Articles tagged with Synthases
Scientists create designer enzymes in yeast cells, enabling sustainable production of industrially important fatty acids. The new method reduces environmental issues associated with palm oil extraction.
A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce sturdy and reusable bioplastics from domestic raw materials, reducing reliance on petroleum-based chemicals. The bioplastics, known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have similar levels of toughness and malleability to traditional plastics, but are infinitely recyclable.
Scientists have uncovered the molecular structure of Mycoplasma mobile's twin motors that power its gliding ability, using cryo-electron microscopy. The complex structure reveals a new mechanism by which energy from ATP hydrolysis is converted into motility.
A new study led by Arizona State University researcher Michael Lynch explores the substantial energy demands required to maintain and evolve multicellular life. Multicellular organisms require a tenfold increase in energy compared to protists, highlighting how respiration and metabolic processes are crucial for advanced life forms.
A new study finds that combining an inhibitor of a metabolic pathway with chemotherapy could improve treatment outcomes in triple negative breast cancer brain metastases. Inhibiting fatty acid synthase, an enzyme critical for cancer cell survival, shows promise in improving chemotherapy efficacy.
Researchers found that lithium's efficacy in enhancing longevity and altering body composition is influenced by the sucrose content of the diet. The study reveals a significant overlap between the transcriptional responses to increasing dietary sucrose and adding lithium, suggesting a joint mechanism at play.
A team of researchers has determined the detailed mechanism of cyclization catalyzed by the cyclization domain of cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase from Thermoanaerobacter italicus. The study reveals that the enzyme produces β-glucosidase-resistant compounds and features a transglycosylation reaction.
In a randomized clinical trial, lorundrostat effectively lowered blood pressure in individuals with uncontrolled hypertension compared to placebo. The study included 200 participants and will require further confirmation.
Researchers discovered how two new compounds attack TB-causing bacteria, providing insights into future therapies. The study found that one compound binds better to ATP synthase than existing treatment, while another targets a previously unknown site.
Researchers at SRI International have identified genes that enable insects to produce terpenes, a key component of their chemical communication. This breakthrough provides a roadmap for understanding how these chemicals are used and could lead to new ways to protect crops and prevent insect-borne diseases.
A study led by Tokyo University of Science researchers identified Dectin-1's role in promoting colorectal cancer by enhancing PGE2 production and suppressing IL-22BP expression. The study used mouse models and clinical samples to validate the findings, which have immediate clinical implications for CRC patients.
Scientists studied F1-ATPase function in bacteria to clarify the angle of rotation during ATP hydrolysis. The study revealed three sets of short and long dwells associated with different intervals per revolution, resolving a long-term debate over the ATP-cleavage shaft angle.
Researchers at Iowa State University have identified a metabolic switch that can be modified to control fat production, which could lead to more effective treatments for childhood obesity and cancer. The discovery involves altering the acetylation levels of fatty acid synthase, an enzyme critical to de novo lipogenesis.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered a yellow natural substance that regulates the multicellular stage of the amoeba <em>D. discoideum</em>. The polyketide, dictyoden, prevents premature hatching from spores, maintaining the development cycle. The study provides insights into the complex transition from single- to multicellularity.
A new study challenges a popular scenario explaining the origin of eukaryotes, suggesting that cells can grow to considerable volume without acquiring mitochondria. Researchers explore energy requirements and genome arrangement in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, revealing overlap between cell types rather than a hard boundary line.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that coating soybean plant leaves with cellulose nanofiber offers resistance to infection by Asian soybean rust pathogen, changing leaf surface from water repellent to water absorbent and suppressing disease-causing gene expression.
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis discovered variations in how animals and bacteria use heme, a crucial molecule in supplying cells with energy. The study found that human and bacterial cytochrome c synthases rely on different parts of the cytochrome c to orient themselves, leading to potential targets for new antibiotics.
Researchers discovered that certain anaerobic bacteria can use citrate synthase to catalyze citrate cleavage without consuming ATP, requiring very high CO2 concentrations. The findings suggest that this metabolic pathway may be a relic of early life and have potential applications in biotechnology.
A novel family of enzymes in butterflies produces (E)-beta-ocimene as an anti-aphrodisiac pheromone, similar to a floral attractant found in many flower scents. This independent evolutionary process highlights the convergent evolution of chemical signals across kingdoms.
Cryo-EM studies have identified different types of ATP synthase organization, including a symmetry-deviated dimer and hexamer assemblies. These structures shape the bioenergetic membrane and are critical for maintaining bioenergetics in Apicomplexa.
The study found that CADD522 targets mitochondrial metabolism, decreasing oxygen consumption rate and ATP production, and increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species. This inhibition contributes to the suppression of tumor growth in breast cancer cells.
Researchers have solved the structure of F1Fo ATP synthase, shedding light on its rotation mechanism and permeability transition pore formation. The fully resolved structure reveals the c-ring is plugged by two lipids, one from each side of the membrane.
Researchers discovered a protein called gamma subunit that controls fatty acid synthase function in mycobacteria, allowing for the inhibition of pathogen proliferation without affecting human cells. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches against tuberculosis and provide insights into cancer treatment.
Researchers at Kobe University discovered the orobanchol synthase responsible for converting non-canonical strigolactone carlactonoic acid into canonical strigolactone orobanchol. This breakthrough enables artificial regulation of plant growth and weed germination, with potential applications in improving crop production and mitigating...
Researchers created a biocompatible material by engineering E. coli to overproduce an enzyme that makes extremely long polymer brushes. These bristles are virtually impenetrable to bacteria, hindering the spread of biofilms and potentially improving medical applications.
Researchers have determined the atomic model of mitochondrial ATP synthase in a single-cell photosynthetic organism, Euglena gracilis. The study reveals new insights into the structure and function of this essential energy production machinery.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology constructed simple artificial cells that can produce chemical energy to synthesize cell components. This breakthrough may shed light on how primordial cells used sunlight as an energy source early in life's history.
A comprehensive study on ST3GAL5 deficiency, a rare genetic disorder affecting ganglioside synthesis, provides insights into its clinical characterization and natural course. Researchers hope to develop pre-symptomatic therapies using gene replacement techniques.
Researchers created a cannabis chromosome map, detailing gene arrangement on chromosomes, published in Genome Research. The study reveals ancient colonization by viruses, which influenced the production of THC and CBD, lesser-known cannabinoids.
Researchers have identified a new gene, LSS, responsible for hypotrichosis simplex, a rare form of hair loss. The gene's mutation impairs an enzyme crucial to cholesterol metabolism, leading to progressive hair loss from childhood on.
Researchers found that higher oxidative stress in males reduces the production of nitric oxide, a powerful blood vessel dilator. An antioxidant treatment restored similar production levels of protective nitric oxide between males and females.
Researchers at Rosalind Franklin University have solved the complete structure of mitochondrial ATP synthase using cryo-electron microscopy, revealing secrets about energy production in cells. The discovery provides evidence for inhibiting enzymes and sheds light on disease-causing mutations.
Recent studies published in PLOS Computational Biology have introduced novel computational methods to explore the molecular function of proteins. These approaches aim to simplify the challenge of determining functions for an ever-increasing amount of known proteins by identifying shared functional sites and predicting their activity.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have found that ceramide synthase not only produces vital lipids but also regulates gene activity, particularly in response to nutritional status. The enzyme's homeodomain plays a crucial role in adapting gene expression to energy requirements.
Researchers have discovered new enzymes that convert nitric oxide into stopgap molecules, modulating proteins and achieving diverse cellular functions. The newly found enzymes may serve as prime therapeutic targets for treating a range of diseases, including Alzheimer's, heart failure, cancer, asthma, and infection.
Goethe University Frankfurt scientists create high-value short-chain fatty acids from sugar with brewer's yeast, suitable for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and fuels. The new technology has the potential to replace fossil fuels with yeasts-based biofuels.
A team at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a novel method to modify the fatty acid synthase enzyme, producing medium chain fatty acids and methyl ketones for transportation fuels. The breakthrough enables the production of sustainable biofuels in yeast cell factories.
A Korean research team has published two papers detailing the crystal structure of PHA synthase from Ralstonia eutropha and its reaction mechanisms. The study reveals that PHA synthase exists as a dimer with two distinct domains, enabling independent polymerization reactions at each site.
Scientists at NC State University have discovered a way to make pinpoint changes to an enzyme-driven assembly line that will enable the creation of new antibiotics with desired properties. By tweaking the function of individual modules in the enzyme, researchers can design man-made molecules with precise control.
Researchers have identified two novel molecular players necessary to regulate plasmodesmata in plants under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. These enzymes help control the flow of nutrients, minerals, and cellular signals between cells by altering callose levels at the plasmodesmata channel.
Scientists have identified the 3D structure of iridoid synthase, an enzyme crucial for producing anticancer and antimalarial compounds from plant natural products. The discovery provides insights into the biosynthesis process, shedding light on the unique mechanism used by this enzyme to generate core iridoid structures.
Researchers have identified an unexpected enzyme, RhNUDX1, that plays a key role in producing rose fragrances. By investigating the genes of two rose cultivars, they found that this enzyme generates the fragrant monoterpene geraniol.
Researchers at Benaroya Research Institute have discovered that chitin, previously thought to be absent in vertebrates, is endogenously produced in fishes and amphibians. This finding challenges longstanding biological assumptions and opens up new avenues for biomedical applications.
New research at Brown University reveals that bacteria have the genetic capacity to produce terpenes, with 262 gene sequences found to code for enzymes responsible. The team used these enzymes to isolate 13 previously unknown bacterial terpenes, providing a new paradigm for discovering natural products.
A Korean study showed that patients with low levels of thymidylate synthase in their lung tumors experienced greater benefits from treatment with pemetrexed and cisplatin. The enzyme's expression level can also serve as a prognostic biomarker for overall survival.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have created a 3D model of an enzyme that links glucose to cellulose, a crucial component of plant cell walls. The breakthrough could enable genetic engineering of plants and trees for improved fibers or wood strength.
Researchers have identified an enzyme used in nature to produce powerful chemicals from catnip, which could be used to create a more affordable and effective cancer treatment. The discovery also has potential applications in agriculture, as the enzyme's product can disrupt aphid breeding cycles or repel them from crops.
Researchers identified a three-dimensional crystal structure of the Abies grandis α-bisabolene synthase, an enzyme that produces bisabolene, a precursor to bisabolane. This breakthrough could lead to improved catalytic efficiency and stability, enabling microbes to produce bisabolene faster.
A new study reveals that glycogen synthase mistakenly incorporates phosphate molecules into glycogen, leading to the accumulation of 'wrecked' glucose in neurons and the formation of deposits called Lafora bodies. This discovery may lead to a viable therapeutic intervention for Lafora disease, which has no current effective treatment.
A recent study by Washington University researchers discovered that fatty acid synthase and nitric oxide synthase enzymes interact in endothelial cells to cause blood vessel damage in diabetes. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop new treatments for vascular complications of the disease.
A team of scientists has provided the first atomic-level glimpse of the proton-driven motor from ATP synthases, enzymes central to cellular energy conversion. The study revealed a water molecule in the critical rotor element of a bacterial nano-motor that shares common features with human mitochondria and bacteria.
Researchers found that inhibiting fatty acid synthase in macrophages significantly reduces atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting a potential treatment approach. The study identifies key factors that can prevent plaque buildup and may lead to the development of new drugs.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully reconstituted the enzyme responsible for producing lovastatin, a widely used cholesterol-lowering medication. By understanding how this large enzyme works, they hope to retune its assembly line to produce other natural compounds with similar benefits.
A study published in Nature Cell Biology has shed light on the protein network that provides scaffolding for cell-wall structure and delivers growth-promoting molecules. The research discovered a novel mechanism by which microtubules guide cellulose synthase complexes to their place of action.
A groundbreaking study reveals how enzymes in the cell cooperate to make fat, providing insights into a potential target for developing new anti-obesity and anti-cancer drugs. The research used state-of-the-art electron microscopy to capture the complex movements of fatty acid synthase, a molecular structure that is extremely flexible.
Researchers found PSD-95 stimulates the growth of large dendritic spines that are connected to multiple axons. Reducing PSD-95 levels impairs synapse development.
The atomic structure of mammalian fatty acid synthase has been determined, revealing the details of its catalytic active sites. This breakthrough holds promise for the development of new anti-cancer and obesity treatments by targeting this complex molecular synthetic machine.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have solved part of the molecular puzzle behind basil's characteristic warm and sweet aroma, providing a three-dimensional snapshot of the enzyme Eugenol Synthase. The study reveals how this enzyme produces eugenol, a fragrant molecule responsible for basil's spicy overtones.
Researchers found that suppressing the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS-3) gene led to intracranial aneurysm formation in 33% of study subjects. The study suggests that NOS-3 plays a crucial role in vascular remodeling and may be a marker for increased risk of brain aneurysms.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have elucidated the crystal structure of LTC4 synthase, a major influence on asthma development. The study enables the development of new therapeutics by tailoring molecules to block the enzyme's active sites.