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Bringing lost proteins back home

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.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateSep 20, 2024

Towards a better understanding of epigenetics and dynamic gene silencing and reactivation

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.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Protein droplets likely don’t cause Parkinson’s

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.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

Neuroscience research leverages stem cells to understand how neurons connect and communicate in the brain

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...

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2024

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

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...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Spying on a shape-shifting protein

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.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

Researchers predict protein placement on AFM substrates

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.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2023

Engineering bacteria to biosynthesize intricate protein complexes

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...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Team creates synthetic enzymes to unravel molecular mysteries

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Overcoming the challenges to synthesising iron–sulfur proteins outside the glovebox

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.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2023

The digital dark matter clouding AI

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 5, 2023

Eat right, live longer: could a moderate protein diet be the coveted elixir of youth?

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...

SourceWaseda University·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Dynamic 3D structure extraction from HS-AFM images

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.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Structural Biology·DateApr 26, 2023

Calcium sensor helps us to see the stars

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.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Triggering cellular apoptosis by optical targeting

Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022

How to get chloride ions into the cell

A study led by Przemyslaw Nogly at PSI has detailed insight into the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump in bacteria, revealing how light energy converts to kinetic energy and transports chloride ions inside cells. The pump uses two molecular gates to ensure one-way transport, with the process taking around 100 milliseconds.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022