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New model enables the study of how protein complex influences mitochondrial function

A study by the Center for Redox Processes in Biomedicine presents a valuable new experimental model for investigating the interaction between the proteasome and mitochondrial function. The proteasome plays a role in protein quality control, while mitochondrial metabolism affects protein degradation efficiency.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalArchives of Biochemistry and Biophysics·DateJun 27, 2025

How to build our body’s protein recycling factories

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have developed a clearer picture of how crucial machinery in the human cell's recycling process for obsolete and misshapen proteins—known as proteasomes—are formed. The research team shed new light on how two protein chaperones bind on the top of the alpha subunit ring as it is constructed.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Structural study points the way to better malaria drugs

A new study published in Nature Communications has provided structural insights into a potent antimalarial drug candidate's interaction with the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. The research suggests that the drug, TDI-8304, can selectively target and kill resistant parasites, offering hope for more effective treatments against ...

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2024

Mass General Brigham researchers develop ‘potent and specific’ compounds to curb cancer growth

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have developed a new class of proteasome inhibitors that specifically target the β2 active site in cancer cells. The newly synthesized compounds effectively inhibit multiple myeloma cell growth and show promise for reducing therapeutic resistance and side effects when combined with existing drugs.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2023

From infamy to ingenuity

Researchers have uncovered the intricate molecular mechanism used by parasitic phytoplasma bacteria to manipulate plants. The discovery sheds light on a peculiar phenomenon in nature, where plants exhibit 'zombie-like' effects due to bacterial infection.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Cold is beneficial for healthy aging

Research reveals that cold activates cellular cleansing mechanisms that break down protein clumps, preventing age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By modulating proteasome activity, scientists have found a potential therapeutic target for aging and related neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Molecular basis of resistance to one of the main treatments for multiple myeloma identified

Researchers at CNIO have identified epigenetic changes, specifically DNA methylation, as a key mechanism behind resistance to proteasome inhibitor drugs in multiple myeloma. This finding suggests that methylation levels in the PSMD5 gene can predict treatment response and potentially reverse resistance.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Building block for a longer life

Heidelberg University researchers have identified a key protein HYPK that regulates N-terminal acetylation, prolonging plant protein life and enhancing drought resistance. This mechanism appears to be ancient, retained across various organisms.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 15, 2022

New dimensions of cryo-electron microscopy uncover ‘multiverse’ of cancer targets for enabling drug discovery

A research team led by Professor Youdong Mao has developed a new method using time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy and machine learning-based 4D reconstruction to visualize the USP14-proteasome system in atomic detail. This reveals a 'multiverse' of parallel reality pathways, allowing for targeted inhibition of cancer cells.

SourcePeking University-College of Engineering·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2022

Joining forces to prevent cancer

Researchers discovered that under stress conditions, proteasome molecules assemble into structures that induce cell death, a process linked to apoptosis and potentially preventing cancer. The study highlights the importance of understanding the normal functioning of cells and their connections to cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2021

Mutation reduces energy waste in plants

Researchers identified mutations that improve photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana by reducing protein degradation and increasing chlorophyll production. The findings suggest a potential mechanism to enhance plant energy efficiency and biomass production.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

Vigorous exercise, fasting, hormones improve elimination of toxic, misfolded, unnecessary proteins in mouse and human cells

A study from Harvard Medical School reveals that intense exercise, fasting, and hormones can activate the body's built-in protein disposal system, enhancing its ability to remove toxic, misfolded proteins. This mechanism is triggered by fluctuations in hormone levels, allowing cells to adapt to changing conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2019

Cellular 'garbage disposal' has another job

Researchers discovered proteasomes embedded in nerve cell membranes, degrading proteins and expelling peptides that carry essential signals. This finding suggests a new role for proteasomes in cell-to-cell communications and raises questions about neurological disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 13, 2017

Every atom counts

A team of scientists has determined the 3D structure of the human proteasome in unprecedented detail, revealing its exact mechanism and a crucial role for a previously unknown chemical reaction. This knowledge will pave the way to develop more effective cancer therapies by optimizing inhibitor design and efficacy.

Big trash pickup

Cells have two disposal systems: proteasomes, which handle smaller proteins, and autophagy, a process that removes larger complexes. Researchers discovered a smart bin liner-like system in autophagy, involving Cue5 receptors and Hsp42 chaperones.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 1, 2016

Crouching protein, hidden enzyme

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and UC Berkeley have made a breakthrough in understanding the proteasome, a molecular machine responsible for breaking down toxic proteins. The new study reveals how a crucial enzyme, Rpn11, is activated to remove harmful proteins from cells, providing potential new therapies for diseases such ...

Increased protein turnover contributes to the development of pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have discovered that increased protein turnover by the 26S proteasome is responsible for the activation of myofibroblasts, leading to pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibiting the 26S proteasome can prevent differentiation of primary human lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts.