A large-scale computational study found that point-of-origin effects significantly influence protein diversification, with relatively small divergence seen from ancestral proteins. The research reinforces existing theories on initial protein formation and highlights the limitations of modern AI protein design methods.
Researchers discovered a large set of previously unrecognized enzymatic domains, the Lipocone superfamily, with a shared lipid-modifying mechanism. This superfamily is linked to Wnt, playing a role in cell communication during human development and associated with various diseases.
The mitochondrial ribosomal protein family (MRPs) is dysregulated in various cancers, influencing tumor initiation and progression. MRPs regulate metabolic reprogramming of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, affecting growth, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance.
Researchers have discovered that secretoglobins, a protein family thought to be exclusive to mammals, are also found in turtles, crocodilians, lizards, and birds. The study suggests that these proteins evolved earlier than dinosaurs and share a basic function not yet discovered.
A new bacterial protein, BeeR, has been identified and its structure is being used to develop protein nanoparticles for targeted cancer drug delivery. The protein forms a hollow tube with a cavity capable of containing drug molecules.
Researchers found Itaconate stimulates immune cells to produce anti-viral proteins called interferons by blocking an enzyme called SDH, offering a potential therapy for autoimmune and infectious diseases.
Researchers from Leiden University discuss targeting ABC transporters in pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), a cancer with poor survival rates. The authors highlight the potential of inhibiting ABC transporters to overcome chemoresistance and suggest developing stratification protocols to identify patients most likely to benefit.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered that the protein SRSF1 can bind and unfold complex RNA Guanine-quadruplexes. This finding could provide new avenues for treating illnesses such as cancer, which is often linked to misfunctioning splicing processes.
Researchers identified a complex of two proteins called Gabija that enhances the blockage of phage replication in bacteria. The study found that one protein alone can disable a phage's DNA, but the complex formed with its partner protein is more effective at preventing phage takeover.
A new study has identified a crucial role for plant MLKL proteins in regulating cytoplasmic calcium ion concentration, which is responsible for innate immune responses. The research found that activated plant MLKLs maintain higher calcium levels, activating downstream immune machinery and conferring disease resistance.
A new study doubles the number of protein families known up until now and identifies many novel structure predictions using a massive analysis of 1.3 billion proteins. The researchers leveraged AI methodologies to unravel the roles of previously unknown protein sequences, expanding the horizons of potential functions.
A recently discovered protein domain, MOTH, has been found to regulate collagen transport between cells and organelles. This domain, which evolved over several hundred million years, is responsible for identifying and transporting the collagen protein.
Researchers found that Sirtuin 7 regulates brown adipose tissue functions, leading to suppressed energy expenditure and thermogenesis. The study reveals a molecular pathway involving protein deacylation and mRNA binding, which will have implications for treating hypermetabolic conditions like cancer and obesity.
Researchers discovered host proteins APOBEC3 can aid HIV's latency, a major hurdle to cure research. The finding raises questions about the role of these proteins and potential ways to block their activity to inhibit viral persistence.
Researchers identified a single protein, FETUA-3, that inhibits a broad spectrum of rattlesnake venom toxins. The discovery may lead to the development of improved snake bite treatments and novel therapeutic options.
Researchers investigate how motor proteins transport vital proteins and RNAs to the right location within cells, where they can cause or prevent genetic neurological diseases. By understanding these highly regulated transport systems, scientists hope to develop new treatments for conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Mari...
A study by CNIC scientists has identified a key role for the MKK3/6–p38γ/δ signaling pathway in cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of p38α promotes an unexpected activation of the other branch of the pathway, consisting of the proteins MKK3, p38γ, and p38δ. This activation induces another key pathway in cardiac hypertrophy, the mTOR pathway.
A new study found that neuronal cilia play a crucial role in ensuring proper signaling of dopamine receptors, which regulate motivated behavior and movement. Mice lacking functional cilia on dopamine receptor 1-expressing neurons became obese and sedentary, highlighting the importance of cilia in dopamine-dependent neural signaling.
Researchers developed a small molecule that effectively controls tumor growth by inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 binding, overcoming accessibility and cost issues of existing antibody treatments. The new molecule has advantages in terms of affordability and oral administration, making immunotherapy more accessible to all cancer patients.
SLFN11 acts as a surveillance factor for protein homeostasis by alleviating proteotoxic stress derived from protein synthesis and maturation. Its lack makes cells vulnerable to anticancer drugs inducing ER and proteotoxic stress, leading to chemoresistance. SLFN11 is also involved in regulating immune response and inflammation.
Researchers characterized human plastins behavior as workaholics and found that they promote disease when disrupting cellular environment. Plastin's two main segments strongly bond together but can disengage to bundle actins, leading to aggressive bundling even when not needed.
Researchers created a zebrafish model to study Bloom syndrome, uncovering similarities and species-specific novelties. The study found reduced fertility and shorter lifespan in mutant zebrafish, which are entirely male.
Researchers identified ephrin ligands in saliva samples of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, strongly associated with severe diagnosis. Saliva analysis could provide a simple, non-invasive method to detect infections and guide care.
Researchers have identified a new family of proteins in blood vessels that prevent fluid from entering the lungs, offering a potential new avenue for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome. Stimulating these bitter taste receptors has been shown to provide protection against fluid leak into the lung.
A new study led by Kelly Monaghan at West Virginia University suggests that interrupting the immune response may improve multiple sclerosis outcomes. The researchers found that targeting a specific protein called CCL17 can prevent the disease from attacking the central nervous system, leading to milder symptoms and delayed paralysis.
Researchers have identified a novel enzyme that catalyzes the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties. The discovery provides fresh insights into carbohydrate metabolism and offers a breakthrough for the synthesis of sugar chains, which play key roles in various biological processes.
Researchers from CCDC, Exscientia, and Oxford University have developed an automated method for informing the design of compound selectivity across protein families. The 'Hotspot API' uses ensemble hotspot maps to quantify the propensity for compounds to exploit interactions in preferred binding sites.
A recent study has shed light on the protein structure that helps bacteria pump toxic molecules out of their cells, contributing to drug resistance. The researchers found that as a pH change occurs, the protein's channel opens and closes in a specific way, allowing the transport of toxic compounds.
Researchers identified three KCTD proteins that modulate neurotransmitter activity, enabling fine-tuned movement. Their elimination enhances cAMP production and sensitivity to dopamine in neurons.
A comprehensive study has revealed over 7,000 human transcription factor (TF) protein-protein interactions, with most playing important roles in transcriptional regulation. The study identifies groups of TFs with specific biological functions, such as chromatin remodelling and RNA splicing.
Scientists have discovered families of proteins that can predict liver transplant rejection, allowing for early detection and modification of immunosuppression. The Blood Proteoform Atlas outlines over 56,000 protein molecules associated with immune cell proteins that change with rejection.
Researchers discover tBID can induce programmed cell death through mitochondrial damage, revealing a new function for a previously thought signal transducer protein. This finding has implications for treating malignant cells and combating infections like Shigella.
Researchers found that a family of proteins enhances the immune response to HIV, Ebola and Zika by boosting signals sent within immune cells. This discovery has implications for potential broad antiviral therapy.
A preclinical trial has found that boosting a naturally occurring protein family may reduce damage from ischemic strokes. The study, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, discovered that administering supplemental IAIP after an ischemic stroke reduced the size of the damaged area and improved functional recovery.
Research led by Scripps Research and HHMI finds PIEZO proteins essential for plant roots' growth and mechanotransduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. This ancient evolutionary origin may lead to new strategies for improving crop yields.
A team of researchers led by Lehigh University's Damien Thévenin is studying the connections between a protein called PTPRJ and human health. They aim to develop therapies that could overcome resistance to current treatments and provide new hope for cancer patients.
The project aims to understand the structure-function relationships of receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs), with a focus on PTPRJ. The researchers hope to design ways to augment RPTP activity in settings like cancer, where tumor growth is promoted.
The study reveals that N-terminal amphipathic motifs of certain Arf proteins determine their specific subcellular localization in a GTP-independent manner. This uncoupling of membrane association and activation may provide new insights for targeting proteins to specific intracellular locations.
A direct link has been found between the anti-apoptotic BCL2-family protein MCL1 and the cell-cycle checkpoint protein P18, showing that MCL1 can initiate cell proliferation via the CDK4/6-RB pathway.
Researchers used a new microscopic 'fishing' technique to snag thousands of proteins key to the cell skeleton. The team identified hundreds of individual proteins with yet-to-be-defined roles, including a protein called SLK that forges the link between RhoA and ERM.
A study by NUS researchers found a close association between liposarcoma and the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein family. The development of LPS is highly dependent on the presence of BET proteins, making them a promising cancer target for treatment.
Researchers have identified two sets of proteins that work together to keep DNA strands unknotted and tangle-free. These proteins, known as SMC and TopoII, use a mechanism similar to a belay device on climbers' rope to resolve knots and links in DNA.
Researchers found that KZFP proteins domesticate regulatory sequences in transposable elements, minimizing their impact on early embryonic development. This process allows for the incorporation of transposable element-based controlling sequences into transcriptional networks.
A novel machine-learning model uses artificial neural networks to analyze protein sequence data, providing detailed information on protein structure, function and evolutionary features. The model can be used to design new proteins with desired functions and predict the future sequence evolution of proteins in living organisms.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a novel class of mechanosensitive ion channels, called OSCAs and TMEM63s, which convert physical forces into biochemical signals. The study provides a structural snapshot of an OSCA channel, revealing potential mechanisms for force sensation.
Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered that SAP102 regulates synaptic AMPAR function differently than PSD-95, with distinct effects on current decay timing. This finding may contribute to the greater cognitive capacity of mammals and other vertebrates.
The study reveals that ATP binding induces ClpB ring formation and hydrolysis causes significant structural changes between round, spiral, and twisted-half-spiral conformations. The results clarify individual roles of AAA1 and AAA2 domains in the disaggregation reaction.
A team from Trinity College Dublin discovered two new families of proteins, PALI1 and PALI2, that are vital for embryonic development and controlling cellular identity in complex animals. These proteins help understand why cells look and act differently despite having identical genes.
A team of researchers has described atom-by-atom changes in a family of proteins linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a group of brain disorders. The study suggests that small chemical changes can lead to big changes in assembly and disease-associated aggregation, offering new insights into disease mechanisms.
Researchers will investigate the role of Mustn1 in cartilage regeneration and skeletal repair using genetically altered mice. The study aims to elucidate a new protein family important for cartilage and bone biology.
Researchers have discovered a new family of proteins involved in cross-reactivity between cypress pollen and certain fruits, leading to improved allergy diagnosis and treatment. This finding, published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, sheds light on the underlying mechanisms behind pollen food associated syndrome.
Researchers have identified a key feature of mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), a rare genetic condition, by finding untethered proteins in the cells of children with the disease. This discovery could help fast-track diagnosis and provide new insights into the disease process.
Researchers studied 15 thioredoxin proteins, including extinct sequences, to understand how they unfold at different temperatures. They found that proteins with similar structure but greater ability to tolerate heat unfold more slowly, making them useful for industrial processes.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that knocking down the Jumonji protein KDM3A inhibits Ewing's Sarcoma metastasis. The researchers also discovered another protein, Melanoma Cell Adhesion Molecule (MCAM), plays a crucial role in the cancer's spread.
A team led by David Baker used metagenomic sequences to generate structural models for 614 proteins, including those from neglected families. The collaboration between the Baker lab and DOE JGI enabled a powerful way of predicting structures, increasing coverage of known protein families.
A random mutation in a single-celled organism created a new family of proteins that are essential for the evolution of animals. The mutation altered the protein's flexibility, allowing it to advance to a new function and play a key role in multicellular life.
Harvard Medical School scientists have identified a new family of proteins that virtually all bacteria use to build and maintain their cell walls. The discovery of this new family, called SEDS proteins, reveals potential targets for much-needed therapies that target the cell wall as a way to kill harmful bacteria.
Researchers have identified spiky filaments within sperm that may play a key role in facilitating fertilization. The discovery, 14 years in the making, provides new insights into the fine dissection of the protein architecture of the sperm's acrosomal matrix.
The tool collects non-redundant PTM data across all known members of a protein family and projects it onto 3D protein structures to visualize PTM hotspots. By analyzing these hotspots, scientists can prioritize research on proteins with high potential for biological function.
Researchers identified a new cellular disposal mechanism that efficiently destroys toxic protein aggregates, such as those found in Huntington's disease. This discovery may help develop concepts for possible disease preventions and shed light on the mechanisms behind human neurodegenerative diseases.