Articles tagged with Structural Biology
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a nanopore-based method to detect post-translational modification variants in proteins. The technique uses directional water flow and measures electrical current disruptions, enabling precise analysis of complex biological processes.
Researchers reconstructed six states of a rotary sodium ion pump using cryo-electron microscopy. The study found non-uniform rotation behavior due to structural interference between the rotor and stator components. This reveals a unique molecular mechanism of the rotary sodium ion pump.
Researchers analyzed photographs of honeybee and wasp nests containing over 22,000 cells. They found that both species used similar building techniques at the transition between small and large cells, including the construction of intermediate-sized hexagonal cells and pairs of pentagonal and heptagonal cells.
Researchers have captured never-before-seen images of the CALHM1 pore, which assembles into a circular channel with flexible arms resembling octopus tentacles. The discovery reveals how fatty molecules stabilize and regulate the channel, offering potential insights into its role in taste perception and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers identify at least 10,000 novel foldable αβ-folds, expanding our understanding of the protein universe. The discovery has significant implications for fields like drug development and enzyme design.
Researchers used cryo-electron tomography to study the dynein motor protein, revealing new details about how it generates force and coordinates with other proteins. This knowledge may help develop treatments for diseases related to cilia dysfunction, such as fertility issues and lung disease.
A new study from the Gibson Lab at Stowers Institute for Medical Research sheds light on how some of Earth's earliest animals evolved. Researchers discovered that a common genetic toolkit is deployed in different ways to drive embryological development, producing diverse adult body plans.
Scientists at Scripps Research have determined the structure of the critical protein complex that lets Lassa virus infect human cells, identifying new antibodies and vaccine targets. The research also found a high level of conservation across different lineages of the virus, paving the way for more effective vaccines and treatments.
Luis Cuello, a professor at TTUHSC, has developed a method to express human potassium channels in bacteria, allowing for large-scale biophysical studies. This technology will be used to target several channels relevant to diseases such as epilepsy, arrhythmia, and diabetes.
Researchers have developed TomoTwin, an AI-based software that accurately identifies and localizes proteins in cells using electron cryo-tomography. This innovation expands the potential of cryo-ET to decipher biomolecule functions and unveil disease origins.
The Spitrobot simplifies sample preparation for time-resolved crystallography, allowing non-specialist groups to conduct experiments that previously required expert expertise. This technology accelerates research in enzymatic mechanisms and enables broader applications in biotechnology and disease-related problems.
Researchers discovered that a certain short-wave or blue sensitive cone circuit is absent in marmosets and differs from the macaque monkey's circuit. This finding suggests that humans have unique neural wiring for color vision that may be linked to recent evolutionary adaptations.
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 discovered a protein involved in membrane remodeling in cyanobacteria, structurally similar to eukaryotic membrane proteins, suggesting it may be the oldest known bacterial ancestor. The protein, SynDLP, was found to have structural properties that match those of eukaryotic dynamin.
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.
Human ribosomes decode messenger RNA (mRNA) 10 times slower than bacterial ribosomes, but do so more accurately. This slow-down adds accuracy due to human ribosomes being known to be more accurate at translating the code than bacterial ribosomes.
Researchers from PSI deciphered the structure of an ion channel found in the eye while interacting with calmodulin, a protein that enables cell response to calcium fluctuations. This interaction is believed to be responsible for achieving remarkable sensitivity to dim light.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have produced the first atomic-level structure of an enzyme that selectively breaks carbon-hydrogen bonds, suggesting ways to engineer it for producing desired products. The detailed structure reveals how the enzyme operates under ordinary conditions and produces few unwanted byproducts.
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.
Researchers study DNA minicircles using hydrodynamic measurements to understand their behavior under twisting, revealing unique shapes and compactness. The investigation combines theoretical approaches with experimental methods to elucidate dynamic hydroelastic effects in DNA.
A team of scientists has successfully tested a method to measure biomolecules' precise dimensions and comparability. They used single-molecule FRET analysis to measure distances in proteins with precision, observing structural changes on time scales of less than a millisecond.
Researchers found that chloride ions bind to sweet taste receptors and evoke a taste sensation. The study suggests that low concentrations of Cl- can produce a 'light' sweet taste sensation via the T1r in the taste buds.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Rockefeller University have gained a better understanding of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The new findings reveal how CFTR functions mechanistically and how disease mutations affect its function, paving the way for more effective therapies.
A study reveals an extremely long tail on a bacteriophage that allows it to infect tough bacteria in hot springs. The 'Rapunzel' virus has a nearly 1-micrometer-long tail and uses a unique 'ball and socket' mechanism for stability.
Researchers have developed a robotic system called AngleNet that measures leaf angles on corn plants, providing plant breeders with accurate data more quickly. The technology uses stereo vision and deep convolutional neural networks to capture images of leaves at different heights, enabling 3D modeling and precise measurements.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a new theory that unifies conflicting viewpoints on lane formation, predicting curved and straight lanes in crowded spaces. The study reveals a new class of structures in daily life that may go unnoticed.
Scientists at Aarhus University and Berkeley Laboratory developed a method called RNA origami to design artificial RNA nanostructures. The technique allowed for the discovery of rules and mechanisms for RNA folding that will make it possible to build more ideal RNA particles for use in RNA-based medicine.
Transparent ocean creatures use reflective cells to hide from predators, featuring tunable and compact photonic glass. Scientists have discovered the structure of these 'eyeglitter' reflectors, revealing new possibilities for photonic innovation in solar energy, communications, and more.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Cryogenic Electron Microscopy will be held at the University of São Paulo from July 10-27, 2023. The event will cover theoretical and practical foundations of advanced CryoEM techniques, featuring renowned researchers and hands-on practical sessions.
Evans' five-year grant will examine how modularity affects the evolution of complex biological structures and provide a framework for their study. The research could advance our understanding of shape change in other complex structures and have cultural and historical significance.
Researchers at KAUST have discovered the molecular mechanisms of DNA repair by studying the interaction between two enzymes, Lig1 and PCNA. Lig1 seals nicks in DNA by attaching to a ring-shaped protein called PCNA, which dislodges another enzyme FEN1 to prepare for sealing.
Researchers discovered a smart molecular glue formed by proteins clinging to microtubules, enabling nucleus positioning during cell division. The 'glue' enables mechanical forces to be transduced as desired, with flexible properties allowing it to withstand tension.
Researchers have unveiled the mechanism behind monkeypox virus genome replication using cryo-microscopy. The findings could guide the development of antiviral drugs and may aid in preventing future outbreaks.
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 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.
The new CRC 1551 will study the polymer properties of DNA, RNA, and proteins to understand their interaction in cells. The researchers aim to describe and understand nonequilibrium processes in cells triggered by complex interplay of cellular polymers.
The German Research Foundation renewed CRC 1361 for an additional four years to explore mechanisms of DNA repair and genome stability. The consortium aims to elucidate how cells safeguard genetic information and promote human health by understanding DNA damage signaling pathways.
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has been awarded funding for three Collaborative Research Centers in the life sciences, including CRC 1551 and CRC/Transregio 355. The centers will focus on investigating polymer concepts in cellular function and heterogeneity of regulatory T cells in distinct microenvironments.
Researchers studied the larynx of Daubenton's bats and found that different structures are used for high-frequency echolocation calls and lower-frequency social calls. The study reveals that bat vocalizations can be compared to death metal growls, highlighting the animals' unique ability to produce a wide range of sounds.
Researchers at the University Hospital Bonn have discovered a new function of CRISPR/Cas9 gene scissors, which produce small signal molecules that bind to proteins, activating an emergency response. This discovery opens up new possibilities for treating diseases using CRISPR technology.
Researchers created a detailed map of the hippocampus's connections to the rest of the brain, finding fewer links with frontal lobes but more with visual networks. This discovery may change how we think about human memory and cognition, potentially shedding light on why some primates excel at certain memory tasks.
Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.
Plant cells use a complex 'hub and spoke' system to recycle organelles, involving specialized vesicles and molecular mechanisms. The discovery sheds light on the role of autophagy in plant stress tolerance.
Scientists have clarified the structure of a new protein complex that catalyses energy conversion processes in photosynthesis, known as Photosystem I. The research reveals that two monomers can join together as a dimer, leading to improved hydrogen production in certain plant species.
Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the structure of mouse TRPM8 channels, revealing the molecular mechanism for activation by cooling agonists and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). This discovery has implications for neuroinflammatory diseases and pain management.
Scientists developed a novel cell-free protein crystallization (CFPC) method that allows rapid and direct formation of protein crystals without purification processes. The technique has enabled the analysis of unstable proteins, increasing knowledge of cellular processes and functions.
A recent study found that mechanical ventilation can cause irreversible tissue damage in premature lungs, leading to impaired lung cell function. The study showed that even low pressure can result in structural changes on the cell surface, disrupting molecule transport and water balance.
Researchers at POSTECH have developed a method to observe single molecules at room temperature, revealing their structural dynamics and conformational heterogeneity. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding the origin of life, identifying causes of incurable diseases, and developing treatments.
A team of researchers from Ritsumeikan University in Japan has elucidated the mechanism behind the liquid-solid phase transition of FUS protein that leads to ALS. They discovered a new therapeutic target, arginine, which suppresses FUS aggregation and could delay ALS progression.
A team of scientists has provided an intricate blueprint of the RuvB AAA+ motor, which converts chemical energy into mechanical work to perform branch migration in DNA recombination. The research reveals that the motor uses a basic lever mechanism to generate force and moves the DNA substrate through a cyclical manner.
Researchers have identified three natural compounds that bind to a key enzyme in the coronavirus, potentially blocking its replication. Hydroxyethylphenol, hydroxybenzaldehyde, and methyldihydroxybenzoate showed reduced activity against the papain-like protease enzyme, with effects ranging from 50-70%.
The study reveals that environmental conditions cause RNA structures to change, affecting plant flowering times and potentially leading to more desirable traits. This technology can also be applied to human cells, enabling the design of RNA-based therapies for diseases like SARS-COV-2.
Scientists at Scripps Research have identified antibodies that induce broad immunity against SARS viruses, including emerging variants. The discovery reveals the antibody structures that produce this more comprehensive immune response and could inform the development of next-generation vaccines.
A new study provides critical insights into the pGC-A membrane receptor, a vital component of cardiovascular regulation. The research offers a clearer understanding of this complex receptor and its signaling mechanisms, paving the way for new anti-hypertensive drugs.
Researchers discovered that giant viruses, known as bacteriophages, construct a shielded compartment that acts like a nucleus in human cells, protecting their genetic material. The nuclear-like structure allows certain components inside while serving as a defense mechanism against bacterial threats.
Scientists at University Hospital Bonn compared PELDOR and FRET spectroscopy methods to measure distances in protein molecules. While most results were comparable, inconsistencies were found in two cases, highlighting the importance of re-measurement with another nano ruler.
Researchers have created a photoacoustic imaging endoscope probe that can fit inside a medical needle, resolving subcellular-scale tissue structural and molecular information in 3D. The device has an ultra-thin design, allowing for real-time 3D characterization of tissue during minimally invasive procedures.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create new method for producing heterolayer coordination nanosheets with improved properties and controllability. The study expands the diversity of 2D materials, enabling potential applications in optoelectronics and renewable energy.
Researchers discovered a new prion structure using electron microscopy, revealing key similarities and differences between distinct strains. This finding could lead to better understanding of how shape variations affect disease outcomes.
A team of scientists discovered a mathematical principle explaining how cells connect to form tissues and organs, shedding light on embryonic development and organ formation. The study found that epithelial cells can adopt complex three-dimensional shapes like scutoids, which determine cellular connectivity and tissue properties.