Scientists at University of Illinois and Mie University develop monoclonal antibodies to prevent lung cell death in mouse models of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and acute respiratory disease syndrome. Non-invasive diagnostic tools also presented could aid in predicting disease progression and identifying patients at risk.
Researchers developed a novel drug to reduce airway mucus that exacerbates common lung diseases. The treatment works by blocking the secretion of mucins, which can block airways and cause life-threatening symptoms.
Researchers discovered a new venom compound in deep-water cone snails, similar to the hormone somatostatin, with possible pharmaceutical applications for treating chronic pain and other human maladies. The study highlights the rich biochemical diversity of animal venoms and the need to explore new compounds.
Researchers create transgenic lettuce that expresses a bone-stimulating hormone, which could help prevent osteopenia in astronauts and resource-limited areas on Earth. The lettuce would need to be consumed daily by astronauts to get a sufficient dose of the hormone.
Scientists developed a pipeline for identifying and prioritising potential tumour antigens for fast generation of cancer vaccines. The 'plug-and-play' vaccine technology enables rapid, affordable, and feasible approaches to deliver targeted peptides to patients, potentially leading to quicker and easier personalized therapy.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel drug delivery system using protein-based microdroplets that can bypass the cell membrane and deliver biomacromolecules effectively. This breakthrough enables faster, safer, and more effective treatments for diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders.
Scientists develop first system allowing two unrelated organisms to communicate via chemical signals, with potential applications in disease treatment and cell behavior modification. The nano-translator uses silica nanoparticles to react with glucose and phleomycin, enabling bacteria and yeast to exchange messages.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa developed a spray-on technology using customized nanogold and peptides that can restore heart function and electrical conductivity in damaged hearts. The therapy showed promising results in lab mice, with no off-target organ infiltration by tiny gold particles.
Robert Gourdie, a cardiovascular scientist at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, has been awarded an R35 grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. This seven-year, $6.4 million grant enables him to pursue research on intercellular communication and its applications in treating various medical challenges.
Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have developed a non-transgenic method to modify plant genes using a bioactive molecule spray, which can be used to improve crop yield and resistance to pests. The technique has shown promising results in improving economically desirable quality traits in crops.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found a promising treatment for neurodegenerative diseases by stopping nerve cell degeneration. A peptide has been identified that inhibits mitochondrial fission and lets nerve cells grow normally.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered a peptide on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that triggers an immune response in humans and is also recognized by cells of the immune system, suggesting potential for protection against future zoonotic outbreaks. The study supports the development of multivalent vaccines against a broad spe...
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
A research team led by Dr. Serge Krasnokutski has discovered a reaction pathway that can form peptide chains under cosmic conditions without water. This finding suggests that the origin of peptides could be extraterrestrial in nature, challenging the conventional assumption that life emerged on Earth.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that amylin peptide plays a crucial role in regulating social contact-seeking behavior in female mice. The researchers discovered that isolation leads to a decrease in amylin levels, while social reunion increases them.
Scientists from Japan and USA develop a microfluidic device for purification of tuberculosis genomic DNA fragments, enabling accurate diagnosis of diseases. The device uses transient ITP and electrokinetic trapping to detect and purify small cfDNA fragments.
A new generation of cholesterol-lowering drugs is being developed to target the PCSK9 protein, which regulates LDL receptor degradation on cells. These therapies have shown promise in reducing LDL levels with fewer side effects than statins.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have developed a molecular framework that solves the challenge of predicting peptide structures. The framework bridges experimental and computer sciences, enabling the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence to model peptide structures for materials engineering.
Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have created an antibody with an engineered peptide that effectively targets and attacks bone tumors in breast cancer. The study shows the therapeutic efficacy is best when a moderate amount of the drug compound is delivered, offering new hope for treating bone metastases.
Scientists have discovered a new layer of regulation in plant-microbe interactions using peanut studies. An antisense long-noncoding RNA, DONE40, was found to bind to a protein involved in epigenetic control, suggesting a conserved function across plants and animals.
Researchers identified 40 peptide pairs with potential cross-reactivity between BCG vaccination and SARS-CoV-2, offering a new strategy to complement existing COVID-19 vaccines. These peptides can induce T cell responses and INF-γ production, providing long-lasting immunity against viral infections.
Researchers at MUSC identified a potent antifibrotic peptide that reverses scarring in human and mouse tissues by activating an antifibrotic pathway. The E4 peptide has the potential to treat various diseases, including heart disease, lung fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and chronic kidney disease.
Researchers have created a powerful DNA-peptide hybrid that could lead to advancements in nanotechnology and the study of Alzheimer's disease. The new structure combines three-stranded DNA and peptide structures, overcoming the challenge of chirality between these biomolecules.
Scientists developed a breakthrough fabrication process for microneedle arrays capable of administering protein-based drugs without damaging the skin. The microneedles offer several advantages, including being painless and easy to dispose of.
A new study reveals that flexibility in peptides used to treat Type 2 diabetes may be key to their effectiveness. The research found that a peptide called GLP-1 can switch between two shapes, maximizing its potency and activating insulin release from the pancreas.
Scientists at Kumamoto University have developed a novel peptide vaccine that improves obesity-related dyslipidemia and may be cost-effective. The vaccine targets angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and has been shown to reduce dyslipidemia in mice, producing antibodies that last for six months.
Researchers at the University of Bath have optimised a peptide that prevents alpha-synuclein misfolding, a key feature of Parkinson's disease. The new molecule, 4654W(N6A), has shown significant promise in lab experiments and could lead to the development of a disease-modifying treatment.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have discovered a new protein fragment that could improve cartilage regeneration and reduce the need for osteoarthritis treatments. The protein fragment, developed by Handan Acar and Amgad Haleem, aims to help the body heal itself by elicititing a response from stem cells.
Researchers at USC developed a new peptide that stimulates the host's immune response to fight bacterial infections, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The peptide, MTD12813, is highly effective in clearing infections and modulates inflammation, reducing the risk of complications.
A team of researchers has extracted and analyzed ancient proteins and DNA from nearly 4,000 bone fragments at Denisova Cave, yielding five human bones with intact biomolecules, dating back to 200,000 years ago. The findings provide robust insights into the first occupants of the cave and their archaeological signature.
A new type of PRRT, <sup> 177 </sup> Lu-DOTA-LM3, has been shown to be safe and effective in treating neuroendocrine neoplasms. The therapy achieved complete remission in some patients and was well-tolerated by most patients.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new peptide sensor to detect and quantify water-soluble synthetic polymers in wastewater. The technique uses machine learning algorithm to identify and discriminate between different polymers.
Researchers develop a technique to scan and sequence single proteins, one amino acid at a time, using nanopore DNA sequencing technology. This breakthrough opens the way for single-molecule protein sequencing and cataloguing proteins inside a single cell.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a novel therapy that targets proteins essential for tumor growth and survival. Using a multi-omics approach, they identified peptides unique to neuroblastoma tumors, which are then targeted by peptide-centric chimeric antigen receptors (PC-CARs).
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have created a deep neural network that detects disease biomarkers with high accuracy, achieving 98 per cent detection of peptide features. This breakthrough could enable earlier and more accurate disease detection through tissue sample analysis.
Researchers have identified a gene called Nup54 that plays a crucial role in regulating female reproductive behaviors in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sexual conflict and its impact on evolution.
Scientists have identified specific peptides in milk that relieve stress and enhance sleep. The study found that one of these peptides, YPVEPF, increased sleep duration by over 400% in mice.
Researchers at TTUHSC have identified novel targets for treating stroke, focusing on enhancing neurolysin activity. The study discovered small molecules that can selectively enhance the activity of neurolysin, which showed promise in reducing damage to the brain after a stroke.
A peptide-drug conjugate called CBX-12 has been shown to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in preclinical cancer models by targeting the acidic environment of cancer cells. The treatment exhibited significantly delayed tumor growth, improved survival, and complete tumor regressions compared to immunotherapy alone.
Researchers at Uppsala University have designed new antibodies that bind to both large and small aggregates of the amyloid-beta protein, potentially providing a more effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The new antibody format is stronger in binding to clumps and can also target smaller aggregates.
Scientists use specific self-assembling peptides to organize silica nanoparticles into larger structures, demonstrating a new approach to self-assembly. The researchers' method enables the creation of novel materials with various applications, including drug delivery systems and nanocatalysts.
A new study found that a subtilisin-like proteinase from Bacillus pumilus 3-19 exhibits proteolytic activity in Pichia pastoris, dependent on incubation time and signal peptide choice. The production of this enzyme makes the system promising for developing new feed additives for animal husbandry.
Researchers designed novel molecules that bound tightly to SARS-CoV-2's molecular scissors, inhibiting the virus's replication. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for COVID-19.
A new biomimetic system mimics the body's own receptors for anesthetics, providing prolonged nerve blockade with minimal toxicity. The system consists of nanostructures that bind to tetrodotoxin and slowly release it, allowing for long-lasting pain relief without systemic toxicity.
Researchers found that certain peptides associated with migraine pain can regulate insulin production in mice, potentially preventing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that these peptides could be developed into therapeutic strategies to control blood sugar levels, while minimizing the risk of migraines.
Researchers from ETU LETI and Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations proposed a new-generation biochip for multiparametric express-testing using molecular recognition and direct fluorimetry. The device selectively detects cardiac markers without fluorescent labels, reducing background fluorescence to 30%.
Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a scalable method to harvest exosomes from unpasteurized cow's milk, enabling the production of purified exosomes for oral drug delivery. The new protocol advances pharmaceutical applications for fragile drugs and opens up a wide range of clinical applications.
Researchers assessed effectiveness of T-cell immune response to 11 SARS-CoV-2 variants, identifying HLA gene variants with significantly changed virus peptides. The T-cell COVID-19 Atlas portal (T-CoV) provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the impact of viral mutations on immunity.
Researchers developed gel drops from four amino acid peptides that support cell growth and induce blood vessel formation. The microgels were successfully used to grow endothelial cells on their surfaces, which then extended into tubular blood vessels.
Researchers have developed a neural network model called BiteNetPp to detect protein-peptide binding sites, enabling the design of peptide-based drugs. The model consistently outperforms existing methods and can analyze a single protein structure in under a second, making it suitable for large-scale studies.
Researchers at Imperial College London have created a metal-based molecule that inhibits the build-up of amyloid-β peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease. The molecule was shown to be non-toxic to human brain-like cells and cross the blood-brain barrier in mice using focused ultrasound.
Researchers discovered that physical load stimulates bone growth through the expression of osteocrin (OSTN), a peptide produced by osteoblasts. OSTN is critical to regulating bone growth and physical endurance, with its expression decreasing when load is reduced and increasing with load stimulation.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a computational method to predict the cell-membrane permeability of cyclic peptides, exhibiting promising accuracy. The protocol has potential to aid in designing and discovering cyclic peptide drugs with high cell-membrane permeability.
The new MaxDIA software provides a computational workflow for data-independent acquisition proteomics, combining library-based and library-free approaches. This enables highly sensitive and accurate data analysis for thousands of proteins, opening up new possibilities for medical applications in personalized medicine.
Researchers develop a de novo peptide Y15 that readily forms secondary structures to enable bottom-up synthesis of functional protein assemblies in live cells. The peptide enables the formation of fibrous structures and clusters in test tubes and live cells, facilitating protein assembly and reconstitution of natural complexes.
Scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are working on developing biobased peptides to restrict ice crystal growth in freezing temperatures. Successful methods could improve frozen food quality, increase crop resistance to freezing temperatures, and enhance biomedical research.
A human endogenous peptide called LL-37 has been identified as a powerful blocker of toxic α-synuclein oligomers, which are responsible for neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The discovery suggests that this naturally occurring molecule could be a safe and effective therapy to slow down the progression of the disease.
Researchers have developed a novel synthesis method using peptides to create green gold nanoparticles, which can target and destroy cancer cells using near-infrared light. The findings provide an easy and eco-friendly protocol for Au nanoparticle synthesis, opening doors to non-toxic nanoparticle therapeutic agents.
A naturally occurring peptide in sunflower seeds has been identified as a potential drug for treating abdominal pain or inflammation. The peptide selectively activates pain transmission pathways without causing opioid side effects, reducing the risk of dependency and overdose.