Research on how proteins bind and work together. Covers membrane-protein assembly, viral infection, molecular imaging, and drugging difficult targets.
Researchers have discovered a region of viral protein LANA that is crucial for KSHV persistence in human cells, which could potentially be used to develop therapy for KSHV tumors. The study found that this LANA region interacts with p53 and other unacetylated proteins, allowing the virus to persist in tumor cells.
A study led by University of California, Riverside scientists outlines the interaction between the Zika virus and its host's immune system. The research provides valuable information for developing vaccines and antivirals against the virus.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed a drug discovery pipeline to identify effective drugs for treating COVID-19. The team used a powerful machine-learning approach to screen millions of chemicals and identified hundreds of promising candidates, including some that are already FDA-approved.
A University of Houston researcher has discovered a mechanism for a protein called Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells 5 (NFAT 5) that regulates tonicity and protects cells against cell death. NFAT 5 produces protective osmolytes, which help maintain cellular integrity.
Researchers have discovered that a single molecular descriptor can predict the solution behavior of therapeutic antibodies with greater than 90% accuracy. This finding could enable faster and more efficient drug development for monoclonal antibody-based therapies.
The ENCODE Project has added millions of candidate DNA switches that appear to regulate gene expression in humans and mice, providing a new registry for assigning biological categories. Researchers used biochemical approaches to explore the entire genome rapidly and comprehensively, identifying regions with potential functional roles.
A new purification technique using molecular affinity interaction has been developed to purify therapeutic proteins with high efficiency and purity. The technique uses synthetic host molecules cucurbit[7]uril and adamantane to secure manufacturability, sterilization, and recyclability of purified materials.
Researchers have identified 38 excipient molecules that interact with human enzymes and receptors, highlighting the potential for previously unappreciated effects on health. The study emphasizes the need for further investigation to establish whether these substances may contribute to unwanted side effects in human patients.
Researchers have made new discoveries about the disruption of condensates in Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder. The study found that MeCP2's condensate-forming ability is disrupted in Rett syndrome and suggests that therapies targeting condensates associated with the protein may be promising.
Researchers have identified Atg40 as an ER-phagy receptor that curves and folds the ER membrane to facilitate autophagy. This process is crucial for proper cellular function and has significant practical applications in understanding diseases involving ER malfunction.
Scientists have generated near atomic resolution images of a viral protein complex responsible for replicating the RNA genome of positive-strand RNA viruses. The results provide mechanistic insights into the virus life cycle and aid development of new antivirals.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science revealed a novel mechanism by which OPTN and ATG9A induce mitophagy, accelerating the autophagic degradation of damaged mitochondria. This interaction is crucial for PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy in Parkinson's disease.
Scientists designed peptide nanoparticles that can fluoresce in a variety of colors, opening up new biomedical applications. The 12-peptide palette encompasses all visible light colors and is photostable without toxicity.
Scientists have discovered a specific circular RNA that prolongs fruit fly lifespan by regulating the insulin signalling pathway. The circRNA, called circSulfateless, is expressed at higher levels in long-lived flies and can directly influence their lifespan. These findings suggest a potential link between circRNAs and human ageing.
Researchers developed ancestral biotinylation enzymes to improve proximity-dependent biotin identification. The new AirID enzyme showed higher activity, specificity, and lower toxicity than previous types, enabling comprehensive analysis of protein interactions.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified hundreds of new information exchange points between plant proteins, revealing that most proteins function in multiple signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to new strategies for biotechnological development or breeding of plants to address climate change challenges.
Barth syndrome is a rare condition with shortened life expectancy due to heart weakness. A recent study found that impaired mitochondrial energy production, specifically the interaction between MCU and cardiolipin, contributes to the pathology of the disease.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease, where Aβ protein assemblies disrupt the neuronal membrane, leading to cell death. The study provides insight into the atomic structure of these assemblies and proposes targeting membrane pores to prevent neurotoxicity.
Researchers have discovered how XPG binds to and reshapes damaged DNA, illuminating its role in maintaining genetic stability. The protein's unique 'sculpting' activity allows it to bend DNA, recruiting proteins to fix damage, and may help prevent cancer by supporting homologous recombination.
Scientists at Max Delbrück Center develop mouse model to study sarcomere structure and function, identifying key proteins involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. They discover that myosin enters the Z-disc, challenging current models of sarcomere mechanics.
Researchers have gained detailed insights into how a key protein receptor interacts with GABA, providing a clear target for new therapeutic drugs. The study's findings offer promise for improved treatments of neurological disorders such as epilepsy and muscle spasticity.
A $3.3 million NIH grant will fund research into the structure and mechanisms of TDP-43, a protein linked to neurodegenerative conditions like ALS and Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to better understand how post-translational modifications affect TDP-43 assembly and interactions with therapeutic targets.
Scientists have identified the ancient origin of key hormones essential for human reproduction, metabolism, and immune function in simple creatures like sea cucumbers. This breakthrough study suggests that these hormone systems predates the evolution of the spinal cord in animals.
Scientists uncover role of Rab35 and mTOR signaling pathway in myelin sheath formation, offering potential treatment for CMT4B patients. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a leading inherited neuropathy.
Researchers at MUSC discovered beta-arrestin2's role in regulating nitric oxide production and found that reduced levels lead to portal hypertension. Overexpression of beta-arrestin2 enhances NO production, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
Scientists have developed a new approach to chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) called FloChIP, which uses microfluidics to automate and lower the cost and complexity of the technique. This method can perform multiple ChIP-seq assays simultaneously and reproducibly in an automated way.
Scientists have mapped proinsulin's vast network of interacting proteins, revealing a key player in proper folding and insulin production. Boosting PRDX4 levels may offer a novel therapeutic approach to improving type 2 diabetes treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered the mechanisms behind cell fusion, a crucial process in multicellular organisms. The study found that actin and dynamin proteins interact to form long projections that invade other cells, leading to their fusion.
Researchers discovered a new resistance mechanism that inhibits protein dynamics in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, making existing treatments ineffective. The findings suggest that designing new antimicrobials targeting this mechanism could lead to effective treatments.
Scientists from the University of Pittsburgh have developed two approaches for rendering a specific phosphatase activated by light, allowing them to probe its function. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding protein-protein interactions and drug discovery, paving the way for new treatments for diseases.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism for regulating RAS enzyme activity that will inform therapeutic strategies for inhibiting mutated RAS proteins involved in cancer. The study found that close proximity on the cell membrane is required for one RAS protein to interact with other RAS proteins.
An international team studied the Pol δ-DNA-PCNA complex to understand DNA replication and how it can malfunction. The team found that PCNA acts as a platform for different processing enzymes, similar to a toolbelt with an array of tools.
A new method called RADICL-seq has been developed to assess the role of long non-coding RNAs in regulating gene activity and chromatin structure. The technique allows for comprehensive mapping of RNA-chromatin interactions, providing important insights into how RNAs contribute to genome regulation.
Researchers at CeMM have identified a new key element, TASL, responsible for sorting out pathogen challenges and modulating inflammatory responses. The discovery highlights potential new targets for treating autoimmune diseases and overreaction to infections.
Researchers have discovered that trefoil factors, a type of protein, bind to mucin glycoproteins in the lungs, making mucus thicker and more viscous. This knowledge could lead to new therapeutics for treating chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD.
Scientists at the National MagLab used a powerful magnet to detect oxygen signals in proteins, revealing that water wires play a more significant role in cellular function than previously thought. This discovery has widespread ramifications for understanding how proteins interact with each other.
Researchers developed an innovative approach to detect multiple proteins simultaneously using secondary-ion mass spectrometry. This technique surpasses existing fluorescence-based approaches, enabling the analysis of tens of proteins at once.
Scientists have created a dynamic database driven by AI to collect and analyze coronavirus research, identifying potential druggable sites and assessing treatment efficacy. The Coronavirus-CanSAR platform combines vast amounts of data on viral proteins, interactions with human proteins, and clinical trials.
Researchers discovered that Synaptotagmin 7 (SYT7) constrains neurotransmitter release at synapses, acting as a volume dial to regulate signal output. The study found that reducing SYT7 increases neurotransmitter release, while increasing it reduces release significantly.
Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered a potential therapeutic target for treating sleep disorders. Targeted mutations in the PER2 protein can alter the balance of the biological clock and significantly lengthen the circadian period in preclinical models.
Researchers from Kazan Federal University and the Institute of Cytology have detailed novel non-trivial intramolecular interactions for small heat shock protein (sHSP) from Acholeplasma laidlawii. This discovery could help uncover new strategies to combat mycoplasma infections in crops.
Virginia Tech researchers used CRISPR genome editing in zebrafish to find that PHETA1-like proteins are necessary for renal function and craniofacial development. The study linked the protein mutation to kidney and craniofacial problems observed in a patient with an undiagnosed disease.
Researchers create novel molecular cage that confines and twists target molecules, activating specific chemical bonds. The twist angle can be precisely controlled using stuffing molecules, enabling accelerated reaction rates.
Researchers at the University of Utah and Texas Advanced Computing Center used powerful supercomputers to rapidly generate molecular models of compounds relevant for COVID-19. They applied their approach, developed previously for Ebola virus research, to identify promising peptides that can disrupt the coronavirus.
Researchers discovered a novel mode of protein degradation by the UPS under hyperosmotic stress. The proteasome forms nuclear foci that exhibit liquid-like behavior and contain ubiquitylated substrates, facilitating protein degradation. RAD23B is identified as a key molecule that induces phase separation of ubiquitylated proteins.
Enzyme structure varies depending on whether it's measured in a test tube or a living cell, according to researchers at the University of Bonn. This fundamental principle has implications for drug research and studies involving biomolecules.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to deliver therapeutic proteins inside the body using an acoustically sensitive carrier and ultrasound imaging. The method uses a fluorous mask to interact with the particle's fluorous liquid medium, allowing the protein to be released in a precise manner.
A team of researchers is using artificial intelligence to screen small molecules against SARS-CoV-2 proteins, reducing the number from a billion to just a few thousand promising candidates. The approach uses deep learning and physics-based simulations to identify effective treatments, accelerating the discovery process.
Scientists used molecular dynamics simulations to understand how SDS causes protein unfolding, revealing microscopic details of the process. The study provides insights into the properties of SDS-protein interactions and their applications in protein sequencing.
A new protein called FIMP plays a crucial role in sperm-oocyte membrane fusion during fertilization, a process critical to creating a new individual. The discovery of FIMP could lead to the development of novel fertility treatments and non-hormonal male-specific contraceptives.
A WPI researcher's paper on the novel coronavirus has been published in a leading virology journal, revealing key findings on its structure and potential targets for treatment. The study found similarities between the COVID-19 virus and SARS, suggesting new antiviral strategies.
A new method combines three approaches to capture information about neighboring surfaces within multi-protein complexes. This technique uses affinity tag protein purification, chemical crosslinking with high-resolution mass spectrometry, and computational molecular modeling with protein docking to provide detailed insights into the str...
A research team at Washington State University has identified the lipid controlling the switch in light-harvesting proteins to dissipate excess energy. This discovery could lead to optimizing photosynthesis in crops for specific environments, reducing waste and increasing food production.
The Human Reference Interactome (HuRI) map charts 52,569 interactions between 8,275 human proteins, providing insights into protein function and disease mechanisms. The data reveal new cellular roles for human proteins and molecular mechanisms behind diseases like cancer and COVID-19.
A direct link has been found between the anti-apoptotic BCL2-family protein MCL1 and the cell-cycle checkpoint protein P18, showing that MCL1 can initiate cell proliferation via the CDK4/6-RB pathway.
A recent study by Rafael C. Bernardi at the University of Illinois uses computational tools to explain the mechanism behind streptavidin and biotin binding, which varies depending on the lab's conditions. The analysis shows that the tethering geometry significantly influences the unbinding mechanics.
A new study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that the pioneering protein FoxA2 simultaneously binds to chromosomal proteins and DNA, opening gates for gene activation. This discovery helps untangle mysteries of embryonic stem cell development into organs, moving regenerative medicine forward.
A UC Riverside-led study reveals that an interplay of energies at the molecular level enables virus shells to form symmetrically. The research could inform the design of engineered nano-shells used in drug delivery, with potential benefits for targeted treatment and reduced toxicity.
Researchers discovered diverse forms of Photosystem I in cyanobacteria and algae, including a specialized dimer in Anabaena and a minimal form in Dunaliella. These findings suggest new energy pathways, pigment binding sites, and phospholipids, providing insight into photosynthesis beyond traditional textbook descriptions.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered new genetic variants that cause heart disease in infants, revealing novel insights into the role of a protein affecting blood pumping force. Understanding these interactions could lead to new treatments for both the specific disease and general heart disease.