Articles tagged with Transporter Proteins
Researchers have found that heart cells regulate their circadian rhythms through changes in sodium and potassium ion levels, which can impact heart rate. This new understanding may lead to better treatments and preventative measures for combating heart conditions.
Researchers at Aarhus University have elucidated structures of a sugar transport protein that drives transport of sugar in plants, revealing key elements involved in the transport cycle. The study provides new evidence for regulatory mechanisms conserved within the sugar porter family across all kingdoms of life.
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism behind resistant microbes' ability to transport toxic substances out of their cells, providing a key to designing new drugs to combat resistance. The study focused on yeast ABC transporter Pdr5, revealing its role in creating resistance and localizing the drug-binding site.
A comprehensive review reveals how excessive fructose intake can disrupt metabolic pathways, leading to diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart disease. The study highlights the role of protein transporters, gluconeogenesis, and gene-level changes in regulating fructose metabolism.
Researchers have determined the structure of a molecule that helps S. pneumoniae take up manganese, a mineral essential for its survival. This finding could aid in designing new drugs to block this pathway and deny the bacteria its manganese supply.
Researchers developed nanosized cargo packages that can deliver water-soluble proteins into cancer cells while keeping them intact. The 'nanobrushes' use polymer strands with antibodies on the outside and protected proteins within.
Scientists found that epithelial cells loosen connections at three-cell junctions, allowing yolk proteins to enter egg cells. The process involves the removal of adhesion proteins and mechanical tension in the cytoskeleton.
Scientists developed a 'designer' pore that mimics real nuclear pores, revealing how selectivity is achieved through nucleoporin interactions. The study demonstrates the importance of FG repeats and spacer sequences in determining pore function.
Researchers used metaproteomics to study the bacterial response to algal blooms in the North Sea. They found that bacteria initially focus on easy-to-degrade substrates and later shift to harder polymers composed of mannose and xylose.
Researchers have developed a new inhibitor that targets the multi-drug resistant protein 4 (MRP4), blocking its transport of cancer-promoting messengers and allowing chemotherapy to work again. This could improve treatment options for persistent cancers.
Yu-Ting Huang's unexpected finding that ATP can alter human protein folding through destabilization may be relevant in studying cancer cells. Samuel Junod and Joseph Kelich were recognized for their studies of intrinsically disordered proteins' transport routes through nuclear pore complexes.
Researchers studied how the herbicide naptalam affects plant growth by inhibiting auxin transport proteins. Naptalam disrupts polarity in plants by blocking the directional flow of auxin, leading to inhibited root growth and altered flower and seed formation.
Researchers at the University of Seville have solved a long-standing enigma in basic biology by discovering how lipids distribute proteins within cells. Using a new microscopy technology, they found that membrane lipids select and direct specific proteins to correct exit doors.
Researchers at Kyoto University's iCeMS have discovered how a transporter protein twists and squeezes compounds out of cells, including chemotherapy drugs from some cancer cells. This mechanism, driven by ATP energy, facilitates the export of toxic compounds and confers drug resistance.
Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences have identified a possible link between a large cholesterol transport protein and schizophrenia. Mice with disrupted ABCA13 protein showed abnormal behaviour, including impaired prepulse inhibition, suggesting a potential role in the pathophysiology of ps...
Scientists discovered SLC25A51 as a key regulator of NAD transport into the mitochondria, a process linked to various physiological and pathological processes. The study opens possibilities for new metabolic therapies against ageing and cancer.
Scientists at the University of Groningen elucidated the structure of OpuA, a transport protein that imports glycine betaine to counteract dehydration. The protein's unique structure and mechanism allow it to regulate cell pressure and prevent cells from exploding under osmotic stress.
Researchers at the University of California - Santa Cruz identify a specific segment of amyloid beta recognized by the cellular prion protein, which mediates its uptake into neurons and toxicity. This finding suggests targeting this process may be a promising approach for Alzheimer's drug development.
Researchers used zebrafish embryos to visualize the interactions between nanoparticles and cells, revealing that protein coronas can make nanoparticles appear non-self to cells. This understanding could lead to improved targeted drug delivery systems.
A new study found that reduced transportation of RNA by protein TDP-43 disrupts neuron function, leading to stunted axon extension in both ALS and FTLD. The discovery provides a potential target for new treatments.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a novel membrane protein YeeE that enables bacteria to uptake thiosulfate from the environment. This unique mechanism provides a sophisticated method for sulfur synthesis, potentially lowering production costs in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
Researchers at HKUST have discovered a new mechanism that regulates planar cell polarity, a process crucial for development and organ function. The study reveals a critical protein interaction that enables efficient delivery of PCP proteins to the cell surface, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi investigate how cellular crowding affects the speed of motor proteins in groups versus singularly, with findings that crowding impacts group movement but not individual motors. The study uses optical tweezers to simulate crowded environments, revealing the balance between motor function and cell survival.
Studies from Osaka University revealed that Tet2 and Tet3 proteins play a crucial role in regulating B cell activity and preventing autoimmunity. By knocking out these proteins, researchers found increased serum levels of autoantibodies and organ damage in mice, highlighting the importance of epigenetic control in immune function.
A new iron compound, containing phytate and corn protein hydrolysate, has been found to be easily absorbed by the intestine without compromising food quality. The compound is bound to amino acids and has been shown to increase iron uptake in human intestinal cells, particularly in those with iron absorption inhibitors.
Research by Liao Chen reveals significant differences between simple and realistic models of aquaporins and glucose transporters, leading to a better understanding of their biological functions. The study's findings have implications for diseases such as de Vivo's syndrome and multiple forms of cancer.
Scientists discovered a novel transport protein in TB bacteria that imports vitamin B12 and bleomycin with a large water-filled cavity. This non-selective transporter may be common in bacteria and human cells, offering new insights into tuberculosis physiology and potential treatment strategies.
Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have discovered a giant cavity in a protein that transports a wide range of molecules, including vitamin B12 and antibiotics, into the bacterial cell. The discovery could lead to new ways to treat tuberculosis, but further studies are needed to understand the protein's capabilities.
Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation discovered that a type of kinesin called KIF3A/B transports mRNAs, enabling neurons to build their cellular skeleton and form new connections. This process is crucial for memory formation and storage, with mRNAs playing a key role in reinforcing synapses.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have successfully mapped a novel conformation of LeuT, a bacterial protein similar to neurotransmitter transporters. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism of these proteins and may lead to better drugs for treating conditions such as ADHD, depression, and epilepsy.
A new compound has been discovered that targets a pathway causing brain swelling after stroke, potentially reducing cases of brain injury and death. The compound, called ZT-1a, was tested on mice and rats with stroke or hydrocephalus and showed promise in effectively reducing brain swelling.
Research suggests that low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) may be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in postmenopausal women. The study, which examined data from over 13,000 women, found that those with the lowest SHBG levels were 51% more likely to have had a stroke.
A study found that silencing the KPNA4 gene reduces cell proliferation, migration ability and resistance to radiation in HNSCCs. Targeting disease-specifically altered transport systems may serve as promising therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Researchers found that protein clumps in the brain are caused by transportation failures of proteasomes, a molecular machinery that breaks down proteins. Without proper transport, damaged proteins accumulate and disrupt cell function, leading to degeneration and cell death.
Researchers have identified a key regulator in iron uptake in plants, which controls hundreds of genes and has the potential to increase iron potency in crops like rice and wheat. The study's findings could provide a solution to iron deficiency affecting over 2 billion people globally.
Researchers used smFRET to study the MhsT transporter and discovered that different cargo have distinct rate-limiting steps. This finding reveals the presence of secondary binding sites on transporter proteins, crucial for regulating activity.
Researchers uncovered that Nodulin26-like-intrinsic-proteins in plants originated from bacterial arsenic detoxification units through horizontal gene transfer. This enabled efficient transport of essential micronutrients like boron and silicon.
Researchers at NYU discovered that a single amino acid change in E. coli's EmrE transporter protein dramatically alters its structure and function, reducing bacteria's resistance to drugs. This finding may have implications for combating antibiotic resistance and drug development.
A new study from Scripps Research provides unprecedented insights into how visual signals are distributed to different brain regions. Researchers discovered that similar proteins travel preferentially to one brain region, while some are transported to multiple regions.
Human research published in JNeurosci identified a specific target of antibodies implicated in lupus' neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain cytoplasmic RNAs are targeted by the immune system in people with lupus, hindering cellular signaling and leading to seizures and cognitive impairments.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri created a microscopic topographic map of cellular function, revealing how proteins move out of cells. The study found that cells adjust their protein transfer mechanisms depending on the type of protein being transported.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a mechanism that clears blocked proteins from the mitochondrial entry gate. This discovery, dubbed 'mitochondrial protein translocation-associated degradation', has implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders.
A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has discovered a transport protein in mycobacteria responsible for absorbing L-arabinofuranose, a crucial nutrient. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibiotics and treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.
Heidelberg University researchers have comprehensively analyzed the composition of COPI and COPII transport vesicles, revealing specialized subtypes that transport specific types of proteins. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of diseases caused by mutations in vesicular transport mechanisms.
Mitochondrial researchers at the University of Freiburg discovered a critical role for the metabolite channel porin/VDAC in protein import into mitochondria. The study shows that porin/VDAC stimulates carrier protein import independently of its channel activity, forming an 'elegant mechanism' to regulate mitochondrial function.
Researchers have identified a mutation in the SLC28A1 gene, affecting the synthesis of the hCNT1 protein and altering pyrimidine metabolism. The study provides insights into the potential role of nucleoside transporters in regulating cellular processes and may lead to new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.
Researchers from Aarhus University have solved the structure of a Sugar Transport Protein (STP) and discovered a novel domain that plays a crucial role in the transport mechanism. The discovery provides valuable insights into how plants develop correctly and respond to fungal attacks.
Researchers created a predictive model to identify inhibitors of the multi-drug resistance associated protein-2 efflux transporter, achieving prediction accuracy of up to 0.79. The support vector machine model built on selected features showed the best performance.
A team of scientists has identified a previously unknown protein structure that enables the controlled intake of potassium ions into cells. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, reveals a complex mechanism involving two inter-subunit half-channels and challenges existing theories on potassium transport.
A team of researchers has uncovered a critical mechanism for transporting proteins into the mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy in cells. The discovery reveals that two J-proteins play a key role in targeting precursor proteins to specific receptors on the outer mitochondrial membrane.
The study reveals that TIM chaperone proteins facilitate the transport of channel and transporter proteins across the outer mitochondrial membrane. The ring-shaped chaperones have six water-repellent brackets to prevent protein aggregation, a common cause of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a huge novel transport channel and its associated protein transport motor that is essential for chloroplast formation. The motor complex functions as an import motor in a close association with the transport channel, utilizing an ancient enzyme to extract proteins from the membrane.
Theoretical analyses show that different motor proteins moving on the same filament can block each other's motion, leading to patterned distributions and emergent topological hindrance. This phenomenon was not previously modeled, but is now understood through a new theoretical model developed by LMU physicists.
A study led by Professor Matthias Selbach found that minute changes in Glut1 protein structure can lead to severe cellular disturbances, causing genetic disorders. The research identified a mechanism where flexible regions of proteins interact with other molecules, disrupting cellular processes and leading to disease.
The NIH study found that the EXP2 protein forms a channel in the vacuole membrane of Plasmodium falciparum, enabling the parasite to obtain essential nutrients. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs targeting this nutrient transport mechanism.
A new study reveals how proteins with mixed electrical charges influence membrane crossing, shedding light on their multiple functions and disease mechanisms. The research focuses on Intrinsically Disordered Proteins, which can take on various shapes due to electric charge disorder.
Scientists have developed a way to alter external factors like voltage to control the transport of molecules through biological channels. The study, published in EPJ E, shows that applying an electric current can overcome energy barriers and facilitate molecule transfer.
A new study by LMU researchers reveals that the aggregation of FUS protein is a central component of ALS and FTD. In healthy nerve cells, FUS is transported into the nucleus where it regulates DNA and RNA processing, but in neurons affected by ALS and FTD, its transport is compromised, leading to cytoplasmic aggregation.
Scientists at Osaka University identified RELCH as a crucial protein facilitating non-vesicular transport of cholesterol within cells. This discovery may lead to better understanding and treatment of cholesterol-related disorders.
Researchers discovered tiny islands in yeast cell membranes where transport proteins are stored before use. The study reveals how these proteins move slowly through the membrane and provides new insights into protein localization and trafficking.