A new twist in genetic switches
Rice University researchers found that a master regulator's activity is determined by kinetics, not thermodynamics. The study revealed the 'molecular stripping' process, which quickly stops protein production.
Protein Interactions
Articles tagged with Protein Interactions
The case of the sticky protein
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed new probes to measure surface hydrophobicity in proteins. These sensors show significant improvements over existing commercial tools, with up to a 60-fold increase in detection strength.
Architecture of mTOR protein complex solved
Researchers have elucidated the structure of mTORC1, a crucial protein complex involved in cellular signaling and disease regulation. The study reveals detailed interactions between partner proteins, shedding light on the mechanism of rapamycin-induced changes, which affects substrate specificity and pharmaceutical effects.
Architecture of mTOR protein complex solved
Researchers at the University of Basel have solved the structure of mammalian TOR complex 1 (mTORC1), a critical regulator of cellular processes. The study reveals the unique architecture of mTORC1, highlighting the importance of partner proteins in its function.
Identification tags define neural circuits
Researchers have discovered molecules that act as cellular identification tags on neurons in the fruit fly Drosophila, guiding the development of the neuromuscular and visual systems. The finding validates a theory proposed by Roger Sperry in the 1950s and provides insight into brain development.
Researchers resolve structure of a key component of bacterial decision-making
Bacteria sense their environment and change direction using a molecular machinery that relies on protein interactions and chemical signals. The new study reveals key insights into the chemosensory array, shedding light on how bacteria make decisions.
Study suggests new way to help the immune system fight off parasite
Researchers have found a way to manipulate trypanosomes in the mammalian bloodstream to acquire fly stage characteristics, making them easier for the host immune system to eliminate. Inhibiting specific proteins that interact with chromatin can 'trick' the parasite into differentiating to a different stage of its lifecycle.
Study suggests new way to help the immune system fight off sleeping sickness parasite
Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate the parasite that causes African sleeping sickness, making it easier for the host immune system to eliminate. By inhibiting specific proteins, they can 'trick' the parasite into a different stage of its lifecycle.
How is a developing brain assembled?
Researchers developed a new 3D software to track the embryonic development and movement of neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans worms. The program creates a straightened image of the worm, allowing scientists to follow individual cells as they move and grow, revealing complex neuronal structures in unprecedented 3D clarity.
Closing the loop on an HIV escape mechanism
A research team found that HIV's infectivity is regulated by protein motions, which can be manipulated to inhibit viral replication. By examining the interactions between HIV and host-cell protein cyclophilin A, the team identified a key mechanism for developing new therapeutic interventions.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2015
Peering into cell structures where neurodiseases emerge
Scientists have successfully mapped the atomic structure of a protein bound to microtubules, revealing insights into neurodegenerative diseases. The study used magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy to visualize the dynamic interactions between CAP-Gly and microtubules.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2015
New research suggests a novel route in the fight against cancer
Researchers at the University of Surrey have discovered a new link between gene regulation and metabolism in baker's yeast and roundworms. The findings, published in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, could lead to more effective therapies for diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
IU biologists report method to calculate lifetime energy requirements of cells, genes
Researchers at Indiana University have calculated the lifetime energy requirements of multiple cell types and genes, revealing a linear relationship between energy consumption and cell volume. This study challenges existing theories on the role of mitochondria in driving genome complexity and evolution.
Scripps Florida scientists unveil critical mechanism of memory formation
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have found that the interaction between a pair of brain proteins has a substantial effect on memory formation. The study reveals that when these two receptors interact, the ghrelin receptor changes the structure of the dopamine receptor and alters its signaling pathway.
Secrets of dark proteome
A recent CSIRO study maps the boundaries of the 'dark proteome', a region of proteins with completely unknown structure. The research identifies surprising features in nearly half of the eukaryotic proteome, including associations with secretory tissues and disulfide bonding.
IRB Barcelona develops an advanced method and the first platform of DNA simulations
The researchers have developed a new model that allows atomic-level simulations of DNA dynamics, achieving extraordinary accuracy in just 5 years of work. The data is stored in a public website with over 4 Terabytes of information.
Using human genetics to reveal fundamental processes involved in type 2 diabetes
Researchers have identified genetic markers associated with individual risk of type 2 diabetes, providing new insights into the biological processes underlying the disease. The study's findings suggest that specific DNA variants can influence gene expression in key organs, offering a promising avenue for translation into clinical utility.
New clues to how gatekeeper for the cell nucleus works
Berkeley Lab scientists discovered specific amino acid arrangements in FG Nups proteins enable efficient transport of molecular cargo into and out of the nucleus. These findings have implications for understanding diseases like cancer and infectious disorders.
Penn-led research elucidates genetics behind Salmonella's host specificity
A Penn-led team discovered that variations in Salmonella proteins determine their host specificity in cows, poultry, and humans. By analyzing genome-wide association studies, the researchers found a link between specific protein variants and host species, validating their findings with laboratory experiments.
Engineers design magnetic cell sensors
Researchers have created genetically encoded magnetic protein nanoparticles that can be produced within cells, allowing for non-invasive tracking and monitoring of cell signals. This technology has the potential to observe communication between neurons, activation of immune cells, and stem cell differentiation, among other phenomena.
Prestigious NIH award fuels research on human clearance of drugs, foreign chemicals
Dr. Emily Scott's work focuses on understanding how cytochrome P450s remove foreign chemicals from the body, allowing physicians to determine optimal medication frequencies and prevent diseases like cancer. Her lab is now working to stabilize interactions between P450s and helper proteins.
Interrupting the transmission cycle: A protein required for dengue virus infection of mosquitoes
Researchers have discovered a candidate target for a dengue virus transmission-blocking vaccine, which interferes with the virus's infection of mosquitoes. The target protein, CRVP379, is required during DENV infection in mosquito cells and whole mosquitoes, and its expression levels correlate with the level of DENV infection.
Researchers identify potential new leukemia drug target
Acute myeloid leukemia cells are addicted to the presence of JMJD1C, a protein that plays a key role in cancer-promoting effects. The team identified JMJD1C as a potential therapeutic target for multiple types of leukemia.
Research to model how proteins change shape in response to calcium
Ezerski will focus on modeling the interactions between calcium, calmodulin, and CaMKII to understand how their shapes change in response to calcium signaling. This research aims to improve knowledge of calcium ion signaling, a method crucial for biological processes in neurons.
Watching the inflammation process in real time
Researchers at Jena University developed a cellular system to study inflammation processes in real time, providing a method for targeting new therapeutic approaches. The system allowed them to clarify the exact regulatory mechanism of 5-LO and FLAP interaction, enabling tests for active compounds.
Building and breaking synapses
A new study reveals the role of ephrin-B3 in organizing synapses, which is essential for healthy brain function. The discovery could lead to better treatments for neurological diseases such as autism and Alzheimer's.
Wayne State scientists make advancements that may lead to new treatments for Parkinson's
Researchers led by Assia Shisheva found a novel interaction partner of the ArPIKfyve-Sac3 complex in the brain, which binds Synphilin-1 and prevents its aggregation. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic approaches for reducing cytoplasmic aggregates in Parkinson's disease.
SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 16, 2015
New field of application for versatile helper
Researchers at TUM have identified how small heat shock proteins interact with other proteins in Alzheimer's disease. They found that these proteins can bind to both amorphous and amyloid forms of beta-amyloid, preventing clumping and potentially developing new agents.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 13, 2015
Floppy but fast
Flexible, spaghetti-like proteins can bind to their receptor within billionths of a second, retaining high specificity. This discovery explains the transport paradox in cellular communication, enabling efficient proof-reading while maintaining speed.
Dengue protein modulates human enzyme: Fuel for replication
Researchers discovered that the Dengue virus NS1 protein binds to the host enzyme Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), increasing its glycolytic activity to support viral replication. This finding suggests that GAPDH is a crucial target for developing new treatments against dengue.
Phoenix effect: Resurrected proteins double their natural activity
Researchers discovered a technique to renature denatured proteins, restoring their original spatial structure and increasing activity by 180%. This method uses nanoparticles to bind to protein molecules, preventing aggregation and reactivating the active center.
People with genetic variant increasing vitamin D metabolism improve blood sugar control with high protein weight loss diet
Research shows that people carrying specific genetic variants of vitamin D metabolism can benefit from a high-protein weight loss diet, leading to improved insulin resistance and blood sugar control. The study found significant interactions between the DHCR7 variant and dietary protein, but not with other genetic variants or dietary fat.
Scientists identify promising drug candidate to treat chronic itch & avoid side effects
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a class of compounds that can effectively treat chronic itch without inducing sedation. The new compounds target the kappa opioid receptor, which is associated with pain perception and stress responses.
A new single-molecule tool to observe enzymes at work
A team of scientists created a new single-molecule tool to observe enzymatic proteins at work, providing fast and reliable characterization of their interactions with DNA. This tool offers picometer-resolution nanopore tweezers, enabling detection of minute differences in protein binding and motion.
Amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's and diabetes: Novel leads for inhibitors
Researchers designed molecules that suppress protein aggregation, a process damaging cells in Alzheimer's and type 2 diabetes. The findings reveal a novel class of peptide leads that could pave the way for new treatments.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 24, 2015
Characterizing the forces that hold everything together
Researchers have developed a new computational tool to predict nanometer-level molecular interactions, enabling the design of stable and functional nano-scale materials. The 'Gecko Hamaker' project provides transparent calculations and data, allowing users to verify reproducibility and improve the software's quality.
Open-science van der Waals interaction calculations enable mesoscale design and assembly
Researchers have developed an open-source computational tool to calculate van der Waals forces between molecules and predict molecular organization. The software, Gecko Hamaker, enables the design and fabrication of new mesoscale systems with improved stability and functionality.
Predicting X-ray diffuse scattering from translation-libration-screw structural ensembles
A new tool, phenix.diffuse, enables calculating diffuse scattering from Protein Data Bank-formatted structural ensembles, addressing the need for computational modelling and validation tools. The technique helps extract evidence of concerted motion in single crystal forms, where high-quality data sets are limited by long X-ray exposures.
Modeling the helicase to understand hepatitis C
Scientists created a detailed model of the NS3 helicase enzyme, which facilitates viral replication. The study provides insights into how this protein interacts with RNA and could lead to the development of new treatments that target only the hepatitis C virus without harming human cells.
SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 10, 2015
New findings shed light on fundamental process of DNA repair
Researchers at Rockefeller University have made new discoveries about the DNA repair process, uncovering previously unknown functions of histone H2AX. They found that a specific portion of the protein interacts with phosphorylated H2AX, facilitating the repair of double-stranded breaks in DNA.
Pitt researchers developing a novel way to identify pathogens
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new method for identifying pathogens using spectroscopy and protein hydrogels. This technique allows for rapid detection and identification of specific pathogens, enabling targeted antibiotic treatment and reducing the risk of misdiagnosis. The broader implications of this wo...
Light shed on the underside of the 'cocktail effect' of endocrine disruptors
Scientists have elucidated a molecular mechanism that contributes to the 'cocktail effect' of endocrine disruptors when combined. The study shows that certain compounds bind cooperatively to a receptor in the cell nucleus, inducing a toxic effect at lower concentrations than individual molecules.
SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2015
New genetic mutation identified in melanoma cancer cells
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a genetic mutation in melanoma cancer cells that may predispose humans to developing the disease. The study highlights the importance of protein complex APC/C and its interactions with Cdh1 and PAX3, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for melanoma treatment.
Inntags: new tools for innocuous protein tagging
A new approach to tag proteins has been developed using plant protein epitopes, inntags, which are stable and do not compromise native function. The smallest protein domains with strong structural determinants were selected for tagging purposes.
Scripps Florida scientists' structural discoveries could aid in better drug design
Researchers uncover structural details of how proteins interact to turn two signals into one, enabling fine-tuning of signal and drug action. The study provides crucial insights into nuclear receptor communication, paving the way for improved drug design.
Major innovation in molecular imaging delivers spatial and spectral info simultaneously
A new technology, SR-STORM, enables high-resolution imaging of multiple components and local chemical environments inside a cell. It allows scientists to examine cell structures and study diseases using unprecedented spectral and spatial resolution.
Researchers study potential cures for congenital blindness
A new laser-based microscope allows researchers to directly measure protein interactions and organization in live cells, providing insights into the chemistry of vision. The project aims to find a potential cure for congenital blindness by understanding how proteins absorb light and trigger visual responses.
Polyglutamine repeats play key role in functional development of cells
Scientists at VIB and KU Leuven discovered polyglutamine repeats play a key role in functional development of cells. Excessive repeats cause neurodegenerative disorders, but moderate expansions may enable dynamic changes in cell physiology.
Atomic-level defense secrets revealed
Researchers have unraveled the molecular secrets of plant defense mechanisms at the atomic level, focusing on jasmonate and its interaction with three key proteins. The study aims to develop crops better equipped to fend off future threats.
Scientists discover how key proteins segregate vital genetic information during mitosis
Researchers have identified an interaction between proteins that helps organize chromosomes to protect vital genetic information during mitosis. This discovery provides a molecular basis for understanding chromosome segregation and its role in diseases characterized by chromosome instability.
Studies reveal details of error correction in cell division
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the workings of an error correction mechanism that helps cells detect and correct mistakes in cell division. The study reveals the crucial importance of chromosome position in the spindle and how it affects division success, shedding light on aneuploidy prevention.
Stressed out plants send animal-like signals
Researchers have discovered that plants bind GABA in a similar way to animals, resulting in electrical signals that regulate plant growth when exposed to stressful environments. This finding opens up new possibilities for breeding more stress resilient crops to fight food insecurity.
Technology helps personalized medicine, enabling epigenomic analysis with a mere 100 cells
A new microfluidic technique allows for efficient epigenomic analysis using minimal cells, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies. The technology reduces testing requirements from 10 million cells to just 100 cells, enabling studies of diseases such as stem cell differentiation, inflammation, and cancer.
Pitt study: Ancient proteins involved in DNA repair could shed light on tumor development
A Pitt study reveals how ancient proteins like RAD51 paralogues repair damaged DNA and their potential role in tumor development. The findings suggest that targeting these proteins could be a way to tailor cancer therapies.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2015
TSRI researcher wins $4.5 million in grants to support development of AIDS vaccine
The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded $4.5 million in grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support HIV vaccine development. The new funding will enable scientists to screen immunogens and vaccines with high likelihood of success.
Defective telomeres are now being linked to dozens of diseases, including many types of cancer
Telomeres, protective caps on chromosome ends, have been linked to numerous illnesses, including many types of cancer. Their shortening is associated with ageing and tissue regeneration issues, but cancer cells can repair them using telomerase.
SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalTrends in Biochemical Sciences·DateJul 15, 2015
Study explains how dengue virus adapts as it travels, increasing chances for outbreaks
Researchers discovered that dengue virus adapts by interacting with host RNA and proteins, allowing it to bypass the immune response. This finding explains the 1994 Puerto Rico epidemic and may help predict future outbreaks.
OU professor developing vaccine to protect global communities from malaria
A new mosquito protein has been identified as a key target for a malaria vaccine, with the potential to dramatically reduce cases worldwide. Jun Li's research found that an antibody against this protein blocks parasite invasion in mosquitoes, making vaccination a promising solution.
Orange is the new red
Researchers discovered a key event in cyanobacterial photoprotection, where the carotenoid protein shifts from orange to red state through a large-scale movement. This mechanism triggers nonphotochemical-quenching, safely dissipating excess solar energy as heat.
UVA fertilization discovery may lead to male contraceptive
Researchers at UVA Health System have identified a critical protein, ESP1, that stabilizes the site of sperm-egg fusion. This discovery may pave the way for the development of a male contraceptive by targeting the protein's interactions.