Research on how proteins bind and work together. Covers membrane-protein assembly, viral infection, molecular imaging, and drugging difficult targets.
The ViralLink workflow connects the dots between viral protein interactions and cellular responses to identify key proteins involved in various functions. The tool predicts signalling pathways and transcription factor regulation to change gene expression in infected cells.
A study published in Nature Communications found that green tea compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) preserves the tumor-suppressing protein p53 from degradation. This interaction increases p53 levels, which can aid in DNA repair and destroy cancerous cells.
Researchers have made progress in understanding how heat shock proteins interact with faulty proteins in Huntington's disease, potentially leading to new treatments. The study suggests that these proteins can be activated to prevent protein aggregates from forming.
New study reveals that N-terminal acetylation shields proteins from degradation and inhibits programmed cell death, opening up new approaches for cancer therapy. IAPs play a wider role in protein quality control, recognizing defective proteins for destruction, and triggering apoptosis in tumor cells.
Immunologists at the University of Freiburg have solved a mystery about how Rituximab, an anti-cancer drug, targets B tumor cells. The researchers found that CD20 organizes nanostructures on the B cell membrane, and its absence or binding to Rituximab activates resting B cells.
A Cleveland Clinic-led team developed a platform, My Personal Mutanome (MPM), to analyze genetic mutations and their responses to drugs in cancer. The platform integrates clinical data, protein-protein interactions, and functional sites to identify actionable mutations for personalized medicine.
The project aims to understand the structure-function relationships of receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs), with a focus on PTPRJ. The researchers hope to design ways to augment RPTP activity in settings like cancer, where tumor growth is promoted.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are using a $233,776 NIH grant to study the gamma-secretase enzyme responsible for producing Amyloid-Beta 42 peptide in brain cells. The goal is to identify novel mechanisms and targets for future Alzheimer's therapeutics.
A new method has been developed to identify peptides that inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs), enzymes that play a role in cancer development and treatment. The researchers hope to use this method to develop more specific HDAC inhibitors with fewer side effects, leading to improved cancer therapy.
Researchers at UTMB successfully tested a bioengineered exosome delivery system that slows the migration of fetal immune cells and delays pre-term labor. The study's findings have significant implications for reducing pre-term birth rates and treating underlying causes of inflammation in fetuses.
A new research hub will be established at the University of Leeds to map dynamic protein interactions. Professor Sheena Radford's work focuses on understanding the fleeting interactions between proteins that shape or destroy memories, with implications for diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers have discovered how Staphylococcus aureus binds to human corneocytes in atopic dermatitis, providing new insights into the development of targeted treatments.
A team of researchers identified an antibody called 2B7 that neutralizes the NS1 protein, a key factor in dengue virus replication and disease. The findings offer a potential strategy for developing effective treatments and vaccines against dengue and similar diseases.
Researchers designed proteins to form honeycomb structures that block uptake of receptors from cell surfaces. This discovery could enable new materials for modulating cell behavior and treating diseases such as sepsis, COVID-19, heart disease, and diabetes.
Researchers at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin have visualized the structure of ribosomes in nerve cells at near-atomic resolution, revealing a new key factor Ebp1 controlling brain development and protein synthesis. This study provides insights into the regulatory processes involved in maintaining neuronal proteostasis.
The January issue of SLAS Discovery features the cover article 'Cryo-EM: The Resolution Revolution and Drug Discovery', which explores how Cryo-EM is influencing drug discovery projects. The journal also includes 13 articles on original research topics, such as high-throughput screening methods and protein-ligand interactions.
RNA molecules have been found to play a key role in regulating their own production through feedback loops. This discovery provides insight into the complex process of transcription, where proteins and DNA interact to create messenger RNA molecules. The research suggests that low levels of RNA encourage droplet formation, while high le...
Scientists from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin discovered numerous variants of human helper proteins influencing the amount or function of viruses. The study reveals potential target structures for new drugs and helps understand risk factors for severe COVID-19 courses.
Researchers have discovered a new two-component system (TCS) in bacteria that helps sense environmental stimuli and trigger cellular responses. The study reveals the molecular mechanism of G6P signal transduction by HptRSA sensor complex, providing important clues for nutritional sensing mechanisms in bacteria.
Researchers have discovered two new, compact Cas9 nucleases that can work in human cells and may expand the toolbox for genome editing. The new nucleases have relatively short PAMs, making them suitable for delivery via adeno-associated viral vectors.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered that certain molecules can promote the self-assembly of sliding clamps into structures containing many stacked doughnut shapes, resembling tubes of doughnuts. These findings suggest a new mechanism by which cells may control DNA replication under stress conditions.
Researchers discovered a new epigenetic function for CHD7, which regulates cardiac neural crest cell development. The study also found that a single point mutation in the CHD7 gene can cause severe developmental defects and embryonic lethality.
A team of scientists has developed a visualization technique that reveals the intricate mechanism by which a key protein involved in muscle activity shuts itself down to conserve energy. This discovery provides new insights into how genetic mutations in this protein can lead to various diseases.
AlphaFold's breakthrough could accelerate biological research, unlocking new possibilities in disease understanding and drug discovery. The system determines highly-accurate structures in a matter of days, achieving a median score of 92.4 GDT across all targets.
Researchers discovered how EPYC1 protein links together Rubisco holoenzymes in the pyrenoid matrix, allowing access for repair proteins. This finding solves a longstanding mystery and provides insights into optimizing crop growth rates through genetic engineering.
Scientists have experimentally tested models of SARS-CoV2 RNA folding to reveal key regulatory elements. The research provides a foundation for understanding viral control and preparation for future 'SARS-CoV3' threats.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism of action by which abnormal proteins cause indirect damage to neurons, leading to dendrite defects in fly models of neurodegenerative diseases. The study identifies a problematic transcription factor called NF-κB, which becomes improperly regulated due to the presence of abnormal proteins.
Researchers suggest that the mechanical properties of spike proteins can account for a strategy used by coronaviruses to trick cells into letting the viruses inside. The study found strong correlations between the rate and intensity of the spikes' vibrations and infectivity, as well as lethality rates.
Researchers from Politecnico di Milano identified EBSELEN as a potent inhibitor of Mpro protein in SARS-CoV-2, which blocks virus replication. The study elucidates key aspects of the binding mechanism, highlighting selenium's role in inhibiting viral replication.
A new medication, mavacamten, has been shown to reduce heart muscle thickness and improve cardiac structure and function in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study found significant reductions in heart mass and improvements in blood flow, exercise capacity, and markers of fibrosis.
Scientists at AMOLF and Yale University have discovered a mechanism that enables cell populations to tune their diversity much faster, by combining physical and chemical interactions between existing proteins. This allows cells to quickly adapt to new environmental signals, rather than relying on time-consuming gene expression changes.
Researchers have identified two compounds that can inhibit both the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 and cathepsin L, a human protein involved in viral entry. The study found that these compounds may improve treatment by simultaneously targeting multiple steps of the virus's life cycle.
Scientists developed an AI tool called DeepFRET that analyzes protein motion and interaction, speeding up research and making it accessible to more labs. The tool's accuracy exceeds 95%, outperforming human operators and requiring minimal human input.
Researchers have found that some plant viruses can hijack the plant's defence system, using a viral protein to block gene silencing and promote its own replication. However, studying naturally resistant plants and employing modern breeding techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 may help regain control over the virus.
Researchers discovered a two-component system in the Butters prophage that blocks entry of some phages, but not others, from attacking a strain of mycobacteria. The study advances phage therapy development and may lead to engineering phage-resistant bacteria.
Researchers identified a new prognostic laboratory sign for imminent postoperative thrombosis, which appears on the first postoperative day. Early detection using this sign can help prevent life-threatening thrombotic complications and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that most rhinoviruses require human protein STING to infect cells and cause disease. The discovery opens a new avenue for controlling infection and could lead to targeted therapies for treating common colds and acute wheezing episodes.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences HQ found a pH-dependent switch in the interaction between protein molecules dockerin and cohesin, allowing for more complex biological switches. This discovery has potential applications in biofuel production, biotechnology and synthetic biology.
A team of scientists discovered that membrane-attached protein IM30 forms a protective carpet on the surface of cell membranes under stress conditions. The protein's complex ring structure disassembles and unfolds into a protective shield, stabilizing membranes and preventing cell death.
Scientists have developed a new diagnostic method that uses cell-free testing to measure neutralizing antibodies against the novel coronavirus. The test has shown promising results, with 92% of participants having antibodies and demonstrating effectiveness in blocking viral binding.
A team of Canadian virologists identified a critical role played by the RTN3 protein in the progression of Hepatitis C virus infection. This discovery could lead to better treatments and potentially effective vaccines for the disease, which affects over 130 million people worldwide.
The study elucidated how Rubisco activase works, revealing that it grabs the N-terminal tail of Rubisco and releases inhibitory sugar molecules using ATP energy. This dual function enables Rca to recruit into carboxysomes, where CO2 is generated, making photosynthesis more efficient.
A recent breakthrough identifies neuropilin-1 as a key factor in SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect human cells. The study reveals that targeting this interaction could lead to the development of effective anti-viral therapies, potentially curbing the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers have mapped 90% of the human proteome, revealing key interactions between proteins that influence human health. This breakthrough has implications for understanding COVID-19 and developing precision medicine.
A global study has identified common vulnerabilities among three lethal coronaviruses, including frequently hijacked cellular pathways. The study highlights shared cellular processes and protein targets that could be considered as targets for therapeutic interventions.
New research reveals that simple DNA-peptide interactions can generate a surprising diversity of compartmentalised higher-ordered phase behaviours, suggesting these polymers' primordial interactions may have helped create modern complex biological structures. The study found that changes in environmental conditions, such as salinity or...
Researchers create detailed models of tip links, crucial components of the inner ear, to shed light on how hearing works. The study reveals key dynamics and interactions between proteins that form tip links, providing new insights into hearing loss and balance disorders.
Kyu Young Han, an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida, has been awarded a $1.7 million NIH grant to develop a novel bioengineering tool and imaging system for super-resolution microscopy. This technology could enable researchers to image multiple proteins in a single cell in just 24 hours, revolutionizing the under...
Researchers found that dietary fiber-derived fatty acids activate macrophage activity against Salmonella infection by binding to apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), triggering inflammasome activation. This new mechanism provides insights into the effects of dietary fiber on the immune system.
Researchers from UNICAMP found that valproic acid can modify DNA conformation and interact with chromosome proteins. The compound causes changes in the conformation of histones H1 and H3, as well as DNA superstructure and molecular order. This discovery paves the way for novel pharmaceutical research.
A $22.7 million NIH grant will create a national research hub at UW-Madison, providing access to cutting-edge cryo-EM and cryo-ET technologies for scientists across the US. The center aims to train a new workforce and improve these imaging techniques, which hold potential for breakthroughs in medicine and life sciences.
Researchers developed protein inhibitors that block SARS-CoV-2 interaction with human receptor ACE2, neutralizing virus infection. The small proteins were stable and showed promise for intranasal delivery.
Researchers discovered a novel role of tau specific to FTLD spectrum diseases, contributing to conditions like ALS, PSP, and CBD, but not AD and Pick's disease. The study proposes an imbalanced accumulation of tau model, where FUS and SFPQ regulate MAPT processing, leading to increased 4-repeat tau levels.
A pre-clinical study suggests that an investigational drug reduces the buildup of toxic poly(GR) proteins and TDP-43 clumps, which contribute to neurological decline in patients with ALS and FTD. The study found that treatment with a pipeline drug reduced neurodegeneration in mouse models.
A new study found that a protein called BIK triggers failed apoptosis, leading to DNA damage and mutations in ER-positive breast cancer cells. This process makes the cancer cells more aggressive and evasive of therapy.
A team of scientists has made a breakthrough in understanding the complex process of photosynthesis by discovering that mRNAs transport proteins to thylakoid membranes. This finding opens up new avenues for research into photobiotechnology.
The study found that heme can be commandeered by activated protein C (APC), which can reduce the toxic effect of heme while also reducing the risk of clot formation in the bloodstream. This interaction may provide new insights into blood coagulation disorders and hemolytic diseases.
Two MDC scientists, Dr. Kathrin de la Rosa and Dr. Ilaria Piazza, have been awarded European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants to fund their innovative projects in proteomics and immunology.
Researchers at Portland State University used cryo-electron microscopy to image connexin-46/50 membrane proteins at an unprecedented level of resolution, revealing new insights into their structure and function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective targeted treatments for diseases.
A research team at Cornell University created nanoclusters that can self-assemble and mimic the complex structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The clusters have three levels of organization with an interlocking, chiral design, making them potential candidates for metabolic and enzymatic processes.