Research on how proteins bind and work together. Covers membrane-protein assembly, viral infection, molecular imaging, and drugging difficult targets.
A Harvard Medical School scientist has developed a new approach using deep learning to predict protein structure from amino acid sequence. This method achieves accuracy comparable to current state-of-the-art methods but at speeds upward of a million times faster.
Researchers successfully created self-assembled structures using oppositely charged synthetic proteins, enabling the formation of hierarchical ordered, symmetrical structures. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel architectures for bio-enabled sensing and functional coatings with unique properties.
Researchers discovered that impaired FUS protein-protein interactions contribute to ALS degeneration, but drug-induced autophagy reduces pathological processes linked to aberrantly accumulated FUS. Stimulating autophagy rescued RNA-binding proteins and reduced neuronal death in cell culture experiments.
A new study reveals that BAX, a crucial driver of apoptosis, is activated by transient interactions with BH3-only proteins at two distant sites on the protein. This 'hit-and-run' interaction initiates the conversion of BAX into a lethal protein for cells.
A new study has revealed a previously unknown interaction between proteins that causes certain types of cancer called sarcoma. The research, led by Pierre Åman, found that tumor-altered FET proteins bind to the SWI/SNF complex, leading to misregulation and disruptions in genetic programming.
Researchers at Purdue University discovered a molecule called heparan sulfate that can prevent viruses from escaping cells, raising questions about the safety of gene therapy delivery. The study highlights the need to consider how engineered viruses will exit cells to avoid unintended consequences.
Researchers at JILA have developed a fast and gentle method to prepare DNA samples for imaging in liquid, revealing detailed structures of protein-DNA complexes. The process, which takes just five minutes, preserves the mechanical properties of DNA and produces high-resolution images of DNA's iconic double helix structure.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a new structural feature of living cells that aids in tidying up defective cellular material, implicated in disorders such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's diseases. The discovery could lead to new preventive or therapeutic targets for human disease.
Researchers have deciphered the molecular events that convert inactive NLR molecules into active complexes providing disease resistance. The study focuses on protein ZAR1, which interacts with multiple 'guardees' to recognize unrelated bacterial effectors and induces cell death through a unique structure.
Researchers designed proteins that can assemble into complex structures using supercomputers and artificial charges. The stacked octamer structure consists of 16 proteins, resembling a braided ring with highly ordered and specific interactions.
A team of researchers has identified a protein complex called Lubac that marks misfolded proteins, stopping them from interacting with other proteins and directing them towards disposal. This discovery holds promise for the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers discovered that CG9186 protein restricts hormonal signalling pathways, including insulin pathway, affecting Drosophila growth. The study suggests a link between the protein's absence and altered growth rates in larvae.
Agricultural pesticide fludioxonil kills fungi by delivering a metabolic shock through the formation of reactive stress molecules, which triggers a biochemical cascade leading to cell death. The researchers discovered that fludioxonil produces methylglyoxal, a highly reactive chemical, which activates the lethal HHK cascade.
The researchers developed a molecule called SAMβA that not only stabilizes but regresses heart failure in rats. The molecule improves the heart's capacity to pump blood and reduces oxidative stress in heart cells.
A deficiency in the SHANK3 protein, which regulates synaptic communication between brain cells, is associated with various neurological conditions. Researchers have identified kinases that can regulate SHANK3 stability, offering hope for developing treatments by increasing its abundance.
Researchers at UMaine have discovered a connection between an influenza virus surface protein and a host cell lipid, which could lead to new antiviral therapies. The study found that the protein hemagglutinin interacts with the host cell lipid PIP2, potentially allowing for targeted treatments despite frequent viral mutations.
Researchers analyzed over 900 networks from biology, transportation, technology and more, finding that close to 50% don't meet the definition of a scale-free network. The study's findings suggest that the shape of a network determines its properties, including susceptibility to targeted attacks or disease outbreaks.
A new technique developed at Purdue University could lead to faster and more accurate detection of cancer cells in patient blood samples. The method uses near-infrared spectroscopy to analyze proteins expressed on cancer cells, enabling early diagnosis and potentially improving outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that the protein makeup of HDL particles plays a crucial role in their ability to predict heart health. The research, led by Nathalie Pamir, identified genetic variants linked to cholesterol efflux capacity and proteins associated with HDL's activity.
Researchers discovered that specific RNAs interact with multiple proteins, promoting aggregation and altering RNA splicing. This finding has implications for understanding complex diseases like Fragile X Tremor Syndrome.
Researchers have discovered a crucial mechanism for removing faulty proteins from cells, which may aid understanding of neurological diseases and anaemia. By studying the yeast protein Hel2, they found that this process is essential for maintaining cellular health.
Researchers have discovered the genetic puzzle behind a mollusk's ability to produce magnetite nanomaterials. The study found that specific proteins are involved in transforming raw materials into magnetite, which could lead to the development of next-generation electronics and energy sources.
Scientists developed an electron microscopy technique to directly identify isotopes in amino acids at the nanoscale without damaging the samples. This allows for real-space observation of dynamic chemistry and creates a foundation for scientific discoveries.
A recent study has uncovered the molecular basis for artemisinins' effect on inhibitory neurotransmission, potentially leading to new treatments for neurological diseases. The research reveals that artemisinins target gephyrin, a protein involved in regulating inhibitory neurotransmission.
Researchers at MU developed a theoretical model showing multiple pathways for proteins to break free from cell membranes. The discovery provides insight into signaling pathways and cellular functions, paving the way for future studies on protein-membrane interactions.
A cellular protein called Hsp70 plays a critical role in Zika virus infection, facilitating attachment to cells, replication inside cells, and release of mature virus particles. This discovery validates Hsp70 as a potential target for developing new therapies to prevent or treat Zika virus infection.
Researchers discovered that proteins use the DNA's three-dimensional structure as a type of keyhole to select specific binding sites, rather than just patterns in the genome's code. Over 80% of proteins bind to a specific shape pattern in the genome, which helps explain how they avoid confusing different sequences.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have identified a protein partner that promotes β-catenin's movement into the nucleus of myeloid leukaemia cells, driving cancer development. This finding could lead to the development of targeted therapies to treat acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), with potential benefits for up to 80% of cases.
A team of scientists has uncovered the amyloid precursor protein's modulating effect on neuronal signal transmission through binding to a specific receptor. This finding may lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's and other brain diseases.
Researchers have designed proteins that zip together like DNA molecules, paving the way for protein nanomachines and precise cell engineering. This technique enables the design of machines that can diagnose and treat disease, engineer cells, and perform various tasks.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have successfully applied U-ExM to image multi-protein complexes with unprecedented molecular resolution. This breakthrough resolves long-standing doubts about the method's reliability and preserves ultrastructural details.
Researchers discovered shared and virus-specific mechanisms used by dengue and Zika viruses to counteract human and mosquito immune defense, hijack host proteins, and disrupt brain development. They found that Zika virus causes microcephaly in fruit flies by disrupting the function of ANKLE2 protein.
Researchers discovered a human protein, RBBP6, that interferes with the Ebola virus replication cycle. By mimicking this protein's function, a small molecule drug could potentially block Ebola virus infection in human cells.
Researchers identified a new interaction between the Ebola virus protein VP30 and human host protein RBBP6, which disrupts virus growth. The study provides potential therapeutic targets for treating Ebola virus infections.
A lab study identified key ways the three viruses hijack human cells and found at least one potential drug that can disrupt this process in human cells. Researchers also discovered how the Zika virus might cause microcephaly in infants, a crucial step towards developing a treatment.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have made a significant breakthrough in understanding FSHD by determining the three-dimensional structure of the DUX4 protein. This protein is responsible for the disease, which affects approximately 1 million people globally and currently has no treatment. The study's findings provide valuabl...
Scientists create assay to detect protein-protein interactions with strong fluorescent signal, enabling disease therapy development and drug screening. The technique uses genetically engineered human cells producing fluorescent proteins, allowing researchers to observe interactions in living cells.
A Temple-led research team finds blocking GRK2 localization to mitochondria protects heart cells from ischemic injury and death. The study also reveals that mitochondrial GRK2 pooling is associated with impaired cardiac metabolism and increased heart cell death.
A Syracuse University physicist has developed tiny sensors that can detect and analyze protein-protein interactions in blood serum, which could lead to improved cancer detection. The technology, known as nanobiosensors, uses a nanopore to measure changes in electric current when proteins are present.
Researchers have developed computational methods to predict and design small molecule inhibitors that can disrupt protein-protein interactions, a critical property of cell sustenance. The study provides insights into the challenges faced by researchers investigating protein-protein interactions through computational methods.
Researchers at Osaka University have discovered the structure of Gip1, a protein that sequesters G proteins to block signaling processes. The unique molecular bonding arrangement allows interactions with G proteins, providing a better understanding of their mechanism.
A new gene, slincR, discovered in zebrafish could help explain human susceptibility to chemicals. The study found that the gene regulates sox9b, a crucial gene in human development.
A study by IBS researchers found that Foxp1 protein stabilizes induced Treg (iTreg) cells, which play a crucial role in regulating the immune response. The lack of Foxp1 led to increased susceptibility to colitis and intestinal inflammation in mice.
Thanatin, a natural insect antibiotic, eliminates bacteria by preventing the formation of their outer protective shield. This unprecedented mechanism offers a new way to develop effective antibiotics against dangerous pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.
A new study by University of Tokyo researchers reveals that a protein in sperm cell membranes plays a key role in navigation to eggs. The PMCA protein may also help explain species-specific interactions between sperm and egg cells, making it a promising target for drug research.
Researchers at Shinshu University discovered that editing fusicoccins, a toxic organic compound, can transform them into chemicals with anti-tumor properties. The study suggests that the compound works as a stabilizer for protein-protein interactions, which could lead to the development of new clinically relevant anti-cancer agents.
Researchers identified a scaffolding protein POLAR that regulates GSK3-like kinase activity, driving asymmetric cell division and promoting stomatal formation. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of plant development, suggesting potential targets for crop improvement.
Scientists have developed a method to construct protein nanotubes from engineered protein crystals, which could accelerate the development of artificial enzymes, nano-sized carriers and delivery systems. The new method, reported in Chemical Science, uses protein crystals as a scaffold for proteins to self-assemble into desired structures.
Researchers discovered a mechanistic link between zinc levels in neurons and the development of autism spectrum disorders, highlighting zinc's role in shaping synaptic connections. Zinc deficiency may contribute to autism through impaired synaptic maturation and neuronal circuit formation.
A multidisciplinary team at Salk Institute will investigate mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease and aging-related cognitive decline using cutting-edge methods and machine-learning algorithms. The goal is to identify new targets for therapeutic research and biomarkers of early stage cognitive decline.
Researchers found that biological nanopores like alpha-hemolysin and aerolysin can detect sugar chains of different lengths depending on their placement in the pore, not just diameter. Electrical charge and inner pore geometry also play a crucial role in these biosensors
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a new AI system called Pattern to Knowledge (P2K) that can predict biosequence interactions in seconds. P2K uses deep knowledge from data to identify and predict amino acid bindings, potentially reducing bottlenecks in drug discovery.
Researchers identified a novel missense mutation in tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase (YARS) causing severe recessive disorder. The study found that affected individuals exhibited poor growth, developmental delay, and various organ dysfunctions, including liver disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and hearing loss.
Donnelly Centre researchers have identified a genetic network linked to autism, revealing a mechanism underlying alternative splicing events. The study reveals that microexons, small protein-coding gene segments, are disrupted in autism and could be targeted for therapeutic applications.
Researchers found that altered chirality of vitamin-D derivatives can change the protonation states of histidine residues in the VDR protein, leading to stronger binding and more stable complexes. This discovery emphasizes the importance of considering protonation states in molecular simulations for drug design.
Leading scientists propose guidelines for shared standardized validation of 4D nucleome data sets and models to address rapid development of methods and increasing complexity of data. The initiative aims to ensure proper characterization, validation, and sharing of information, enhancing our understanding of genome dynamics.
The University of Pittsburgh engineers have created a transparent flexible material by combining silk fibroins with carbon nanotubes, exhibiting desirable optical mechanical and chemical properties. This breakthrough has potential applications in wearable and implantable electronic devices, as well as sensors for biomedical use.
A new study reveals that a specific long non-coding RNA named SAMMSON interacts with protein CARF in growing melanoma cells, rewiring their protein synthesis networks and promoting cell growth. This interaction helps melanoma cells avoid inducing cell death when they experience abnormalities in ribosome synthesis.
Scientists have discovered intricate glycan structures in royal jelly, a substance believed to influence honeybee development. These findings challenge previous assumptions and may lead to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between glycosylated proteins and signaling pathways.
A new screening method, 'rec-YnH', has been developed to detect direct biomolecule interactions, enabling researchers to understand complex cellular processes. This affordable and accessible technique can be used by standard biomedical laboratories to study protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions.