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New tool mines scientific texts for fusion protein facts

A new tool called ProtFus screens scientific literature to validate predictions about fusion protein activity, which can help improve personalized cancer treatment. The tool identified 2,908 interactions across 18 cancer types, aiding in the study of alterations of protein networks for individual patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 22, 2019

Key gene behind hallmark of Lou Gehrig's disease identified

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have pinpointed the RPS25 gene as a key player in the formation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) protein aggregates. Inhibiting this gene's function reduced toxic protein levels by 50 percent, suggesting a potential target for treating ALS and extending lifespan.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 29, 2019

A solid scaffolding for our cells

Researchers at UNIGE have deciphered the fundamental role of the Not1 protein in regulating ribosome activity, allowing proteins to assemble at the right time and place. This discovery sheds light on a crucial element of cellular machinery and its potential link to diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 28, 2019

Discovery of novel mechanisms that cause migraines

A new mechanism has been discovered for the onset of migraines, involving a mutation in a protein that inhibits neuronal electrical activity. This finding opens a new path for the development of anti-migraine medicines by targeting K2P2.1 channels to reduce neuronal excitability.

SourceCNRS·JournalNeuron·DateDec 17, 2018

New technologies for producing medical therapeutic proteins

Researchers at Lobachevsky University developed a new method for producing medical therapeutic proteins by eliminating SlyD/SlyX genes in E. coli strains, reducing contamination and increasing purification efficiency. The approach enables the production of a wide range of prokaryotic and eukaryotic proteins in a pure form.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJul 12, 2018

How binging creates alcohol tolerance in flies

Repeated exposure to large quantities of alcohol in fruit flies reduces the activity of a protein regulating communication between neurons. This study provides new insight into the neurobiology of alcohol tolerance, revealing that ethanol interferes with neurotransmitter release and Unc13 protein function.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJun 4, 2018

Scientists can now measure activity of key cancer cell-survival protein

Researchers have developed a new way to measure the activity of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), a protein associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. By identifying specific client proteins tied to Hsp70 activity, scientists can now develop potential therapies by testing small molecules in real-world environments.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 6, 2018

Matchmaking with consequences

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have uncovered key details of how Myc proteins work inside tumor cells, revealing their crucial role in cancer development. The study found that an enzyme called polymerase-associated factor 1 (PAF1) plays a significant role in amplifying Myc protein activity.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2017

Tiny alpaca-derived antibodies point to targets preventing viral infection

Researchers have developed a method using tiny alpaca-derived nanobodies to identify and target specific proteins involved in viral infections. By using these molecules to perturb cellular processes, scientists can tease apart the roles individual proteins play in disease, leading to potential new treatments for infectious diseases.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 20, 2016

A multitool for cells

Researchers have discovered that yeast cells use a complex protein structure, called the polarity site, to detect scent gradients. This site moves along the membrane towards the strongest signal before creating a bulge in the cell to grow towards its source.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 21, 2015

Unraveling iridescence

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have clarified the mechanism of iridescence in squid skin, revealing that specific sequences of reflectins correlate with color output. The study identifies three major types of reflectins and their roles in static and tunable iridocytes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 1, 2015

Women retain insulin sensitivity better than men

Researchers at McMaster University found that women's muscle appears more efficient in neutralizing the protein PTEN, which reduces insulin resistance and increases protection against type 2 diabetes. This discovery provides a potential therapeutic target for improving muscle responses to insulin and treating the disease.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2015