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Genomic data are growing, but what do we really know?

A large-scale evaluation of computational protein function prediction reveals that algorithms combining disparate prediction clues provide more accurate predictions, turning genomic data into useful information. The study provides a comprehensive picture of how well current methods perform, with potential improvements identified.

SourceMiami University·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 20, 2013

Cellular eavesdropping made easy

A new approach devised by EMBL scientists enables the distinction of proteins secreted by cells from those in their food, allowing measurement of secretion changes over time. This method has opened new avenues for drug and biomarker screening, as well as studying cell responses to drugs and 3D growth conditions.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 24, 2012

Teamwork against Benzene

Researchers from Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research identified three teams of bacteria working together to degrade benzene, a highly toxic substance. By analyzing proteins, they shed light on the complex process, which could also apply to other bacterial cooperatives.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 26, 2012

Study suggests why some animals live longer

Scientists at the University of Liverpool have developed a method to detect proteins associated with longevity, finding that certain proteins evolve in non-random ways in long-lived species. This suggests that these species have optimised pathways for repairing molecular damage, which could help develop anti-ageing interventions.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAGE·DateMar 29, 2012

Biomarkers for autism discovered

Researchers at Uppsala University have identified potential biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder using advanced mass spectrometry. The study found disruptions in the nervous system and a connection between protein C3 and ASD, which may lead to a reliable blood-based diagnostic tool.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 23, 2012

Protein libraries in a snap

Manan Mehta developed a method to create circularly permuted proteins, which are useful for studying molecular evolution and designing biosensors. The new technique uses transposase engineering to create diverse protein variants with great control.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 10, 2012

Soy is on top as a high-quality plant protein

A recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry has evaluated a new method for determining protein quality. Soy protein was found to be a high-quality protein with a PDCAAS score of 1.00, comparable to animal-based proteins like eggs, dairy, and meat.

SourceSolae, LLC·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 6, 2011

So many proteins, so much promise

A team at Northwestern University has developed a new method to identify thousands of protein molecules quickly, which could lead to the discovery of biomarkers and early disease detection. The approach, known as top-down proteomics, measures proteins intact instead of breaking them down into smaller parts.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2011

DNA caught rock 'n rollin'

Researchers at University of Michigan and University of California, Irvine discover DNA's building blocks 'rock and roll,' forming alternative structures with Hoogsteen base pairs. These fleeting states contain new layers of information stored in the genetic code, shedding light on critical interactions between DNA and proteins.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2011

New method for rapidly producing protein-polymers

Researchers have created a new method for rapidly producing protein-polymers using overlap-extension rolling circle amplification. This technique allows for the synthesis of large libraries of proteins with subtle differences, which can be used to rapidly screen new combinations and develop new classes of protein-based polymers.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 25, 2011

Scientists identify the largest network of protein interactions related to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at IRB Barcelona discovered 200 new protein interactions that could be linked to Alzheimer's disease, bringing the total number of interactions to 6000. The study reveals new molecular mechanisms, including oxidative stress and inflammation, which may play a role in the development of the disease.

Biophysical Society names 2011 award recipients

The Biophysical Society has recognized eight individuals with its 2011 awards for their significant contributions to the field of biophysics. The awardees include researchers who have made pioneering discoveries using NMR methods, membrane protein biochemistry, and single molecule fluorescence microscopy.

Genetic code 2.0

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft successfully integrated three synthetic amino acids into a single protein, allowing for systematic improvement of existing protein qualities. This breakthrough has significant implications for industry and science, enabling the creation of new biological features and tailored proteins with novel p...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 30, 2010

Blood test may identify lung cancer patients likely to respond to erlotinib

A new blood test has been found to identify patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer who are more likely to respond to erlotinib treatment. The test, which analyzes specific 'fingerprints' of a protein called EGFR, showed a significant response rate in patients with good proteomic profiles compared to those with poor profiles.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 30, 2010

PNNL recognized for tech transfer

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been recognized for its partnerships with outside companies to develop new technologies. The lab's partnership with Pressure BioSciences led to the development of a pressurized process that quickly digests proteins, speeding up protein analysis by minutes. Additionally, PNNL partnere...

Facebook (and systems biologists) take note: Network analysis reveals true connections

Researchers developed a universal method to analyze complex networks, including social networks, protein-protein interactions, and air transportation networks. The method accurately predicts missing and spurious connections by averaging all possible groupings of nodes, giving each grouping a weight that reflects its explanatory power.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2009

Novel polymer could improve protein-based drugs

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new approach to attach polymers to proteins, improving their circulation and efficacy in animal models. The new conjugates showed longer half-lives and remained active for up to 18 hours, potentially reducing toxic effects.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 2009

Protein folding: Diverse methods yield clues

Researchers compare two methods for studying protein folding: atomic force microscopy and chemical denaturant method. Both approaches reveal similarities in protein behavior, offering new insights into the forces that shape proteins.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateAug 6, 2009

Major step for drug discovery and diagnostics

Researchers at University of Copenhagen have developed a general method to study membrane proteins, reducing the development time for useful drugs substantially. The method uses amphipols to immobilize membrane proteins on surfaces, allowing for faster and more accurate testing.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2009