Articles tagged with Peptides
Researchers found that increasing production of angiotensin-converting enzyme in macrophages enhances the immune system's ability to sense and respond to tumors. This discovery suggests a strategy for amplifying immune system function in humans, potentially enhancing cancer patients' ability to resist tumor growth.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created a method to determine the structure of nonribosomal peptides in just one day, compared to six months or a year previously. This breakthrough may aid in the development of new drugs inspired by natural compounds with antibiotic and antiviral properties.
A UC San Diego researcher has identified a new enzyme target that can reduce the production of beta-amyloid peptides, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting this enzyme, the researchers observed improved memory and reduced levels of beta-amyloid protein in mice bred to exhibit Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
Two University of Illinois studies show that fermenting soy reduces its potential allergenicity by up to 99 percent. The process also increases the number of essential amino acids in soy products, making them a healthy choice for consumers. Researchers aim to develop nutritious and hypoallergenic soy products.
Researchers at Stanford University have identified synthetic peptoids as a potential new class of antibiotics, which could overcome the limitations of natural peptides. These manmade molecules show promise in treating bacterial infections, including diabetic foot ulcers, with minimal harm to human cells.
Researchers have discovered a peptide in scorpion venom that controls chloride channel movement, potentially treating cystic fibrosis. The novel GaTx1 peptide could inhibit CFTR channels, increasing water production and thinning mucus in airway cells.
Researchers at Monell Chemical Senses Center identify chemical compounds from common foods that activate human bitter taste receptors, providing a practical means to manipulate food flavor. The findings may help make health-promoting bitter foods more palatable.
Theoretical physicists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have uncovered a simple mechanism describing how an HIV peptide penetrates cell membranes. The discovery could help treat other human illnesses by exploiting similar molecules.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have developed a new drug that blocks the live viral infection of Hendra and Nipah viruses, which are on the US government's list of potential threats. The peptide-based entry inhibitor has been proven effective in blocking the infection of live virus in animal cells.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a method to remotely deactivate protein-wrapped carbon nanotubes using light, rendering them harmless. This technique holds promise for new antibacterial coatings and cancer treatment methods.
Researchers developed a hairpin-shaped molecule that imitates the spatial structure of an important viral protein, preventing the discharge of viral RNA from the cell nucleus. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a new class of HIV treatment drugs.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research, identifying A
A new study by David Heckerman and colleagues developed a statistical framework to model HLA-dependent T cell response data. The approach identified 12 correct predictions out of 16, providing significant implications for understanding and developing an HIV vaccine.
Researchers at the University of Utah have developed new peptides that inhibit HIV entry into cells, with up to a 40,000-fold improved antiviral potency over previously reported D-peptides. These peptides resist degradation, making them suitable for oral administration and potentially reducing drug resistance.
Researchers reveal driving force behind protein folding involving water interactions and hydrophobic areas of peptides. This insight builds on previous theories, allowing for the determination of a peptide's structure from its amino acid sequence.
A study published in Neuron found a link between the toxic brain protein Aâ peptide and neuronal overexcitation, leading to compensatory rewiring of brain circuitry. This overexcitation can contribute to cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest blocking this overexcitation may prevent such neurological deficits.
Researchers found that over-production of two inflammatory proteins causes excessive levels of a third protein, leading to rosacea symptoms. Elevated stratum corneum tryptic enzymes (SCTE) and cathelicidin also contribute to the disease.
Scientists have developed a new method to deliver therapeutic molecules across the blood-brain barrier using a short protein from the rabies virus. This approach protects mice from infection caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus, suggesting potential for treating various brain infections and diseases.
Scientists have discovered a single protein that can inhibit aging, which could hold implications for human longevity and treatment of diseases. The technique used to make the inhibiting proteins opens the possibility of developing new therapeutics.
Researchers found that an imbalance between two peptides, AB40 and AB42, can lead to the formation of senile plaques and dementia. Introducing more AB40 may stop or slow down Alzheimer's development by balancing with AB42.
Scientists have developed a new class of designer materials using common amino acids, which exhibit excellent potential for solubilizing membrane proteins and enzymes. These lipid-like peptides can also stabilize self-assembled liquid crystalline nanostructures with varying surface charge density.
Researchers at UCLA AIDS Institute found a peptide that enhances HIV infection, contradicting its normal protective function. The discovery could lead to the development of new tools for gene therapy using HIV-based vectors.
Researchers have identified a specific class of small peptide elicitors that help plants react to insect attack, triggering defensive chemistry and improving protection against pests. The discovery opens the door for genetic manipulation of plants with improved defense mechanisms.
The Hamilton researchers used state-of-the-art computational techniques to design molecules that were predicted to be effective against breast cancer. These molecules, later synthesized by Albany Medical College scientists, showed promise as anti-breast cancer compounds in animal systems.
A new University of Illinois study found that soy consumption leads to weight loss by increasing metabolism and not reducing food intake. Researchers discovered that soy protein hydrolysates can affect regulatory hormones and receptors in the brain, signaling a feeling of fullness and reducing body weight.
A natural ingredient in human blood has been identified as an effective blocker of HIV-1, the virus responsible for AIDS. The peptide, VIRIP, targets a conserved region in the viral envelope and remains effective against drug-resistant strains.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have developed a novel vaccine strategy targeting mutated p53 protein peptides to activate the immune system against tumors. This approach has shown promising results in animal models and human cells in culture, and a phase I clinical trial is currently underway.
Researchers designed peptides that can bind to specific regions of transmembrane proteins to study their effects on crucial first steps in blood clotting. This breakthrough method allows for the interrogation of inaccessible proteins within the cell membrane.
Researchers design novel peptide-based drug to lower high blood pressure, targeting B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) hormone, and create hybrid molecule for treating both heart and kidney impairment in acute heart failure.
Researchers found clevidipine to be more effective in controlling blood pressure compared to nitroglycerin and nicardipine. Measuring pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels can help diagnose cardiac versus pulmonary dyspnea.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified a peptide that can fight infection by boosting the body's own immunity, reducing bacteria counts and mortality in animal models. The innate defense regulator peptide (IDR-1) may be useful as a supplement to antibiotics in combating common hospital infections.
A team of 9 scholars from six universities will use precise biological assembly techniques to study quantum physics in nanoparticle arrays. This research could lead to new mechanisms for computing, signal processing and sensing.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that knocking out the urocortin 3 gene protects mice against high-fat diet's harmful effects by reducing insulin production. This study suggests a new peptide plays a role in insulin secretion, offering potential therapeutic benefits for treating type 2 diabetes.
Researchers at UCSB are developing a new approach to determine the structure and composition of the Abeta 42 peptide, which is responsible for Alzheimer's disease. They hope to find non-toxic drugs that can prevent further damage by identifying early markers of the disease.
Scientists have developed a potential neuroprotective treatment using a decoy peptide that tricks the toxic enzyme calpain, preventing over-excited receptors in the brain from causing cell death. The technique may lead to new drugs for stroke and Alzheimer's patients.
A blood test for NT-proBNP could aid in risk stratification of high-risk patients with CHD, helping guide preventive therapies. The study found that higher NT-proBNP levels were associated with increased cardiovascular event rates and mortality.
A new research tool developed by Susan Liebman may provide a means for treating the earliest stage of Alzheimer's disease. The yeast model system detects A-beta small aggregate formation, allowing for high-throughput screening of compounds to inhibit aggregation.
Researchers discovered that tarantula venom activates the same nerve cells responsible for sensing heat and pain, similar to chili peppers. The study provides insights into the molecular strategy used by some plants and animals to deter predators and may lead to the development of new pain treatments.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a peptide that can spur cargo transport in nerve cells, shedding light on the complex intracellular transport system inside nerve cells. The discovery could help scientists better understand nerve cell function and test possible therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers at MIT and Hong Kong University have developed a biodegradable liquid that can stop bleeding in wounded rodents within seconds by forming a protective barrier gel. This breakthrough could significantly impact medicine, particularly in emergency surgery situations.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a novel peptide that effectively blocks influenza viruses, including deadly avian influenza, from entering host cells. The new finding offers a potential tool for preventing and treating influenza, which is losing its potency due to evolution.
A team of researchers has produced cyclopeptides that imitate the HNK-1 carbohydrate from human natural killer cells, stimulating axon growth in motor neuron cell cultures. These glycomimetics could be a promising starting point for developing treatments for spinal cord injuries.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University and Motorola Labs developed sensors based on single-walled carbon nanotubes that can detect heavy metal ions in water at parts per trillion levels. The devices use peptides to recognize specific compounds, allowing for selective detection of toxic chemicals.
A recent study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine identifies a faulty enzyme, IDE, that breaks down beta-amyloid peptides. Boosting IDE activity may reverse beta-amyloid peptide accumulation and provide a new angle for preventing AD dementia.
Research shows that dietary caloric restriction, particularly low carbohydrate intake, can reduce beta-amyloid peptides and promote a longevity program in the brain. This study suggests that calorie restriction may be a potential preventive strategy for Alzheimer's Disease.
Researchers at UC Davis have identified a peptide that targets malignant lymphocytes, distinguishing it from healthy ones. The peptide, LLP2A, has the potential to be used as an imaging agent for patients with lymphoid cancers, offering a more targeted approach than existing monoclonal antibodies.
Tramiprosate (Alzhemed) shows promising results by binding to soluble Aβ peptide, reducing cell death and plasma Aβ levels. The compound also demonstrates low toxicity while crossing the blood-brain-barrier.
Research reveals a previously unknown role for histamine receptors in asthma, suggesting that blocking these receptors could alleviate symptoms. Additionally, a novel peptide inhibitor has been discovered to prevent bone loss in osteoporosis by targeting the RANK/TNF pathway.
Researchers found that aerobic training can reverse abnormal production of certain neurohormones that cause severe symptoms of heart failure. The study suggests that exercise may be a novel non-pharmacological aid for improving functional capacity, systolic function, and quality of life in heart failure patients.
The pHLIP peptide accumulates in cell membranes at low pH and translocates molecules into cells without relying on traditional entry pathways. This technology has potential applications in imaging, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases associated with acidic environments.
A new targeted drug has been developed to prevent long-term changes in brain cells that contribute to addiction. The peptide works by tricking cellular machinery into pulling the glutamate receptor back onto the surface, restoring normal communication between neurons.
Researchers have developed a method to modify collagen, allowing it to be used in new medical treatments such as preventing blood clots and scar tissue. The modified collagen can also be used to deliver drugs and control the shape of engineered tissue.
Researchers have found that oxytocin plays a key role in regulating food intake in response to dehydration, but its impact may vary depending on the situation. Studies have shown that dehydration anorexia is virtually absent in mice genetically engineered to eliminate oxytocin.
Research reveals peptide signals play a key role in information processing, influencing complex behaviors such as sexual and social behaviors. Alpha-MSH effects male sexual behavior by stimulating oxytocin release from dendrites, changing brain circuitry.
A new molecule Pep1 has been isolated from Arabidopsis thaliana, a plant species favored for experimentation, and found in various crop species. The Pep1 peptide regulates pathogen defense in plants, increasing their resistance to diseases and enhancing overall growth.
Researchers find HIV domains mediate cell membrane fusion and downregulate T-cell responses. The study also suggests a novel way to decrease undesirable immune responses, independent of HIV infection.
Researchers at UCLA have discovered a 'molecular zipper' structure in proteins linked to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and mad cow disease. The discovery provides a potential rational basis for developing drugs to fight these diseases.
A newly discovered 'branding' process in immune system cells may help the immune system determine which infections to fight, potentially leading to new vaccine strategies. The discovery also sheds light on autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.
Researchers have identified a protein piece that can attach to polypyrrole, a synthetic polymer, allowing for the development of implantable devices that stimulate nerve growth. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for nerve damage and tissue engineering applications.
Scientists have discovered a way to bio-synthesize an anti-cancer compound using a microbe found in sea squirts. The study, published in PNAS, reveals that the Prochloron microbe produces two patellamide compounds, which can be produced through biosynthesis without destroying large numbers of sea squirts.