A new glycosidic-bond-based mass-spectrometry-cleavable cross-linker has been developed to improve data analysis throughput and identification accuracy of cross-linking information. This technique enables in-vivo cross-linking of protein complexes in live cells, achieving large-scale and precise analysis of 1,453 proteins.
Researchers found that Foxp2 mutations disrupt the formation of dendrites and neuronal synapses in brain regions involved in speech production. Mice with these mutations showed impairments in producing high-frequency sounds necessary for communication.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered a new cellular sensor that allows dormant bacteria to detect nutrients and quickly spring back to life. This breakthrough could inform the design of ways to prevent dangerous bacterial spores from lying dormant for months before waking up again and causing outbreaks.
Scripps Research scientists develop a new strategy to identify small molecules that can alter protein function, offering a promising path for discovering targeted cancer drugs. By comparing how mirror image versions of small molecules impact clusters of proteins, they identified potential new drug targets such as MY-1B and EV-96.
Researchers have identified the structure of the circadian rhythm photosensor and its target in fruit flies, revealing key components of the circadian clocks. The study also shed light on how DNA damage is repaired in a cell and found genetic variations that help flies adapt to changing latitudes.
Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a fluorescence-based monitoring system to study BAR protein assembly. The study found that WASP, Cdc42, and other proteins facilitate GAS7 assembly on lipid membranes, promoting cellular shape formation and protein signaling.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet and the Max Planck Institute have identified a new mechanism for DNA folding, revealing how the Smc5/6 complex regulates chromosomal organization. This discovery provides new insights into normal development and disease prevention.
Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to visualize a sirtuin enzyme bound to a nucleosome, clarifying how it accesses DNA and histone proteins to modulate gene expression. The study provides insight into the function of SIRT6 in humans and other animals.
Researchers discuss cortactin's impact on cancer progression by modulating the Wnt5a/ROR1 signaling pathway. Cortactin expression is found in various cancers, including breast and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, suggesting its potential role in promoting metastasis.
Scientists have found that antibodies targeting βII-spectrin on mesangial cells are the trigger for IgA nephropathy. This discovery enables blood-based diagnosis and may lead to improved treatments.
The study resolves a long-standing question about the structure of respiratory supercomplexes in unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Complex II is found to be part of the supercomplex in these organisms, optimizing ATP formation and revealing a surprising variety in supercomplex construction.
Scientists studied F1-ATPase function in bacteria to clarify the angle of rotation during ATP hydrolysis. The study revealed three sets of short and long dwells associated with different intervals per revolution, resolving a long-term debate over the ATP-cleavage shaft angle.
A protein complex formed of HuR and YB1 is crucial for messenger RNA stability during muscle-fiber formation. Further research could help scientists influence protein synthesis and develop novel therapeutics for muscle-related pathologies.
The study reveals new details about the intraflagellar transport (IFT) complexes, including previously unknown zinc-binding sites in IFT-A. The high-resolution structures of IFT-A and Tubby-related protein 3 (TULP3) can now be used to investigate developmental diseases involving cilia.
Macrophages adapt their metabolism according to the organ they reside in, reveals Spanish scientists. This discovery highlights a vulnerability of macrophages that contributes to chronic inflammatory diseases and could be exploited therapeutically for conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have shed new light on viral genome replication machinery, revealing its intricate structure at atomic resolution. The study, published in PNAS, provides essential insights into the assembly, dynamic operation, and potential therapeutic targets of this complex machine.
A Canadian-led research team has discovered how the protein PCSK9 degrades LDL receptors, leading to increased cholesterol levels. HLA-C plays a critical role in this process, which could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.
In a mouse model of laser-induced CNV, RORα expression was highly increased in the choroidal/RPE complex post-laser, while loss or inhibition of RORα worsened CNV with increased lesion size and vascular leakage. RORα negatively regulates pathological CNV development by modulating angiogenic response and inflammatory environment.
Researchers have discovered a possible cause of neurodegeneration in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease using fruit flies. The study found that an overabundance of the TOMM40 gene causes marked cell death in the retina, which corresponds to the level of protein produced by the gene.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg and Kyoto Sangyo University have elucidated the guidance mechanism for mitochondrial pore formation through structural and functional experiments. The study reveals that Sam50 and Sam37 proteins play critical roles in forming barrel pores, essential for cellular function.
Researchers discovered a molecular 'clamping' mechanism within a male-specific protein-DNA complex that exploits a water molecule to stabilize the complex and enable sex reversal. The study sheds light on Swyer Syndrome, a condition where children with XY chromosomes develop female bodies.
A recent study has identified common and unique cellular processes in six neurodegenerative diseases, providing new insights into the underlying causes of these conditions. The research used machine learning analysis to compare RNA markers in whole blood samples from patients with distinct diseases, revealing eight shared themes across...
Researchers discovered a smart molecular glue formed by proteins clinging to microtubules, enabling nucleus positioning during cell division. The 'glue' enables mechanical forces to be transduced as desired, with flexible properties allowing it to withstand tension.
Researchers from University of Cologne and Technical University of Munich discovered that the signal peptidase complex plays a crucial role in quality control of membrane proteins. The complex cleaves faulty membrane proteins to initiate their degradation, maintaining cellular function. This discovery has important implications for und...
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.
Scientists at King's College London and the University of Bath have made a groundbreaking discovery about a molecule that plays a crucial role in nerve cell development. The study found that this molecule, known as SNRNP70, is not only present in the nucleus but also in the cytoplasm of nerve cells, where it shapes messenger RNA strand...
The study reveals the structure of the 15-subunit IFT-B complex, a crucial component in cilia formation and maintenance. The complex's elongated and flexible nature is consistent with previous low-resolution reconstructions, and two configurations are identified that may drive bi-directional movement.
The HUSH complex is involved in normal brain development, neuronal individuality, and connectivity. The complex also regulates repetitive-like gene clusters, including protocadherin gene clusters, which are essential for neuron-to-neuron interactions.
Researchers at John Innes Centre discovered a mechanism of flowering plant sperm compaction using histone protein H2B.8. This mechanism allows for moderate nuclear condensation without compromising gene activity, essential for immotile sperm and pollen tube travel.
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.
Researchers have mapped the critical protein structure of the Hepatitis C virus, revealing key sites of vulnerability that can be targeted with vaccines. The discovery could lead to an effective HCV vaccine, which would eliminate the virus as a public health burden.
The Rutgers team developed an analytical toolkit to measure protein-carbohydrate interactions with single-molecule precision. By adjusting the 'stickiness' of enzymes, they aim to enhance cellulose decomposition for biofuels production and improve healthcare targeting protein-based drugs.
Researchers at OHSU have revealed the structure of the key part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, a long-standing mystery. The discovery could lead to new treatments for hearing impairments affecting over 460 million people worldwide.
The study reveals how the activating partner PI5P interacts with two different regions of regulatory protein UHRF1, showing its role in modulating complex proteins. This finding could breathe new life into the search for UHRF1-directed medicines.
A UNIGE team identified a three-step mechanism that allows our body to defend itself against hepatitis B. The complex detects the viral DNA, traps it, and inhibits the virus' chromosome.
Researchers observe atomic-level structural changes in bacterial ribosomes and their response to antibiotics, shedding light on mechanisms of action and potential off-target effects. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between ribosomes and other cellular complexes.
The study found that the interaction between two organelles in the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, controls the transfer of cholesterol to the plasma membrane. This process is crucial for maintaining proper lipid composition at the cell surface.
Researchers uncovered crucial interactions between XPA and RPA proteins in NER, essential for repairing UV-damaged DNA. These findings hold promise for improving cancer therapy outcomes by targeting the NER pathway.
The research team at the University of Würzburg has reported the first structures of UBA6 in complex with either ATP or FAT10, shedding light on its dual recognition capability. The study also identified UBA6 variants that selectively abolish the activation of either ubiquitin or FAT10.
Neurobiologists identified mechanisms underlying atypical protein tangles that kill neurons in neurodegenerative disorders. Engineering Drosophila adults with human Tau revealed a 'traffic jam' effect, where reduced retromer activity accelerates neurodegeneration. Inhibiting the shortened form of Tau could stall neuron loss.
A study found that inactivating a specific protein complex, PRC2, leads to impaired gene silencing and loss of neurotransmitter production in nerve cells. This is linked to Parkinson's disease-like symptoms and mental health problems.
Researchers captured first image of antigen-bound T-cell receptor complex with bound antigen at atomic resolution. The study reveals no significant structural changes in the receptor after antigen binding, sparking further investigation into the signaling pathway activation mechanism.
Researchers determined the cryo-EM structure of IGF Ternary complex and its assembly & activation mechanism. The study reveals how IGFBP3 and ALS form a stable complex with IGF1, regulating its activity. The findings provide new insights into growth-related diseases such as growth hormone deficiency and ALS deficiency.
Researchers have modelled a key mechanism by which DNA replicates, revealing details about how helicases wrangle DNA during replication. The simulations showed each step of translocation can travel more than 12 nucleotides along the backbone, pinpointing interactions involved in long-distance movement.
SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2022
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz used AlphaFold to predict the structures of new protein knots, discovering the most complex knot and composite knots. These findings provide insight into folding mechanisms and evolutionary processes in proteins.
Scientists have determined the molecular structure of HIV Pol, a protein that plays a key role in the late stages of HIV replication. The discovery reveals a new vulnerability in the virus that could be targeted with drugs, and sheds light on how the protein breaks apart to advance the replication process.
A team of scientists from the University of Bristol has identified a host cell pathway hijacked by SARS-CoV-2, allowing it to penetrate human cells. The study found that removing a protein complex called ESCPE-1 blocks COVID-19 infection by around 50%.
Researchers designed artificial peptides that can bind to viral proteins, blocking entry into cells and causing viruses to clump together. These 'miniproteins' were found to be thermostable and safe for use in humans, with promising results in lab tests and animal models.
Researchers from Arizona State University investigate autoantibodies in healthy individuals, revealing their pervasiveness and role in human health and disease. The findings aim to improve diagnostics and therapeutics for a range of illnesses.
Researchers studied meiotic cohesin complexes' effect on chromosome structure and genomic integrity in embryonic stem cells. Maintaining adequate levels of REC8 and STAG3 factors ensures chromosomal stabilization and sister chromatid cohesion.
Research reveals pridopidine enhances autophagy in ALS model, reducing toxic protein aggregation and promoting neuronal health. The study supports pridopidine's potential as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's.
A research team discovered that an excessive number of thromboxane A2 receptors in blood vessel cells hinders the formation of new blood vessels, leading to vascular and cardiovascular diseases. The finding offers a promising biomarker for treatment and potential therapeutic benefits from blocking the receptor's action.
Researchers at the University of Cologne investigated UPF3A and UPF3B proteins involved in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a quality control mechanism preventing defective mRNA from being processed into harmful proteins. The study shows that both proteins have partially overlapping functions, enabling fault-tolerant activation of NMD.
Researchers from Max Planck Institute have determined the 3D structural details of the human CCAN complex, highlighting its unique features and implications for interactions with centromere protein A. This discovery raises fundamental questions about creating artificial chromosomes.
Researchers have identified a new enzyme, tankyrase-1, that regulates cell death in inflammatory diseases like psoriasis. The discovery may lead to more effective treatments for chronic inflammatory conditions, some cancers, and viral infections.
The new computational tool, AF2Complex, predicts the structure of protein complexes and their interactions, offering insights into biomolecular mechanisms. The model is based on AlphaFold 2 and performs well in predicting protein structures and complex formations.
Researchers create complex mixtures of biomolecules that spontaneously form self-organized patterns in response to environmental changes. This breakthrough bridges the complexity gap between chemistry and biology.
An international research team found that the protein complex NAC acts as a 'gatekeeper' controlling protein transport to the endoplasmic reticulum. NAC prevents non-specific binding of SRP to ribosomes, ensuring only proteins with ER destination are transported. This sorting mechanism ensures cellular function and viability.
A preclinical study identified a protein complex critical for regulating apoptosis and necroptosis. Inhibiting this complex may help prevent excessive cell death and tissue damage associated with heart attacks, autoimmune disorders, and COVID-19. Researchers believe that targeting the PPP1R3G/PP1γ pathway could lead to new treatments f...
Researchers identified three KCTD proteins that modulate neurotransmitter activity, enabling fine-tuned movement. Their elimination enhances cAMP production and sensitivity to dopamine in neurons.