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Neurodegenerative disease ALS: Cellular repair system could prevent protein aggregation

A team of researchers from Goethe University and Kiel University has discovered a way to prevent the formation of harmful protein aggregates in cultured cells. The study found that linking TDP-43 with SUMO prevents its aggregation, suggesting a potential new approach for treating ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2025

Study identifies highly soluble molecules with superior antioxidant benefits for cells

Researchers have identified two highly soluble molecules with superior antioxidant benefits for cells, which could help prevent and manage certain degenerative diseases by maintaining lower levels of harmful free radicals. The study suggests that these molecules can transfer and accumulate in membranes, reducing the risk of cell damage.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 2, 2024

New immune target to treat cardiovascular disease discovered

A recent study discovered a link between soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and the development of atherosclerosis, a hardening of arteries that affects over a billion people worldwide. SuPAR was found to cause inflammation in blood vessels, leading to cardiovascular events and increasing risk of heart disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Study: Decreased proteins, not amyloid plaques, tied to Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that low levels of soluble amyloid-beta protein in the brain, rather than its buildup into plaques, are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with high levels of soluble amyloid-beta showed improved cognitive outcomes, contradicting previous theories.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2022

How tardigrades bear dehydration

Researchers have identified proteins that form gel-like filaments to protect cells from mechanical stress during dehydration. These findings could lead to improvements in preserving cell materials and biomolecules in a dry state.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2022

Examining therapeutic targets for kidney disease

A University of Houston researcher has identified the suPAR protein as a potential therapeutic target for treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a common form of kidney disease. High circulating levels of suPAR have been shown to induce oxidative stress in the kidneys, leading to cell damage and kidney failure.

How does the spider spin its self-assembled silk?

Scientists at Kyoto University have discovered a new method for producing artificial spider silk by combining acidification and liquid-liquid phase separation. This breakthrough could lead to the development of sustainable, high-strength fibers with potential applications in manufacturing.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 30, 2020

Proteins in motion

Scientists have found that surface diffusion of proteins is more effective at providing proteins to distal dendritic sites, reducing the need for protein production. By optimizing dendritic radii, neurons can reduce their protein synthesis cost by several orders of magnitude.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateNov 21, 2020

Protein moonlighting

Researchers at UCSB discovered that syntaxin 3S, a soluble form of SNARE protein, regulates gene expression in the nucleus, potentially playing a role in cancer progression. This finding opens up a new field of research into the moonlighting properties of proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 12, 2018

Putting light-harvesters on the spot

Researchers have found that a membrane protein interacts with a single soluble protein to anchor the subunits of light-harvesting complexes in the membrane. The new model proposes the formation of a pore for protein transport, supporting the integration into the membrane.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 19, 2011

Slow road to a synapse

A study led by Subhojit Roy reveals how certain proteins in neurons travel at a slower pace than others, assembling into larger complexes that move down the axon. The proposed model suggests a 'plume' of proteins, where complexes disassemble and reassemble as they progress, making the overall motion slow and coordinated.

Researchers reveal insidious role of a 'serpin' in Alzheimer's Disease

A team of researchers found that the protein alpha1-antichymotrypsin doubles the accumulation of Alzheimer's disease-associated amyloid plaque in mice brains, indicating a potential therapeutic target. The study suggests that reducing or inhibiting this protein's activity could help prevent plaque formation and brain damage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 4, 2000

Northwestern scientists shed new light on neurodegenerative diseases

Scientists at Northwestern University discovered that polyglutamine aggregates are toxic and can bring healthy proteins to aggregate with them. The growth of these aggregates can be suppressed by molecular chaperones called heat shock proteins. This finding provides a new model for understanding the common pathology of neurodegenerativ...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2000

Measurements Of Protein Surface Verify Electrostatics Model

Researchers measured electrostatic properties of a protein surface using a surface-force apparatus, providing the first direct comparison between localized measurements and theoretical predictions. The study verified the accuracy of measurement technique and demonstrated that current models are reasonably accurate for predicting electr...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 1998

Recombinant Protein Immunizes Mice, Promises New Strategy Against Infection And Cancer

Scientists created a recombinant protein that fused heat shock proteins with ovalbumin, leading to immune response against ovalbumin-producing cancer cells. The technology could be used to develop vaccine candidates against infectious diseases like AIDS and stimulate CTL responses against cancer.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 1997