Articles tagged with Structural Biology
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have identified a soil microorganism that initiates the breakdown of carminic acid, a natural red dye extracted from insects. The discovery provides insight into the chemical reaction and its occurrence in nature.
McGill University scientists created a new glass and acrylic composite material mimicking nacre for exceptional strength and durability. The material is three times stronger and five times more fracture-resistant than regular glass, with potential applications in phone screens and other industries.
Actin filaments generate pushing forces to move the cell membrane. The capping protein regulates filament growth, promoting branching near the membrane through the Arp2/3 complex. A high-resolution structure reveals that capping protein blocks nucleation-promoting factors via a tiny 'tentacle' extension.
Scientists at CIBFar have discovered the molecular mechanism of SARS-CoV-2's main protease, which enables the virus to replicate in host cells. The study provides valuable insights into the process and has immediate applications for developing antiviral drugs.
Researchers have simulated the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein structure and found that glycans play a crucial role in cell entry. Disrupting these structures could potentially halt virus transmission. The study provides insight into potential targets for COVID-19 treatment and vaccine development.
Scientists at the University of Kent have developed a mathematical formula that describes the shape of any bird's egg in nature. The formula is based on four parameters and can be applied across multiple disciplines, including food research, mechanical engineering, and agriculture.
Yang Gao's lab has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to investigate the mechanisms of proteins that produce copies of genomic DNA, with potential implications for cancer treatment. The research aims to understand how DNA replication and repair processes can be targeted to develop new therapies.
Researchers have developed an approach that predicts accurate structures computationally, overcoming the problem of determining molecular shapes. The algorithm succeeds even when learning from only a few known structures, making it applicable to difficult-to-determine molecules.
A new machine learning method called ARES significantly improves the computational prediction of RNA structures, outperforming other approaches in a community-wide challenge. ARES learned to make predictions based solely on atomic structure and accurately predicted complex RNAs larger than those it was trained on.
A multidisciplinary team reveals two structural points in the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 that allow the virus to deceive the immune system. These mutations can be detected and inform strategies to control the pandemic.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have made significant breakthroughs in developing a highly effective COVID-19 antibody therapy and an efficient thermoelectric system that can convert waste heat to electricity. The new antibody, S309, has been shown to neutralize all known SARS-CoV-2 strains and may be more difficult for new mutants to escape.
Flipon genetics proposes that evolution happens on a faster time scale than Darwin imagined, with rapid adaptations occurring in real-time within individuals. This is achieved through the simple sequence repeats of DNA, which can adopt alternative shapes and transmit adaptations to offspring.
Scientists identified five human monoclonal antibodies that can neutralize multiple beta-coronaviruses by targeting a conserved structure in the spike protein. These antibodies showed promise in reducing viral load and enhancing immune responses in hamsters, providing potential inspiration for broadly protective vaccines.
A synthetic hinge concept developed by Indiana University School of Medicine Professor Michael A. Weiss and his team could lead to a breakthrough in 'smart' insulin therapy. The invention exploits a natural mechanism that allows the insulin to adjust its activity based on blood glucose levels, which could transform diabetes care.
The study describes the three-dimensional structure of the MUTYH protein and its interaction with PCNA, a key player in DNA replication. The researchers found that mutations in the MUTYH gene reduce its binding affinity to DNA and destabilize its structure, leading to decreased DNA repair activity.
The AlphaFold Protein Structure Database provides the most accurate and complete picture of human proteins, enabling researchers to accelerate discovery and advance scientific knowledge. The database covers all ~20,000 human proteins and offers a treasure trove of data that could unlock future advances in AI-enabled biology.
UT Southwestern researchers report the first structural confirmation that endogenous molecules can trigger innate immunity in mammals through the TLR4?MD-2 receptor complex. The discovery has wide-ranging implications for treating and preventing autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Researchers created designed and biologically active 2-D and 3-D protein arrays using DNA-based assembly, maintaining structural stability and biological activity. The method has potential applications in structural biology, biomaterials, nanomedicine, and biocatalysis.
Researchers John Schwabe and Daniel Panne have been awarded £3.89 million to investigate gene regulation, with a focus on histone deacetylase complexes and DNA folding. The study aims to understand how genes are regulated and its potential in treating diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's.
The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is celebrating 50 years of sharing scientific knowledge, with millions of users accessing its data for fundamental biology, energy, and biomedicine. The event highlights the PDB's role in understanding protein folding, including SARS-CoV-2, and structural biology's impact on medicine and drug discovery.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and collaborators isolated a PS II transition complex with three helper proteins using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals a novel protective mechanism that prevents the formation of aggressive oxygen species during assembly, allowing for a more efficient and stable machine.
This year's award recipients demonstrate substantial and lasting impact on protein science, with notable achievements in education, technological advancement, and structural biology. Professor Sheila Jaswal and Petra Fromme are recognized for their exceptional contributions to protein research and education.
Researchers at Universidad Complutense de Madrid developed new image processing methods to enhance the analysis and three-dimensional reconstruction of biological macromolecules. The methods, published in Nature Communications, improved the visualization and quality of cryogenic electron microscopy-derived 3D reconstructions.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have unveiled the core structure of cyanobacteria's light-harvesting antenna, revealing key features that collect energy and block excess light absorption. The study provides insights into future energy applications and helps explain how living organisms maximize photosynthetic efficiency.
Researchers find that inhibiting pro-IL-1α helps modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing damage to mitochondria and alleviating inflammation. This discovery offers potential therapeutic applications for treating various diseases, including atherosclerosis, arthritis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a protein footprinting method called Fast Photochemical Oxidation of Proteins (FPOP) to investigate protein structure and interactions. FPOP offers advantages such as fast labeling time, irreversible nature, high sensitivity, and broad amino acid residue coverage.
Bioinformaticians at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed a new method called CANOPUS that assigns structural properties to unidentified metabolites, increasing knowledge gained from examining molecules. The two-stage process uses machine learning methods to identify compound classes.
A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona has developed a new protocol combining multicomponent reactions with domino type processes to synthesize complex molecules. The study reveals a key principle that enables access to high structural complexity, offering a more efficient and sustainable synthetic pathway.
Researchers have mapped the molecular structure of a potent COVID-19 antibody, CV30, which neutralizes the virus by interfering with its surface spikes and inducing critical pieces to break off. The antibody's unique shape allows it to overlap with the virus's target site on human cells, blunting its ability to infect.
Researchers develop new approach to acquire structural data of membrane proteins, including GPCRs, using LCP crystallization and MicroED. This method enables the determination of detailed structures of previously inaccessible proteins.