Research on how proteins bind and work together. Covers membrane-protein assembly, viral infection, molecular imaging, and drugging difficult targets.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have made a breakthrough in developing a vaccine against group A Streptococcus, responsible for over 500,000 deaths annually. By identifying common sequence patterns in the M protein, the team aims to create an antibody response that targets multiple strains of the bacteria.
The International Working Group on Antibody Validation has established five conceptual pillars for antibody validation, including genetic strategies, orthogonal methods, independent antibody approaches, expression of tagged proteins, and immunocapture followed by mass spectrometry. The proposal aims to provide a scientific foundation f...
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a novel mechanism by which neutrophil receptors latch onto vessel walls, dampening inflammation. Integrins assume an unorthodox shape that exposes the high affinity patch but maintains a bent conformation, preventing it from binding to ICAM-1 expressed on blood vessel cells.
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers discover the importance of symmetry in creating functional collagen fibers outside the body. The study uses symmetry to grow long, stable collagen fibers that mimic those found in nature, offering potential breakthroughs for biomaterials and nanotechnology.
A Japanese research group has determined the crystal structure of the JUNO protein, an essential egg surface protein for fertilization. The study found that a specific amino acid residue, W62, is critical for sperm-egg interaction, providing new insights into the fertilization mechanism.
Scientists have identified functions for three previously unknown mitochondrial proteins, shedding light on complex I deficiencies and coenzyme Q production. The discoveries may lead to therapies for inborn errors of metabolism and other diseases associated with mitochondria.
Researchers used assortativity to analyze DNA interactions and identify proteins mediating chromatin contact networks. This approach helps understand genome organization and its relationship with gene expression regulation.
Scientists have discovered the molecular structure of a key Zika virus protein, shedding light on its role in viral reproduction and immune system interaction. The study provides new insights into the NS1 protein's functions and potential targets for vaccine development.
Researchers at Australian National University have identified over 1,000 RNA-binding proteins in the heart that could lead to a cure for heart disease. These proteins interact with RNA and play a crucial role in regulating genome function.
Researchers designed and built large protein icosahedra with potential applications in targeted drug delivery and vaccine development. The structures were created using computational and biochemical approaches, allowing for the design of complex structures from scratch.
Biologists have developed an algorithm predicting protein cluster structure, enabling faster understanding of cellular functions and potential treatments. The new method is up to 100 times faster than previous methods, taking just 15 minutes to run on a personal computer.
A new technology called BiCAP maps protein complexes in breast cancer cells, providing detailed understanding of the disease at a molecular level. This allows for better understanding of how cancer cells respond to drugs and may eventually lead to new targets for therapy.
Researchers studied Euplotes focardii's genes and proteins for survival in cold, oxygen-rich waters. The organism produces protective proteins against oxidative stress and adapts quickly through flexible RNA decoding.
A study reveals that viruses have driven protein adaptation in humans and other mammals, with 30% of all protein adaptations since humans' divergence from chimpanzees being influenced by viruses. This discovery sheds light on the impact of viruses on cellular machinery and could lead to new therapeutic leads against viral threats.
Researchers have developed a method to observe nanometer-sized patterns of biomolecules such as proteins in an arrested but living state. This allows for the recording of molecular activity and interactions without causing cell death, revealing new insights into cellular behavior and processes.
This article reviews the impact of pyridine modifications on tubulin inhibitors, highlighting improved binding modes and activity. The study identifies new insights into tubulin targeting and future perspectives for site-specific agents.
Researchers at TUM developed a new molecular method to investigate the function of thousands of proteins in parallel. They identified hundreds of previously unknown interactions among proteins using DNA-printed protein arrays, which enabled them to study protein functions more efficiently. The new method has the potential to accelerate...
Researchers at WPI and Penn used laboratory experiments and computational modeling to study the interactions between molecular motors, filaments, and membranes. They found that a single myosin-1 molecule is not enough to generate sufficient force against slippery membranes, requiring up to 124 molecules working together.
Researchers found that proteins have quick access to target genes in cells despite crowding, thanks to dynamic movements of molecules. This discovery suggests that proteins can efficiently search and bind to DNA even in busy environments.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that water molecules play a crucial role in controlling protein motion. The study reveals that proteins rely on water to fold and function correctly, with water molecules modulating protein fluctuations at ultrafast time scales.
Researchers at UCF College of Medicine have identified a tiny liver protein, SVIP, that regulates VLDL secretion when disrupted leads to cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. High levels of myristic acid in diet can activate SVIP, causing excess fat buildup in the liver, potentially leading to cancer.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine propose a new model for viral replication, suggesting that DNA 'scrunching' generates forces to drive DNA into a virus during replication. This understanding could lead to new ways to fight infectious pathogens.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have developed novel protein inhibitors of MMPs, which could potentially treat cancer and other diseases. The inhibitors were designed to be specific to certain MMP targets, addressing the issue of side effects seen with previous synthetic inhibitors.
Researchers have discovered a way in which proteins in our cells help to control genes involved in forming muscle. They found that these proteins can regulate the genes' ability to form muscle by re-locating them during development.
A U of T Engineering team has designed a simpler way to keep therapeutic proteins localized for long periods. They found that proteins can be released over several weeks without encapsulation by controlling electrostatic interactions between proteins and nanoparticles.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that REV-ERBα acts as a molecular conductor to regulate thousands of genes, with disruptions to its amplitude affecting metabolism and hormone levels. Studying mice with altered REV-ERBα levels revealed a link between circadian rhythms and glucose and lipid metabolism.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University discovered how E. coli bacteria disassemble their protein complex after cell division, finding a controlled order similar to assembly, and identifying an inner and outer ring of proteins with unique interactions.
Researchers at University of Eastern Finland found that inhibiting Aurora kinase A protein can inhibit liver cancer cell growth, offering potential new treatment option. The study's findings can be used to develop treatments for patients with p53-altered liver cancer.
Researchers discovered that English ivy's adhesive is made of arabinogalactan proteins, which can be used to create strong bio-inspired adhesives for wound healing and surface-coating applications. The study also found that the glue has unique properties such as being resistant to moisture and environmental conditions.
Researchers developed a new approach to map HIV's interactome, revealing the complex interactions between viral proteins and host cell machinery. The study provides insights into how viruses like HIV infect and replicate in host cells, shedding light on potential anti-HIV therapies.
Researchers have identified a method to scavenge inflammatory molecules that mediate sepsis in mice, using the protein haptoglobin. Haptoglobin-based therapies could potentially be used to treat HMGB1-mediated inflammatory diseases such as sepsis.
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have discovered that the intracellular domain of serotonin type 3A receptors can assemble into stable pentamers, suggesting a new approach to treating diseases such as epilepsy, anxiety, and Alzheimer's. This breakthrough may enable targeted therapies without undesired effects.
A team of researchers has developed a method to image molecular movement in real-time, revealing the fundamental processes of a chemical reaction. This breakthrough allows scientists to study the structure and behavior of proteins at the atomic level, shedding light on the chemistry necessary for life.
Belgian scientists developed Virotrap, a viral particle sorting approach that preserves protein complexes during purification. This method catches bait proteins and their associated partners in virus-like particles budded from human cells.
Scientists at Dartmouth College created an artificial protein that organizes buckminster fullerene molecules into ordered superstructures. This breakthrough enables the precise organization of molecules by design, leading to potential applications in medicine and energy.
A team of researchers has solved the three-dimensional structure of a gene repression complex, known as the NuRD complex, which plays a role in cancer. The study provides unprecedented detail about the interaction between its components and may help develop strategies to reduce the activity of the complex and combat cancer.
Researchers have identified a molecular signaling mechanism underlying increased inflammation in patients with psoriasis due to specific CARD14 gene mutations. The study suggests MALT1 inhibitors may be therapeutically beneficial, offering promising results for treatment.
Researchers developed a synthetic cell model to investigate fundamental principles of cellular mechanics, revealing the interplay between cytoskeleton and cell membrane is key to changes in form. The model cells demonstrate that protein interactions are essential for biological functions and can alter shape through deformation mechanisms.
Researchers found that uncontrolled fluctuations in Retinoic acid levels can lead to disruptions in brain organization during development. Identifying the protein that interacts with RA to reduce noise may improve understanding of developmental disorders and guide future studies.
A powerful new mass spectrometer has been made available to scientists worldwide to study molecular processes in the environment, biology and energy. The 21 Tesla Ultra-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer can distinguish between molecules that differ by almost unimaginably small nuances.
Researchers at McMaster University have identified a critical step in the immune system's recognition of DNA viruses, which could lead to vaccinations for herpes, the common cold, and even cancer. The discovery involves an interaction between proteins S6K1 and STING that triggers antiviral responses.
Researchers have engineered a novel variant of streptavidin that forms a stable monomer and binds biotin without crosslinking, allowing for efficient biotinylation of targets. The optimized monomeric streptavidin (mSA) can be fused to proteins to create a bi-functional molecule, enabling proximity-dependent biotinylation techniques.
Coral reefs in the South China Sea are facing severe damage due to dredging and land reclamation. The study reveals that seven atolls have lost ~11.6 km2 of reef area while gaining ~10.7 km2 of land between 2014 and 2015. The researchers call for international cooperation to conserve this critical ecosystem.
Researchers reconstruct cell surface from scratch using a mixture of fats and proteins to test theories on cell surface dynamics. The 'active composite model' predicts the behavior of cell surface molecules, which were confirmed through microscopic techniques.
Researchers discovered that lymphoma cells break through four 'locks' on the CARD11 protein, a key component of the immune system. The protein has four redundant repressive elements that normally keep it in check, but mutations in certain regions can disable these locks and lead to cancer.
Cell biologists from Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered a new way to regulate cell motility, enabling the development of new medicines for cancer and vessel diseases. The study found that protein kinase LOSK regulates dynactin, a complex protein necessary for retrograde intercellular transport.
A study published in Angewandte Chemie reveals how HIV and Ebola viruses attach to cells using nano-sized crystals called 'quantum dots'. The research offers a new way of treating such viruses by introducing a block on their interaction with cells.
The Massachusetts General Hospital research team discovered a crucial interaction between intermediate filaments and the Shigella injection protein IpaC, required for efficient delivery of effector proteins into host cells. This finding suggests that similar mechanisms may apply to other pathogens using type 3 secretion systems.
Researchers identified key proteins connecting genetic material to cell structures, enabling accurate DNA distribution during cell division. The findings resolve a longstanding puzzle in cell division and may provide insight into cancer susceptibility.
A new study at McGill University reveals that complex interactions between neurotransmitter receptors and other proteins help explain the brain's ability to process information quickly. Researchers used multiple techniques to examine AMPA receptors, a major player in brain signaling.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that three transcription factors -- NKX2-5, TBX5, and GATA4 -- must interact for proper heart development. Without these interactions, severe congenital heart defects occur. The study revealed the proteins' genomic and physical interactions, providing new insights into treating heart disease.
Researchers discovered that statin drugs interact with a gap junction protein called GJC3, releasing ATP and causing inflammation. The discovery provides a new target for understanding why some patients experience harmful effects like muscle toxicity when taking statins.
Researchers at the University of Basel elucidated how drugs interact with cell surface proteins and transmit signals to the cellular interior. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, they obtained unprecedented details into G protein coupled receptor function.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have synthesized peptides that target the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) protein, which accelerates tumour cell growth. These peptides show promise as a potential treatment for cancer, and further studies are underway to develop stronger compounds.
Berkeley Lab researchers find XPG plays a critical role in maintaining genome stability, raising the possibility that it prevents breast and ovarian cancers. The protein interacts with BRCA1 and BRCA2 to carry out homologous recombination repair.
Microtubules can spontaneously form large networks through the interaction of motor proteins. This self-organization is crucial for cell division and may inspire new materials and drug designs. Researchers developed a model describing this behavior, which could lead to breakthroughs in biology and material science.
The new model simulates light-harvesting across a thylakoid membrane, enabling the explanation of PSII's high quantum efficiency. The research paves the way for improving food crop yields and developing artificial photosynthesis technologies for solar energy systems.
Scientists have identified WASF3 as a solid target for reducing cancer's ability to spread. By interrupting its relationship with CYFIP1, they were able to suppress the ability of invasive human breast and prostate cancer cells to metastasize. This finding has potential applicability to other common cancers.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute discovered that p53 can suppress accumulated DNA damage at telomeres, preserving genome integrity. This finding highlights a new benefit of the vital gene p53 in protecting against cancer.
Researchers at the University of Kent have developed a nanoprobe that enables the detailed study of individual proteins interacting with DNA. This technology allows for the manipulation and investigation of proteins bound to DNA tightropes, providing new insights into protein behavior.