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New AI method revolutionizes the design of enzymes

Researchers have developed a new AI method called Riff-Diff to construct artificial biocatalysts, resulting in enzymes that are significantly faster, more stable and versatile. The technology allows for precise design of protein structures around active centres, making enzyme design more accessible to the wider biotechnology community.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2026

Rice University researchers discover new way to customize living materials for tissue engineering, drug delivery and 3D printing

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.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 5, 2025

How the coronavirus defeats the innate immune response

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has an enzyme that counteracts the innate defense mechanism against viruses, allowing it to evade the innate immune system and become more infectious. Understanding this mechanism may lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and treatments.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2024

Neuroscience research leverages stem cells to understand how neurons connect and communicate in the brain

Researchers at Colorado State University used human stem cells to study synaptic connections in the brain, focusing on GABAergic synapses. They found that Gephyrin promotes autonomous assembly of these synapses, which can develop independently of neuronal communication. This understanding could lead to new treatments for neurological d...

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2024

An enzyme with a smart friend

Researchers discovered that enzyme METTL6 interacts with tRNA synthetase to recognize specific tRNAs, enabling precise modification and potential application in cancer treatment. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular machinery of protein production.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

A molecular route to decoding synaptic specificity and nerve cell communication

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology identified the molecular mechanisms involved in synaptic communication using Drosophila. They found that Side-IV/Beat-IIb immunoglobulin superfamily protein molecules play a crucial role in inducing synapse formation and regulating preferential signaling among neuron pairs.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2024

From infamy to ingenuity

Researchers have uncovered the intricate molecular mechanism used by parasitic phytoplasma bacteria to manipulate plants. The discovery sheds light on a peculiar phenomenon in nature, where plants exhibit 'zombie-like' effects due to bacterial infection.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

CNIC scientists identify the crucial role of the protein neuregulin-1 in heart development

Researchers at CNIC reveal the essential role of neuregulin-1 in transforming the delicate primordial heart structure into a powerful pumping organ. The study sheds light on the pathways of human heart formation and suggests new strategies for heart health and regenerative medicine.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023

Copper could help create clearer MRI images and improved diagnosis - study

Researchers have discovered a novel copper protein binding site that shows promise for use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents, potentially leading to clearer images and improved diagnoses. The new structure displayed highly effective levels of relaxivity, equal and superior to existing Gd(III) agents used in clinical MRI.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2023

A scaffold with a twist: Cryo-EM reveals the building blocks of poxvirus

The study reveals the structure of D13 and its role in assembling into a protein scaffold, which is critical for virus replication. The researchers discovered two ways the proteins interact to form a spherical honeycomb lattice, with a small helix structure playing a key role in assembly.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2022

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

Lasers & molecular tethers create perfectly patterned platforms for tissue engineering

Scientists at the University of Washington develop a technique to modify biological polymers with protein-based biochemical messages, triggering cell behavior. The approach uses near-infrared lasers to attach proteins to scaffolds made from collagen or fibrin, creating intricate patterns that control cell growth and signaling.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2021

Presynapses come in a packet

Researchers discovered that vesicle and scaffold proteins arrive at nascent synapses as preformed functional units, enabling instantaneous neurotransmitter release. The findings may aid in designing better nerve-regenerating therapies and accelerating synapse formation after injuries.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNeuron·DateAug 30, 2018

An 'anchor' that keeps proteins together

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered a new scaffold protein called PRO40 that plays a crucial role in the production of fruiting bodies in hyphae fungi. By binding to specific kinases, PRO40 enables signal transmission and regulates MAP kinase modules.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 4, 2014