Articles tagged with Protein Activity
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.
Researchers at MIT developed an AI method that constrains machine-learning models to suggest molecules with producible chemical structures. The approach guarantees quality and speed, outperforming existing methods in proposing high-quality molecular structures.
Researchers have discovered that palmitoylation can occur at the plasma membrane, paving the way for innovative drug discovery strategies. A novel tool, SwissKASH, allows for dynamic observation of this process, enabling precise targeting of oncogenic proteins in cancer therapy.
Researchers discovered that lipid droplets play a crucial role in mitochondrial recycling, and impairing DGAT1 activity leads to reduced recycling and increased cell stress. The study provides new insights into iron homeostasis and its impact on cellular metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have discovered a potential new target for treating acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) by understanding how two oncoproteins interact within cancer cells. The study found that beta-catenin and Wilms Tumour 1 proteins physically interact, impacting each other's oncogenic signalling activity.
Scientists have identified over 100 phosphorylation sites with regulatory potential on RNA-binding proteins, including RBM20, which plays a crucial role in titin synthesis and heart muscle diseases. These findings provide insight into the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression.
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.
Researchers have deciphered the activity of B12-dependent radical SAM enzymes, which regulate methane production by archaea. The study's findings have implications for biotechnologies that control key enzymatic events and could help reduce global warming.
Researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine identify reduced efficiency of protein transport system as key factor in Alzheimer-like changes. The study suggests that targeting the retromer complex could lead to new treatments for Down syndrome-related dementia.
Researchers have discovered that sigma 1 receptor plays a crucial role in protecting retinal ganglion cells from damage in glaucoma. The protein enables astrocytes to secrete supportive factors for neurons, improving their survival and function.
Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that deactivating the Piezo1 protein, a blood flow sensor, reduces muscle capillary density and restricts blood flow to muscles. This results in reduced exercise capability and increased risk of disease, highlighting the crucial link between physical activity and physical performance.
Scientists at the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology discovered a new combination treatment strategy for childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) by analyzing protein activity. The study found that blocking specific proteins, such as LCK and SRC, in combination with an overactive chain reaction of INSR/IGF-1R, k...
Cedars-Sinai investigators discover that inhibiting RIPK2 function with drugs or CRISPR/Cas9 reduces prostate cancer metastasis in mice, offering new hope for advanced prostate cancer treatment. Targeting this protein could extend patients' lives by several years.
A recent study by Monash University found that tick saliva proteins, called evasins, can be modified to block the activity of important proteins in human inflammatory diseases. The study identified the structural basis of chemokine recognition and establishes a foundation for engineering evasins.
A new protein group has been identified that functions as a switch to regulate biological activity, found in all domains of life and essential for cellular activities such as gene expression and metabolism. The discovery opens up new possibilities for the development of novel drugs targeting these switches.
Researchers identified three KCTD proteins that modulate neurotransmitter activity, enabling fine-tuned movement. Their elimination enhances cAMP production and sensitivity to dopamine in neurons.
A comprehensive study has revealed over 7,000 human transcription factor (TF) protein-protein interactions, with most playing important roles in transcriptional regulation. The study identifies groups of TFs with specific biological functions, such as chromatin remodelling and RNA splicing.
A study led by Przemyslaw Nogly at PSI has detailed insight into the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump in bacteria, revealing how light energy converts to kinetic energy and transports chloride ions inside cells. The pump uses two molecular gates to ensure one-way transport, with the process taking around 100 milliseconds.
Scientists at Weill Cornell Medicine developed a new imaging technique to capture bacteriorhodopsin's motions in response to light on a millisecond time scale. This study reveals the protein's kinetics, including the speed of transitions between open and closed states, which informs optogenetics research.
Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a novel 'supermolecular' material that binds to protein drugs, prolongs their effect without impairing activity, and improves overall drug performance. The material, called PEG-PRX, adds polyethylene glycol chains to proteins without compromising biological action.
Researchers have discovered that heart disease causes early brain dysfunction, leading to reduced blood flow and increased risk of dementia. A combination of heart disease and a genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's Disease also trebles the amount of beta-amyloid protein in the brain.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have identified a crucial protein, myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA), that regulates type I interferon production in response to viral infections. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for the development of new therapies to boost or suppress immune responses, p...
A Tel Aviv University study found a significant link between changes in G-protein-coupled receptors and brain adaptability. Disabling the voltage sensor of these proteins caused uncontrolled brain flexibility, leading to excessive habituation to odors.
An experimental drug called NAP has been found effective in treating a broad spectrum of symptoms related to autism, intellectual disability, and Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that NAP normalizes brain function in mice modeling ADNP syndrome, a rare disorder linked to these conditions.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center have developed a therapeutic agent to improve treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The new approach targets alternative splicing in cardiac disease, using antisense oligonucleotides to stabilize sensitive molecules and trigger desired response.
The study uses a new barcode system to track complex signaling activities in cancer cells and identify key protein interactions. The technique enables real-time analysis and synchronization of protein activity over time.
MRNA eraser enzymes play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and cell fate decisions. Research on these enzymes may lead to the development of therapeutics that target misbehaving erasers in disease. The team aims to understand how these enzymes recognize and choose specific methyl groups to remove from RNA.
Researchers developed a compound that regulates a biological channel linked to pain, reducing the sensation of pain in rodents. The compound, dubbed 194, successfully targets sodium ion channels and promotes pain relief by activating the body's endogenous opioid system.
A therapeutic antibody has been shown to unblock and normalise blood vessels inside cancerous tumours, enabling the more effective delivery of targeted cancer treatments. The findings also suggest that inhibiting LRG1 protein production can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell the...
A team of experts from Tel Aviv University has identified 5 coronavirus proteins responsible for damaging blood vessels. The researchers hope that the identification will lead to the development of targeted drugs that reduce vascular damage in COVID-19 patients.
A study published in Nature Communications identifies a specific form of autism caused by an excessive number of synapses in the cerebral cortex, potentially guiding the development of future treatments. The research found that inhibiting mTOR protein activity can restore synaptic function and connectivity.
Researchers found that hepatitis C treatment reduces the activity of proteins involved in cirrhosis, potentially indicating an early sign of liver recovery. The study suggests a possible pathway toward healing scarred liver tissue after virus elimination.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a novel treatment method that destroys cancer cells by targeting the cytoskeletal protein WASp, which is unique in active hematologic cancer cells. The approach uses small molecule compounds identified through AI and machine learning to inhibit proliferation and destroy malignant cells.
Researchers have found that heart cells regulate their circadian rhythms through changes in sodium and potassium ion levels, which can impact heart rate. This new understanding may lead to better treatments and preventative measures for combating heart conditions.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 proteolysis and identifies key cellular substrates with therapeutic potential. The research provides a powerful resource for developing targeted strategies to inhibit the virus, which has caused over 227 million infections and 4.6 million deaths worldwide.
Researchers find PADI4 and HIF-1 proteins work together to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tumors, allowing them to grow. The discovery provides new avenues for anti-cancer therapies targeting blood vessel development.
Research reveals how genetic mutations in aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases cause CMT by halting protein production and inducing integrated stress response. The study's findings provide new avenues for therapies against the disease.
A study found a significant association between higher tau concentrations and lower physical activity with increased cognitive decline rates in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that increasing physical activity may help slow cognitive decline.
A comprehensive molecular map of lung squamous cell carcinoma has identified potential new drug targets, including the gene NSD3, and highlighted immune regulation pathways that could help cancer evade immunotherapies. The study's findings have also revealed metabolic dysregulation and crosstalk between different cellular processes.
Researchers uncover how an RNA named NORAD drives a protein to form liquid droplets that tightly regulate its activity. This phenomenon, known as phase separation, protects against disease by preventing chromosomal abnormalities and promoting cellular homeostasis.
A new study led by Washington State University researchers has identified protein kinase A (PKA) as a potential target for improving treatment outcomes after a heart attack. The research suggests that PKA plays a role in heart muscle cell necrosis, a major type of cell death that commonly occurs after reperfusion therapy.
A team of scientists found that the human 14-3-3 protein family has a universal binding site for the E6 oncoprotein from different subtypes of cancer-causing Human Papillomaviruses (HPV). This discovery suggests that targeting this site could lead to the development of novel antiviral therapies.
Scientists at UNIGE have developed a fluorescent dye to track the movement of kinesin proteins within cells, revealing their path and direction. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the fundamental question of protein transport and cargo distribution in cells.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a mechanism controlling the activity of chaperone proteins, which guide proteins into proper shapes. The findings shed light on hundreds of degenerative and neurodegenerative diseases caused by protein misfolding, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's.
Researchers find that inhibiting pro-IL-1α helps modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing damage to mitochondria and alleviating inflammation. This discovery offers potential therapeutic applications for treating various diseases, including atherosclerosis, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that the ECSIT protein regulates the behavior of proteins linked to energy activity in mitochondria, which are affected in Alzheimer's disease. The team also discovered a link between mitochondrial dysfunction, amyloid accumulation, and early disease symptoms.
A new molecular probe called FLiCRE allows researchers to tag, record, and control cellular functions in living animals. It uses blue light and calcium sensitivity to precisely control experiments, enabling the study of tens of thousands of cells at once.
Researchers have clarified the regulatory mechanism of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in recognizing and repairing DNA damaged by ultraviolet light. The study reveals that proteasomes' protein degradation activity and architectural integrity are involved in regulating DDB2 protein-mediated DNA damage repair.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered a previously unknown biochemical cascade in the brain that leads to the destruction of synapses in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that abnormal chemical reactions, termed 'protein transnitrosylation reactions,' contribute to synapse loss.
The study reveals that Atg9 has phospholipid-translocation activity, which brings about autophagosome membrane expansion. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of autophagosome formation and holds promise for accelerating research into treating various diseases through artificial control of autophagy.
Cells utilize long-distance traveling waves in a self-organized manner to close wounds, guided by intricate interplay of cell movement, sensing, and protein activation. This coupled system enables robust communication of direction over large distances, promoting coordinated behavior for healing and growth.
A Kumamoto University research team created an animal model of SCA by inhibiting chaperone-mediated autophagy in cerebellar neurons, leading to progressive motor dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Reduced CMA activity may be a common molecular mechanism for the disease.
Researchers have identified 9 antibody-like proteins that bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 4 with neutralizing activity. These proteins show promise for developing diagnostic tests and treatments for COVID-19.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona discovered two marine molecules, meridianine and lignarenone B, that can alter GSK3B activity without causing neurotoxic effects. These compounds promote neuronal plasticity and may offer a promising starting point for developing new drugs against Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that a single intense bike ride increases Ubiquitin tagging on worn-out proteins, leading to their degradation and removal. This process helps maintain muscle health and function by replacing damaged proteins with new ones.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a protein called Meis1 that works with Hoxb13 to stop heart cell division, but deleting both genes can help heart cells regenerate. This finding could lead to new treatments for heart failure and other conditions.
Researchers have created an algorithm that can visualize the evolution of genetic mutations, revealing patterns in how proteins change over time. The tool, called minimum epistasis interpolation, helps scientists understand how specific mutations combine to affect protein function.
Research from University of Turku identifies JNK protein as a stress sensor that triggers synapse disassembly when stressed. Inhibiting the JNK protein may help prevent chronic stress-related changes in brain circuits.