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Tracing down linear ubiquitination

Researchers developed a novel technology to tackle the 'secret ubiquitin code' by enabling systematic analysis of linear ubiquitination targets. This breakthrough will improve understanding of linear ubiquitination's role in diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory conditions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 20, 2017

Visualization of the behavior of sugar transport proteins

A team of researchers at Osaka University developed a method to visualize intracellular protein trafficking, specifically the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), which is associated with type II diabetes. The study reveals that abnormalities in the N-glycan chain lead to transient translocation and rapid internalization of GLUT4.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 16, 2016

Food scientists: We can detect much more food fraud

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have reviewed the use of NIR spectroscopy to detect food fraud in Current Opinion in Food Science. The method can reveal far more food fraud than current methods, including intentional misrepresentation and undeclared introduction of cheaper substances. By examining large quantities of raw ...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalCurrent Opinion in Food Science·DateOct 5, 2016

How to engineer a stronger immune system

Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have developed a new method to consistently activate mesenchymal stromal cells to produce anti-inflammatory proteins, enhancing their immune-suppressing effects. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and organ transplant rejection.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateAug 8, 2016

Smoking may have negative effects on sperm quality

A recent study published in BJU International found that smoking can cause DNA damage in sperm, leading to decreased fertility. The research included 20 non-smokers and 20 smokers and analyzed protein alterations in their sperm. Sperm with altered DNA may lead to health problems in offspring.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateJun 22, 2016

DNA barcodes gone wild

A team of researchers has developed a new technology that can stitch together DNA barcodes inside cells, allowing scientists to search amongst millions of protein pairs for protein interactions. This breakthrough increases the rate of discovery without increasing costs.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateApr 22, 2016

New tool enables scientists to interpret 'dark matter' DNA

Scientists at the Gladstone Institutes have invented a new way to read and interpret the human genome, using machine learning technology to predict gene-enhancer interactions. The TargetFinder tool accurately predicts complex three-dimensional interactions up to 85% of the time, opening the door to treating genetic diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Genetics·DateApr 4, 2016

New massive dataset of bacterial proteins

Scientists from Switzerland and the Netherlands have identified over 2,300 bacterial proteins in 22 different growth conditions, representing half of the bacterial genes. The dataset provides insight into protein function, expression levels, and post-translational adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 7, 2015

Cell imaging gets colorful

Researchers have developed a new method for detecting and imaging protein-protein interactions in live cells using color changes, enabling immediate visualization of biochemical events. The FPX technique converts biochemical processes into dramatic green to red color changes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 26, 2015

Sopping up proteins with thermosponges

The study demonstrates that thermosponge nanoparticles can effectively deliver a variety of proteins while preserving their biological activity. The new platform is designed to eliminate the need for harsh solvents and shows promise for delivering protein-based drugs for human therapeutics.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 22, 2014

Cellular team players

Researchers at Technical University of Munich used FRET methodology to observe interaction between Hsp90, P23 and ATP. They found that P23 strengthens ATP bonding, increasing energy production. This breakthrough reveals the importance of cooperation in cellular energy generation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2014

Watching HIV bud from cells

University of Utah researchers developed a way to observe HIV budding without interfering with the process, showing ALIX's involvement in the late stages of virus replication. The study used digital camera and microscope technology to make movies and photos of the budding process.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 16, 2014