Researchers explore activating SLC transporters to treat brain disorders, including epilepsy, autism, and Alzheimer's, by regulating neurotransmitter and energy balance. Gene therapies also target SLC deficiencies in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers have developed a new method to determine the high-resolution structure of 7TM proteins in a lipid bilayer using ultrafast magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR. This technique allows for detailed structural information while preserving the native-like membrane protein structure, overcoming limitations associated with proton–proton...
Scientists discovered that ribosomes struggle synthesizing transmembrane proteins, triggering quality control mechanisms to eliminate defective proteins. This new insight sheds light on a novel role of protein quality control at the ribosome, potentially leading to treatments for genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis.
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.
Scientists have comprehensively studied the function and structure of SLC13A5 membrane transporter, revealing molecular mechanisms linked to severe epilepsy. The study analyzed nearly ten thousand genetic mutations and identified disease-causing variants, shedding new light on the mechanisms of this disease.
Researchers developed Janus-type supramolecules that form stable ribbon-type assemblies, guiding the arrangement of ion channels across lipid membranes. The supramolecular channels mediate efficient and selective K+ transport, disrupting cancer cell balance and inducing apoptosis.
Researchers found that CD44-deficient mice stayed lean despite a high-fat diet, while control mice developed obesity. The study suggests CD44 inhibitors could serve as a complementary treatment for obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg have identified a critical mechanism to slow down Crohn's disease progression by repairing the protective barrier of the gut. By reinforcing the gut's natural defenses, new drug targets may be developed to treat the disease.
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.
A team of researchers has created a water-soluble version of the bacterial enzyme histidine kinase, which could be used in high-throughput screens to rapidly test potential drugs that target this enzyme. The new protein retains its natural functions despite being converted from a hydrophobic protein.
Researchers have demonstrated novel proteins that can efficiently reach intramembrane targets using a customized computer-based approach. The study yields a general computational process for streamlining protein design aimed at intramembrane targets, opening up possibilities for therapeutic applications and understanding signaling mech...
Researchers used advanced techniques to study TMEM16F's structure and function in its native environment, uncovering previously overlooked structural conformations. The study reveals a dynamic and flexible functioning of the protein, essential for regulating cell functions such as blood coagulation and immune defense.
A recent study discovered a biological role of TMEM208 in fruit flies and humans. The gene variant causes developmental defects, seizures, and a multisystem disorder, highlighting the importance of endoplasmic reticulum stress regulation in cellular development.
Scientists at Kyoto University have found that extracellular calcium mediates the activation of Xkr4, a protein that triggers an 'eat me' signal for immune cells to clean up dead cell debris. The binding of calcium ions to Xkr4's transmembrane helices enables its full activation.
A new study published in eLife reveals the folding speed limit of helical membrane proteins using a robust single-molecule tweezer method. The findings provide unprecedented insights into structural states, kinetics, and energy barrier properties, offering valuable guidance for advancing pharmaceutical research and design.
A team at Tohoku University has used cryo-electron microscopy to study a crucial protein involved in zinc ion transport. The study reveals new insights into the mechanisms governing zinc transport, which play a vital role in enzyme catalysis, DNA binding, and gene regulation.
Researchers from the University of Kansas have created a powerful dataset to facilitate drug development against gram-negative bacteria. The dataset reveals over 270,000 previously unidentified outer-membrane proteins with potential as vaccine targets.
Researchers have created self-assembling protein-mimics that can selectivity transport water across membranes while rejecting salts, offering a potential solution to improve energy efficiency in industrial water purification. The oligourea foldamers are smaller and more stable than existing artificial water channels.
Researchers have confirmed the presence of autoproteolytic effects in Clostridium thermocellum, essential for transmembrane signal transduction. This discovery expands our knowledge of bacterial signaling mechanisms and highlights the complexity of prokaryotic signaling pathways.
The study of ToxR's protein structure bound to DNA has revealed how it triggers cholera toxin production. The research provides insights into the molecular mechanism behind Vibrio cholerae's virulence, shedding light on potential treatments for this disease.
A synthetic biosensor created at Cornell University enables the study of proteins in ways previously impossible, leading to potential applications in drug development and environmental sensing. The system uses cell-free synthesis to produce proteins directly into an artificial membrane, allowing for dual optical and electronic readouts.
Researchers have gained insight into the electronic structure of hydrated proton complexes, revealing that three inner water molecules are drastically modified by the proton. The first hydration shell senses the electric field of the proton through Coulomb interactions.
A team of researchers at the University of Texas at Austin has developed a new therapeutic that uses transmembrane stem cell factor to treat ischemia and stroke without causing allergic reactions. The therapeutic, delivered in engineered lipid nanocarriers, shows promise in enhancing revascularization in ischemic tissues.
Researchers found that the Klotho gene can suppress glioblastoma cell viability and induce apoptosis, leading to a significant decrease in tumor growth. The study contributes to the development of new diagnostic and treatment approaches for malignant brain tumors.
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.
Researchers at Tel-Aviv University have shed light on the Sigma-1 receptor's topology and function in neurodegenerative diseases. The study reveals that the receptor is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum and its amino end faces the cytoplasm, providing a crucial mechanism for therapeutic approaches to alleviate suffering from ALS.
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.
Researchers have discovered that LHCII trimer acts as a molecular machine responding to environmental conditions like temperature and acidity. This mechanism enables the protein to switch between efficient light collection and photoprotection, promoting energy dissipation when necessary.
Researchers designed and expressed custom transmembrane proteins with new functions, overcoming challenges in studying these proteins. The advance enables the creation of multipass proteins with novel structures and functions.
A new study reveals the dynamic assembly of the export gate complex in bacterial flagellum and injectisome. The research identifies FliO as a scaffold protein essential for assembly, providing candidate targets for experimental drugs.
Advances in X-ray technology enabled refinement of previously intractable proteins like the ribosome and viruses. The Deformable Elastic Network (DEN) approach optimizes protein structure prediction by adjusting features to fit diffraction data, reducing ambiguities.
Researchers have successfully imaged the critical transition of proteins passing through a transit pore in cell membranes. The study reveals a side-door within the channel that opens to allow proteins to diffuse into the membrane, and provides new insights into protein function and dynamics.
Researchers found that prion protein misfolding is a key trigger for spongiform encephalopathy and neurodegeneration. The study proposes an effective model and testing method for cytosolic forms of prion protein, highlighting the complex intracellular environment as a contributing factor.
Researchers found that liver Kupffer cells are essential for deleting B cells using anti-CD20 therapy. The interaction between the liver and the immune system also affects the progression of candidiasis, a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
Scientists at Rice University and Argentina's National University of Rosario identified a key protein in bacteria's response to cold, which acts as a 'measuring stick' tuned to signal temperature drops. The study found that this protein triggers the release of cold-protecting chemicals when its tip is engulfed by the cell membrane.
A newly discovered transmembrane protein called 'Wurst' appears to play a decisive role in breathing, ensuring proper lung maturation and gas exchange in both insects and mammals. The protein's defect is linked to respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants, and researchers aim to develop new treatments for this condition.
Researchers designed peptides that can bind to specific regions of transmembrane proteins to study their effects on crucial first steps in blood clotting. This breakthrough method allows for the interrogation of inaccessible proteins within the cell membrane.
A study by Rice University researchers found that salicylate causes membranes to thin, soften, and rupture more easily, increasing the risk of hearing loss. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for the debilitating side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Researchers identified a dual pathway involving NEP and c-Src in regulating FAK phosphorylation and cell migration. Overexpressing NEP blocks this pathway, while a mutant form of NEP retains activity through interactions with cytoplasmic factors.
Biochemists identify a genetic slip causing cystic fibrosis by degrading the CFTR protein's twisted structure. A new approach uses heavy water to fix the mutant protein, paving the way for lab testing of non-toxic drugs.
Scientists have isolated the WFS1 gene responsible for Wolfram Syndrome, a rare form of insulin-dependent diabetes. The disorder is characterized by insulin-secreting cell death and progressive neurodegeneration, leading to blindness and premature death. Understanding this gene may lead to new treatments for common forms of diabetes.
A study led by Johns Hopkins Researchers found that a drug, sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA), may help cystic fibrosis patients with the deltaF508 mutation by allowing more CFTR proteins to reach cell surfaces. This phenomenon occurs at concentrations normally seen in patients taking the drug for urea cycle disorders.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a new protein receptor, TACI, that interacts with CAML to trigger the immune response. This finding may lead to more effective cancer treatments for leukemia and lymphoma patients.
Scientists have long known that proteins like colicin Ia can punch holes in cell membranes to kill bacteria. Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine mapped the structure of colicin Ia, revealing a massive chunk of protein must cross the membrane to form an open channel.