Research on how proteins bind and work together. Covers membrane-protein assembly, viral infection, molecular imaging, and drugging difficult targets.
Researchers at Université de Montréal's Department of Chemistry have created a new fluorogenic probe to study interactions between sugars and proteins, which are essential to life. The probe can visualize these interactions using fluorescence, providing a valuable tool for studying biological processes critical to human health.
Recent study by University of Bonn researchers reveals that machine learning models in drug discovery research are not as effective as thought, relying heavily on memorized data. The findings suggest that AI applications in this field are overrated and should be supplemented with chemical knowledge and simpler methods.
Researchers identified a novel bacterial protein, MceF, that can prolong cell longevity by acting directly on mitochondria. The discovery could lead to new treatments for diseases relating to mitochondrial dysfunction, such as cancer and auto-immune disorders.
Mitochondrial fragmentation is a key mechanism underlying ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD), leading to excessive reactive oxygen species production and calcium homeostasis impairment. Blocking mitochondrial fission at the initiation of mechanical ventilation with a molecule like P110 could potentially prevent VIDD.
A study in mice finds that two proteins, MAP6 and Kv3.1, interact to control movement, memory, and anxiety. Disrupting this interaction can lead to behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and impaired memory, highlighting potential new targets for schizophrenia treatment.
Scientists have discovered two 'switch' regions in the structure of the K-Ras protein that are affected by dangerous mutations. These regions, located near a protein loop, can amplify cell division and lead to cancer. Researchers say their findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of these mutations and potential drug targets.
The American Phytopathological Society has created a new series of distinguished reviews in honor of Harold H. Flor, who developed the gene-for-gene concept in plant pathology. The series presents authoritative reviews on molecular plant-microbe interactions, providing a historical perspective and future directions for research.
Scientists at Mays Cancer Center found that altering androgen receptor multivalent interactions may lead to new treatments for prostate cancer. The study suggests that precise levels of these interactions are crucial for proper hormone-induced gene expression.
Researchers discovered that intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in proteins play a critical role in chromatin regulation and gene expression. IDRs form droplets called condensates that separate from surrounding fluid, allowing proteins to congregate and carry out cellular activities.
Rice University scientists developed a tiny CRISPR-Cas13 system to shred viruses by targeting RNA. The system's unique mechanism and three-dimensional structure were mapped using cryo-electron microscopy, allowing researchers to engineer it for improved precision and specificity.
Researchers identified two SARS-CoV-2 protein mutations linked to severe COVID-19 symptoms and increased inflammation. The mutations, known as KR, were found in patients with higher viral loads and more severe symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a peptide that stabilizes the normal structure of alpha-synuclein protein, preventing misfolding and toxic clumps. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic developments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers at EMBL Grenoble have obtained the first structure of p38α being activated by MKK6, opening up new directions for developing drugs to stop cytokine storms. The inflammatory response is triggered by a series of kinases, and inactivating p38α could prevent inflammation from occurring.
Researchers at University of California - Riverside uncover COVID's Achilles heel - its dependence on key human proteins. By understanding how the virus interacts with human cells, a new class of antiviral medication may be developed to block replication and treatment.
A team of scientists at VCU Massey Cancer Center discovered a previously unknown interaction between proteins that supplies energy to tumor cells, holding significant implications for colon cancer treatments. By blocking heat shock protein 27 activity, researchers confirmed a decrease in mitochondrial function and death of cancer cells.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a subset of immune cells that slows Alzheimer's disease progression by interacting with microglia. The cells, called CD8+ T cells, use a molecular handshake to signal to the microglia to stop causing uncontrolled inflammation, which in turn slows plaque growth and symptoms.
The protein leverage hypothesis proposes that a decrease in protein intake due to modern diets drives increased energy consumption. Research supports this idea, showing how protein appetite interacts with processed foods and life stage changes to increase the risk of obesity.
A team of researchers developed a computational simulation that explains key mechanism of DNA segregation, providing new insights into the distribution of genetic information during bacterial cell division. The study reveals fundamental biochemical principles relevant to synthetic biology and medical applications.
Researchers find that Acinetobacter baumannii can achieve significant functional modifications in protein complexes over short evolutionary time spans, particularly in hair-like cell appendages. This diversity may affect the pathogen's interaction with its environment and inform personalized therapies.
Scientists develop a method to construct crystalline artificial steric zippers in peptide β-sheets, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies and materials. The research utilizes metal ions to prevent aggregation and form needle-shaped crystals with specific structural characteristics.
Researchers Yuesheng Zhang and his team aim to understand how mutated p53 proteins regain their cancer-fighting abilities through the manipulation of interactions with peptidase D (PEPD). The goal is to develop novel treatment strategies targeting PEPD to restore antitumor properties in various forms of cancer.
A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered a new paradigm for understanding how actin filaments are formed and fine-tuned in cells. They found that three proteins - formin, twinfilin, and capping protein - work together to regulate the activity of actin filaments, allowing for more precise control of cellular movement.
Researchers from Osaka University developed a fluorescent sensor to visualize Pcdh interactions in live neurons, allowing for the first time to observe dissociation of these interactions. This technique has potential applications in understanding brain disorders such as autism and epilepsy.
Researchers have successfully visualized the three-dimensional structure of human tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN, a crucial enzyme in tRNA maturation. The study reveals how TSEN recognizes and excises introns from precursor tRNAs, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia.
Researchers found that viruses can insert genes into bacteria to help them adapt and survive in nutrient-depleted man-made environments. The study also identified novel immune systems against viruses in bacteria and detected antibiotic resistance genes in viruses on human skin and surfaces.
Researchers have found that PD-L1 triggers signaling that intrinsically alters cancer cell phenotype, impacting immune milieu. The study's findings suggest a new approach to treating patients with limited response to immunotherapy.
Researchers investigated factors influencing horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in bacteria, finding that divergence and protein connectivity interact to limit its success. The study supports the Complexity Hypothesis, suggesting that newly transferred genes struggle to engage in normal protein-protein interactions.
A team of scientists has identified a key player in the coupling between early transcription termination and RNA degradation. The ARS2 protein recruits ZC3H4, which interacts with the NEXT complex to target nascent transcripts for degradation.
Researchers found that blocking histamine-releasing factor (HRF) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) interactions may provide relief for patients with severe asthma. The study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests two potential therapies, including HRF-2CA and a therapeutic antibody called SPF7-1.
Scientists investigate how salt uptake affects polyester microdroplets' surface potential, turbidity, size, and internal water distribution. The results suggest that microdroplets can selectively partition salt cations, leading to differential coalescence.
Researchers have revealed key atomic structures of actin filament ends using cryo-electron microscopy. The study provides fundamental insights into the mechanism behind actin filament polarity, shedding light on disorders such as muscle weakness and heart problems.
Researchers developed a mass spectrometry method to analyze molecular glues and assess their relative strengths. The technique enables the elucidation of mechanisms through which these molecules stabilize protein interactions.
Researchers invent time-resolved assessment of single-cell protein secretion with sequencing (TRAPS-seq) to correlate cell functions with secreted proteins. The technique accelerates the development of new therapeutic strategies for disease treatment, including targeting mechanisms selective for cancer cells.
Researchers found variability in IgA levels between blood and gut samples, suggesting IgA regulates commensal microbes to prevent immune dysregulation. Patients with normal fecal IgA were less likely to develop symptoms, while those deficient in both blood and fecal IgA showed elevated inflammatory cytokines.
A new potential drug target has been identified for Alzheimer's disease by Rensselaer researchers, focusing on the interaction between ApoE and heparan sulfate. The study suggests that modulating this interaction could slow the progression of the disease.
MIT chemists develop rapid test to determine whether individuals have neutralizing antibodies against Covid-19, offering protection against future infections. The technique uses a fingerprint of sugar molecules to identify neutralizing antibodies in blood samples.
A new glycosidic-bond-based mass-spectrometry-cleavable cross-linker has been developed to improve data analysis throughput and identification accuracy of cross-linking information. This technique enables in-vivo cross-linking of protein complexes in live cells, achieving large-scale and precise analysis of 1,453 proteins.
Researchers at EPFL have computationally designed novel protein binders that attach seamlessly to key targets, including the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, using deep learning-generated 'fingerprints' to characterize millions of protein fragments. This method demonstrates therapeutic potential for rapidly designing protein-based therapeutics.
Researchers have discovered that nuclear pore IDPs form a dynamic barrier that allows essential cellular factors to pass while blocking viruses and pathogens. The team used synthetic biology, multidimensional fluorescence microscopy, and computer-based simulations to study IDPs in living cells.
Researchers have identified the structure of the circadian rhythm photosensor and its target in fruit flies, revealing key components of the circadian clocks. The study also shed light on how DNA damage is repaired in a cell and found genetic variations that help flies adapt to changing latitudes.
Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a fluorescence-based monitoring system to study BAR protein assembly. The study found that WASP, Cdc42, and other proteins facilitate GAS7 assembly on lipid membranes, promoting cellular shape formation and protein signaling.
Researchers have elucidated the mechanism of CELSR cadherin dimerization, revealing a twisted cell-cell adhesion molecule complex structure. The extracellular domains of CELSR cadherins exhibited strand- and globule-like portions, which bound through strand-like structures in an antiparallel orientation.
Researchers from Penn State and Ohio State University used structural biology, biophysics, and cell biology to understand how pioneer factors interact with nucleosomes. They found that a specific region of the protein helps it access DNA, making it accessible for proteins involved in gene expression.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet and the Max Planck Institute have identified a new mechanism for DNA folding, revealing how the Smc5/6 complex regulates chromosomal organization. This discovery provides new insights into normal development and disease prevention.
Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to visualize a sirtuin enzyme bound to a nucleosome, clarifying how it accesses DNA and histone proteins to modulate gene expression. The study provides insight into the function of SIRT6 in humans and other animals.
Researchers uncover how HIV enters human bodies via dendritic cells using Siglec-1 membrane protein; formation of nanoclusters enhances capture, leading to virus compartment formation. Understanding this process can aid in developing effective treatments for HIV/AIDS.
Researchers identified potential novel receptors for SARS-CoV-2 that utilize multiple receptors to facilitate its life cycle. The study reveals a strong correlation between tissue age-dependency and SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced receptor expression, with older adults being more susceptible to severe outcomes.
Researchers used ancestral sequence reconstruction to study protein interactions in cyanobacteria, finding that they can evolve independently of direct selection pressure. The discovery challenges classical evolutionary theory and suggests that fortuitous compatibility may be the basis for a significant fraction of cellular interactions.
A novel database, CycPeptMPDB, has been created to facilitate the development of drugs based on cyclic peptides. The database contains information on thousands of cyclic peptides and their membrane permeability values, enabling researchers to select candidate peptides that can penetrate human cell membranes.
Researchers from PSI deciphered the structure of an ion channel found in the eye while interacting with calmodulin, a protein that enables cell response to calcium fluctuations. This interaction is believed to be responsible for achieving remarkable sensitivity to dim light.
Researchers have made significant discoveries about DELLA proteins, a family of 'promiscuous' proteins that regulate various plant functions. The study reveals complex interactions between DELLA proteins and transcription factors, which could lead to designing new crops with improved resilience and yields.
Researchers found that protein modifier SUMO plays a key role in cellular adaptation to simulated microgravity. The study identified 37 proteins that physically interact with SUMO, including those involved in DNA damage repair and energy production.
Researchers develop AI-designed synthetic polymers that mimic specific functions of natural proteins, working as well as the real protein and easier to synthesize. The polymers could be a game-changer for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and photosynthesis.
Researchers at Duke University have created a new approach to controlling cellular biochemical processes by building synthetic compartments that isolate biomolecules. This technique has the potential to be used to understand and fight disease, including the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new way protein structures communicate with each other to regulate hormone activity. This finding could lead to improved therapies for breast cancer and other diseases.
Researchers found that measles virus mutations in its fusion protein allow it to infect nerve cells, leading to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The team's discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms of viruses like coronaviruses and herpesviruses.
Researchers identified an alternative binding site on amyloid-beta aggregates using time-resolved spectroscopy and computational chemistry. This discovery could lead to the development of new therapies for Alzheimer's disease and other conditions associated with amyloid deposits.
Researchers at KAUST have discovered the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair by studying the interaction between two enzymes, Lig1 and PCNA. Lig1 seals nicks in DNA by attaching to a ring-shaped protein called PCNA, which dislodges another enzyme FEN1 to prepare for sealing.
Researchers analyzed how immunological memory gets generated and maintained to understand its role in cancer and inflammatory diseases. They found that increased inflammation can actually reduce immunological memory, highlighting the need for regulation.