Articles tagged with Peptides
Researchers have discovered thousands of new miniproteins in human organs, which challenge the assumption that they are insignificant and functionless. The proteins were found to interact with older proteins, suggesting a key role in cellular functions.
Researchers discover abiotic peptide chain formation from glycine in space conditions, shedding light on the origin of life. The study shows that small clusters of glycine molecules exhibit polymerization upon energy input.
Researchers developed a 'scanning and direct derivatization' method to target polymyxin, an antibiotic of last resort, for treating diseases resistant to conventional drugs. The method generated hundreds of peptide derivatives with varying effects, accelerating drug development.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a self-assembling peptide ink that enables the 3D printing of complex structures with cells, which can then be used to grow mature tissue in a petri dish. The ink allows for control over cell behavior using structural and chemical complexity.
Researchers found that seminal fluid protein sex peptide alters the female fly's behavior by changing the expression of genes involved in metabolism and the circadian clock. Post-mating, sex peptide increases egg-laying, aggression, activity and feeding while reducing sleep and interest in mating.
A recent study found that consuming soy flour rich in B-conglycinin can reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower the risk of metabolic diseases. The protein inhibits HMGCR, a liver enzyme involved in triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein metabolism.
Researchers developed peptide-based olfactory receptors on graphene surfaces to detect odor molecules. The new system showed highly selective and sensitive detection of various odor molecules, including limonene, menthol, and methyl salicylate.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have discovered a new molecular blocker that successfully halted breast cancer metastasis by targeting the Pyk2 and cortactin interaction. The study's findings provide significant hope for fighting breast cancer, as the blocker inhibited metastasis formation in breast cancer-bearing mice.
A novel peptide, C6, has been found to suppress damaging lung inflammation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition that affects approximately 200,000 adults and 8,000 children each year. The peptide blocks voltage-gated proton channels, inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways and reducing fluid buildup in the lungs.
Researchers from ETH Zurich elucidated the structure and function of tryptophan C-mannosyltransferase (CMT), a glycosyltransferase enzyme involved in C-mannosylation. The study reveals the enzyme's novel mechanism, enabling precise understanding of protein sequences and sugar substrates.
A new approach to gene therapy for inherited blindness uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA inside the eye, targeting light-sensitive cells and creating proteins that edit vision-harming gene mutations. The technology has shown promising results in animal studies, including mice and nonhuman primates.
The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.
Researchers at Princeton University have isolated a compound called cloacaenodin, which is a potent antibacterial peptide that can kill clinically relevant drug-resistant strains of Enterobacter. This discovery has significant implications for the treatment of bacterial infections and could lead to new antibiotic development.
A new project aims to develop a method for producing antimicrobial peptides, which have shown promise in overcoming antibiotic resistance. The peptides' ability to delay microbial resistance development makes them an attractive alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Researchers developed a new way to study the sensory system used by pathogenic bacteria to infect humans. They screened thousands of peptides against a bacterial sensor and discovered 13 new human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that activate the sensor. The findings suggest an arms race between humans and bacteria, with each evolving ne...
A new serological test, PepSeq, allows scientists to quickly test antibody binding against hundreds of thousands of protein targets, helping prepare for and respond to pandemics. The technology identifies specific antibodies that provide protection against infection, holding promise for developing effective vaccines and treatments.
Researchers demonstrate a new way to deliver medication to malignant brain tumors in mice, using a modified peptide that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The study shows promising results, with a 50% increase in survival rate for treated mice, and offers hope for future treatment breakthroughs.
Scientists have identified a single 28-million-year-old receptor gene that allows plants to recognize and respond to caterpillar peptides, a common threat. This ancient gene has evolved over time, with some plant species losing it, and its reintroduction through breeding or genetic engineering could protect crops against failure.
Researchers from the Technion and University of Tokyo have discovered cyclic peptides that bind to specific chains of ubiquitin proteins, disrupting DNA repair mechanisms and leading to cell death. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments against cancer cells than existing anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers have created a chemical tag that can be added to drugs, allowing them to enter blood circulation via the intestines. The tag, called EPP6, is a neutral peptide that can deliver drugs orally, potentially replacing injections for diabetes and cancer patients.
New insights into the processing of hormones in the human gut reveal dozens of peptides regulating appetite, bowel movement, and insulin secretion. By studying human intestinal organoids, researchers characterized potentially novel gut hormones, including glucagon, and explored its role in human physiology.
Researchers at UIC have developed a new method to study ribosome function by attaching peptides to tRNAs, providing high-resolution structures of the ribosome and its interactions with nascent chains. This breakthrough sheds light on protein synthesis and antibiotic resistance.
A novel oxytocin derivative, PAS-CPPs-oxytocin, has been shown to improve cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer's-like symptoms. The derivative is delivered via intranasal administration and shows increased brain penetration compared to traditional intracerebroventricular delivery.
Researchers developed a small peptide that can directly kill bacteria and trigger plant defense tactics to prevent diseases like almond leaf scorch. The treatment significantly reduces pathogen population and disease symptoms, making it a promising approach for sustainable crop protection.
A new approach combines an immunotherapy agent with a molecular delivery system that targets tumor acidity, successfully eradicating colorectal tumors in mice. The researchers believe this method may increase the effectiveness of STING agonist therapy for cancer patients.
A collaborative team at IGB discovered 30 new compounds, including three with antibacterial properties, using the Illinois Biological Foundry for Advanced Biomanufacturing. The platform allowed for rapid screening of hundreds of genes and pathways, enabling the researchers to identify potential anti-microbial compounds.
Researchers at Leibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München discovered that casein digestion produces peptides with a satiating effect, stimulating gastric acid secretion via bitter receptors. This mechanism may help regulate food intake and maintain a healthy body weight.
A Virginia Tech graduate student has been awarded a two-year grant to explore a synthetic molecule as a basis for treating arrhythmias. The research aims to identify a combination of the molecule that could prevent arrhythmic incidents and potentially even sudden cardiac death.
Researchers found a way for peptide-forming reactions to occur in water, solving a decades-long puzzle about early Earth chemistry. The process requires rapid reactions on the margins of water droplets, where amino acids can transform into life's building blocks.
A multidisciplinary research team at Texas A&M has found a way to deliver proteins quickly and effectively to the brain, with therapeutic and scientific implications. The method uses a peptide that allows proteins to enter cells and then triggers a response.
A mutation in the SHMOOSE protein is associated with a 20-50% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease across four cohorts. The researchers suggest that targeting SHMOOSE may prove beneficial in neurodegenerative and other diseases of aging.
Researchers have discovered a new protein called MAIA, which is crucial for human fertilization. The protein helps draw sperm into the egg cytoplasm, paving the way for novel ways to treat infertility.
Researchers successfully created a periodic rippled beta sheet layer configuration, as predicted by Linus Pauling and Robert Corey in 1953. The new findings enable the rational design of unique materials based on this novel protein structure.
A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that mitochondrial dynamics regulate the dormant state of adult muscle stem cells, which are essential for tissue stability. The researchers discovered that the protein OPA1 regulates this process and its depletion leads to severe muscle stem cell defects.
Researchers created genetically edited mice to label and study secretome proteins, facilitating studies of inter-organ communication. The transgenic mice enable scientists to identify specific cell types and organs, providing a valuable resource for mapping and profiling the secretome.
Researchers developed a peptide that can be administered through nasal spray to reduce seizure activity and protect neurons in both Alzheimer's and epilepsy. The A1R-CT peptide inhibits neurabin, a protein that prevents the overactivation of neurons, allowing for increased action by adenosine receptors.
A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...
Researchers at MIT discovered a peptide that sequesters heme, an iron-containing molecule, and sends bacteria into an iron-starvation mode, potentially treating diseases like periodontal disease and sickle cell disease. This finding could translate to therapeutic applications for patients with excessive heme in their blood.
A research team at the University of Oklahoma has developed a new approach to triggering an adaptive immune response. The study presents a method to create molecules that can integrate into cells, cause stress on their membrane, and release signals that recruit immune cells to their location.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a human gut bacterium that makes a protein mimicking the insulin peptide targeted by the immune system in type 1 diabetes. The presence of this bacterium accelerates the onset of diabetes in a mouse model and is linked to its development in children at genetic risk.
Researchers found that highly specialized T cells, designed to eliminate infected cells, remained active in the blood of all previously SARS-CoV-2-infected patients for at least 20 months. These T cells did not disappear or wane even at long follow-up, suggesting a vital aspect of protective immunity that persists years after COVID-19.
Researchers at ANU have created a new way to synthesize bicyclic peptides, which can attach to specific proteins to fight diseases. The new method allows for more control over the final product and can be automated, increasing accessibility for biomedical researchers.
A novel peptide has been developed for targeted transport of molecules, including active substances and dyes, into mammalian cells. The peptide interacts with an acidic partner peptide to facilitate precise delivery.
The SARS-Arena program identifies conserved peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that could be used to develop vaccines. The peptides are part of the nucleocapsid protein, which is highly expressed upon infection and highly immunogenic.
A recent study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences reports the successful testing of Pep19, a synthetic peptide with anti-obesity action. The molecule was found to mitigate weight gain while reducing insulin resistance and liver fattiness in mice fed a high-fat diet.
A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that plant-based meat substitutes contain proteins that are not as easily absorbed by human cells. The researchers used a model meat alternative made from soy and wheat gluten, which was found to have lower peptide uptake than chicken meat.
Researchers have developed a novel fusion protein that enables the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using widely available glucose meters. The test was validated on various patient samples and found to be as accurate as four different ELISAs.
Scientists identified proline-modified dipeptides and larger proteins that enhance umami and salty flavors in soy sauce. This discovery could help producers optimize fermentation conditions to boost desirable compounds and tailor the taste of soy sauce.
Scientists have identified a key mechanism causing the heart's muscle to thicken, leading to irregular rhythms and heart failure. A new peptide treatment could prevent or stop further thickening, offering hope for patients with cardiac hypertrophy.
A Brazilian group developed a peptide called Rb4 that triggers necrosis in murine melanoma cells and inhibits the viability of human cancer cells. In mice, Rb4 reduced lung metastasis and slowed subcutaneous melanoma growth, increasing survival by 25%.
Researchers have created a wearable sensor for plant leaves that wirelessly transmits data to a smartphone app, allowing for early detection of water loss and remote monitoring of drought stress. The device has the potential to save resources and increase yields by providing reliable data on plant health.
University of Virginia professor Rachel Letteri's lab designs polymers for healthcare applications, using peptide fragments to create hydrogels with tunable stiffness and lifespan. The team aims to develop materials that can support cell growth and guide tissue regeneration, with potential applications in regenerative medicine.
Researchers studied peptide bond formation between tRNA molecules and a ribosomal RNA segment, revealing the potential for minihelices to bind to the primordial peptidyl transferase center. The study suggests that functional interactions between tRNA and PTC could have been 'revised' in evolution.
Researchers identified cyclolinopeptides, particularly a methionine sulfoxide-containing class 4 peptide, as the primary cause of linseed oil's bitter off-flavor. Breeding or technical measures may help optimize flavor quality by reducing these peptides' content.
Researchers create complex mixtures of biomolecules that spontaneously form self-organized patterns in response to environmental changes. This breakthrough bridges the complexity gap between chemistry and biology.
Scientists have identified a potential new antibiotic candidate from the rare soil microbe Lentzea flaviverrucosa. The discovery was made using genomics-based approaches and shows that this actinomycete produces two different bioactive molecules that are active against various types of cancer cells.
Researchers have identified a key protein molecule that plays a major role in the accumulation of brain cholesterol, triggering Alzheimer's disease. The peptide inhibitor ATAD3A oligomerization promotes neuropathology and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease models.
The new software tool, Glyco-Decipher, enables the sensitive interpretation of N-glycopeptide mass spectra at high confidence. Researchers found that the fragmentation pattern of peptide backbones is not affected by attached glycans or precursor charge states.
A recent study published in ACS Omega analyzed protein levels in semen of men who recovered from COVID-19 and found significant reductions in sperm count, motility, and normally shaped sperm. The researchers also detected changes in fertility-related proteins such as semenogelin 1 and prosaposin.
Scientists at the University of Bath have developed a new technique called Transcription Block Survival (TBS) to accelerate the discovery of cancer-fighting drugs. TBS identifies molecules that can shut down dangerous proteins before they wreak havoc, by blocking their interaction with cell DNA.