Articles tagged with Structural Biology
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.
A team of researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft developed METIS, a modular software system for optimizing biological systems using machine learning. The tool allows users to optimize their already discovered or synthesized biological systems and can be used with different lab equipment.
Researchers investigated radiation exposure among health professionals performing structural heart interventions, revealing higher doses for echocardiographers and cardiologists compared to sonographers. The study highlights the need for safer procedures and protective measures to mitigate radiation risks.
Using nearly two decades of research and ultrabright X-ray beams, scientists have created a detailed structural map of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), a key regulator of cellular operations. The results provide significant implications for understanding disease mechanisms and developing new treatments.
Researchers have identified a family of proteins called PIN-FORMED as essential for auxin transport, guiding plant growth and development. The discovery provides the first structural basis of auxin transport by PIN proteins and sheds light on how herbicides can be recognized by these proteins.
A new study explores the characteristics of 36 basic variants of the Holliday junction, a fundamental building block used in DNA nanoforms. The results show that sequences forming the four protruding arms of the junction can enhance or hinder crystallization processes.
Researchers used X-ray crystallography to reveal the structure of HIV-1 matrix protein at 2.1 angstroms resolution, advancing understanding of viral assembly and envelope protein incorporation. The study showed that molecular details at this level can help develop new therapeutic agents inhibiting HIV-1 assembly and virus production.
Researchers elucidated the protease-inhibitory mechanism of A2ML1 using cryo-EM structures, shedding light on its role in severe autoimmune blistering diseases. The study improves understanding of related proteins and their function.
Researchers at the Kosinski Group used a combination of cryo-electron tomography, single particle cryo-EM, and integrative modelling to create the most complete model of the human NPC to date, covering over 90% of its core. This breakthrough enables scientists to understand the NPC's structure and function in greater detail.
Researchers have identified a regulatory network controlling zinc accumulation in marine cyanobacteria, allowing them to vary their internal zinc levels by over two orders of magnitude. This network is unique among bacteria, enabling the extraordinary capacity to accumulate zinc.
A new time-resolved instrument measures circular dichroism changes in fractions of a picosecond, enabling the capture of photoexcited molecules' chirality and conformational motion. This resolves the deactivation mechanism of iron-based spin-crossover complexes, crucial for magnetic data storage.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Pathogenic Trypanosomatids will bring together experts from different fields to discuss the fight against leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Researchers will share state-of-the-art science and results of new research on epigenetics, drug discovery, and molecular biology.
Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new bioinformatics pipeline, CRESSP, to investigate the mechanism underlying autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The tool identified potential epitopes responsible for COVID-related autoimmune diseases and predicted cross-reactive epitopes of di...
Researchers find NLRP3 protein forms filament that grows in one direction, allowing for targeted treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. The discovery could potentially stop inflammation at the 'growing end', bringing relief to those suffering from conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Rice University bioscientists has revealed the presence of a central metal ion critical to DNA replication and implicated in misincorporation. The research found that three metal ions are involved in the process, with the first supporting nucleotide binding and the second stabilizing the binding of loose nucleotides. This di...
Researchers have developed a new approach to studying RNA molecules using nanotechnology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), enabling the analysis of RNA subunits with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research, drug development, and RNA therapeutics.
Researchers unlocked the structure of an enzyme that regulates plant growth in response to strigolactone hormone. The enzyme, MAX2, targets repressor proteins for destruction when it's unlocked, allowing genes to be expressed and activating various growth processes. This discovery sheds light on how plants adapt to their environment.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a method to overcome the tradeoff between rice yield component traits, including panicle number and size. By modifying the cis-regulatory region of the Ideal Plant Architecture 1 gene, they increased grain yield by 15.9% while maintaining tiller number.
A new study identified a protein similar to eukaryotic tubulins in Asgard archaea, which may represent an evolutionary intermediate between prokaryotic FtsZ and eukaryotic microtubule-forming tubulins. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of chromosome segregation in eukaryotes.
Researchers have studied the atomic structures of KaiC, a cyanobacterial clock protein, to understand its role in regulating circadian rhythms. The study reveals that allostery drives the clock, with phosphorylation and ATP hydrolysis cycles working like two gears.
Researchers developed new method to visualize CNS fibroblasts and their intercellular interactions in the CNS. The technique provides a detailed picture of CNS fibroblasts, including their location, size, morphology, and gene/protein expression patterns.
Researchers fill in gaps in Human Reference Genome, discovering repetitive sections are a major source of human variation and genetic diversity. The Telomere-2-Telomere project reveals complex architectural features with significant consequences for understanding human evolution and biological function.
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.
Researchers used new techniques to uncover the Tetrahymena electron transport chain, revealing gaps in our knowledge of a major branch of life. The study highlights the power of structural biology and shows potential as a discovery tool for biodiversity research.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute have discovered a new, detailed molecular structure of PhyB, a vital photoreceptor in plants, which allows them to sense light and regulate their lifecycles. The findings may lead to breakthroughs in agricultural and bioengineering practices.
Researchers at Boston University have developed optoacoustic neurostimulation with single neuron and subcellular level precision. Optoacoustic neuromodulation may offer advantages over ultrasonic neuromodulation, including higher spatial temporal resolution.
Scientists at Van Andel Institute and Rockefeller University have revealed the structure of the 911 DNA checkpoint clamp, which loads onto DNA to repair damage. The novel finding shows that the 911 clamp is loaded onto DNA from the opposite end, a surprise in the field of DNA replication.
Autophagy is induced when ER-bound ribosomes are stalled, rescuing them from cellular harm. The ERC grant aims to decipher the role of Autophagy in rescuing stalled ER-bound ribosomes.
Researchers have discovered how bacteria clean up after molecular crashes, revealing a universal rescue mechanism that works in both bacteria and yeast. The study identifies a molecule called SmrB as the key player in this process.
Researchers have identified an important element for electrical communication in plants: the ion channel TPC1. The study reveals how this channel is switched on and off, controlling electrical excitation in plant cells. Understanding TPC1-dependent processes can help better understand similar mechanisms in animal cells.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have redesigned a key component of the widely used CRISPR-based gene-editing tool Cas9 to be thousands of times less likely to target the wrong stretch of DNA. The new version, called SuperFi-Cas9, is as efficient as the original but reduces off-target interactions, making it potentially ...
Researchers developed a new technique called dual-detection impulsive vibrational spectroscopy (DIVS) to measure two distinct types of vibrational signals. DIVS enables synchronous measurement of THz- and fingerprint region vibrations, offering high temporal resolution for real-time chemical analysis.
Mutations in SARS-CoV-2's spike protein can resist neutralizing antibodies and therapeutics, highlighting the need for improved vaccines and treatments. The study mapped out these 'escape variants' to understand their molecular mechanisms.
A team of scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg and the Max Planck Institute discovered the essential final step in mRNA production. The process involves 16 proteins that precisely control the structure of mRNA, which determines protein function and disease risk.
Researchers have solved atomic-level structures of the muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, a crucial step in understanding its function. The new findings could lead to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders such as congenital myasthenic syndrome and myasthenia gravis.
Scientists created new material design principles by studying the complex structure of starfish skeletons. The unique lattice architecture offers mechanical protection, enabling high strength and flexibility while maintaining buoyancy regulation.
A study led by Przemyslaw Nogly at PSI has detailed insight into the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump in bacteria, revealing how light energy converts to kinetic energy and transports chloride ions inside cells. The pump uses two molecular gates to ensure one-way transport, with the process taking around 100 milliseconds.
Researchers identified seven rare structural variants affecting 31 genes in severely ill COVID-19 patients, shedding light on individual responses to the virus. These genetic variations may help explain differences in illness severity and suggest potential targets for early intervention.
Researchers discovered non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs that demonstrate therapeutic effects, offering an alternative solution to the characteristic hallucinations of traditional psychedelics. The findings may lead to the development of safe and effective drugs for treating PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
A recent review highlights the potential of structural proteomics in understanding pathological processes and predicting drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases. The field combines protein chemistry and mass spectrometry to determine protein structure and interactions, which can lead to breakthroughs in treating serious health c...
A team of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a molecule with significant potential to disable the COVID-19 virus. The molecule was discovered using high-throughput virtual screening and laboratory experiments, and its ability to bind to the virus's main protease was confirmed through structural studies.
Researchers have determined the precise structural changes in omicron's spike protein, which allows it to evade antibodies against previous variants. The findings provide a blueprint for designing new countermeasures, such as vaccines or therapeutics, against omicron and future coronavirus variants.
A new study reveals that butterfly transparency is not only for camouflage but also to signal toxicity. Researchers found that transparent wings can serve both purposes, allowing butterflies to 'cheat' by having the best of both worlds - visibility in sunlight and concealment in shadows.
An international team led by the University of Ottawa has published findings on the importance of the enzyme GCN5 in maintaining muscle integrity. The study discovered that GCN5 plays a crucial role in boosting the expression of key structural proteins, notably dystrophin.
A team from University of Science and Technology of China discovered the microscopic mechanism behind traditional Xuan paper's high strength and toughness. They developed a high-performance, high-haze transparent film with excellent properties, including high light transmittance, flexibility, and thermal stability.
UCI researchers used cryo-electron tomography to study the rod outer segment membrane in the eye, revealing key structural determinants that contribute to blindness. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic approaches using gene editing technologies.
Scientists at Osaka Prefecture University have identified specific parts of the dog allergen Can f 1 that can trigger an immune response in people. The researchers used X-ray crystallography to determine the structure of the protein and found several potential epitopes, or regions, that could be targeted by a vaccine.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory developed a method to stabilize graphene nanoribbons and directly measure their unique magnetic properties. By substituting nitrogen atoms along the zigzag edges, they can discretely tune the local electronic structure without disrupting the magnetic properties.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis described for the first time the structure of CcsBA, a protein that transports heme and attaches it to cytochromes. The study revealed two conformational states of CcsBA, allowing scientists to characterize the enzyme mechanism.
Recent preclinical study results demonstrate the Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle (SpFN) COVID-19 vaccine developed by WRAIR elicits potent immune responses and offers broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses. The SpFN vaccine uses a ferritin platform to present multiple copies of the coronavirus spike protein, i...
Researchers have successfully determined the structure of the Lassa viral polymerase, a key component in viral replication, using cryo-electron microscopy. This breakthrough provides crucial insights into how to design drugs that can stop the infection, offering hope for developing an effective antiviral.
A research team led by Prof. ZHANG Kaiming uncovered a previously unrecognized mechanism for processive substrate degradation by the Lon protease. The study reveals that the protein degradation occurs at each individual proteolytic active site, following a C-to-N processive cleavage mechanism.
Researchers have discovered that protein structural dynamics emerged through terminal additions during long-term evolution. This process allowed for diversification of substrate specificity and ligand binding mechanisms, ultimately leading to the emergence of various biological functions.
Researchers have discovered that specific regions of HAT family proteins determine which amino acids they bind to, leading to unique functions in cell growth and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. This knowledge will enable efforts to develop compounds targeting these proteins for therapy.
Cryo-EM study reveals details of DNA repair mechanism translesion synthesis (TLS), allowing cells to survive with mutations. Key protein complex Pol K - PCNA interaction modulated by ubiquitination facilitates recruitment of TLS polymerase to damage sites.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to combat the tick-borne Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus by reconstructing its structure and identifying neutralizing antibodies. The study, published in Science, offers insights for developing therapeutics and vaccines against the virus.
Researchers have developed a method to study proteins at their physiological temperatures by applying microscopic pulsed heating. They found that a critical protein complex regulating cell motility and morphology exhibits cooperative regulation of actin-myosin interaction by drebrin E, which is temperature-dependent.
Researchers at Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica have isolated and characterized seven novel dimeric sesquiterpenoids with potent antimalarial activities. The most potent compound, Shizukaol A, exhibits an EC50 value 1000-fold more active than artemisinin.
The Delta variant is the most infectious known to date due to its ability to fuse with cells quickly and efficiently. Researchers found that Delta's spike protein has a unique property that accounts for its transmissibility, making it a favorable target for next-generation vaccines and treatments.
Researchers develop DNA Nanoswitch Calipers to measure distances within single molecules using force, enabling the identification of single proteins in samples. This technique creates a unique 'fingerprint' that can be used to identify known molecules or infer structural information about unknown ones.