Articles tagged with Protein Activity
Scientists have identified a molecule that regulates nerve cell sensors, which could lead to new therapeutics for obesity, osteoporosis, and inflammatory diseases. The molecule can be modified into peptide-based therapeutics to boost the activity of channels involved in bone strength and satiety.
A Penn State-led research team discovered that somatostatin signaling acts to dampen communication among cell types in the prefrontal cortex, promoting exploratory and risk-taking-like behavior. The findings suggest that somatostatin fine-tunes circuits to promote certain behaviors, including decision making.
Researchers at West Virginia University are tracing the cause of diabetic heart disease using diabetic animal models to examine mitochondrial function. They hope to understand how faulty protein import affects the mitochondria and explore potential treatments to improve energy production and reduce cardiovascular risk.
A protein found in bacteria activates its enzymatic activity by up to 10,000 times when exposed to blue light, acting like an on-off switch. This discovery could lead to enhanced and optimized optogenetic tools and medical treatments.
A new study reveals that the cellular chaperone protein GRP78 migrates to the nucleus under stress and alters gene activities, allowing cancer cells to become more mobile and invasive. This discovery offers potential new approaches for cancer treatment, including down-regulating GRP78 activity or preventing it from binding to ID2.
Research in rats suggests that loss of immune cells late in gestation may factor into the onset of maternal behavior. Depletion of microglia, a type of immune cell, sped up care for rat newborns in non-mom female rats.
Researchers used machine learning algorithms to explain how calpain-1 activity is modified on the molecular level, finding that lipid peroxidation products like MDA and HNE can increase or decrease activity. The study provides new insights into protein modification and its role in meat tenderness.
Researchers created artificial allosteric sites in protein complexes using computational design to regulate concerted functions. This breakthrough holds promise for industry, biology, medicine, and agriculture.
St. Jude researchers found that supplying glutamine to tumors enhances the immune system's cancer-killing activity, while a molecular pathway identified as a potential drug target could improve anti-cancer therapies. Glutamine helps activate dendritic cells, which then activate T cells that kill cancer cells.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center found that higher c-reactive protein levels were associated with greater depression and less physical activity among patients with gynecologic cancers. However, most inflammatory markers were not linked to treatment-related symptoms.
Researchers developed TransitID to track protein movement in living cells, revealing new insights into cellular dynamics and protein function. The technique identified unexpected protein presence in stress granules and its role in cancer treatment.
Researchers created the Cancer Atlas of Metabolic Profiles (CAMP) to analyze gene activity and metabolite levels in tumor samples. The atlas reveals two broad classes of gene-metabolite connections, pointing to mechanisms at work across cancer types.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine developed a catalog to classify protein variants associated with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. The approach enables doctors to determine the pathogenicity of variants, leading to more precise diagnoses and potential therapies.
The study elucidated the mechanism of NER, a crucial DNA repair process, and revealed that XPC, TFIIH, and XPA proteins work together to verify DNA damage. This understanding may lead to the development of treatments for xeroderma pigmentosum patients.
A new study has determined the atomic-level structure of a zinc-transporter protein, showing how it regulates zinc levels inside cells through a built-in sensor. The protein acts as a dimer, using feedback to control its activity based on zinc levels.
Researchers updated their protein localization prediction model, MULocDeep, to provide more targeted predictions for biological discoveries. The tool helps researchers design more effective experiments and advance scientific discoveries related to drug development and treating diseases like epilepsy.
Researchers developed a novel hybrid protein complex by binding lysozyme to copper for enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) removal. The CuST@lysozyme hybrid protein showed high SOD activity and stability in biological fluids, paving the way for its therapeutic applications.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a protein called ASC2 that inhibits inflammasomes, thereby limiting inflammation in bats. This discovery could lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs for human diseases, including those caused by viral infections and ageing.
A new study reveals that cyclic AMP and cGMP bind to ion channels with distinct effects, shedding light on their roles in regulating cell functions. The findings could inspire new treatments for disorders involving ion channel malfunctions.
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.
A new AI tool, CLEAN, can predict enzyme functions based on amino acid sequences, outperforming leading state-of-the-art tools in accuracy and reliability. The tool was developed using contrastive learning and verified experimentally with both computational and in vitro experiments.
Researchers identify the minimum contribution of TACC3 for FGFR3-TACC3 fusion protein activation, revealing a novel target for treating FGFR translocation-driven cancers. The study shows that clinically identified FGFR3-TACC3 fusion proteins differ in biological activity depending on specific breakpoints.
Researchers found altered proteins in women's blood during the third trimester, correlating with brain signaling activity and pro-inflammatory pathways. The study aims to develop early diagnosis and treatment protocols for perinatal mood disorders.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have discovered that dysregulation of energy production is an early sign of heart failure. They found that lysine demethylase 8 (Kdm8) helps maintain balanced energy use, but its suppression leads to changes in metabolism.
New UCLA research finds that tobacco smoking and vaping can predispose healthy young people to increased inflammation and severe COVID-19. The study, published in Journal of Molecular Medicine, found higher levels of key proteins in plasma from smokers and vapers compared to non-smokers.
A synthetic biosensor created at Cornell University enables the study of proteins in ways previously impossible, leading to potential applications in drug development and environmental sensing. The system uses cell-free synthesis to produce proteins directly into an artificial membrane, allowing for dual optical and electronic readouts.
Researchers at Duke University have created a new approach to controlling cellular biochemical processes by building synthetic compartments that isolate biomolecules. This technique has the potential to be used to understand and fight disease, including the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers found that measles virus mutations in its fusion protein allow it to infect nerve cells, leading to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The team's discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms of viruses like coronaviruses and herpesviruses.
A new method, SPOTS, maps gene activity patterns and protein presence in cells across tissue samples with unprecedented resolution. This enables the creation of complex maps of organs, including diseased ones, which could be widely useful in basic and clinical research.
Researchers discovered a point mutation in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that leads to a temperature-dependent lengthening of circadian clock periods. The mutation affects the nuclear export signal of the PERIOD protein, resulting in its retention in the cell nucleus at higher temperatures.
A team of researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has made a breakthrough in understanding the deadly brain cancer glioblastoma. By linking the BRD8 protein to another key protein, P53, they have identified a potential target for new treatments that could extend patient survival and improve outcomes.
Researchers modeled how genetic changes affecting protein synthesis speed can lead to misfolding and altered activity levels in proteins. This finding suggests the importance of kinetics alongside sequence for determining protein structure and function, with potential implications for fields such as biopharmaceutics and medicine.
Researchers found that antibodies against one of the two main domains of the SARS-CoV-2 viral entry machinery elicit a broad antibody response against many variants. This suggests strategies for clinical development of variant-resistant vaccines.
Researchers discovered MYC protein spheres protect sensitive DNA sites from enzyme collisions, leading to cancer cell death. The discovery opens doors for developing specifically effective drugs to prevent sphere formation.
Researchers identified USP7 as a novel cyclin F-interacting protein that stabilizes cyclin F protein. The study also found that USP7 regulates cyclin F mRNA, with pharmacological inhibition resulting in downregulation of cyclin F mRNA.
Scientists at KAUST have identified dynamic regions, called cryptic binding sites, that can be targeted by drugs to treat cancer. The study reveals how molecular motion influences ligand binding to BTB domains, a critical part of many proteins involved in disease.
Researchers discovered that toxins produced by Vibrio bacteria hijack cell processes, redirecting key proteins into "roads to nowhere". This abnormal filament formation wastes cell resources and raises questions about its potential role or necessity.
A recent study reveals that Down syndrome brains develop the same amyloid beta and tau prions as Alzheimer's disease, causing neurological dysfunction. With over 50% of people with Down syndrome developing Alzheimer's by age 40, this discovery offers new insights into the common underlying causes of these two diseases.
Researchers at Ohio State University have found a clear link between the survival motor neuron protein and age-related muscle decline in mice, which may lead to the development of new therapies for sarcopenia. The study suggests that increasing SMN protein production could be a viable approach to addressing this age-related condition.
Researchers at University of Cambridge found that a thin shell of water surrounding proteins can determine aggregation, with slower movement leading to more clumping. The discovery has significant implications for treating protein misfolding diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a genetic link between melanoma tumors and telomere maintenance, which could lead to new treatments for the disease. The study found that mutations in the TPP1 gene stimulate telomerase activity, promoting long telomeres that enable cancer cells to divide in...
A large-scale Australian study found that highly processed and refined foods are the primary contributor to rising obesity rates. The 'Protein Leverage Hypothesis' suggests that people overeat fats and carbohydrates due to their strong appetite for protein, leading to an increased risk of chronic disease.
The research reveals PAPP-A's heart-shaped structure and its interaction with STC2, a key regulator of IGF conversion. The study suggests that complex formation between PAPP-A and STC2 is highly regulated, influencing height by up to 2.1 cm.
A team from the University of Geneva has identified the structure of the SEA complex, a key regulator of cell growth, and how it controls the activity of the major regulator of cell growth, mTOR. The discovery provides new insights into how cells perceive nutrient levels to regulate their growth.
A study found that young women's vaginal immune systems become more active after first-time intercourse, which may increase or decrease the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. The changes were confirmed not to be due to pregnancy or having an STI.
Researchers found that short bursts of activity after meals can improve the body's ability to use amino acids from food to build muscle proteins. Breaking up prolonged sedentary periods with brief activity 'snacks' may help maintain muscle mass and quality, according to a University of Toronto study.
Researchers found that salen can effectively bind to SARS-CoV-2 proteins, preventing destruction and potentially leading to new treatments. The study, published in Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, shows promise for developing effective coronavirus therapies.
Researchers found that RK-33 inhibits the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to replicate in host cells, making it a potential broad-spectrum antiviral agent. The study showed that RK-33's antiviral capability remains consistent across four SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Researchers have developed a new labeling technique to analyze exosomes from specific cell types, providing insights into their role in both health and disease. The technique allows for the identification of protein cargo and RNA in exosomes, enabling the study of cellular communication and potential monitoring of response to treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discover that nasal cell receptors activate few G protein molecules to produce a signal, contradicting the mainstream idea of high amplification. The study found that the probability of an odorant receptor activating just one G protein is 1 in 10,000, supporting weak signaling.
A recent study suggests that epigenetic information, normally reset between generations, is more frequently carried from mother to offspring than previously thought. This discovery could have implications for women with SMCHD1 variants and their children.
Researchers developed a small molecule that effectively controls tumor growth by inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 binding, overcoming accessibility and cost issues of existing antibody treatments. The new molecule has advantages in terms of affordability and oral administration, making immunotherapy more accessible to all cancer patients.
A Tokyo University of Science study found that fluoride nanoparticles enhance β-sheet formation in amyloid β proteins, a common feature of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers also discovered that surrounding ions can control this process, paving the way for targeted treatments.
A new study found that the fourth COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of death among elderly individuals in long-term care facilities by 72%. The study, which included approximately 40,000 residents, also showed a significant reduction in hospitalizations and infections.
Researchers have created stem cell models that mimic the genetic disorder, revealing the role of WASP protein in regulating RNA splicing and finding potential therapeutic targets. These findings could lead to new treatments for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a devastating immune deficiency disorder.
A study published by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that psychiatric drugs imipramine and olanzapine can improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, including boosting cognition and reversing clinical diagnoses.
Daily gabapentin treatment restored fine motor functions in mice's upper extremities and continued to show functional improvements even after treatment was stopped. The drug blocks the activity of a protein that hinders re-growth of axons, enabling post-stroke central nervous system repair to progress in a coordinated way.
Researchers characterized human plastins behavior as workaholics and found that they promote disease when disrupting cellular environment. Plastin's two main segments strongly bond together but can disengage to bundle actins, leading to aggressive bundling even when not needed.
A study published in Nature Communications sheds light on dopamine transporter (DAT) function, which regulates brain reward centre communication. The researchers discovered DAT depends on potassium, not just sodium, rewriting textbooks on its mechanism.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have identified a zinc chaperone protein called ZNG1, which delivers zinc to the enzyme MAP1. This discovery reveals a key mechanism used by all living things to transport zinc, essential for survival and enzyme function.