Research on how proteins bind and work together. Covers membrane-protein assembly, viral infection, molecular imaging, and drugging difficult targets.
A team of Stanford researchers has developed a protein therapy that disrupts the process of metastasis, which causes cancer cells to break away and spread. The treatment uses a harmless version of Axl protein that acts like a decoy to prevent Gas6 proteins from linking with it.
Researchers at Aarhus University developed a nanosensor to measure the effect of astringency in wine, allowing for better control over taste. The sensor uses salivary proteins to mimic mouth sensations, expanding understanding of astringency and its impact on wine quality.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have found that PTX3, a protein involved in innate immunity, can reduce mortality from sepsis by protecting endothelial cells from damage. The study's findings suggest that PTX3 may be used to develop a novel therapy for sepsis.
A new method allows researchers to observe ultra-weak protein-protein interactions, which are crucial for protein cooperation and disease prevention. This discovery has significant implications for pharmaceutical development, disease research, and understanding of protein aggregation.
Researchers are urging experts to study the functions of 'assemblages' - cloud-like protein formations that may hold clues to new treatments for diseases like Ewing sarcoma. These assemblages are made up of intrinsically disordered proteins that can trap and interact with other biological molecules.
A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals that non-canonical microRNA binding is widespread, targeting both protein-coding genes and non-coding RNAs. This suggests a more complex role for microRNAs in regulating gene abundance levels.
UH undergrads worked on diverse projects tackling cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and contact lens issues. Researchers explored ways to convert cancer cells into fat cells, analyzed neural activity effects of alcohol, and created a Lego-building guide app.
Researchers at IDIBELL and University of Barcelona discover HERC2 regulates p53 activity, a key step in tumor progression. The study suggests mutations in HERC2 may be associated with cancer in humans.
Researchers review the role of PIWI proteins and piRNAs in regulating gene expression during germline development and beyond. Recent studies have identified novel mechanisms of epigenetic programming, DNA rearrangements, mRNA turnover, and translational control in both germline and somatic tissues.
Research reveals how mutated OPHN1 protein disrupts AMPA receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity, contributing to X-linked intellectual disability. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying this condition.
Supercomputer simulations reveal that Ras protein clusters warp cell membranes, leading researchers to investigate the design of new anticancer drugs. The study uses coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to understand the dynamics of Ras proteins and their interaction with the membrane.
A study published in PLOS Computational Biology reveals that hereditary disease genes are found throughout the human body. This discovery highlights tissue-specific protein interactions and provides a powerful tool for identifying new therapeutic targets.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute generate accurate structural map of Mediator, a critical genetic machinery. The mapping reveals the precise locations of protein subunits and their interactions with RNA polymerase II.
New research reveals how red tide's chemicals disable competitor algae without killing them, affecting nutrient cycling and primary production in the ocean. Red tide's chemical cues alter large-scale ecosystem processes.
A team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has captured the most detailed images yet of spliceosomes, which help make proteins in our bodies. The images reveal new details about how these cellular machines work and provide insight into the relationship between RNA and protein.
The researchers identified the molecular structure of a protein complex that plays an important role in regulating the circadian rhythm. The complex contains a zinc ion, which stabilizes it and may play a key role in regulating metabolic processes.
A Ludwig Cancer Research study has identified a novel pathway by which proteins are actively and specifically shuttled into the nucleus. The discovery reveals a precise molecular barcode that flags proteins for import and describes the biochemical interaction driving this process.
University of Utah researchers developed a way to observe HIV budding without interfering with the process, showing ALIX's involvement in the late stages of virus replication. The study used digital camera and microscope technology to make movies and photos of the budding process.
Researchers have found that suppressing hyperactivity of calcium channels alleviated FAD-like symptoms in mice models, indicating a potential therapeutic target. The findings suggest that modulating calcium signaling could be explored as a new approach for treating familial Alzheimer's disease.
A team of USC and NYU researchers has developed a small molecule that interferes with cancer progression by mimicking the surface topography of one protein, tricking another into binding with it. This stops an aberrant gene expression contributing to cancer growth with minimal side effects.
Scientists at KU Leuven developed a new technique to study HIV proteins at the level of a single viral particle. This allows for quicker screening of anti-HIV drugs and potential to study other diseases.
Researchers at Arizona State University have published an atomic-level look at the telomerase enzyme that may hold secrets to the fountain of youth. Telomeres protect genetic data and are linked to aging and cancer.
Researchers at Penn Vet have identified several compounds that can reduce a virus' ability to spread infection, making it easier for the immune system to control. The compounds target specific interactions between viral proteins and host cells, potentially reducing mortality rates for diseases like Ebola and HIV.
Researchers developed a new mouse model to study the behavioral damage caused by repeated blows to the head. The study shows that mice with mild TBI develop similar behavioral problems as humans with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), including difficulty sleeping, memory issues, depression, and poor judgment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel mechanism by which the protein Botch regulates the Notch signaling pathway, crucial for healthy organ development. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of developmental biology and potential therapeutic applications for certain leukemias.
Researchers find prion protein attaches to amyloid-beta peptides, contrary to previous studies, and do not break them down into smaller pieces. This discovery bodes well for a potential approach using prion-protein-based compounds to treat Alzheimer's disease.
A team from the University of Pennsylvania used a computer-assisted approach to identify and rank candidate clock components, leading to the discovery of a new core clock gene named CHRONO. CHRONO physically interacts with known clock proteins and modulates daily rhythms in cells.
Researchers have discovered that intestinal cells use adhesion molecules to build the nutrient-absorbing brush border, a critical structure for absorbing nutrients and defending against pathogens. The findings provide new insights into intestinal pathologies associated with inherited and infectious diseases.
Virginia Tech researchers have developed a microfluidic device that enables the analysis of small quantities of cells, allowing for better understanding of diseases. The device uses chromatin immunoprecipitation and produces reliable results with as few as 10-100 cells, compared to millions of cells previously required.
Researchers may be able to design and synthesize stronger, more adaptable antibiotics from less expensive natural compounds using a specialized enzyme. By modifying an enzyme called KirCII, scientists hope to turn it into a set of wrenches that can install different molecular pieces to create new antibiotics.
University of Montreal scientists discovered how Epstein Barr (EBV) virus takes over gene regulating machinery to replicate itself. The viruses trick the human defense systems by mimicking components, allowing them to survive and cause diseases like infectious mononucleosis and lymphoma.
A study of 176 pre-pubertal boys found that high levels of protein intake combined with rigorous physical activity led to increased bone mineral content and density. This synergy between high protein intake and exercise was shown to positively impact bone structure and strength, even from pre-puberty through mid-late adolescence.
A new gel coating has been developed to promote bone growth on implants, allowing for improved integration and reduced rejection. The coating, made from a protein that encourages bone formation, can be released slowly in response to calcium ions, stimulating bone growth on the implant.
Researchers found a previously unknown binding interface between Bcl-2 and NAF-1 proteins, which could be addressed by medication. The study's findings have implications for treating cancer and age-related diseases.
The Sunday Driver gene is implicated in regulating muscle tissue formation and maintenance, with mutations leading to inherited muscle diseases such as Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. Researchers found that the gene's product interacts with cortical factors to enable the motor protein Dynein to transport muscle nuclei into place.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have identified a key protein in the auxin signaling network that may help understand the entire mechanism. The protein's interaction domain allows it to form chains with other proteins, fine-tuning the response of individual cells to auxin and producing detailed patterns on plant leaves.
Researchers have discovered that increased temperature and crowded environments cause unfolded proteins to shrink and lose their complex functions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding various biological processes, including cancer onset.
Researchers found that heparin interactions with the terminal domains of murine prion protein stabilize the protein, preventing aggregation. This stabilization prevents prion conversion and disease. Heparin may establish groundwork for therapeutic use against prion diseases.
Researchers developed a new technology called MaMTH to study human proteins, particularly membrane proteins that contribute to disease. The technology identifies a protein, CRKII, that plays a role in non-small cell lung cancer and suggests a potential therapeutic approach.
Researchers suggest that far-flung genome mutations could activate cancer-causing genes by disrupting enhancer function. The study found that MLL family proteins play a crucial role in regulating gene expression at enhancers, and that mutations in these proteins can promote oncogenesis.
Scientists at the University of Granada have discovered an allosteric interaction between HIV protein gp41 and antibody 2F5, a potent virus neutralizer. This breakthrough could lead to the design of effective vaccines against HIV by understanding how immune responses work.
A new simulation module developed at ETH Zurich uses an ant algorithm to predict the interaction of molecules with human proteins, identifying potential side effects and optimizing molecular design. The module can now design new active agents in minutes, suggesting necessary chemical synthesis steps.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered how the Marburg virus interacts with host protein Keap1, allowing it to live longer and replicate better. This knowledge may lead to the development of targeted therapies to arrest the lethal virus.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered LIMD2, a protein that drives metastasis in various cancers. The study defines the structure of LIMD2 and its correlation with metastatic tumors, offering potential targets for treatment.
Researchers have identified specific behavior of PP1 by analyzing binding motifs with regulatory proteins. This discovery allows them to predict interactions with a significant number of proteins without resolving their structure.
Researchers at TUM have found that the heat shock protein Hsp90 binds to prefolded tau proteins, which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. This discovery provides important insights into the mechanisms underlying the disease and may lead to new therapies.
Researchers identify two independent regulatory mechanisms controlling the human immune response, involving protein interactions between cGAS and Beclin-1 autophagy proteins. These findings have significant implications for understanding immune regulation and potentially harnessing its power to cure disease.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a key role for astrocytes and specific proteins in supporting neurons during protein misfolding brain diseases. The study found that certain proteins increase in response to misfolded proteins, potentially providing protection against neuronal death.
Scientists have discovered that herpes virus proteins use their flexible arms to pass on viral building blocks to hijacked cell proteins, providing insight into the virus's ability to hijack cells. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer caused by the herpes virus.
A new study reports that the ribosome's small subunit assembles itself through a dynamic interaction between proteins and RNA. The team discovered that a specific protein plays a crucial role in this process, allowing for the binding of subsequent proteins.
Researchers at the Stowers Institute discovered that Ndc1, a conserved nuclear envelope protein, works with Mps3 to regulate insertion sites into the nuclear membrane. The team found that Mps3 helps shuttle Ndc1 to specific locations in the nucleus, controlling the distribution of critical structures.
Johns Hopkins researchers identified a protein called SCAP that regulates fatty liver disease and diabetes. They found that SCAP's 'chauffeur' role is crucial to the cycle of fat production, and disrupting this process may lead to new treatments.
A $1.7 million grant from NSF supports Rensselaer researcher George Makhatadze in investigating protein folding speed to expand enzymatic range for paper manufacturing and other industries. The goal is to slow protein deterioration, extending functional life at high temperatures.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have created 22 semi-synthetic designer proteins that can regulate specific biochemical tasks. The discovery provides unique molecular understanding of protein interactions, which could lead to more effective pharmaceuticals targeting stroke, pain, and depression.
Rice University scientists create method to quantify how mutations affect protein pairs' ability to transmit signals. The new metric helps understand crosstalk and specificity in two-component systems, essential for bioengineering applications.
Dr. Jeffrey Chuang has been awarded a two-year grant to investigate how RNA interacts with proteins to change gene expression in human diseases such as cancer and muscular dystrophy. His research aims to decipher the root causes of these diseases using new mathematical and computational approaches.
Chi-Huey Wong, a professor of chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute, has been awarded the 2014 Wolf Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work on synthesizing complex carbohydrates and glycoproteins. His research methods have led to breakthroughs in understanding cancer progression and developing vaccines and therapeutics.
Dr. Beth Levine received the 2014 Stanley J. Korsmeyer Award for her groundbreaking work on autophagy, a housecleaning process in which cells destroy damaged proteins and organelles. Her research has revealed crucial roles of autophagy in health and disease, including its potential to prevent cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
The Biophysical Society announced the winners of its 2014 International Travel Awards to foster collaboration between American biophysicists and scientists in countries with financial difficulties. The recipients were chosen based on scientific merit and proposed presentations at the annual meeting.
Researchers create method to pinpoint locations for single proteins and improve chromatography process, leading to faster and cheaper drug production. This breakthrough could widen bottleneck in pharmaceutical industry and expand application to other industries.