Articles tagged with Protein Structure
A research team at Göttingen University has discovered that mobile and stationary cells have different mechanical properties due to their cytoskeleton. The study found that intermediate filaments, which are crucial for cell stability, exhibit metal-like plasticity when stretched, similar to non-biological materials.
A recently discovered protein domain, MOTH, has been found to regulate collagen transport between cells and organelles. This domain, which evolved over several hundred million years, is responsible for identifying and transporting the collagen protein.
Researchers identified the structure of a special type of amyloid beta plaque protein associated with Alzheimer's disease progression. Lecanemab, an approved AD treatment, can bind and neutralize these small aggregates, potentially slowing cognitive decline in patients with early AD.
Researchers developed Foldseek, a protein structure search tool that reduces search time from months to seconds while maintaining sensitivity. The tool uses sequence search tools instead of direct 3D structure comparison, making it an invaluable asset for life science fields.
Researchers at EPFL have computationally designed novel protein binders that attach seamlessly to key targets, including the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, using deep learning-generated 'fingerprints' to characterize millions of protein fragments. This method demonstrates therapeutic potential for rapidly designing protein-based therapeutics.
Researchers have developed a system that uses generative diffusion to create new proteins, advancing the field of generative biology. The system, called ProteinSGM, learns from image representations to generate fully new proteins, which are biophysically real and functional.
Researchers have discovered that nuclear pore IDPs form a dynamic barrier that allows essential cellular factors to pass while blocking viruses and pathogens. The team used synthetic biology, multidimensional fluorescence microscopy, and computer-based simulations to study IDPs in living cells.
A new study reveals that a Cas protein and a membrane protein work together to enhance anti-viral defense in bacteria. The team found that the membrane protein forms a pore-like structure that disrupts energy production and hinders virus replication, effectively 'pulling the plug' on viral infections.
Researchers have elucidated the mechanism of CELSR cadherin dimerization, revealing a twisted cell-cell adhesion molecule complex structure. The extracellular domains of CELSR cadherins exhibited strand- and globule-like portions, which bound through strand-like structures in an antiparallel orientation.
The City University of Hong Kong has developed a novel electron microscope that combines scanning and transmission electron microscope modes in a compact format. The device can produce high-resolution images in five minutes, enabling the study of atom dynamics and beam-sensitive materials.
Researchers successfully applied reinforcement learning to protein design, creating proteins with improved antibody generation and accurate nano-structures. The approach may lead to more potent vaccines and novel applications in regenerative medicine.
Researchers from Penn State and Ohio State University used structural biology, biophysics, and cell biology to understand how pioneer factors interact with nucleosomes. They found that a specific region of the protein helps it access DNA, making it accessible for proteins involved in gene expression.
Researchers developed machine-learning algorithms to generate proteins with specific structural features, enabling the creation of biologically inspired materials. The models can produce millions of new protein ideas in a few days, allowing scientists to explore unique applications.
A team of researchers compared 1,800 de novo proteins from fruit flies and humans with computer-generated proteins, revealing small but significant differences in their stability and solubility. The study suggests that natural selection may play a role in the early emergence of these proteins.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered the 3D structure of TnpB, a protein involved in genome editing and a probable precursor to the CRISPR-Cas12 enzyme. The study reveals how TnpB recognizes and cuts DNA using a unique pseudoknot shape similar to that found in guide RNAs of Cas12 enzymes.
Researchers discuss cortactin's impact on cancer progression by modulating the Wnt5a/ROR1 signaling pathway. Cortactin expression is found in various cancers, including breast and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, suggesting its potential role in promoting metastasis.
A WPI-led team used computational modeling to create a detailed picture of the SARS-COV-2 virus envelope, revealing its elliptical shape and changing structure. This discovery could lead to more effective therapies and vaccines, as well as a better understanding of the virus's properties.
Scientists at UvA have created a new, highly improved bright red fluorescent protein called mScarlet3. This variant combines maximum brightness with fast and complete folding, making it an ideal tool for researchers studying cellular processes.
A global analysis of coronavirus protein research found that countries with larger economies generated more 3D structure determinations for the protein components of coronaviruses. However, there were many outliers, with some advanced and prosperous countries publishing few or no structures, while others strongly affected by COVID-19 p...
Researchers at Tohoku University used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the high-resolution 3D structure of human SPCA1a, a protein pump involved in calcium and manganese ion transport. The study provided insights into how the protein works and how mutations can cause Hailey-Hailey disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
The study resolves a long-standing question about the structure of respiratory supercomplexes in unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Complex II is found to be part of the supercomplex in these organisms, optimizing ATP formation and revealing a surprising variety in supercomplex construction.
A cross-disciplinary team developed a convolutional neural network to analyze microscopy images of chromosomes with cohesion defects. The algorithm achieved 73.1% accuracy in classifying new images, streamlining experiments with chromosome analysis.
Scientists discovered the molecular basis of CAMSAP3's role in stabilizing microtubules, which is critical for cell survival and various cellular processes. The findings provide a key concept to understanding how microtubule dynamics control cellular phenomena.
Scientists have defined the full-length structure of p53, a crucial protein that regulates cell growth and division. The study reveals how mutations in p53 can lead to cancer by disrupting its ability to grasp DNA, highlighting potential new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers used machine-learning algorithms to design new light-emitting enzymes called luciferases that can efficiently recognize specific chemicals and emit light. This breakthrough could lead to custom enzymes for a wide range of applications in biotechnology, medicine, environmental remediation, and manufacturing.
The study reveals new details about the intraflagellar transport (IFT) complexes, including previously unknown zinc-binding sites in IFT-A. The high-resolution structures of IFT-A and Tubby-related protein 3 (TULP3) can now be used to investigate developmental diseases involving cilia.
Researchers discovered a causal mechanism behind BPTA syndrome by identifying a change in the HMGB1 protein that disrupts cellular self-organization. This disruption leads to developmental disorders and predisposition to cancer, with hundreds of comparable genetic changes associated with various conditions.
Scientists discovered a new hexameric structure of RepB protein, which initiates DNA replication for antibiotic resistance plasmids. The study highlights the importance of developing new antibiotics and understanding how resistance spreads.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona solved the structure of a functional amyloid protein, hnRNPDL-2, which forms stable and non-toxic fibres in humans. The discovery changes the concept of disease origin and treatment, suggesting that molecules stabilising or facilitating fibre formation could be the key to therapy.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered the detailed mechanism of action of Inmazeb, a three-antibody cocktail designed to combat Ebola virus infection. The study reveals new information about how the drug interacts with the virus and its potential effectiveness against additional species of Ebolavirus.
Researchers at Aston University are working with Isterian Biotech to develop small molecule inhibitors targeting transglutaminase 2, a key enzyme in fibrosis. The goal is to stop or reverse pathological crosslinking of proteins that lead to fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Researchers successfully applied AlphaFold AI to an end-to-end platform, discovering a novel target and developing a potent hit molecule for liver cancer. The study demonstrates the potential of AI-powered drug discovery to accelerate treatment development.
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that PQBP5/NOL10 is a core structural element of the nucleolus, forming a meshwork that supports other nucleolar substructures. It remains in the nucleolus under osmotic stress conditions and anchors reassembly of the nucleolar structure.
A clinical trial found that boiling peanuts for up to 12 hours can desensitize children with peanut allergies. The therapy involved sequential doses of boiled and roasted peanuts, achieving high success rates in participants. While promising, the study's findings require confirmation in larger trials.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have detailed the atomic scale mechanism of action for FoxH1, a key transcription factor in embryonic development and cancer. The study reveals an unusual binding mechanism to compacted DNA, shedding light on its role in disease progression.
Researchers have discovered the three-dimensional structure of phosphoinositide 3-kinase alpha (PI3Kα) and how it changes with cancer-associated mutations. This knowledge enables the design of targeted drugs that can specifically bind to mutated versions, potentially eliminating side effects associated with current PI3Kα inhibitors.
Researchers modeled how genetic changes affecting protein synthesis speed can lead to misfolding and altered activity levels in proteins. This finding suggests the importance of kinetics alongside sequence for determining protein structure and function, with potential implications for fields such as biopharmaceutics and medicine.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified 76 proteins that could serve as biomarkers for Parkinson's disease, with their molecular structures differing between healthy and diseased individuals. The study uses a unique method to analyze protein shapes in cerebrospinal fluid, providing a promising new approach for diagnosis and potential...
A Collaborative Research Centre investigates animal navigation using the Earth's magnetic field. The study focuses on vertebrates, including birds and fish, aiming to protect endangered migratory species.
Scientists at KAUST have identified dynamic regions, called cryptic binding sites, that can be targeted by drugs to treat cancer. The study reveals how molecular motion influences ligand binding to BTB domains, a critical part of many proteins involved in disease.
Researchers developed IsoNet, a software package solving intrinsic 'missing-wedge' problem and low signal-to-noise ratio issues in cryoET. IsoNet uses iterative self-supervised deep learning to perform missing-edge correction and denoise tomographic data.
The study reveals the structure of the 15-subunit IFT-B complex, a crucial component in cilia formation and maintenance. The complex's elongated and flexible nature is consistent with previous low-resolution reconstructions, and two configurations are identified that may drive bi-directional movement.
A new technological advancement at the University of Oklahoma will enable scientists to study whole macromolecular structures without deconstructing them. This breakthrough, supported by a $50,000 NIH grant, aims to analyze proteins as intact molecules, improving our understanding of their modifications and interactions.
Researchers at UIC have developed a new method to study ribosome function by attaching peptides to tRNAs, providing high-resolution structures of the ribosome and its interactions with nascent chains. This breakthrough sheds light on protein synthesis and antibiotic resistance.
The research reveals PAPP-A's heart-shaped structure and its interaction with STC2, a key regulator of IGF conversion. The study suggests that complex formation between PAPP-A and STC2 is highly regulated, influencing height by up to 2.1 cm.
Filopodia contribute to building a barrier surrounding breast tumours, blocking their escape. Cancer cells lacking Myosin-10 cannot maintain this barrier, making it easier for them to spread.
A team from the University of Geneva has identified the structure of the SEA complex, a key regulator of cell growth, and how it controls the activity of the major regulator of cell growth, mTOR. The discovery provides new insights into how cells perceive nutrient levels to regulate their growth.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute have discovered a mechanism by which an area of the protein RPE65 converts vitamin A into a form usable by photoreceptor cells. This finding provides better understanding of RPE65's function and will inform potential treatments for vision disorders linked to gene mutations.
Scientists from NTU Singapore have discovered that telomeres are stacked in columns like a spring, leaving DNA exposed to damage. This finding could improve understanding of how humans age and develop cancer, with potential treatments for diseases caused by dysfunctional telomeres.
Researchers observe atomic-level structural changes in bacterial ribosomes and their response to antibiotics, shedding light on mechanisms of action and potential off-target effects. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between ribosomes and other cellular complexes.
Researchers have identified a complex of proteins in a tiny marine invertebrate that share similarities with the human immune system, suggesting an earlier origin for the building blocks of our immune system. The study could ultimately guide the development of new immunotherapies and improve understanding of transplant rejection.
Researchers decode Sr35 wheat protein's structure and function, revealing its role in protecting Einkorn wheat from Ug99. The discovery provides a crucial tool for improving crop resistance and ensuring global food security.
A recent study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center researchers has shed light on the mechanisms of salt transport across membrane barriers. The findings have significant implications for treating cystic fibrosis, a disease caused by mutations in three types of sodium-potassium pumps.
Researchers create mammalian cells that synthesize a noncanonical amino acid, which can be used to make therapeutic proteins. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for various diseases.
Researchers developed a new software tool called ProteinMPNN to create protein molecules more accurately and quickly than before. The team used machine learning algorithms, including AlphaFold, to generate new protein shapes and sequences, paving the way for novel vaccines, treatments, and sustainable biomaterials.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified the structure of protein fibrils linked to a hereditary form of human prion disease, revealing the mechanism for interspecies transmission. The study suggests that disease transmission between species can be predicted based on structural information.
Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have seen the critical interaction between SARS-CoV-2 protein Mpro and human immune system protein NEMO. The study reveals that Mpro can cut NEMO, slowing down the immune response and allowing the virus to evade the body.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have discovered the flexible structure of a key blood protein involved in macular degeneration and other age-related diseases. The study reveals how this protein adapts to changing pressure, leading to calcified plaque deposits characteristic of these conditions.
A new study from MIT reveals that computer models predicting molecular interactions, like AlphaFold, need improvement to help identify drug mechanisms of action. Researchers improved the performance of these models using machine-learning techniques, but more work is needed.
Researchers successfully created a periodic rippled beta sheet layer configuration, as predicted by Linus Pauling and Robert Corey in 1953. The new findings enable the rational design of unique materials based on this novel protein structure.