Research on how proteins bind and work together. Covers membrane-protein assembly, viral infection, molecular imaging, and drugging difficult targets.
A new study reveals that Mal3p binds to the seam of microtubules, stabilising them and regulating cellular transport. This discovery sheds light on how similar processes work in humans, where Mal3p's human counterpart plays a role in various clinical conditions.
UT Southwestern researchers found that a molecular 'on/off switch' controls human immune defenses against viruses, including hepatitis C. The study reveals how the proteins RIG-I and LGP2 regulate immunity and highlights potential targets for novel therapeutics.
Gene-bending proteins recognize and bind tightly to bent DNA conformation, suggesting DNA plays a role in guiding correct bending protein to site on DNA. This finding challenges the conventional dogma that it is the protein that bends the DNA.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a protein interaction that may explain how Huntington's disease affects the brain, leading to dramatic accumulation of cholesterol.
The £4 million grant will enable CIMR to stay at the leading edge of disease research and train tomorrow's academic doctors and medical scientists. The Institute aims to understand human illnesses at a molecular and cellular level, facilitating collaboration between clinicians and basic scientists.
Brüschweiler recognized for fundamental contributions to nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and its applications in protein characterization, leading to a deeper understanding of protein behavior and potential disease treatments.
A team of scientists used high-energy X-rays to study the hydrophobic water gap, revealing its size and characteristics. The study provides new insights into protein folding and stability, which are crucial in biological systems.
University of Oregon researchers identified protein interactions that regulate cell response to steroid hormones, targeting heat shock proteins for drug design. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments with reduced side effects.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed a computer model that can fully map and predict how small proteins fold into three-dimensional shapes. The model tracks protein folding for up to 10 microseconds, significantly longer than previous methods.
A USC study has identified a crucial protein involved in the formation of myelin, which could lead to new treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis. The research discovered that a protein called Par-3 plays a central role in regulating myelination by interacting with other molecules.
Breakthroughs in protein interaction studies, antibiotic development, and signaling G Proteins are highlighted in ACS Chemical Biology. Researchers have also found a small molecule that controls thyroid hormone receptor activity.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin have explained the molecular principles of cell division control mechanisms. The study found that checkpoint kinases interact with a different category of proteins involved in developing the cell division spindle.
Recent test tube and animal experiments suggest that certain general anaesthetics could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other memory problems in elderly patients. The studies also highlight the need for more careful recording of anaesthetic combinations and doses to assess potential risks.
Researchers at MPI-CBG defined the distance between Kinesin-1 and microtubules, explaining how it avoids collisions. This finding sheds light on refined motor proteins' ability to navigate cells efficiently.
Monash PhD researcher Ms Fleur Tynan has been awarded a Victoria Fellowship to study advanced cellular imaging techniques at Stanford University. Her research focuses on the human immune response to viruses, which may lead to developing therapeutics that assist in the anti-viral immune response.
Yale University and NFCR have established a research center to design and discover new anti-cancer drug treatments. The center will focus on developing beta-peptide inhibitors that can target abnormal protein-protein interactions, which are often present in cancer cells.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have created polarized Janus particles that spontaneously self-assemble into clusters with specific shapes and distributions of electric charge. The clusters can exhibit unique properties, such as a flywheel-like shape that can revolve around a polar axle.
A team of scientists created a molecular ruler using gold nanoparticles and DNA to measure protein-DNA interactions at high resolution. This tool promises to accelerate research into genetic information processing by detecting initial protein-DNA binding interactions.
A team from Rice University and UT-Houston report a unique grip of the protein calmodulin, which operates independently like a batter in a bunt. This new grip plays a key role in allowing muscles to contract and relax quickly.
The research team identified a single recessive gene, Rymv1, which confers resistance to the virus by blocking its interaction with the host protein. The discovery could lead to the development of resistant rice varieties, reducing yield losses and improving food security.
The National Cancer Institute has established a collaborative network of five Clinical Proteomic Technology Assessment for Cancer teams to evaluate and compare different proteomic platforms. The network aims to improve diagnostics, therapies, and prevention by standardizing technologies and methodologies.
Using multiphoton fluorescence microscopy, researchers have watched chromosomes change their form to activate genes in living fruit fly cells. This discovery could significantly advance our understanding of the basic processes underlying gene expression.
Researchers identified a new gene, SUMO1, as a potential cause of cleft lip and palate when underexpressed. The discovery links individual genes to shared protein networks, providing a promising new lead in understanding the complex genetic mechanisms behind this birth defect.
Researchers at Ohio State University have made a groundbreaking discovery on how water molecules interact with proteins, revealing that they slow down to connect with proteins. The study provides an early result in explaining essential biological functions like protein folding and enzyme catalysis.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Xiaojiang Chen have uncovered the molecular mechanism behind how a viral oncoprotein inactivates p53. The study reveals that the viral protein binds to p53, causing a conformational change that prevents it from binding to DNA and thus abolishes its tumor-suppressing function.
Dr. Ray Larsen is working on understanding protein communication in bacteria, particularly the outer membrane's defensive barrier. His research aims to develop drugs that can break this barrier, rendering bacteria susceptible to human defenses and certain antibiotics.
A new study has identified a key protein, LMP4, that regulates Tbx transcription factors in embryonic limb and heart development. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms controlling these critical processes.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new technique using Atomic Force Microscopy to study brain proteins and measure bonding between single molecule molecules. This breakthrough allows for the rapid detection of neurotoxins with extremely small sample sizes.
Sandia researchers found that rough hydrophobic surfaces exhibit longer-range attractive forces, which may help explain protein folding and the self-cleaning 'Lotus effect'. By inserting rough surfaces into experiments, they slowed down the reaction to measure the attraction and observe its origin, a cavitation bridge between the subme...
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that the protein CD86 on B lymphocytes increases antibody production when interacting with T cells. This finding could lead to new treatments for pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, and autoimmune diseases.
Researchers at NC State University have characterized the shape of calbindin-D28K, a protein linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The protein's flexibility and ability to bind to caspase-3 may provide insights into developing drugs to halt disease progression.
Researchers discovered that heat, specifically above 40 degrees Celsius, blocks pain receptors by inhibiting chemical messengers. This finding has implications for developing pain relief drugs targeting P2X3 receptors.
Researchers discover miRNAs silence genes through two independent mechanisms: repression of translation and induction of mRNA degradation. This finding resolves controversy over whether miRNAs affect mRNA levels.
Researchers found that brittle prion particles can spread infection quickly by breaking into new seeds. This discovery boosts basic understanding of prion infections and could lead to new ideas for designing drugs to prevent or discourage prion seeding.
A genetic variant of BARD1 has been found to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in women who carry the BRCA2 mutation. The study suggests that inheriting this allele may increase a woman's breast cancer risk, but for most women, the risk is only slight.
Researchers found transcription factor Elk-1 localized in dendrites of neurons, affecting cell viability. Overexpressing Elk-1 decreased cell viability, while knocking down expression increased neuron survival.
Ewing's sarcoma treatment strategy proposed by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers, targeting EWS-FLI1 and helicase protein interaction to promote cancer development.
Researchers at the Children's Medical Research Institute have identified syndapin as a crucial molecule in the transmission of messages between nerve cells. The partnership between syndapin and dynamin is vital for understanding neurological disorders such as epilepsy, conditions of memory loss and schizophrenia.
Researchers have discovered a protein complex that regulates axon growth and development in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans. The complex, composed of UNC-69 and UNC-76 proteins, plays a crucial role in maintaining normal presynaptic organization and regulating vesicle trafficking.
Plant biologist Jian Kang Zhu discovered that the high expression of osmotically responsive gene 1 (HOS1) acts as a biochemical gate to cut off the plant's cold protection. The HOS1 protein interacts with ICE1, kicking off a genetic cascade that provides cold protection proteins.
The National Technology Center for Networks and Pathways will develop fluorescent probe technologies to investigate real-time interactions in living cells. This work aims to generate molecular biosensors for preclinical research, ultimately improving hospital-based diagnostic medicine.
Researchers discover the structure of the WRN exonuclease domain, revealing its role in repairing DNA damage and maintaining genomic integrity. The study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying Werner's syndrome, a rare inherited disease that accelerates aging.
Researchers identified two critical molecular events: PICK1's role in removing AMPA receptors and phosphorylation's effect on the receptor. These findings provide new understanding of long-term depression and its connection to motor learning, such as the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
Researchers at Emory University have identified a unique binding method between ubiquitin and Isopeptidase T (IsoT), a key enzyme in degrading ubiquitin chains. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted therapies for diseases associated with aberrant protein degradation.
A new discovery links the nuclear membrane with dosage compensation in fruit flies, potentially shedding light on human X-chromosome balance. Researchers hope this finding will lead to a better understanding of how cells produce equal quantities of proteins between sexes.
Researchers analyzed over 25,000 protein-protein interactions to dispel old notions of what's important about them. The study identified 36 previously unknown interactions and showed that proteins encoded by genes mutated in inherited disorders interact with known disorder-causing proteins.
Researchers found that Rad9 plays a crucial role in repairing DNA damage and protecting chromosome ends. Inactivating Rad9 in tumor cells could enhance the power of radiation treatments by making it easier for radiation to inflict fatal damage on cancerous genetic material.
Researchers at Ohio State University identified seven partner proteins that interact with estrogen to activate or suppress genes in breast cancer cells. The study suggests that c-MYC is one of these activating partner proteins, which could lead to new drug targets and improved treatment options for hormone-resistant tumors.
A new technology allows researchers to observe RNA metabolism in live cells, enabling the identification of RNA-binding proteins and their interactions with specific RNAs. This breakthrough has the potential to reveal disease-associated RNAs, which could lead to new therapeutic targets.
Physicists at Penn State University have developed a new method to study frustration in complex systems, including materials with magnetic moments. The researchers created artificial spin ice using electron beam lithography, allowing them to manipulate the strength of frustrated interactions and probe individual elements within the sys...
A team of researchers at Duke University has discovered ankyrin repeats, a common protein motif found in humans and other organisms, which exhibit unprecedented elastic properties. The nanometer-sized 'nanosprings' display linear elasticity and can self-repair after repeated stretching.
Researchers have discovered a precise timer formed by Period and Timeless proteins that counts off six hours, creating an 'interval timer' that governs the cell's circadian rhythm. This discovery opens up new questions about the complex interactions between proteins in the cellular clock.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a crucial signaling pathway involving the protein Abi, which regulates actin filament formation in T cells. This process is essential for the T cell to attach to and target infected cells.
Researchers found a strong link between smoking, HLA-DR SE genes, and anticitrulline antibodies in early rheumatoid arthritis patients. Smoking significantly raises RA risk for individuals testing positive for these antibodies, regardless of SE gene status.
Researchers at NIAID identified a specific protein involved in resistance to the TB drug PA-824. By pinpointing this protein, scientists can develop improved versions of PA-824 and accelerate TB drug development.
Researchers have discovered a unique architecture of the Duffy-Binding Like (DBL) domain that allows the malaria parasite to bind to red blood cells. This finding may lead to the development of specific drugs that can target the parasite without affecting healthy blood cells.
Researchers have discovered a gene mutation in Bardet-Biedl syndrome that significantly increases disease severity. The finding mirrors the expected genetic complexity of common diseases like diabetes and cancer. By studying this mutation, scientists hope to uncover subtle genetic variants contributing to complex diseases.
A team of scientists at Duke University used computer-chemistry techniques to study the docking orientation required for a Cdc25B phosphatase enzyme to activate a cyclin-dependent kinase protein complex. The researchers discovered that specific hot spots on the molecules' surfaces must align precisely for the brief docking to accomplis...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein called LRRK2 that could be the best new target in the fight against Parkinson's disease. The study found that LRRK2 is involved in controlling other proteins' activities and may play a role in the death of brain cells that produce dopamine.
A global signaling study suggests that cancer's genesis may be linked to the haphazard activation of secondary signaling pathways by proteins. The researchers found that only two human ErbB receptors, EGFR and ErbB2, become promiscuous when overexpressed, recruiting a large number of different signaling proteins.