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PITT pathway: Pitt scientists discover how cells repair longevity-promoting ‘recycling system’

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a universal mechanism for lysosomal repair, known as the PITT pathway, which helps maintain cellular longevity. The study reveals that damaged lysosomes are quickly repaired through the PITT pathway, but defects in this process can contribute to age-related diseases such as Al...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 2022

Mechanistic insights into contact hypersensitivity could pave the way for drug discovery

A study by Japanese researchers from Fujita Health University sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of contact dermatitis, revealing that neutrophil extracellular traps play a key role in the condition. The team's findings suggest that inhibiting NET formation could be a new therapeutic strategy for treating contact dermatitis.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022

How SARS-CoV-2 takes over the cell's protein factory

A research team has discovered how the Covid virus reproduces itself by taking over the cell's protein factory. The team identified a specific structure in viral mRNA that allows the virus to access the ribosome and produce its own proteins, while blocking cellular production. This discovery opens up new avenues for antiviral treatments.

Prions may channel RNA’s messages

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new mechanism by which prions can regulate protein synthesis in cells. The model proposes that prion aggregates and their monomers play a role in channeling RNA messages into new proteins, forming organized protein synthesis factories. This discovery has implications for our understandin...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 15, 2021

PKU researchers harness higher order protein catenation for the development of artificial antibodies

PKU researchers harness higher order protein catenation to create complexed topological proteins, leading to the synthesis of artificial antibodies with enhanced affinity and prolonged serum half-life. The study successfully expands toolkits for protein entangling motifs, promoting advanced protein therapeutics.

SourcePeking University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 12, 2021

Discovery of a universal system for transporting nucleic acids into cells

A team of researchers from IOCB Prague has discovered a new type of nanoparticles capable of safely transporting various types of nucleic acids used for therapeutic purposes into cells. The universal nature of their system sets it apart from existing solutions, allowing for efficient transport of mRNA and other RNA molecules into cells.

Fixing protein production errors lengthens lifespan

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that reducing naturally occurring errors in protein synthesis improves both health and lifespan. By engineering a mutation in ribosomes, researchers observed fewer protein mistakes and improved heat resistance, leading to longer lifespans in yeast, worms, and fruit flies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Mathematical model predicts best way to build muscle

A mathematical model developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge can predict the optimum exercise regime for building muscle. The model takes into account individual physiology and optimizes exercise regimes based on user input, promising to maximize athletes' potential.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2021

Not all dietary proteins are created equal

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that animal-based protein food sources elicited greater anabolic responses and increased whole-body net protein balance compared to plant-based protein food sources. This suggests that 'ounce equivalents' of protein food sources are not metabolically equivalent, and animal prot...

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 22, 2021

How diet controls RNA maturation

Researchers at UNIGE discovered a new mechanism for regulating RNA maturation dependent on diet, finding that methylation of specific mRNA sequences leads to its degradation. This control mechanism ensures a fair balance of methylations and prevents aberrant reactions, which can cause diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateApr 29, 2021

Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B Volume 11, Issue 3 publishes

This issue of APSB features studies on protecting against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via increasing YAP1 expression, as well as investigating alternative strategies to downregulate PD-L1 in gastric cancer cells. The journal also publishes research on a novel injectable micelle-hydrogel hybrid for localized drug delivery and tar...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateApr 15, 2021

The brain's protein factories at work

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.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 2020

Discovery of a new key player in long-term memory

A McGill-led research team found that protein synthesis in inhibitory cells plays a crucial role in controlling long-term memory. The study identified two distinct processes taking place in excitatory and inhibitory networks, with each neuronal system capable of selective manipulation for memory control.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2020

Melanoma and Parkinson's disease

A study reveals that amyloid protein alpha-synuclein found in Parkinson's brains is also present in skin cells producing melanin, modulating protein fibril formation and suggesting a molecular link between the two diseases. The discovery may explain the observed association between Parkinson's disease and melanoma.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Found in mistranslation

Researchers at NCBS found that mistakes in protein synthesis increase the production of a quality control molecule, triggering an early DNA repair response and enhancing mutational resistance. This general advantage of mistranslation persists due to its occasional benefits under stress.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 25, 2020

Cellular stress makes obese mothers have obese babies

A new study reveals that maternal obesity triggers cellular stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, disrupting hypothalamic development and leading to offspring obesity. Bile acid treatment mitigates these changes, reversing obesity-related metabolic issues in mice offspring.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2020

Detailed insight into stressed cells

Researchers at Goethe University develop a new method to measure acute cellular stress responses, enabling precise time-resolved measurements of thousands of proteins. This breakthrough opens the door for new therapeutic strategies in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 5, 2019