection.
Researchers identified a series of synthetic compounds that interfere with the self-assembly of amyloid beta peptides, satisfying an initial condition for Alzheimer's treatment. Disordered peptide structure controls interactions with active compounds.
A Scripps Research Institute study found that an anti-stress peptide can prevent and reverse some cellular effects of acute alcohol and alcohol dependence in animal models. The researchers suggest that drugs derived from this peptide could play a role in treating complex disease.
Researchers have developed a new technique that can identify protein structures in just hours, revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry. The enhanced NMR spectroscopy method using dynamic nuclear polarisation (DNP) enables significant structural data to be gained from small biological samples.
Researchers at Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal (IRCM) have discovered therapeutic peptides affecting mitochondria. These compounds target cell mitochondria to treat various acute and chronic diseases, including ischemia reperfusion injury and neurodegenerative conditions.
Researchers have identified two peptides that target an enzyme in cancerous cells, leading to a rise in tumor suppressor protein p53 levels and cell death. The discovery shows promise for new cancer treatments.
Researchers discovered that A-beta oligomers form calcium-permeable pores in the plasma membrane, inducing excess calcium influx into cells. This influx disrupts synaptic signaling and stimulates cell death, contributing to neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Biodesign researchers are developing a state-of-the-art pipeline to generate synthetic affinity reagents called 'DNA synbodies' to study protein function and disease. The goal is to create low-cost, high-quality reagents for the entire human proteome, revolutionizing molecular medicine.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and Purdue University have shown that gallium nitride (GaN) is non-toxic and biocompatible, making it a promising material for biomedical implants. The material was found to be stable in environments mimicking the human body and bonded effectively with cells when coated with peptides.
A new study found that genetic factors beyond major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of an Alzheimer's vaccine. The findings suggest that vaccines could be designed to prevent neuroinflammatory reactions, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
Scientists at Sanford-Burnham and Salk Institute developed a method to combine peptides and nanoparticles to eliminate glioblastoma in previously untreatable mouse models. The nanosystem proved effective in treating two different mouse models, curing most tumors and significantly delaying tumor development.
Dr. Andrei Yudin's innovative process makes linear peptides circular, increasing their stability and ability to enter cells effectively. A library of macrocycles will be built to test properties and identify potential therapeutic compounds.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new protein called P21, which acts as a protective barrier against hyperactive immune cells in people with rheumatoid arthritis. By inhibiting the immune cells' destructive rampage, the bouncer molecule halts the disease process, offering a promising new avenue for future therapies.
Masaaki Tamura's team creates a targeted therapy to combat lung cancer by delivering a receptor gene to cancer cells via nanoparticles, stimulating the immune system to prevent tumor growth. The therapy uses a cationic peptide to guide the gene to cancerous cells, offering a non-invasive treatment option for lung cancer patients.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method for producing antibody-like binding agents, called DNA synbodies, which can be rapidly optimized for high affinity. The technique uses pre-existing ligands to create artificial antibodies capable of detecting diseases, offering a promising alternative to traditional mo...
Researchers found that seaweed proteins can reduce blood pressure like ACE inhibitor drugs, and the macroalgae have potential to be used in functional foods. The variety of species and ease of cultivation make them a relatively untapped source of new bioactive compounds.
Researchers at Penn Vet found a cancer drug that shrinks dog tumors and may lead to human treatment. The study discovered the same aberrant activation of a critical pathway in dogs with lymphoma as humans.
A previously understudied amyloid peptide, A-beta-43, is more abundant and neurotoxic than previously studied peptides in promoting Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a potential role for A-beta-43 as a biomarker for diagnosis and a new approach for preventing AD-causing amyloidosis.
A new near-infrared fluorescence agent has been developed to detect deep vein thrombosis, a potentially deadly cardiovascular disease. The agent uses a biomarker that targets fibrin, a protein involved in blood clot formation, and has shown high-resolution imaging capabilities in phase II clinical trials.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered a peptide, CBD3, that short circuits a pathway for chronic pain without debilitating side effects. The peptide has been shown to block pain signals by interfering with calcium channels, making it potentially safer than addictive opioids or cone snail toxin.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute found a way to disrupt a critical enzyme interaction that prevents cell death, potentially leading to new treatments for heart attack and stroke. The discovery could provide a new therapeutic target against conditions including neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded 3 travel grants totaling $4,950 to support underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates at the 22nd American Peptide Symposium. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by promoting participation of young scientists from underrepresented groups.
Researchers at the Ragon Institute identified variations in peptide stability that alter targeting of infected cells by CD8 T cells. The study found that specific mutations can reduce peptide stability, impairing immune response and increasing HIV resistance.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new technique that can detect Alzheimer's disease earlier than current methods. This approach uses fluorescence signals to identify clusters of peptide associated with the disease, allowing for potential treatment development and screening patients without needles or wires.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a superior method for immobilizing enzymes on surfaces, enabling precise control over their orientation. This technique uses high-affinity peptides to covalently bind enzymes, increasing efficiency and stability.
Scientists have discovered stapled peptides that can target proteins involved in colon cancer and asthma. These peptides, which are not small molecules, inhibit activity of key proteins in the body, offering a new frontier in medicine.
Researchers developed two peptide inhibitors targeting HER-2 and VEGF pathways, showing additive benefits in reducing tumor burdens with minimal side effects. The strategy aims to overcome acquired resistance and provide clinical benefit in several types of cancer.
Researchers at UCLA and the Veterans Administration may have accidentally discovered a solution to regrow hair by blocking a stress-related hormone, according to an article published in PLoS One. The compound, astressin-B, induced long-term hair growth in chronically stressed mutant mice through a short-duration treatment.
Scientists at TUM have developed a novel method to observe hydrogen bond formation in protein binding processes. Their model system showed that protein recognition takes place via hydrophobic interaction of the S-protein with two spatially clearly defined areas of the unstructured S-peptide.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed two new ways to staple peptide helices, which could help speed the development of peptide-based drugs against diseases like cancer. The techniques simplify existing methods and offer new targets for therapies.
Researchers at Princeton University used mathematical concepts to discover new drugs for HIV and other diseases by calculating physical properties of biological molecules. The technique identified several potential new drugs that were effective against strains of HIV, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Scientists at UC San Diego have developed injectable fluorescent peptides that cause hard-to-see peripheral nerves to glow, alerting surgeons to their location. The discovery could revolutionize nerve preservation in surgery, especially in cases where nerves are damaged or distorted.
A targeted delivery combination has been developed to selectively cross the blood-brain barrier and bind to brain tumors, enabling imaging and treatment. The approach uses a peptide that mimics iron, binding agent glides through the blood-brain barrier to target glioblastoma tumors.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed synthetic antibodies that can be used for diagnostic tools. By optimizing binding affinity using random peptide sequences, these synbodies show promise in detecting diseases early on.
Researchers used fruit flies to investigate the function of intestinal neurons, finding that they regulate appetite and adjust water balance during reproduction. Intestinal changes triggered by reproductive hormones may provide a benefit in terms of nutrient absorption but could come at a cost: shorter lifespan.
A Canadian researcher has identified a small peptide, 15-1, which blocks fragments of the ubiquitous sugar molecule hyaluronan and promotes robust healing and less scarring in deep wounds. The study found that this peptide effectively reduced wound contraction, collagen deposits, inflammation, and growth of unwanted new blood vessels.
Researchers at Tufts University discovered bioactive peptides that stimulate the healing process by promoting angiogenesis and epithelialization. The peptides, synthesized from collagenase treatment of extracellular matrix, show promise in treating acute and chronic wound healing.
Researchers at Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have developed a protein peptide that disrupts coupling between dopamine receptors, potentially treating depression. The peptide showed marked improvement in depression-related behaviors in animal models, comparable to traditional anti-depressant medications.
A new study reveals that APP695 is the primary source of amyloid-beta peptide, a toxic compound contributing to Alzheimer's disease. This discovery enables researchers to target their work more precisely, potentially leading to a better understanding and treatment of the disease.