Research on how proteins bind and work together. Covers membrane-protein assembly, viral infection, molecular imaging, and drugging difficult targets.
Researchers used supercomputers to simulate the behavior of K-Ras protein in cell membranes, discovering that certain lipids can turn the protein 'off' by changing its orientation. This finding suggests limiting concentrations of PIP2 in cell membranes could help prevent cancer progression.
Scientists identify a specific placental sugar that binds tightly to the Zika envelope protein, allowing it to cross the placenta and cause birth defects. Researchers are developing a strategy to block this interaction using a nanoparticle coated in the same sugar.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a novel mass spectrometry method to study iron-sulfur cluster proteins, which are crucial for various biological processes. The study successfully detects all reaction components simultaneously, providing detailed insights into their conversion process.
Research at Osaka University reveals the complex network of cytokine control that prevents multi-organ damage during T. cruzi infection. BATF2 protein normally suppresses excessive IL-17 response, preventing immunopathology in Chagas disease parasite infection.
Researchers use bee-venom peptide apamin to develop a novel strategy for delivering medications to the brain. They modified apamin to eliminate toxicity while maintaining its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, resulting in a promising version called Mini-Ap4.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University solved the Kirchhoff-Plateau problem, a centuries-old mathematical problem. The solution provides beautiful mathematical results that closely mimic the behavior of soap films in real-world situations, shedding light on energy-minimizing shapes and potential applications in biology.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered a new regulatory protein called SMARCAD1 that fine-tunes embryonic stem cells to switch between two states. By suppressing this protein, they can induce the switch and maintain pluripotency in stem cells.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified an interaction between focal adhesion kinase and myosin that drives the production of secreted cancer-promoting proteins. This discovery may lead to the development of new drugs to inhibit cancer progression by blocking this interaction.
Researchers at TIFR have identified a specific region within SIRT1 that determines its interaction with other cellular regulators, enabling it to choose which factors to interact with. This discovery provides new insights into the longevity factor's functional diversity and may lead to targeted therapies against age-related diseases.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh discovered molecular details of Rett syndrome and related intellectual disabilities by studying protein interactions. The study sheds light on how flaws in key proteins can prevent brain function, paving the way for new treatments.
Researchers discovered that virus surface proteins can be used to improve vaccine purification by understanding their hydrophobic properties. By analyzing the protein structures and interactions with other surfaces, scientists hope to develop more efficient methods for detecting and concentrating viruses.
Scientists at UTMB and Duke University Medical Center found a new gene interaction that increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis. This discovery could lead to more accurate tests to identify those at greatest risk and potentially uncover new avenues for treatment.
Proteins' tiny motions, called vibrations, enable interactions with other molecules. A new study shows that the direction of these vibrations matters more than previously thought, shedding light on how proteins interact and facilitating tasks like absorbing oxygen and repairing cells.
Scientists have completed a model of the P22 virus's chemical structure with unprecedented detail, revealing the building blocks of proteins and their interactions. This breakthrough allows for more information about biochemistry and provides detailed annotations for future experiments.
A study published in JCI reveals that mutant HTT protein and DISC1 form a complex that compromises its functions, leading to disruptions in downstream pathways. Normalizing the activity of this protein complex improves cognitive symptoms in HD mice, providing insights into DISC1's role in mental illness.
A new NMR spectroscopy platform will facilitate research on protein-ligand interactions for ALS, diabetes, and cancer. The platform enables fragment-based drug discovery, aiming to develop targeted and effective drugs.
PSGs are recognized as trophoblast quality and embryo viability markers, with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions. The discovery of PSG receptors and interactions with integrins suggests new avenues for drug design and therapeutic intervention.
A new computational tool, Global Score, predicts protein interactions with long non-coding RNAs, integrating global and local features to prioritize binding partners for experimental validation. This methodological advance will help better study the functions of these molecules in normal cell function and disease.
Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute have mapped a vast network of interactions between cancer proteins, revealing new ways to target cells with mutations. This approach identified a potential link between FDA-approved drug palbociclib and a commonly mutated gene in lung cancer cells.
Researchers found that GARP2 accelerates retinal degeneration in mice, while GARP1 slows its negative effect when both proteins are present. They also developed a standardized nomenclature for OCT measurements in mice, facilitating comparisons with human studies.
Nagoya University researchers have discovered a link between RNA binding proteins FUS and SFPQ and the development of frontotemporal lobar degeneration, a type of dementia that starts in middle age. The study suggests that rebalancing the tau protein ratio may prevent FTLD-like phenotypes.
A study conducted by Quebec researchers found that genetic mutations of the Armc5 gene disrupt foetal development and compromise immune responses. The protein plays a crucial role in early T-cell activation and adrenal gland biology.
Researchers advocate for a multi-drug treatment strategy to tackle vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease, targeting different processes in the pathogenesis. The new approach has shown promising results in reducing crisis episodes, but further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
A team of scientists has identified a crucial step in the protein-sorting process, revealing that the signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes membrane proteins before they are fully synthesized. This discovery highlights the importance of ribosomal tunnels in coordinating protein transport and sorting.
Muscle stability relies on two proteins: titin and α-actinin. The TUM researchers used optical tweezers to measure the forces between these proteins, finding a bonding force of five piconewtons that stabilizes muscles and enables heart function.
Researchers produced artificial silk fibres with tailored properties by self-assembling nanofibrils formed from cow's whey protein under heat and acid. The fibre's strength depends on the balance between nanostructure and fibril entanglement, with curved nanofibrils forming stronger fibres than straight ones.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Tech found that the yeast protein Lsb2 forms a 'metastable' prion in response to elevated temperatures as a protective mechanism against stress. This discovery suggests that prions may play an adaptive role in cell survival.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have discovered how peroxisomes and endoplasmic reticulum interact at the molecular level, crucial for lipid production and cell survival. Loss of this interaction leads to severe disorders, prompting hope for diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at TSRI develop a versatile method to quickly find small molecules that bind to hundreds of thousands of proteins in their native cellular environment. The method enables the discovery of new drugs and the study of proteins, with potential applications for understanding diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
A protein complex called MRX plays a vital structural role during early DNA repair, stabilizing broken ends of DNA without requiring another protein cohesin. This study found that the Xrs2 member of the MRX complex ensures correct molecule presence at DNA damage sites, offering insight into genomic instability and cancer development.
Scientists developed a microfluidics-based technique called SMiLE-seq to characterize DNA-binding proteins, increasing speed, accuracy and efficiency. The technique can analyze over 60 transcription factors, including nine new ones, and has the potential to be extended to other molecules.
A team of scientists has identified a mechanism to counteract Ebola's ability to spread, revealing that host cells sequester viral proteins away from the plasma membrane. This discovery could lead to a novel antiviral strategy against Ebola.
The study reveals new ways in which receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and phosphatases interact, with surprising effects on cancer progression. The researchers found that some phosphatases promote RTK signalling, while others activate it to a halt.
A study has deciphered many interactions between human proteins using bacterial counterparts, potentially involved in diseases like cancer. The results help clarify molecular details of these interactions.
Researchers found a genetic defect in CD70 protein, leading to poor immune control of EBV and increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study provides insight into the normal role of CD70 and offers potential strategies for combatting autoimmune disease.
Researchers have shown that weak attraction forces between proteins can greatly impact diffusion in densely concentrated protein molecules, similar to those found in living cells. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding biological processes and their regulation.
Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science found a new epigenetic mechanism controlling flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plants lacking this protein complex bloom earlier, indicating compromised regulation of stem cells activity.
Radiation damage hinders SAXS experiments' success due to protein aggregation and fragmentation. A new software, RADDOSE-3D extensions, calculates doses for SAXS experiments, reducing manual burden and assessing radioprotectant efficacy.
A UT Dallas biologist and his team discovered that NQO1 and HIF-1a, two enzymes previously linked to cancer cell survival, actually work in tandem to promote tumor growth. The researchers found that NQO1 binds to HIF-1a, stabilizing it and preventing its degradation.
Researchers at Emory Health Sciences have made a breakthrough in understanding how diabetes drugs interact with LRH-1, a protein that regulates metabolism of fat and sugar. The study found that small changes to compounds can significantly impact their binding pocket interaction.
Researchers at the Salk Institute identified a microprotein involved in clearing out genetic material that's no longer needed, shedding light on gene regulation and mRNA recycling. The discovery highlights the importance of overlooked microproteins and their potential role in disease.
The Cell Atlas is an open-access interactive database displaying high-resolution images of more than 12,000 proteins in cells. It provides spatial information on protein expression patterns at a fine subcellular level, revealing complex cellular architectures and single-cell variation.
Researchers have found that C2H2-zinc finger proteins control genes in new and surprising ways, interacting with multiple other proteins to regulate gene expression. This discovery could lead to more accurate interpretation of individual genomes and improve our understanding of disease.
Using the Stampede supercomputer, researchers have developed a new method to study protein-ligand interactions without introducing disturbances. This technique, called Transient Induced Molecular Electronic Spectroscopy (TIMES), provides valuable information and insight for drug discovery, desalination, and bacterial energy production.
Researchers found that autophagy degrades Cep63 to regulate centrosome number, preventing genomic instability. Cells deficient in autophagy have extra centrosomes, highlighting the role of autophagy in maintaining genomic stability.
The Toxoplasma parasite manipulates its host's immune response by producing a protein that activates and controls the p38α pathway. Researchers have now developed a method to produce an active form of p38α, allowing for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Researchers discovered a process by which APOL1 contributes to renal disease, mimicking human kidney cell pathology in Drosophila. Cloning mutated APOL1 genes, they found increased cellular activity, cell size, abnormal function and accelerated cell death.
Researchers discovered four new chemicals that target and disrupt bacterial proteins called efflux pumps, a major cause of antibiotic resistance. The team's approach uses mechanics to revive existing antibiotics' ability to fight infection.
Researchers use X-ray laser to study RNA and biomolecules, gaining insights into fundamental cell workings and potential disease treatments. The study opens new paths to understanding how RNA regulates protein production and fine-tunes gene function.
A new computational tool called fABMACS helps scientists understand how proteins function and develop targeted therapies for diseases like cancer. By simulating chemical changes to drugs, fABMACS predicts improved drug potency and efficacy.
A new study from Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute reveals that a key group of transcription factors are 'druggable,' including those involved in cancer, metabolism, and immunity. The research identifies seven bHLH-PAS proteins with pockets where drugs could fit and remain tightly bound.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab discovered a complex system of cell regulation that acts as quality control for genetic information transport out of the nucleus. They found that proteins associated with aberrant strands of genetic code are regulated, enabling gateway proteins to recognize and block them from exiting the nucleus.
Researchers developed a new molecular tag to visualize two signaling proteins' activity in a single dendritic spine in real time. The technique, combining FRET and FLIM, allows for high spatial and temporal accuracy, enabling scientists to study biochemical dynamics of proteins with increased efficiency.
A computational model helps biologists predict minimal mutations for efficient reprogramming of signaling proteins, expanding the landscape for two-component systems in bacteria. The model connects interaction specificity and promiscuity, enabling researchers to design novel interactions.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a connection between the genetic mechanisms that trigger Ewing's sarcoma and prostate cancer. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for patients with both diseases.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that toxic peptides from ALS and FTD can incapacitate membrane-less organelles, leading to tissue degeneration. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of these debilitating diseases.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as the final execution step in parthanatos, a form of programmed brain cell death. MIF's ability has been linked to stroke but also may be involved in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers develop genetically engineered peptides to transmit information between biological systems and synthetic materials, enabling a coherent bioelectronic interface. The discovery enables the creation of biomolecular solid-state devices with potential applications in biomedical and electro-optical devices.
Researchers construct networks of organelle functional modules in Arabidopsis using a soft thresholding approach. The algorithm identifies strongly co-expressed genes and links them to infer the function of unknown genes.
Researchers have identified a protein in mosquito saliva that binds to and inhibits the Dengue virus, reducing its transmission to human cells and mice. The study suggests that targeting this protein could provide a novel approach to preventing disease transmission.