Articles tagged with Protein Complexes
Scientists at the University of Münster and Max Planck Institute have clarified the molecular basis for cellular degradation processes by elucidating the 3D structure of Mon1/Ccz1. The complex determines which vesicles deliver their content to the lysosome, a key step in protein regulation.
Researchers found that non-mutated Apolipoprotein E was strongly enriched in dementia patients' brains, correlating with dementia diagnosis. Even those without the disease-driving APOE ε4 allele showed significant levels of ApoE peptides.
Researchers from Tokyo Tech created hybrid ferritin nanocages with histidine residues, achieving 1.5 times higher metal ion uptake and improved catalytic efficiency for alcohol production. The new cages show promising potential as viable catalysts in the chemical industry.
A team of scientists from NTU Singapore has developed a plant-based emulsifier that is rich in protein and antioxidants, allowing it to replace eggs or dairy in food staples. The emulsifier is made by fermenting brewers' spent grain and can help cut down on food waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Kobe University discover that adding Vitamin B2 to stressed cells increases mitochondrial energy production and prevents cellular senescence. This finding has potential implications for preventing age-related disorders and extending healthy lifespans.
Cryo-EM study reveals details of DNA repair mechanism translesion synthesis (TLS), allowing cells to survive with mutations. Key protein complex Pol K - PCNA interaction modulated by ubiquitination facilitates recruitment of TLS polymerase to damage sites.
A new study uses deep learning to build three-dimensional models of protein interactions in eukaryotes, revealing hundreds of previously unknown complexes. This research has significant implications for understanding cellular processes and developing new medications for various health disorders.
A team of researchers at the University of Copenhagen has identified a group of proteins, called CURT1, that control the development of green leaves in plants. This discovery sheds new light on photosynthesis, which is essential for life on Earth and could lead to more efficient CO2 absorption.
University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.
Researchers at Arizona State University have refined cryogenic electron microscopy to produce more accurate structures of biological samples. The new method uses a statistical approach to model transitory structures, which can play a vital role in biological processes.
Researchers have developed Mass-Sensitive Particle Tracking (MSPT) to analyze proteins on biological membranes in real-time. The method enables the determination of protein location and size changes without labeling, providing valuable insights into dynamic processes at the membrane.
Researchers have identified the structure of a protein complex, supercomplex CIII2CIV, that plays a crucial role in energy conversion in animal cells. The complex pumps charged particles through the mitochondrial membrane, facilitating energy production.
Researchers at Penn State have imaged a protein facilitating RNA modification, allowing them to reconstruct the process. The study reveals how a chemical tag is added to tRNA, improving its ability to translate messenger RNA into proteins.
Researchers used complex computer simulations to study the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants to human cells. They found that the virus has two main locations where it grabs onto the host cell receptor ACE2, with early strains having a slippery interaction at one region that becomes less slippery as variants evolve.
Membraneless organelles, a new form of cellular compartment, are being studied by Professor Edward Lemke. His team has successfully designed and incorporated these organelles into living cells, enabling innovative functions such as protein engineering and imaging techniques.
Researchers at Penn State developed a luminescent sensor that can detect and quantify low concentrations of terbium in complex acidic samples. The sensor uses a protein called lanmodulin, which is selectively binding to rare earth elements, and has the potential to help develop a domestic supply of these metals.
Researchers identified DSS1 as a critical protein in breast cancer progression and found that depleting it makes cancer cells more responsive to lower doses of anti-cancer drugs. This technique may reduce drug-induced side effects in breast cancer patients, providing a safer treatment option.
Scientists developed a new mouse line to study protein balance and quality control in the mammalian brain. The research revealed that different neurodegenerative diseases have distinct protein misfolding patterns, offering insights into potential therapeutic options.
Researchers at Skoltech have discovered structures called apical bulkheads in liver cells that are responsible for the narrow shape of bile canaliculi. The discovery reveals a key role for the Rab35 protein in regulating hepatocyte lumina formation and suggests potential avenues for medical applications in fatty liver disease and fibrosis
Researchers found that a protein activator clamps down the active center of GTPase Ran, allowing efficient hydrolysis. This discovery may lead to the development of cancer drugs blocking this process.
A research team at VIB-KU Leuven discovered the early assembly of gamma-secretase, a protein complex involved in plaque production and linked to Alzheimer's disease. The 'buckle up' mechanism prevents premature assembly and activity, allowing for precise regulation of gamma-secretase activity.
Scientists used proteomics to study how exercise affects mitochondria in skeletal muscle, revealing that different proteins respond differently to exercise. The research provides unprecedented detail on mitochondrial supercomplexes and their formation in response to exercise training.
Researchers have successfully visualized the entire complex for the first time, revealing its dynamic behavior and function. The model provides insight into the processes leading to spinal muscular atrophy, a congenital disease affecting one in 6,000 people.
Researchers from ITQB NOVA have characterized a therapeutic target with great potential and built its first three-dimensional model. Silencing the nsp14 protein makes it easier for the organism to identify the virus' messenger RNA and activate the immune system.
Researchers at VIB discovered the molecular architecture of the TPLATE complex, a crucial protein complex in plants that regulates the outer membrane composition. The study provides new insights into the evolution of this complex and its role in vesicle trafficking, essential for eukaryotic processes.
Scientists have discovered that complexes of proteins with molybdenum cofactor (Moco) can be taken up by Moco-deficient nematodes, which may lead to a treatment for human Moco deficiency. This rare condition is lethal and causes devastating neurological and developmental defects in children.
Researchers have developed a new method to visualize protein complexes in their natural environment, revealing the structure of the Arp2/3 complex and its role in cell motility. The study provides insights into the regulation and activity of this important protein complex, which could lead to better understanding of disease mechanisms.
ETH Zurich researchers use a novel method called KARMA to analyze protein complex assembly, revealing a hierarchical principle and durable scaffold. The technique allows for the reconstruction of precise assembly sequences, opening up new avenues for studying biological processes.
Researchers from IRB Barcelona and CNIO successfully reconstituted the human -tubulin ring complex (γTuRC) in vitro, a crucial component of microtubule formation. The 3D structure of γTuRC was revealed using cryo-electron microscopy.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF develop large-scale genetic approach to map protein complex structures in live cells. This breakthrough enables the collection of reliable and detailed structural data reflecting how proteins work in their normal environment.
The 'nap' protein complex, essential for M. pneumoniae's attachment, movement, and transformation, has been clarified at the atomic level. The study reveals that P40/P90 proteins bind to sialic acid substance on cell surfaces, contrary to popular belief.
A team of neuroscientists has identified processes the brain uses to distinguish real and present dangers from those linked to past experiences in mice. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where patients struggle to distinguish between safety and threat cues.
Researchers Leonid Sazanov and his team at IST Austria have solved the mystery of how complex I transports protons across the mitochondrial membrane. They discovered a water wire plays a crucial role in proton transfer, with conformational changes and electrostatic waves facilitating the movement of four protons per cycle.
Researchers discovered that mutations in ARID1A and ARID1B genes lead to the disassembly of cBAF complexes, causing aggressive liver and skin cancer. This finding challenges a proposed strategy to target these proteins for cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of understanding SWI/SNF biology.
The study reveals a deep canyon on the SARS-CoV-2 protein complex where viral RNA binding occurs, suitable for inhibitor development. Researchers identified fundamental characteristics of the Nsp16 and Nsp10 protein complex using X-ray crystallography.
Researchers developed ultrathin 'smart nanosheets' that can capture protein complexes from mixtures, enabling faster and more accurate analysis with electron microscopy. This innovation can lead to better understanding of diseases and treatment with drugs.
Thylakoid membranes from a model cyanobacterium have been studied in unprecedented detail using atomic force microscopy. The results show how these membranes modulate protein abundance and form structurally variable complexes to adapt to changing environments.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified a novel protein complex, NWC, involved in regulating Aurora B localization to ensure correct chromosome separation. The study found that NWC functions in mitotic chromosome stability by allowing Aurora B to accumulate at centromeres.
The study reveals that protein SCAF1 regulates mitochondrial energy production by optimizing the assembly of ETC complexes. In its absence, energy efficiency is reduced and physical activity capacity is impaired.
Researchers have created biological storage compartments using protein and RNA, offering an alternative to traditional lipid-based vesicles. The hollow spheres can be used for targeted drug delivery or pesticide release, and their structure resembles classical lipid vesicles without being made from lipids.
A team of researchers identified the evolutionary 'missing link' in hemoglobin evolution, revealing that complexity can emerge through simple mechanisms. The study found that just two mutations triggered the emergence of modern hemoglobin's structure and function over 400 million years ago.
The Ccr4-Not complex plays a crucial role in controlling protein production by degrading faulty mRNA. Defects in this complex may lead to incorrect protein concentrations, locations, or shapes, associated with various diseases including Alzheimer's.
A new method combines three approaches to capture information about neighboring surfaces within multi-protein complexes. This technique uses affinity tag protein purification, chemical crosslinking with high-resolution mass spectrometry, and computational molecular modeling with protein docking to provide detailed insights into the str...
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum communicate in brown fat cells, affecting heat production and leading to dysfunctional mitochondria. Without this complex, mice become cold-sensitive and develop abnormal lipid droplets.
Researchers have discovered that a thermosensing protein complex regulates plant growth and flowering in response to temperature changes. The study found that ELF3 protein plays a crucial role in this process, preventing the complex from repressing plant genes when temperatures rise.
Scientists at the University of Groningen mapped the structure of a transport complex in bacteria, revealing that it works very efficiently using three independent lifts. This discovery has implications for human brain cells, where a similar transporter plays a vital role in signal transduction.
Researchers at Aarhus University used a combination of spectroscopy methods and X-ray scattering to study the interactions between soap molecules and proteins. They found that one class of soap molecules induces unfolding of proteins, while another class helps them fold back into their correct shape. The study provides deeper insight i...
Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have identified a protein complex elevated in PTSD patients, which could serve as a blood-based biomarker for diagnosis and treatment. A developed peptide has been shown to prevent recall or encoding of fear memories, suggesting potential for symptom prevention or treatment.
Scientists develop theoretical structures of the sweet receptor, revealing how proteins work together to signal 'sweet' flavors. The research could lead to improved nutrition and drug development.
A new cell-material feedback platform enables versatile production, analysis, and purification of diverse proteins and protein complexes on demand. The technology utilizes microbial swarmbots with stimulus-sensitive polymeric microcapsules to facilitate efficient production and analysis.
Researchers identified a step-by-step assembly process of AMPA receptors on the endoplasmic reticulum, critical for excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. The assembly line involves specific proteins and complexes, and its disturbance leads to severe brain dysfunction.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have discovered six proteins essential for directing PRC2 to specific areas in the genome. These findings provide insight into how cells maintain their identity, normal embryonic development, and may impact cancer treatment.
Researchers investigate Mediator complex's function in transcription, shedding light on its conserved role across evolution. The study reveals the complex's involvement in developmental regulation and provides insights into gene expression.
Researchers have discovered new members of a protein complex that maintains functional beta cells in the pancreas, crucial for regulating blood glucose levels. The study reveals the complex's association with enzymes RNF20 and RNF40, which play a key role in gene expression and insulin release.
Researchers have identified a genetic suppressor of flp stomatal defects, which acts downstream from core cell cycle genes to ensure terminal division during stomatal development. The study found that CDK-mediated phosphorylation at the N-terminus of RPA2a is essential for RPA functioning and localization.
Frankfurt researchers successfully decrypted all stages of the transport mechanism of ABC transporters, a crucial protein complex responsible for resistance to antibiotics and chemotherapy. The team used cryo-electron microscopy to obtain high-resolution images of the transporter in motion.
A team at Brigham Young University studied how the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex is assembled, revealing its importance in regulating cell growth and survival. The researchers believe that understanding mTOR's assembly process could lead to new cancer therapies and treatments for diabetes.
Scientists at EPFL have developed a new method for modifying cysteines on peptides and proteins using ethynylbenziodoxolones (EBXs), allowing for dual attachment points for new chemical groups. This enables the study of biological processes without interfering with them.
Using cryo-EM, researchers captured the unfolding of proteins by Cdc48, a critical protein in recycling spent proteins. The study's results provide insights into the protein's structure and function.
A team of researchers from the University of Würzburg has discovered a connection between two important regulators of cell division in lung cancer. The interaction between YAP and MMB protein complexes may be a key target for cancer therapy.