Structural Biology
Articles tagged with Structural Biology
DeepAFM: A deep learning method to decode protein motion
Researchers identify potential new route for antimalarial drug design
A team of researchers has uncovered a promising new target for antimalarial drug design, identifying an enzyme called aminopeptidase P from the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. The new inhibitors have been shown to bind more strongly and selectively than existing compounds, demonstrating potential as a new class of drugs to combat malaria.
OpenBind’s first data and model release marks a milestone for AI enabled drug discovery
The UK-led OpenBind initiative has released its first publicly available dataset and predictive AI model, accelerating the discovery of new medicines using artificial intelligence. The release showcases high-quality, standardized experimental data and a trained predictive model, enabling researchers worldwide to drive the next generati...
Researchers capture an unprecedented view of gene transcription
Researchers have captured an unprecedented view of gene transcription by observing RNA polymerase mid-reaction. The findings provide a universal blueprint for gene expression and clarify how the enzyme initiates its core reaction through a water-mediated mechanism.
A molecular “cork” controls cellular activity
Researchers from UNIGE have identified a molecular mechanism regulating cellular balance and found that TORC2's activation is controlled by a molecular 'cork'. This discovery paves the way for targeting this mechanism to treat diseases like cancer and diabetes.
New knowledge about mobile proteins linked to childhood cancer
Researchers have discovered a way to prevent the collaboration between two important cancer-related proteins, N-MYC and Aurora A. This breakthrough could lead to new medications to combat childhood cancer. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides insights into how these proteins interact with each other.
Plant cell structure could hold key to cancer therapies and improved crops
Researchers mapped out the structure of a key player, augmin, in exhaustive detail, revealing its role in plant cell division and shape regulation. The study's findings could lead to new medical treatments and strategies for breeding higher-quality rice and cotton crops.
Protein regulator of sugars and fats may work with an unexpected partner — itself
Researchers characterized the structure and function of a protein that regulates sugar and fat levels, finding it can work with an unexpected partner - itself. This partnership may drive the expression of different genes than its usual partner, offering new therapeutic targets for diseases like liver cancer and diabetes.
A step towards needed treatments for hantaviruses in new molecular map
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a high-resolution 3D map of the Andes virus, a crucial step towards developing vaccines and treatments against hantaviruses. The new structure allows for the design of effective vaccines and antibody therapies.
Exposing a hidden anchor for HIV replication
Scientists at the University of Delaware discovered a previously unknown structural role for the HIV integrase protein, which forms gluey filaments that anchor the RNA genome to the capsid. This discovery provides a promising new target for drug development and could lead to the development of next-generation inhibitors.
Structural adaptations in aging podocytes
Research reveals that podocytes in aged rats adapt by increasing volume and forming atypical junctions to compensate for loss, while exporting unnecessary cellular components into the extracellular space. The study employed array tomography to elucidate age-related structural changes, shedding light on the mechanisms of aging glomeruli.
Molecular knitting machine for bacterial capsules in 3D
Scientists at HZI have developed a new technique to visualize the complex process of bacterial capsule production. They used cryo-electron microscopy to study the Wza-Wzc transport channel, which is responsible for knitting the sugar cloak that protects bacteria from the environment and immune cells.
Research from IOCB Prague reveals a previously unknown mechanism of genetic transcription
Scientists have identified a previously unknown molecular mechanism for initiating gene transcription in cells under stress. Using cryogenic electron microscopy, they observed how dinucleoside polyphosphate molecules bind to RNA polymerase, enabling the formation of alternative caps that protect cellular RNA.
AAAS and Research Networks announce partnership to add three titles to Science Partner Journal program
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has partnered with Research Networks to publish Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal, Computational and Structural Biotechnology Reports, and Brain Organoid & Systems Neuroscience Journal as Science Partner Journals. These journals will publish high-quality re...
Chemist proposes shared “model proteins” to improve reproducibility in protein science
A chemist proposes a framework for shared model proteins to improve reproducibility and coordination in protein science. The proposal includes five widely used proteins and aims to establish minimal reporting requirements and curated reference datasets.
A new study reveals how cholera virulence is activated
A new study provides a long-sought structural explanation for how Vibrio cholerae colonizes the human gut and produces the cholera toxin. The research reveals that ToxR and TcpP stabilize a specific part of the RNA polymerase directly onto DNA, achieving virulence gene activation without reshaping the transcription machinery.
AI tools speed development of antibody probes to see activity inside living cells
Researchers at Colorado State University used AI to modify antibodies into stable intrabodies that can visualize histone modifications in real-time. This allows for better understanding of gene expression and its relationship with cancer and other disorders. The team created 19 new antibody-based probes with a 70% success rate, signifi...
A tug-of-war explains a decades-old question about how bacteria swim
Bacteria move through liquids using propellerlike tails called flagella, which alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. Researchers propose a tug-of-war mechanism instead of the traditional equilibrium 'domino effect' model, where proteins lining the tail exert pressure on their neighbors.
4D Nucleome Consortium produces detailed models of the 3D genome over time in cells
The study created a critical framework for understanding the architecture of the genome and its association with gene function in cells. The 4DN Consortium integrated data from over a dozen techniques to compile an extensive catalogue of looping interactions between genes and regulatory elements.
A molecular gatekeeper that controls protein synthesis
A molecular gatekeeper called NAC controls protein synthesis by recruiting specific enzymes to modify proteins during translation. This complex ensures the correct processing and transportation of newly emerging proteins, crucial for proper function.
Study uncovers new drug target for huge class of viruses
A study from UMBC reveals a conserved RNA-protein interaction as a promising target for broad-spectrum enterovirus antivirals. The researchers found that a fusion protein called 3CD recruits proteins to assemble the replication complex, and targeting this interface could lead to universal drugs.
New model demonstrates how a dynamic mechanism regulates traffic through the nuclear pore complex
Researchers discovered that the nuclear pore complex is a dynamic system with a ring-shaped scaffold surrounded by flexible FG domains. The complex's architecture and crowded environment work together to selectably allow transport receptors and their cargo to pass through.
Shapeshifting cancers’ masters, unmasked
Cancer researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified key proteins that determine the behavior of two hard-to-treat carcinomas, pancreatic cancer and tuft cell lung cancer. These findings could lead to new therapies targeting specific vulnerabilities in these cancers.
A doorstop for the brain’s electrical gates
Scientists have captured detailed images of NMDA receptors held open by natural gatekeepers and synthetic regulators, revealing how they control ion flow. This understanding can inform the design of safe and effective therapies for conditions like Alzheimer's disease and stroke.
Researchers identify a new rare genetic disease
Scientists have identified a previously unknown genetic disease, MINA syndrome, which damages motor neurons and affects movement and muscle control. The disease is caused by a rare genetic mutation in the NAMPT protein, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of coordination, and foot deformities.
New insights into how pathogens build protein machinery for survival in the gut
A new study reveals how pathogenic bacteria construct Eut microcompartments to digest ethanolamine, a nutrient commonly found in the gut. Understanding their assembly offers new targets for antimicrobial therapies.
Barley’s root defense: The secret to surviving acidic, aluminum-rich soils
A new study reveals the first detailed structure of HvAACT1, a barley root protein that enables plants to tolerate aluminum-rich acidic soils. This breakthrough provides the structural basis for citrate efflux in plants and has implications for designing crops that can withstand difficult conditions.
Researchers reveal potential molecular link between air pollutants and increased risk of Lewy body dementia
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine reveal a potential molecular link between air pollutants and an increased risk of developing Lewy body dementia. Exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) triggered the formation of abnormal alpha-synuclein clumps in mice, similar to those found in human patients with Lewy body dementia.
Two ERC Grants for Goethe University: Why a sharks becomes extinct and how to study the dynamics of biomolecules
Researchers Jeremy McCormack and Andrei Kuzhelev at Goethe University are investigating the reasons behind prehistoric shark extinctions using new isotopic analysis methods. They also develop a novel nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique to study large biomolecules.
Research implicates biomolecular condensates in a type of childhood brain cancer
Researchers discovered that disordered regions of the ZFTA-RELA fusion protein cause the formation of droplets within cells called condensates, which are essential for ependymoma development. The study provides a new therapeutic frontier by targeting the interacting partners within these condensates.
Tissue forces help shape developing organs
Researchers at Syracuse University found that slow-moving tissues generate mechanical forces that help sculpt developing organs, such as the zebrafish's body symmetry. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of organ formation and inform treatments for birth defects and other conditions.
Poplar tree discovery could help shape the future of energy and biomaterials
A University of Missouri-led study has uncovered how poplar trees can naturally adjust a key part of their wood chemistry based on changes in their environment, supporting improved bioenergy production. The discovery sheds light on the role of lignin and its potential to create better biofuels and sustainable products.
Scientists reengineer enzyme to study diseases via sugar patterns on the surface of cells
Researchers created a glycan-binding protein that can analyze and treat diseases via sugar patterns found on the surface of cells. The tool, named sCore2, was developed by retraining an enzyme to bind to specific sugars, providing a new way to study glycans and their role in disease.
Researchers discover previously unknown “folding factories” for proteins
Tiny folding factories, composed of multiple chaperones, enable efficient protein folding in cells. This discovery has significant implications for treating diseases caused by misfolded proteins, such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
Revealed: New vaccine target to block malaria transmission
Australian researchers have visualised a key protein complex in malaria parasites for the first time, uncovering a new target for next-generation vaccines. The discovery has led to the development of a promising mRNA vaccine candidate that stops the malaria parasite from reproducing inside mosquitoes, breaking the cycle of transmission...
Structural and functional studies uncover the mechanism behind sweet taste
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital used cryo-electron microscopy to study the full range of motion of sweet taste receptors, discovering a previously unknown mechanism of activation that complements unbound and bound structures of the receptor.
Connecting the dots between laminins and myelin formation by oligodendrocytes
Laminin-411 protein and its derived peptide A4G47 exhibit pro-myelinating activity in oligodendrocytes, promoting myelin sheath formation. This discovery advances understanding of myelin sheath formation and potential applications for treating demyelinating diseases.
Exploring the dynamic partnership between FtsZ and ZapA protein
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.
Structure of tick-borne virus revealed at atomic resolution for the first time
The team built a high-resolution 3D structure of the Powassan virus, shedding light on its transmission and potential therapeutics. The findings could inform future treatments and preventions for this emerging tick-borne disease.
Research opens up new avenue for Tuberculosis drug discovery
Scientists from the University of Bath have identified two new families of chemical compounds that inhibit alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (MCR) in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a key enzyme for TB survival. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for TB and potentially other diseases like prostate cancer.
Scientists target ‘molecular machine’ in the war against antimicrobial resistance
Researchers at King's College London used cryo-electron microscopy to study the flagellum in unprecedented detail, revealing its architecture and identifying potential drug targets. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for bacterial infections without driving resistance.
Pigments that can do more
Researchers have elucidated the molecular composition of a pigment produced by anaerobic bacteria, revealing its role in cellulose degradation. The pigment shows mild antibiotic activity against Gram-positive bacteria.
Capturing nanofabrics in action with a supermicroscope
Biophysicist Christian Spahn's ERC Advanced Grant project aims to capture the ultra-fast intermediate steps of ribosomes in action. Using a supermicroscope, his team will analyze hundreds of thousands of images to visualize rare, short-lived states of ribosomes at atomic resolution.
Surprising antibiotic discovery could pave way for new family of high blood pressure treatments
Scientists have discovered a novel way to block an enzyme involved in regulating blood pressure, called ACE. Ciprofloxacin binds selectively to a different site, blocking angiotensin I but not inhibiting the enzyme's other functions.
GPS for proteins: Tracking the motions of cell receptors
Using a novel GPS NMR method, researchers tracked the motion of a key GPCR and found that it doesn't simply switch between two states. Instead, it exists in a dynamic conformational equilibrium between inactive, preactive, and active states.
Ancient protein breaks the rules of molecular handedness
Researchers discovered an ancient protein that can function in a mirror world, challenging the long-standing assumption that mirror-image proteins cannot bind to nucleic acids. The study found that a simple protein motif is capable of interacting with both natural and mirror-image nucleic acids.
Wesley Sundquist named to TIME’s annual TIME100 list of the 100 most influential people in the world
Wesley Sundquist's lab developed lenacapavir, an exceptionally effective HIV-preventing drug with 99.9 to 100 percent efficacy in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people. The drug has the potential to dramatically decrease infection rates worldwide if distributed broadly.
How a crucial DNA repair protein works—and what it means for cancer treatment
Researchers at Scripps Research have captured the first detailed images of polymerase theta (Pol-theta) in action, revealing its molecular processes responsible for a range of cancers. The study provides a blueprint for designing more effective cancer drugs by understanding how Pol-theta repairs DNA using a two-step process.
Splicing twins: unravelling the secrets of the minor spliceosome complex
Researchers in the Galej Group at EMBL Grenoble have provided new structural insights into the U11 snRNP subunit of the minor spliceosome, revealing its ability to specifically identify rare substrates. The study sheds light on the complex assembly pathway of the minor spliceosome, which is critical for processing minor introns in genes.
Groundbreaking discoveries in the fight against Huntington's disease
Researchers at the University of Bergen have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the structure of protein clumps associated with Huntington's disease. The study provides new insights into the disease's mechanisms and paves the way for the development of diagnostic tools and treatments.
New hope in the fight against Hepatitis C: Broadly effective innovative vaccine design
A novel vaccine design has demonstrated robust immune response and broad neutralization of HCV strains in mouse models. The innovative approach employs epitope-focused immunogens, which could pave the way for an effective HCV vaccine, potentially limiting its global spread.
Single mutation in bovine H5N1 switches viral binding specificity to human receptors
A single mutation in the bovine H5N1 virus can switch its receptor binding from animal-type to human-type receptors, increasing the risk of transmission and potential pandemic. The study highlights the need for continuous surveillance of emerging mutations.
The Microprocessor inside you
Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to study Microprocessor's interactions with primary microRNAs. The protein can process multiple pri-miRNAs due to its flexibility and 'tentacle-like' properties.
St. Jude appoints leading scientist to create groundbreaking Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology
Georgios Skiniotis joins St. Jude as a faculty member in structural biology, establishing a Center of Excellence for Structural Cell Biology. The center will advance understanding of cell biology from atomic to micron scales using cryo-ET and vEM imaging.
Glycans can regulate their own biosynthesis by modifying enzyme activity
Researchers found that glycans attached to glycosylation enzymes' lectin domains inhibit the enzymes' activity, leading to self-regulation of their own biosynthesis. This unique mechanism sheds light on how glycosylation enzymes choose their substrate proteins in cells.
Catching prey with grappling hooks and cannons
Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new predatory bacterium, Aureispira, that uses grappling hooks and cannons to capture prey. The bacterium's molecular structures resemble those of pirate tools, allowing it to entangle and kill its victims quickly.
Putting out a brain on fire
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding the rare autoimmune disease anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can cause psychosis, hallucinations, and blackouts. The study found that different antibodies bind to NMDA receptors in unique ways, suggesting personalized medicine may be key to treating the condition.
Vitamin B1’s journey in your body, and why it matters
Researchers at EMBL Hamburg and CSSB have uncovered the molecular details of vitamin B1 absorption, revealing critical transporters and barriers that hinder its progress. The study sheds light on rare diseases caused by SLC19A3 mutations and potentially life-threatening hidden deficiencies triggered by certain medications.
Researchers can measure distances in molecules optically
Scientists have developed MINFLUX microscopy to measure distances within biomolecules, down to one nanometer, and with Ångström precision. This allows for the detection of different conformations of individual proteins and the observation of their interactions.