Articles tagged with Protein Functions
Researchers found that silencing Mitch, a key regulator of mitochondrial fusion, increases cellular respiration and burns more fats and carbohydrates. In human cells, deleting Mitch leads to increased muscular endurance and a decrease in fat accumulation.
Researchers discovered two proteins, GSK3ß and ERK1, that regulate the movement of a toxic huntingtin protein in neurons. Inhibiting GSK3ß led to reduced axonal blockages and neuronal cell death, while inhibiting ERK1 had the opposite effect, increasing transport problems and cell death.
University of Oklahoma researchers discovered ZIP4 protein drives glioblastoma progression through extracellular vesicles and reprogrammed microglial plasticity. The study identifies ZIP4 and TREM1 as promising therapeutic targets for treating aggressive brain cancer.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about the role of GP38 in viral infections and pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a target for vaccines and medical countermeasures. Non-neutralizing GP38-specific antibodies have shown protective efficacy against lethal challenge, reducing circulating GP38 and vascular leak.
Researchers developed new AI models, InstaNovo and InstaNovo+, to vastly improve accuracy and discovery in protein science. These models excel in tasks such as de novo peptide sequencing, identifying microorganisms, and discovering novel peptides, with implications for personalized medicine, cancer immunology, and beyond.
Researchers at Aarhus University have mapped the precise structure of CD163 bound to haptoglobin-haemoglobin complex, providing unique insight into its function. This breakthrough connects earlier observations and opens up opportunities for studying the evolution of CD163's structure and interaction with other proteins.
The Protein Society recognizes five award winners in 2025 for their groundbreaking research in protein science and technology. Professor Jan Steyaert receives the Christian B. Anfinsen Award for pioneering nanobody technology, while Dr. Brian Kuhlman wins the Emil Thomas Kaiser Award for novel protein design and structural modeling.
Jessica Lusty Beech wins award for understanding plastic-degrading Rieske iron oxidoreductase system, while Matteo Cagiada predicts absolute protein folding stability using generative models. The Protein Society recognizes their contributions to protein science.
Researchers used ancestral sequence reconstruction to study the evolution of enzyme thermostability and cold adaptation. They identified key amino acid substitutions that enhanced catalytic activity at low temperatures, revealing a structural shift between intermediate ancestral enzymes.
A new paper proposes that temperature plays a fundamental role in setting off shapeshifting in metamorphic proteins. Researchers analyzed differences in hydrophobic contacts and found significant temperature-dependent changes, supporting their theory.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo designed a protein cage system that can control and visualize orientational changes in aromatic side chains through strategic binding of fluorescent ligands. This approach enables precise control over protein dynamics while enhancing fluorescence properties, with potential applications in biomo...
Researchers have discovered that girolline, a compound from the sea sponge Pseudaxinyssa cantharella, acts by modulating eIF5A activity, preventing ribosomes from stalling on difficult-to-translate amino acid sequences. This finding has implications for its potential as an antimalarial and anti-aging agent.
Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new version of AlphaFold that can predict the shape of very large and complex protein structures, integrating experimental data. This breakthrough aims to improve the development of new proteins for medical drugs.
Skirycz's five-year grant will support a novel method to characterize the 'dark matter' of the metabolome, identifying previously unknown functions of compounds. By comparing multiple interaction networks across different organisms, researchers aim to validate potential targets for understanding organismal health.
Researchers found that glycans attached to glycosylation enzymes' lectin domains inhibit the enzymes' activity, leading to self-regulation of their own biosynthesis. This unique mechanism sheds light on how glycosylation enzymes choose their substrate proteins in cells.
A new study in mice shows a unique mRNA delivery method can successfully edit faulty genes in fetal brain cells. The technology has the potential to stop progression of genetic-based neurodevelopmental conditions like Angelman syndrome and Rett syndrome before birth.
Researchers from Delft University of Technology have unraveled the mechanism of the antibacterial function of human GBP1 proteins, forming a protective coat around bacteria to break their membrane. This discovery could aid in developing medications and therapies for individuals with weakened immune systems.
Scientists at Stanford University have developed a new method to relocalize misplaced proteins in cells, which could lead to therapeutic treatments for diseases. The team created a class of molecules called TRAMs that convince natural shuttles to take cargo like proteins to different parts of the cell.
A recent study by Nara Institute of Science and Technology reveals a new mechanism for dynamic gene silencing and reactivation, highlighting the intricate roles of proteins like SDG7. The research team identified a competitive interaction between SDGs and PRC2 at PREs, allowing for efficient gene activation through H3K36 methylation.
Researchers from Japan have discovered that Exportin-5 interacts with a broader spectrum of RNAs, including tRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and specific mRNAs. This study sheds light on the unique roles of Exp5 in RNA export within Drosophila cells.
Researchers investigated peptide clumping behavior using molecular dynamics simulations and AI techniques. They discovered that aromatic amino acids enhance aggregation, while hydrophilic ones inhibit it, offering insights into peptide structure and function.
Researchers investigated the relationship between protein aggregation and liquid-liquid phase separation, finding that droplet formation may actually protect against aggregation. The study, led by Paul Scherrer Institute, used over 500 conditions to test the behavior of alpha-synuclein proteins.
A multidisciplinary team developed GeneMAP to probe gene function in metabolism. They identified SLC25A48 as necessary for mitochondrial choline transport and associated it with eight human diseases.
Researchers at Colorado State University used human stem cells to study synaptic connections in the brain, focusing on GABAergic synapses. They found that Gephyrin promotes autonomous assembly of these synapses, which can develop independently of neuronal communication. This understanding could lead to new treatments for neurological d...
A study by TUM researchers discovered four subtypes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) with different molecular processes, including sex differences. The findings suggest repurposing an approved cancer drug targeting the MAPK pathway as a promising therapeutic approach for ALS.
Dorothee Dormann and Edward Lemke propose a new concept to measure the individual risk of getting age-related diseases by analyzing protein clumps in cells. This 'protein aggregation clock' could help diagnose age-related diseases at early stages or identify people at higher risk.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University has engineered a short sequence of artificial DNA to target the mutant protein p53-R175H, linked to lung, colorectal, and breast cancers. The new molecule, dp53m, inhibits cancer cell growth and increases sensitivity to chemotherapy agent cisplatin.
Scientists identify ZIP7 as a key player in reducing ER stress, which is responsible for misfolded protein accumulation. Overexpressing ZIP7 restores cell mobility, suggesting its potential as a therapy target for degenerative diseases.
A research team has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the GPR156 receptor protein's role in maintaining auditory function. The study reveals that GPR156 exhibits sustained activity even without external stimuli, highlighting its potential as a target for treating congenital hearing impairments.
Emerging from a need to understand organelle interactions, researchers have developed OrthoID, a novel strategy that refines protein identification at organelle contact sites. This method uses mutually orthogonal binding pairs to label and isolate proteins involved in cellular communication.
Two new Review articles explore AI's application in early cancer detection, highlighting its potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment selection. The articles emphasize the need for a robust, multi-disciplinary approach to integrate AI into medicine.
Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...
A new tool using electrocatalysis enables precise modification of site-specifically incorporated 5-hydroxytryptophan residues on many different proteins, including full-length therapeutic antibodies. The eCLIC method has potential applications in developing novel biotherapeutics and protein-based research tools.
A study by Dr. Yamamoto et al. discovered 200 types of proteins, including β2-m, adsorbed onto blood purification devices in dialysis patients. These proteins, such as lysozyme, are involved in amyloid fibril formation and may contribute to the disease progression.
Scientists developed an innovative neural cell culture model that replicates the aberrant behavior of TDP-43 in neurons. The model identified NPTX2 as a toxic protein that accumulates in cells containing abnormal TDP-43, leading to neurodegeneration in ALS and FTD.
Researchers at ISTA have discovered the composition of poxviral cores, a key factor in their infectivity. The study's findings could lead to the development of new therapeutics targeting the viral core.
A research team at the University of Göttingen has discovered 'protective switches' in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that shield it from attacks by the immune system. These molecular structures were found to stabilize the protein's structure against oxidative damage, allowing the virus to replicate effectively.
Scientists at the Advanced Science Research Center used X-ray crystallography with elevated temperature and pressure to observe distinct shapes in a protein molecule. The study reveals how proteins change shape to bind metabolites or other proteins, offering insight into disease treatment and development of novel drugs.
Gladstone scientists have created an intricate map of how the immune system functions, examining the detailed molecular structures governing human T cells. This study will accelerate the development of new and better therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.
A study published in Molecular Cell describes how bacteria build a form of ubiquitin that helps cells communicate. The research sheds light on how different enzymes impact this protein during infection, providing an important first step towards understanding its role in diseases like Parkinson's and breast cancer.
A new study has identified protein expression patterns that can predict the progression of follicular lymphoma, an incurable type of cancer. By analyzing tumour samples from patients, researchers have found a correlation between specific proteins and disease transformation, enabling early detection of high-risk patients.
A new method predicts biomolecular structure placement on AFM substrates based on electrostatic interactions, improving understanding of biological processes at the nanoscale. The method provides remarkable agreement with previous experimental results and can be applied for post-experimental analysis.
Researchers developed an innovative bioengineering approach using genetically modified bacteria to incorporate protein cages around protein crystals. This method efficiently produces highly customized protein complexes for specialized applications. The resulting crystals have a core-shell structure with a cubic PhC core covered in five...
A team of researchers developed synthetic enzymes that can control the behavior of the signaling protein Vg1, which plays a key role in vertebrate embryonic development. The study uses zebrafish to investigate how Vg1 is formed and found that it must undergo additional processing before it can be activated.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside uncover COVID's Achilles heel - its dependence on key human proteins. By understanding how the virus interacts with human cells, a new class of antiviral medication may be developed to block replication and treatment.
A team of Chinese and UK researchers has identified superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) as a potential target for reversing drug resistance in ovarian cancer. By using nanoparticles to deliver siRNA that reduces SOD1 levels, the study showed reduced growth and decreased resistance to cisplatin in female mice.
Researchers overcome challenges in synthesizing iron-sulfur proteins by developing a novel protocol that functions in an oxygen-free environment. The protocol uses a combination of protein systems and enzymes to produce mature Fe-S proteins, which has significant implications for synthetic biology and anaerobic enzymology.
A team of scientists has identified a key player in the coupling between early transcription termination and RNA degradation. The ARS2 protein recruits ZC3H4, which interacts with the NEXT complex to target nascent transcripts for degradation.
Researchers developed tiny nano-sized pores that can detect specific proteins in complex biological fluids, such as blood. The breakthrough enables fast and accurate disease diagnosis, potentially leading to earlier interventions and improved treatment outcomes.
Scientists using popular computational tools to interpret AI predictions are picking up too much 'noise' when analyzing DNA. Researchers have found a way to fix this by applying a new line of code, leading to more reliable explanations and potentially unlocking the next breakthrough in health and medicine.
Researchers updated their protein localization prediction model, MULocDeep, to provide more targeted predictions for biological discoveries. The tool helps researchers design more effective experiments and advance scientific discoveries related to drug development and treating diseases like epilepsy.
A recent study published in GeroScience found that a moderate-protein diet (25% and 35%) improved metabolic health in both young and middle-aged mice. The researchers also observed reduced blood glucose concentrations and lipid levels in liver and plasma. A balanced diet with moderate protein intake may promote metabolic health in huma...
The Spitrobot simplifies sample preparation for time-resolved crystallography, allowing non-specialist groups to conduct experiments that previously required expert expertise. This technology accelerates research in enzymatic mechanisms and enables broader applications in biotechnology and disease-related problems.
Computational modeling and simulations allow for reconstruction of 3D conformations with atomistic resolution from topographic resolution-limited AFM images. This enables automated recognition of biomolecular shape changes and feature assignment, including amino acid residue identification on the molecular surface.
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 PSI deciphered the structure of an ion channel found in the eye while interacting with calmodulin, a protein that enables cell response to calcium fluctuations. This interaction is believed to be responsible for achieving remarkable sensitivity to dim light.
A new AI tool, CLEAN, can predict enzyme functions based on amino acid sequences, outperforming leading state-of-the-art tools in accuracy and reliability. The tool was developed using contrastive learning and verified experimentally with both computational and in vitro experiments.
A team of scientists has successfully tested a method to measure biomolecules' precise dimensions and comparability. They used single-molecule FRET analysis to measure distances in proteins with precision, observing structural changes on time scales of less than a millisecond.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the protein synthesis mechanism in Giardia intestinalis, resolving high-resolution structures of six different states of elongation. These findings provide valuable information for screening specific drugs against Giardia and other protozoan parasites.
Researchers at CZ Biohub SF and UCSF create high-resolution map of human immune response to P. falciparum, revealing why durable malaria vaccines have been hard to come by. The study uses sophisticated method to analyze antibodies' binding patterns to parasite proteins, offering insight into how malaria evades the immune system.