Articles tagged with Protein Activity
Huntington's disease is caused by a toxic protein that builds in brain cells and spreads to other cells through tunneling nanotubes. Disrupting this pathway reduces the spread of the disease-causing protein, suggesting a new target for therapy.
Researchers developed a free-to-use software tool, PSBench, to verify the accuracy of artificial intelligence-based protein structure predictions. The database includes 1.4 million annotated protein models, verified by experts, and provides reliable information for building more accurate AI systems.
Researchers developed new chemical probes to track individual enzymes, enabling direct measurement of protein activity and correcting prior limitations. This allows for a clearer picture of molecular logic in cells undergoing programmed cell death, potentially informing drug discovery.
A high-protein diet rich in casein and wheat gluten can significantly reduce the amount of cholera bacteria able to infect the gut. The study found that these dietary components can suppress a key structure on the surface of cholera bacteria, making it difficult for the pathogen to colonize and cause harm.
A cohort study found that very high lipoprotein(a) levels increased the 30-year risk of cardiovascular disease among healthy women. Screening for elevated lipoprotein(a) may be warranted in the general population.
The new PLAMseq technique enables simultaneous analysis of chromatin-associated proteins and their location in the genome, opening up new avenues for researching human diseases. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of epigenetic mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.
Researchers have discovered a new class of BRCA1 mutations that can be targeted by HSP90 inhibitors, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with breast cancer. The study found that these mutations are more resistant to PARP inhibitor treatment but can be overcome with low-dose HSP90 inhibition.
A new technique has been developed to study interactions between drugs and ion channels, allowing for faster and more economical design of targeted therapies. The method has been tested on P2X7 receptors, which are therapeutic targets for depression, autism spectrum disorders, and certain types of cancer.
Scientists have identified a previously unknown genetic disease, MINA syndrome, which damages motor neurons and affects movement and muscle control. The disease is caused by a rare genetic mutation in the NAMPT protein, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and foot deformities.
Researchers at Northwestern University captured a detailed look at TRPM3, a core temperature sensor, revealing how it turns on when temperatures rise. The finding uncovers a new way that cells sense temperature, helping explain how the nervous system distinguishes harmless warmth from dangerous heat.
Researchers at Rice University have engineered living cells to use a 21st amino acid that illuminates protein changes in real time, providing a new perspective on the inner workings of life. This breakthrough addresses a long-standing challenge in biology by allowing scientists to track subtle protein changes within living systems.
A new study found that hormone therapy can alter sex-specific blood proteins in transgender women, resembling those of cisgender women. The therapy may reduce the risk of heart disease and increase the risk of allergic and autoimmune diseases.
A team of researchers developed a computational method that can design intrinsically disordered proteins with desired properties. The work uses automatic differentiation to optimize protein sequences and leverages molecular dynamics simulations for precision. This breakthrough has the potential to reveal new insights into diseases like...
Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to capture enzyme dynamics, discovering a 'crossover loop' structure that plays a crucial role in catalyzing reactions. This new method promises unprecedented access to biomolecule mechanisms and potential pathologies.
Researchers developed a molecular tool called SCOPE that can capture proteins binding to DNA, enabling identification of protein regulators. The tool was used to discover new protein regulators of human stem cell-related genes, revealing the roles of two proteins in maintaining stem cells and one in inducing differentiation.
Researchers from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified a common process that powers the creation of protein formations that assemble like a 3D puzzle, triggering inflammation and cell death. This 'Catch-22' mechanism may be one of the fundamental reasons why we age.
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
Researchers have discovered that dialing down sugar metabolism can break down neural integrity, but manipulating this process can also activate protective programs in neurons. Two proteins, DLK and SARM1, are involved in extending axon health, with their activity influenced by the cell's internal conditions.
Researchers discovered that magnetized surfaces significantly influence amyloid protein assembly, forming more fibrils and longer structures when aligned in one direction. The study suggests a new physical factor, Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS), plays a direct role in protein self-assembly.
Researchers have identified a hidden molecular mechanism involving two proteins that allows tumors to resist treatment. A new gelatin-based nanoparticle has been developed to shut down both proteins simultaneously, showing promising results in early studies with mice.
Göttingen University researchers have discovered previously undetected chemical bonds within archived protein structures, revealing an unexpected complexity in protein chemistry. These newly identified nitrogen-oxygen-sulphur (NOS) linkages broaden our understanding of how proteins respond to oxidative stress.
Researchers at ETH Zurich created an atlas of protein interactions in different tissues, revealing that every fourth interaction is tissue-specific. This knowledge helps identify disease genes and develop targeted drugs with increased specificity.
A new study reveals that protein sources in an animal's diet significantly alter the gut microbiome, with some having extreme effects. The researchers found that diets high in brown rice, yeast, or egg whites led to changes in amino acid metabolism and complex sugar degradation.
Researchers have discovered RNA pseudouridine as a novel diagnostic target for colorectal cancer. The study found correlations between pseudouridine modifications and clinical markers, enabling potential non-invasive diagnosis. The findings provide a molecular framework for RNA epigenetics-based stratification and targeted interventions.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that adding copper-loaded agents to radiotherapy can overcome radioresistance in preclinical models of thoracic cancer. A novel blood-based biomarker, OSMR, has also been identified in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which shows prognostic potential and can help ident...
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism of ATG-9 in regulating lysosome integrity by modulating phospholipid distribution. This study suggests that reduced ATG-9 scramblase activity facilitates lysosome biogenesis and repair, highlighting ATG-9 as a promising therapeutic target for diseases related to lysosomal dysfunction.
Researchers used CRISPR interference to examine every gene in the human genome and discovered a new set of genes contributing to Parkinson's disease risk. The study identified the Commander complex, which regulates lysosomal function and is implicated in PD risk, offering opportunities for new treatments.
A systematic review of nearly 6000 runners found that lower energy and fat intakes were strongly associated with a higher risk of injury in female runners. A low-fibre diet also increased the likelihood of bone stress injuries.
New research identifies specific populations of neurons in the amygdala that play a key role in regulating nutritional needs and turning them into action. The study reveals distinct groups of neurons responding to thirst and hunger, guided by molecular cues.
A new study by UCL researchers found that people with visual Alzheimer's disease have a unique distribution of proteins and markers in their brain, leading to symptoms such as reading difficulties. In contrast, those with memory-led Alzheimer's disease have different protein patterns, resulting in symptoms like memory loss.
Researchers used mice to examine the activity of two neuronal proteins linked to autism. They found that a natural balance between MDGA2 and BDNF maintains normal neuron activity, but disruption can lead to ASD-like symptoms. This study suggests MDGA2 and BDNF as promising therapeutic targets for future treatments.
The Protein Society recognizes five award winners in 2025 for their groundbreaking research in protein science and technology. Professor Jan Steyaert receives the Christian B. Anfinsen Award for pioneering nanobody technology, while Dr. Brian Kuhlman wins the Emil Thomas Kaiser Award for novel protein design and structural modeling.
A new study found that treating aged mice with montelukast improved retinal health by reducing inflammation and boosting proteasome activity. This approach may offer a promising new way to slow age-related vision loss and protect eye health in older adults.
Researchers at WVU have discovered a way to fine-tune zinc activity to improve messaging in the brain, with potential applications for treating conditions such as autism, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. The study identified new compounds that can selectively change synaptic connections by modulating zinc levels.
Researchers discovered that sulfur bacteria from the Desulfobacteraceae family work together like a team to break down diverse organic compounds. By analyzing six strains, they found similar molecular strategies and a highly energy-efficient central metabolism pathway, enabling them to thrive in oxygen-free environments.
PARP inhibitors have been found to be effective in treating cancers with BRCA1/2 mutations by blocking DNA repair pathways. The combination of PARPis with chemotherapeutic drugs can also improve treatment efficacy, increasing DNA damage and blocking repair processes.
Researchers from Yale University and Altos Labs have identified age-invariant genes that stay the same across all tissues during aging. These genes are linked to essential cellular functions, challenging the common belief that gene dysregulation drives aging.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a protein called Melt that can be toggled by temperature, allowing for precise control over cellular pathways. The breakthrough enables non-invasive therapy options for cancer treatment and basic research, potentially leading to more targeted and less toxic treatments.
Researchers at Kyungpook National University have developed a new approach to map and engineer enzymes for enhanced plastic recycling. They employ landscape profiling to identify efficient biocatalysts for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET), producing high-purity monomers under mild conditions.
Researchers discovered that removing arginase-II gene can slow down muscle aging in mice, leading to improved muscle health and reduced inflammation. This finding suggests targeting the Arg-II gene could help maintain muscle strength and mobility in older adults.
UCSF researchers identify a molecular timer controlling mouse birth timing, which could lead to new tests for human preterm labor risk and interventions. DNA packaging during pregnancy plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with KDM6B working as a 'timer' that winds down over time.
A new study demonstrates how fluorescent cholesterol probes can visualize cholesterol in live cells, revealing its role in amyloid plaque formation and cellular signaling. The novel probes have the potential to enhance our understanding of how cholesterol imbalances contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have developed 'Malteser-like' molecules that can be governed to produce predictable and desirable self-assembly structures. These molecules hold promise for applications in highly sensitive sensors, next-gen targeted drug delivery agents, and luminescence-based monitoring.
Researchers at CCM Biosciences have discovered novel enzyme activators that fully restore the activity of Sirtuin-3, a master regulator of cellular energy production. These compounds hold significant potential for addressing age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
A new study has identified macrophage activity as a key predictor of which skin cancer patients are most likely to respond to immunotherapy. The findings aim to improve personalized medicine for cancer patients and enable clinicians to select effective treatments, reducing side effects and costs.
Researchers found significant functional variations between rodent and human PD-1 due to evolutionary divergence. The study reveals a unique motif present in most mammals but missing in rodents, leading to uniquely weaker rodent PD-1.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered yeast cell wall-derived proteins that exhibit high emulsifying activity, comparable to commercial casein emulsifier. These easily released protein molecules could potentially replace emulsifiers derived from milk, eggs, and soybeans, reducing allergenic concerns.
A novel study found that the TPMT∗8 allele is associated with reduced metabolism of thiopurine drugs, which can lead to toxicity. The research emphasizes the importance of understanding the function of TPMT∗8 to ensure effective pharmacogenomic testing across all ancestries.
A study published in JAMA found that biomarker-guided antibiotic duration reduced in hospitalized patients with suspected sepsis. However, a daily C-reactive protein-guided protocol did not demonstrate significant benefits. The results suggest that procalcitonin-guided protocols may be a more effective approach.
Scientists have developed a novel enzyme, SUPer RNA EcoGII Methyltransferase (SUPREM), which can selectively modify RNA and has high methylation activity. This tool can be used to investigate RNA modifications in various diseases, providing new insights into their role in cell health.
Researchers at Linköping University pinpointed the exact location of a specific calcium channel fine-tuning pain signals. This knowledge can be used to develop drugs for chronic pain that are more effective and have fewer side effects.
Scientists have successfully used optogenetics to control seizure activity in living human brain tissue, opening doors to new treatments for epilepsy and other neurological diseases. By switching off specific neurons with light pulses, researchers can prevent seizures from occurring, providing a less invasive alternative to surgery.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that IFITM3 deficiency increases the risk of flu infection by unfamiliar viruses, allowing them to adapt rapidly to human hosts. The study suggests that people with IFITM3 deficiency are a uniquely vulnerable population for new animal viruses entering humans.
Researchers at POSTECH have identified GLUT3 as essential for the suppressive function of regulatory T cells in tumor microenvironments, which can be targeted for cancer immunotherapy. The team's findings highlight the critical role of GLUT3 in regulating protein modifications that sustain immune suppression within tumors.
Researchers discover SARS-CoV-2 hijacks three host proteins to shield itself from complement-mediated lysis, significantly impairing viral clearance. This may affect the course of acute and post-COVID-19 sequelae, deepening our understanding of immune evasion mechanisms.
A study of human skeletal remains from the Tudor warship Mary Rose reveals that handedness may influence clavicle bone chemistry as people age. The analysis found increased mineral content and decreased protein content in right clavicles compared to left, suggesting repeated stress on the right side during activities like sailing.
A new clinical guideline from the American Stroke Association outlines strategies to support brain health and prevent stroke throughout a person's lifespan. The guideline recommends regular health screenings, identifying risk factors, lifestyle interventions, and medications to reduce the risk of a first stroke.
A team of researchers discovered a protein that blocks bone-forming cells by preventing them from maturing. The study found that the protein CLEC14A reduces bone formation, while its absence leads to increased mineralized bone tissue.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have identified a key gene, glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), that enables Syrian hamsters to survive extreme cold by limiting cellular damage. The discovery could lead to new treatments for human health, such as improving organ preservation and using hypothermia as a therapeutic tool.
Researchers have developed an antibody that can identify Campylobacter jejuni and inhibit its growth, reducing pathogenicity. The antibody targets a multiprotein complex essential for the bacteria's energy production, making it a potential target for therapy and vaccination.