Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology used molecular simulations to investigate how an enzyme's shape affects molecular recognition and ligand retention. They found that enzyme shape influences ligand retention, with 75.6% of trajectories in the closed group retaining ligands compared to 55.1% in the open group.
Researchers at the Stowers Institute used AlphaFold2 and evolutionary data to predict protein structures in aphids, which were previously inaccessible to AI. The study reveals a common architectural plan among 2,400 BICYCLE proteins, showcasing the evolution's role in helping AI predict protein structures.
Researchers from The University of Osaka have discovered the first structure of a pufferfish umami taste receptor, which can detect a surprisingly wide range of amino acids, including both L- and D-amino acids. This breakthrough could lead to new taste experiences for humans and improve the development of umami flavors.
Pennington Biomedical researchers propose a new understanding of how protein restriction promotes healthy aging and extends lifespan by triggering a coordinated whole-body response. The response connects cellular nutrient sensing with hormones, brain function, and changes throughout the body, influencing healthy aging and longevity.
Researchers have developed a new method to determine the high-resolution structure of 7TM proteins in a lipid bilayer using ultrafast magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR. This technique allows for detailed structural information while preserving the native-like membrane protein structure, overcoming limitations associated with proton–proton...
A team of researchers has shed light on the mechanism of outer membrane protein assembly in bacteria, revealing key conformational changes made by a chaperone protein. The study's findings may help identify new targets for antibacterial agents and improve our understanding of Gram-negative bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.
A short mitochondrial protein, STMP1, helps maintain the heart's energy-producing structures and protects against inflammation and failure. Researchers found that restoring STMP1 or blocking inflammation can significantly protect heart function.
Researchers have developed a novel AlphaFold-based method that introduces a repulsive force between predicted structures, allowing for the sampling of multiple conformational states. This enables the prediction of diverse protein conformations rapidly and accurately, with potential applications in drug design and protein engineering.
A new review reveals that heme converts tiny chemical changes into larger biological responses, regulating functions from microbial metabolism to mammalian signaling. Labile heme, a small and dynamic fraction of heme, plays a crucial role in this process, allowing for finely tuned sensitivity to environmental conditions.
Northwestern University chemists have developed a new approach that replaces traditional trial-and-error methods with intentional design using flexible DNA strands. The strategy enables precise control over protein connections, creating soft, flexible crystals with high structural order. This breakthrough simplifies one of structural b...
Researchers at ISTA have developed a way to guide AlphaFold with experimental data, enabling the model to better reflect physical and biological reality. This approach aims to improve future predictive models by accounting for structural heterogeneity and dynamism in proteins.
Artificial Intelligence is transforming protein research by predicting structures, learning patterns of evolutionary variation, and exploring designable regions of protein space. AI-derived data reveals new insights into protein organization, folding topology, and functional specialization.
Physicists at UC Berkeley introduce phase contrast to electron microscopy, enabling clearer images of small molecules and structures inside cells. The laser phase plate enhances cryoelectron microscopy, overcoming signal-to-noise limitations and paving the way for new drug discovery.
Researchers have uncovered the structural basis of Argonaute assembly, revealing that chaperone proteins hold it in an open conformation allowing miRNA loading. The study also found that RNA plays a key role in guiding Argonaute folding.
Scientists at BGU have identified two key principles governing the assembly of bacterioferritin proteins in bacteria. These rules limit the number of viable configurations while allowing flexibility, resulting in stable, functional structures without strict external control.
TOR protein's molecular switch regulator, SEA complex, has been structurally solved by CNIO researcher Lucas Tafur. The study reveals that SEA doesn't regulate TOR in the way previously thought, providing new insights into understanding cancer and disease prevention.
Scientists have added millions of protein complex structures to the AlphaFold Database, shedding light on how proteins interact. The dataset prioritizes human health and disease research, enabling researchers to test, refine, and build upon it.
Researchers developed a free-to-use software tool, PSBench, to verify the accuracy of artificial intelligence-based protein structure predictions. The database includes 1.4 million annotated protein models, verified by experts, and provides reliable information for building more accurate AI systems.
Researchers have developed a device that cuts sample consumption by as much as 97% while producing high-quality structural data for X-ray crystallography. This innovation enables the study of rare proteins and accelerates drug discovery, unlocking new insights into disease mechanisms.
Researchers uncover a unique structural motif in the tail region of kinesin-2 that acts as a molecular 'connector,' allowing the motor to correctly recognize and transport its cargo inside cells. The discovery provides new insights into brain transport and diseases, paving the way for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Researchers have unraveled the structure of two key malaria parasite proteins, offering opportunities for new vaccines that block mosquito transmission. The discovery is a significant step towards eradicating the deadly disease.
Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to capture enzyme dynamics, discovering a 'crossover loop' structure that plays a crucial role in catalyzing reactions. This new method promises unprecedented access to biomolecule mechanisms and potential pathologies.
Researchers discovered that the functional splitting of transposon-derived RNAs drove the emergence of Type V CRISPR-Cas immunity. This innovation enabled the development of compact nucleases with flexible guide RNAs, offering design principles to create smaller and more versatile CRISPR tools.
The study reveals that four units of ZapA protein form an asymmetric ladder-like structure with FtsZ protofilaments, impacting the alignment of the Z-ring. The interaction between ZapA and FtsZ is dynamic, with cooperative binding and structural alterations, enabling the maintenance of FtsZ mobility.
A team from Kyushu University has discovered that the smallest known protein-based tRNA-processing enzyme, HARP, forms a star-shaped complex to cut both ends of tRNA. This finding sheds light on how HARP processes the 5' leader sequence and reveals a new mechanism for RNA processing.
A study reveals that ultra-small nanoparticles can induce abnormal protein conformation and have the potential to cause pathological conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used spectroscopy-based experiments to analyze the interactions between bovine serum albumin and silica nanoparticles.
Researchers discovered that CsrA gathers in droplet-like structures inside cells to control bacterial gene activation. These compartments help bacteria adapt to environments and switch between harmless and virulent states.
Researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to identify over 30 viable treatments for diseases caused by bat-borne Nipah and Hendra henipaviruses. The study used Rhodium software to virtually screen compounds based on the protein structure of the measles virus.
Research reveals DHX36 plays a crucial role in normal chromatin architecture and rRNA homeostasis during oocyte growth. DHX36 deficiency impairs meiotic maturation, post-fertilization embryonic development, and disrupts ribosome assembly.
Researchers developed a computational model that reproduces intricate protein structures at postsynaptic densities, crucial sites for learning and memory. The model reveals details on how these proteins organize into unique structures through liquid-liquid phase separation, enabling sustained activation of downstream signaling pathways.
Researchers from ICTER have determined the 3D structure of RBP3, a key molecule in the visual cycle, shedding light on its role in retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. The study reveals conformational changes upon binding to ligands, providing new insights into its functional mechanisms.
Researchers at Pitt have produced the most detailed image of a bacteriophage, revealing its structural makeup and enabling the design of phages to target specific bacterial strains. The high-definition images reveal intricate interactions between proteins in the tail tip, which binds to bacteria cells.
A novel AI tool, RibbonFold, predicts the structures of amyloids, revealing previously overlooked nuances in their formation and evolution. This breakthrough may reshape how researchers approach neurodegenerative disease treatment and offers a scalable method for analyzing harmful protein aggregates.
A research team has identified a key protein suspected to be involved in benzodiazepine-related inflammation, which could inform strategies to improve benzodiazepine drug design and treat inflammation-related conditions. The findings may lead to new treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have designed a new drug framework that selectively targets the CYP3A4 enzyme, reducing off-target effects. The discovery provides a roadmap for future drug developers to better evaluate drug interactions and selectively target CYP proteins.
Researchers have gained detailed insights into RBP3's structure and mechanism of action, shedding light on its role in protecting the retina from diseases. The study suggests potential therapies to slow or stop retinal degeneration, including RP and myopia.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the dynamic motion of a human chromatin remodeler in action, capturing 13 distinct structures that reveal the full picture of nucleosome sliding. This comprehensive view sheds light on how chromatin remodeling affects gene access and expression.
A machine-learning algorithm named catGRANULE 2.0 ROBOT identifies molecular targets for further researches and therapies in neurodegenerative diseases. The algorithm analyzes protein-RNA interaction to predict potential harm and identify early pathological signals.
The Protein Society recognizes five award winners in 2025 for their groundbreaking research in protein science and technology. Professor Jan Steyaert receives the Christian B. Anfinsen Award for pioneering nanobody technology, while Dr. Brian Kuhlman wins the Emil Thomas Kaiser Award for novel protein design and structural modeling.
Researchers at Kyoto University have captured the first high-resolution structure of Ebola's nucleocapsid using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy. This visualization reveals sophisticated interactions between structural components, including VP24 and NP proteins, which govern virus assembly, RNA synthesis, and transport.
Researchers directly observed DNA formation into rod-shaped chromosomes during cell division, revealing the role of condensin complexes and their looping process in compaction. This discovery provides insights into the molecular mechanism of chromosome segregation.
A team of scientists has successfully developed a novel platform for diabetes treatment utilizing bioink derived from pancreatic tissue and 3D bioprinting technology. The HICA-V platform replicates the structure and function of the human endocrine pancreas, supporting islet maturation and functional enhancement.
The study found that tunneling nanotube-like structures connect cells in the heart, enabling long-distance intercellular communication essential for heart formation. Disruption of these structures resulted in impaired ventricular wall morphogenesis and defective myocardial growth.
A new bacterial protein, BeeR, has been identified and its structure is being used to develop protein nanoparticles for targeted cancer drug delivery. The protein forms a hollow tube with a cavity capable of containing drug molecules.
Researchers have uncovered two major genes responsible for sorghum's double-grain spikelet, leading to a significant increase in grain number and crop yield. The study found that the DG1 gene regulates floret meristem formation and differentiation, restoring fertility to the lower floret and resulting in the double-grain trait.
A new study introduces Aloe vera as a natural scaffold for cultured meat production, enhancing the taste and texture of alternative proteins. The research also highlights a novel bioprocessing approach using Aloe vera scaffolds in a macrofluidic single-use bioreactor.
A new paper proposes that temperature plays a fundamental role in setting off shapeshifting in metamorphic proteins. Researchers analyzed differences in hydrophobic contacts and found significant temperature-dependent changes, supporting their theory.
The TTUHSC Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences hosted the 37th Student Research Week, showcasing student researchers' work and presentations from distinguished national speakers. The event featured an increase in abstract submissions and lightning talk sessions.
Researchers developed an efficient way to predict structures of human proteins that were previously challenging to observe. The algorithm, AlphaFold-Metainference, outperformed existing methods in accuracy and can be applied to other biomolecules like DNA and RNA.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered a way to target the energy supply chain of cancer cells. By understanding how enzymes like ubiquitous mitochondrial creatine kinase (uMtCK) function, scientists can design new treatments that slow or stop tumor growth.
A new in-cell characterization method allows for the direct analysis of protein structures and conformations within living cells. The study reveals three main conformational forms of calmodulin, with the extended form being significantly more abundant than in purified form.
Researchers have developed a palladium-mediated reaction to precisely modify peptides and proteins, overcoming challenges in bioconjugation. The method targets dehydroalanine-containing peptides and proteins, enabling efficient synthesis of structurally unique peptides.
Researchers developed Janus-type supramolecules that form stable ribbon-type assemblies, guiding the arrangement of ion channels across lipid membranes. The supramolecular channels mediate efficient and selective K+ transport, disrupting cancer cell balance and inducing apoptosis.
Researchers at POSTECH developed a super-photostable organic dye, PF555, to track proteins in cells over extended periods. This breakthrough enables observation of endocytosis and protein interactions, revealing EGFR's active navigation in its environment.
Researchers at Kobe University discovered that the molecule afadin plays a crucial role in cell adhesion by facilitating droplet formation. This process is essential for organs to form properly and tissues to develop, with significant implications for cancer metastasis and tissue engineering.
A new integrated 3D imaging approach has revealed exquisite detail of the virus assembly process used by herpes simplex virus during replication. The research identified previously unknown functions of HSV-1 structural proteins and provided insights into the unmutated gene's usual role in viral assembly.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered a human antibody called mAb 3A6 that may prove useful against deadly outbreaks. The antibody was isolated from an Ebola survivor and found to block infection by binding to the viral stalk, offering protection at a very low dose.
Researchers from Nagoya Institute of Technology have shed light on the mechanisms of bacterial flagellar motors, which propel bacteria through fluids. The study used CryoEM to capture high-resolution images of stator complexes and identified key molecular cavities for sodium ions.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the atomic structure of collagen assemblies with an unexpected right-handed superhelical twist. This discovery could reshape biomedical research by revealing greater structural diversity in collagen.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new method for customizing engineered living materials (ELMs) by altering protein matrices. The study revealed that small genetic changes can significantly impact the behavior of these materials, making them ideal for applications like tissue engineering and drug delivery.