Researchers have developed custom-designed proteins called WRAPs that can surround membrane proteins, shielding their hydrophobic surfaces and allowing them to remain soluble in water. This breakthrough enables the study of previously inaccessible membrane proteins, such as those found in syphilis bacteria.
Researchers propose targeting non-canonical HH/GLI signaling to improve response rate and durability of therapeutic effects exerted by SMO inhibition in melanoma. The findings suggest that combined targeting of hedgehog signaling and BRD4 could provide a novel therapeutic option against melanoma.
Researchers have determined that the conformation of Smad3 protein regulates TGF-ß pathway interaction with other proteins, affecting signal transduction and gene expression. This discovery provides new insight into molecular mechanisms of TGF-ß signaling and potential targets for drug design.