Research on how proteins bind and work together. Covers membrane-protein assembly, viral infection, molecular imaging, and drugging difficult targets.
A team at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified four proteins that bind to Toc-HDOs, regulating gene silencing. The discovery provides a novel biological mechanism for Toc-HDOs, increasing understanding of how they silence genes.
MIT researchers develop a methodology for designing protein interactions that occur at a fast timescale, allowing circuits to respond within seconds. This approach has potential applications in creating environmental sensors and diagnostics.
A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new approach to identifying and tagging specific proteins. They used multivalent gold nanoparticles as a scaffold to attach carbohydrate ligands and electrophiles, which allowed them to highly efficiently and selectively label carbohydrate-binding...
Researchers at Max Planck Institute successfully rebuilt the kinetochore, a complex assembly of proteins that binds to microtubules, in vitro. The reconstruction is a significant milestone in understanding how the kinetochore functions and paves the way for creating synthetic chromosomes.
Researchers have introduced a novel click reaction suitable for living cells and organisms, enabling the labeling of biomolecules without affecting physiological processes. The reaction uses linear, terminal alkynes and N,N-dialkylhydroxylamines to form biocompatible enamine-N-oxides.
A new study reveals that the connective tissue protein lumican promotes immune responses against bacterial infections while restraining overactive immune responses in sepsis. Lumican interacts with toll-like receptors on immune cells, stabilizing their interactions to increase activity and production of TNF-alpha.
A recent study has found evidence of a large coronavirus epidemic that occurred in the East Asia region more than 20,000 years ago. The researchers used genetic data from the 1000 Genomes Project to discover changes in human genes that suggest ancestors of East Asian people experienced an epidemic similar to COVID-19.
Researchers discovered a novel interaction between proteins hevin and calcyon, which promotes synaptic contacts and reorganization in the brain. This interaction helps to improve recovery from brain injury, particularly in adults, by reducing neuroinflammatory response-induced proteases and promoting early stages of recovery.
A new study uncovers the interplay between proteins involved in controlling the body's stress response and points to potential therapeutic targets. The research, led by McLean Hospital investigators, reveals how key proteins interact to regulate the body's response to stress.
Researchers found that fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila virilis use different mechanisms for dosage compensation. The primary components MSL2 and CLAMP are present in both species, but their binding sites on the X chromosome have evolved differently.
The LMO1 gene codes for a protein that regulates RNA production and is implicated in cancer formation. Researchers found that overexpression of LMO1 is associated with poor patient outcomes in different cancers. Further study of LMO1 may lead to targeted therapies for various types of cancer.
A low-protein diet with mostly resistant starch produces the healthiest outcomes, while a 50:50 glucose-fructose mixture leads to obesity and poor metabolic health. This study builds on previous findings that low protein-high carbohydrate diets in mice result in long lifespan and cardiometabolic health.
Researchers uncover how an RNA named NORAD drives a protein to form liquid droplets that tightly regulate its activity. This phenomenon, known as phase separation, protects against disease by preventing chromosomal abnormalities and promoting cellular homeostasis.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed an atomic-level model of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein bound to a human lung-cell-junction protein. The findings reveal how the virus causes extensive lung damage by hijacking cell-junction proteins, leading to a cytokine storm and promoting viral spread.
Researchers at Osaka University identified a molecular mechanism governing immune cell motility, involving the lysosomal Ragulator complex. This process enables immune cells to migrate and elicit an immune response, with implications for treating autoimmune disorders and cancer.
A new approach to model and analyze protein-ligand interactions in cancer research is being developed through a $1.2 million NIH grant. Researchers will use the proteomics toolkit PROTEAN-CR to understand key biological mechanisms of cancer and suggest novel cancer therapies.
Researchers have identified a novel interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and galectin-3-binding protein (LGALS3BP), which could be a new therapeutic anti-viral target. The presence of detectable viral RNA in blood is strongly associated with increased risk of severe illness.
Heavy water significantly reduces cellular dynamics without damaging cells, a finding with implications for organ transplants and tissue storage. The study's results suggest increased interaction between structural proteins and reversible effects, paving the way for further research into this phenomenon.
A new SARS-CoV-2 variant, T478K, has been identified in over 50% of viruses in North America, particularly in Mexico, where it spreads rapidly among all age groups. The mutation in the Spike protein alters its interaction with the human receptor ACE2, potentially hindering drug efficacy and immune system antibodies.
Research identifies novel E6 inhibitors with potential for targeted therapy in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. The study reveals the key role of E6 in tumor formation and growth, highlighting its importance as a strategic approach for HPV-positive HNSCC treatment.
Researchers developed a new method to label histidine residues in proteins, enabling rapid and selective chemical modification. This breakthrough offers new possibilities for protein analysis and drug delivery systems.
Protein corona formation affects cationic liposome interactions with cells, altering internalization pathways and cargo distribution. Energy-dependent endocytosis replaces initial membrane fusion.
Researchers review biopolymer-based electrolytes for lithium batteries, highlighting polysaccharides and proteins with unique properties. The study aims to improve interfacial stability and mechanical strength of membranes, enabling the design of zero-pollution batteries.
Researchers have discovered a novel formaldehyde sensor in bacteria that helps them detect and respond to elevated levels of the toxic chemical. The EfgA protein directly senses formaldehyde and stops bacterial growth to protect cells.
Researchers discovered a novel molecular mechanism by which HCV interferes with the host's immune system, leading to chronic infection. The study found that HCV core protein is degraded via SPP and MHC class I proteins, impairing proper immune response and allowing infection to become chronic.
Researchers at Yale University found that autoantibodies in severe COVID-19 cases can attack healthy tissue and organs, leading to increased disease severity. The study also suggests that long-lived rogue antibodies may contribute to lasting medical symptoms, or long COVID cases.
A multi-institutional team has identified a compound that prevents the lengthening of the heart's electrical event, preventing cardiac arrhythmia. The compound, C28, enhances the IKs potassium ion channel function without affecting normal action potentials.
Researchers have developed a bicyclic peptide that binds to and inhibits the oncogenic protein beta-catenin, which is associated with certain types of tumor. The peptide's unique hairpin shape and cyclic nature mimic natural protein structures, making it an attractive starting point for developing new antitumor drugs.
Researchers are exploring SARS-COV-2 proteins as potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19. The review highlights the viral proteins' role in replication, structure, and interaction with host cells.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg studied protein interactions in synaptic vesicles, uncovering how they mesh like cogs in a clockwork mechanism. This understanding helps recognize and understand malfunctions that could trigger diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers develop a novel antiviral targeting Marburg virus, blocking its departure from infected cells. Preliminary results also show potential against SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing studies underway.
Researchers have discovered an alternative way of organizing genes in coral symbiont dinoflagellates, with alternating unidirectional blocks and a 3D chromosome structure dependent on transcriptional activity. This unique genome organization challenges traditional understanding of eukaryotic genetics.
A novel chemical tool, ADdis-Cys, has been developed to elucidate protein interaction networks in cells. It enables the simultaneous identification of a protein's interacting partners and pinpointing of their binding regions.
A team of scientists found that the human 14-3-3 protein family has a universal binding site for the E6 oncoprotein from different subtypes of cancer-causing Human Papillomaviruses (HPV). This discovery suggests that targeting this site could lead to the development of novel antiviral therapies.
Researchers developed a VR platform to display huge amounts of data and analyze complex protein interactions. This enables the identification of correlations and rare genetic defects responsible for diseases.
SARS coronaviruses enhance protein production in infected cells, leading to increased viral replication. The unique domain of the virus interacts with human Paip-1, binding to ribosomes and promoting viral protein synthesis.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have gained atomic-level insights into how PLEKHA7 interacts with the cell membrane to regulate intercellular communications. The study identifies hotspots within PLEKHA7 as potential targets for cancer drugs, particularly in advanced colon, breast, and ovarian cancers.
A new study reveals that the long noncoding RNA ADEPTR is essential for structural plasticity in neurons, forming and amassing at the synapse upon stimulation. Silencing ADEPTR prevents new synapses from forming during stimulation, highlighting its crucial role in neural adaptation.
Researchers discovered that protein DNAJC9 actively engages cellular protein folding machinery to release trapped histones. This process is crucial for proper chromatin organization and is essential for cancer cell viability.
Scientists identify 234 fragment compounds directly binding to SARS-CoV-2's Nsp3 Mac1 protein, mapping chemical motifs for potential antiviral drug development. The study lays out the next steps in designing and synthesizing more elaborate molecules with promising biological effects.
Scientists at EMBL Hamburg use X-ray beams to study artificial protein nanostructures, confirming their ability to fold into desired shapes. The findings advance understanding of synthetic origami-like protein folding for therapeutic applications.
A team from TUM and Max Planck Institute analyzed over 1200 samples of human lung cells reacting to SARS-CoV-2 proteins, identifying 1484 interaction points between viral and cellular proteins. This knowledge will help identify vulnerability hotspots for new therapies.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that interactions between proteins and nitrate control gene expression in legumes, leading to nodulation. The team found that specific proteins with varying DNA-binding properties regulate symbiotic genes involved in nodulation, which is induced by nitrate presence.
Scientists discovered that coral structures consist of a biomineral containing organized organic mix of proteins. This process is critical to forming a rock-hard coral skeleton. The research suggests that corals will withstand climate change due to their impressive biomineralization process.
Researchers at LMU München found that diffusiophoresis can facilitate directed particle transport in cells, even without motor proteins. The mechanism sorts particles by size and has implications for understanding cellular processes and potential applications in artificial minimal cells.
A recent study has deepened our understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein's interactions with genetic material, offering potential avenues for developing effective treatments. The research reveals how the N protein binds to RNA and protects it, and highlights its flexibility as a key factor in this process.
Scientists developed a 'designer' pore that mimics real nuclear pores, revealing how selectivity is achieved through nucleoporin interactions. The study demonstrates the importance of FG repeats and spacer sequences in determining pore function.
Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a previously unknown interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2 receptors in human cells, which strengthens the virus-cell interaction. This finding may partially explain COVID-19's higher infection rate compared to SARS.
Researchers at Kanazawa University created a new AFM approach to increase frame rates up to 30 fps, reducing sample disturbance and improving imaging capabilities.
Caltech professor Ibrahim Cissé has pioneered techniques to visualize gene expression in living cells using super-resolution imaging. His work applies physics to RNA transcription, shedding light on the behavior of biomolecules and potential applications in understanding neurodegenerative diseases.
The Martini forcefield offers fast but accurate coarse-grained simulations for soft matter systems, such as lipid membranes and proteins. The new version has been recalibrated with more reference data, enhancing its accuracy and usability in materials science and biophysics research.
A team of researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology has identified a critical protein segment responsible for activating the MRN complex, a key player in DNA repair. The discovery reveals a conserved function across species, with implications for genetic disorders and gene editing applications.
Researchers deciphered the impacts of sRNA interactions on individual bacterial cells, revealing minor effects from base-pairing interactions and significant effects from disruptions in Hfq binding. The study used high-throughput sequencing and quantitative super-resolution imaging to understand the regulation of gene expression under ...
A team led by Professor Malte Drescher successfully observed the membrane binding of α-synuclein in living cells using a new measurement method. The study provides direct evidence that α-synuclein interacts with intracellular membranes, which may play a role in Parkinson's disease development.
A high-resolution map of protein binding locations in yeast has produced two distinct gene regulatory architectures, challenging traditional models of gene regulation. The study revealed unique protein assemblages and absence of specific regulatory control signals at housekeeping genes.
Scientists at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a promising target for new antibacterial agents in the formation of ribosomal components. The study, published in Molecular Cell, reveals that a helper protein called ObgE plays a key role in guiding the process, which could be inhibited to stop bacterial growth.
Specialized proteins called cadherins join forces to make cells stick together, forming bonds 30 times stronger than individual strengths. This discovery could lead to more life-like artificial tissues and tumor-busting drugs.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex disease characterized by thickening of the left ventricle. Researchers have identified patient-specific protein networks using RNA-seq and tissue samples from HCM patients. This study offers a path toward individualized medicine for treating HCM.
Researchers discovered that cone snail venom can disrupt protein-protein interactions contributing to P. falciparum malaria's persistence. The study found six fractions of venom inhibit adhesion of infected erythrocytes to endothelial microvasculature and placenta.
Researchers at LMU have developed a theory explaining how cells perceive their own shapes and use this information to direct protein distribution. A concentration gradient within the cell encodes shape information, which is decoded by self-organized protein patterns.