Articles tagged with Transporter Proteins
Mycobacteria use virulence factors to transmit TB-causing disease, infecting 1/3 of the world's population. The bacteria can sense molecular machine transport, adjusting protein levels accordingly.
Biologists in Konstanz have identified a crucial step in the labelling and transportation process of proteins in plant cells. The SH3P2 protein plays a key role in binding to ubiquitin molecules, marking them for transport to the vacuole.
A team of researchers developed a novel biosensor to track drug uptake in cells, overcoming previous limitations. The sensors use fluorescent proteins to monitor drug presence and can be tailored for various enzymes of interest to the pharmaceutical industry.
Researchers from ETH Zurich have defined the three-dimensional structure of ABCG2, a human multi-drug transporter. The protein recognizes and transports over 200 substances, including toxins and medications, making it a double-edged sword in cancer treatment and drug development.
A new genomic analysis reveals the bladderwort plant retained and enhanced genes related to its carnivorous nature despite evolutionary pressure. The study identifies genes facilitating prey trapping, digestion, and protein transport, which are highly active in the plant's vacuum traps.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have discovered a small molecule called hinokitiol that can transport iron in human cells and animals when proteins are missing. This breakthrough could potentially treat diseases such as anemia, cystic fibrosis, and certain types of heart disease.
Researchers have mapped transport in mammalian axons for the first time, revealing a crucial protein called MAP2 that regulates molecular movement. The discovery provides new insights into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new theoretical model suggests that proteins diffuse most of the way and 'hop on the bus' to reach their destinations faster. The study found that steric hindrance between motor proteins reduces active transport rates, leading to traffic congestion and slower progress.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have discovered that Importin-11 protects the anti-cancer protein PTEN from degradation by transporting it into the cell nucleus. This discovery suggests that the loss of Importin-11 may destabilize PTEN, leading to cancer development in lung, prostate, and other cancers.
IFT20 protein plays a crucial role in the formation of invadopodia, structures that enable tumor cells to break through barriers and infiltrate surrounding tissues. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanism underlying cancer cell invasion.
Scientists track movement of serotonin transporter proteins in cell membranes using 'single molecule microscopy' method. PIP2 binding is found to mediate stable oligomer formation of the transporter, with implications for psychostimulant effects.
The study reveals that ATP hydrolysis and proton motive force play crucial roles in protein export for flagella construction. High-resolution pH imaging detects small but significant differences in intracellular pH, proposing the use of both ATP and protons to achieve protein export.
Researchers found that B cells can capture proteins from pathogens and the body's own cells, leading to autoimmune inflammation. This error in protein uptake can trigger autoaggressive T cells, potentially causing autoimmune diseases.
A new biochemical study from Johns Hopkins researchers found that a common genetic variant associated with type 2 diabetes risk makes a protein that is more efficient than its less risky counterpart. The 'hyperactive' zinc transporter protein may be slowed down to lower diabetes risk, according to the findings.
Researchers developed glycocluster-based diagnostic tools with better selectivity and precision than current tracers. Heterogeneous glycoclusters exhibited special properties, such as rapid transport to the intestine for excretion or selective accumulation in the liver.
A team of researchers at Osaka University developed a method to visualize intracellular protein trafficking, specifically the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4), which is associated with type II diabetes. The study reveals that abnormalities in the N-glycan chain lead to transient translocation and rapid internalization of GLUT4.
Scientists have identified thousands of 'spliced epitopes', previously thought rare, which are highly prevalent and play a key role in the immune response. This discovery may lead to new understanding of autoimmune diseases and open opportunities for vaccine development.
Researchers have gained structural insights on a key protein from Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species most often linked to Zika. The study suggests compounds targeting this protein could kill mosquitoes and reduce cases of Zika and other illnesses.
The study provides a roadmap for targeting ZIP4, which is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and plays a critical role in zinc transport, offering new hope for treating diseases like acrodermitis enteropathica and pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have elucidated the mechanism by which the sensor protein KdpD adjusts potassium uptake in bacteria, employing a dual strategy to monitor both internal and external potassium concentrations. This allows for precise control of intracellular potassium levels, vital for bacterial survival.
A UK research team has discovered that proteins are exported from cells while preventing them from re-entering via a molecular turnstile. This discovery provides a solution to an outstanding problem in the protein transport field and may have implications for the development of new drugs.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how neurotransmitters are transported across nerve cell membranes, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind depression and addiction. The study reveals that certain drugs can hijack this process, leading to excessive neurotransmitter release.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina discovered Myo1c's role in transporting Neph1, a protein essential for maintaining podocyte function and effective kidney filtration. Understanding this transport mechanism may lead to therapeutic targets for treating glomerular diseases.
Researchers at Osaka University have clarified the involvement of AGT1 in renal reabsorption of cystine. They found that complexes of AGT1 and rBAT transport cystine and acidic amino acids, identifying a second cystine transporter in proximal tubules.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered a new role for the gene Rab6 in cell polarity, which directs proteins to specific sides of cells. The study found that Rab6 distinguishes between proteins destined for different parts of the cell, shedding light on how cells maintain their orientation.
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a microbial protein fiber that transports charges at high speeds, exceeding current manmade nanotechnologies. The fibers are biodegradable, biocompatible, and potentially cheaper to produce, making them suitable for medical sensors and electronic devices.
Scientists have identified a second giant pore in peroxisomes, enabling the transport of folded proteins essential for human life. The discovery sheds light on how these organelles import enzymes and other proteins from the cytoplasm, a process critical for cellular function.
Scientists tracked proteins from the C9orf72 gene, finding a specific protein helps transport essential proteins into motor neuron cells' nuclei. Misplacement of this protein can lead to cell death in diseases like ALS and FTD.
Researchers find siderocalin protein facilitates uptake of radioactive toxic metal ions in cells, opening new avenues for remedial action. The protein's structure has been characterized, revealing a possible target for treatment strategies.
Researchers have developed a new method for studying protein structure using nanoscopic pores, allowing for the analysis of individual proteins without modification. This technique enables the detection of protein aggregates, which are associated with diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers from ETH Zurich have determined the structure of a flippase, PglK, that flips lipid-linked oligosaccharides, revealing a novel mechanism. The discovery sheds light on fundamental biological processes and may lead to therapeutic approaches for diseases associated with glycosylation disorders.
Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg have produced detailed images of the COPI coat surrounding vesicles that transport molecules within cells. The intricate protein structure is composed of repeating building blocks called triads, which organize functional elements in a precise 3D structure.
Researchers discovered a key event in cyanobacterial photoprotection, where the carotenoid protein shifts from orange to red state through a large-scale movement. This mechanism triggers nonphotochemical-quenching, safely dissipating excess solar energy as heat.
Researchers at Umea University discovered how the signal recognition particle (SRP) recognizes signal-sequences on newly-produced proteins, enabling transport to the cell membrane. The SRP undergoes structural changes upon binding, allowing it to adapt to diverse signal-sequences.
Researchers at TSRI have published two studies showing how ABC transporters like P-gp change shape and react to therapeutic drugs. The findings provide clues for designing better molecules to inhibit or evade multidrug resistance.
A new discovery by scientists at the University of Turku reveals a key role for the plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP) in regulating the transport of proteins and migration of white blood cells into lymph nodes. The findings provide insights into rapid defence responses in the human immune system.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have identified a new cellular pathway affected in cystinosis, which could lead to new drug treatments for reducing or preventing renal failure. The study found that concentrations of LAMP2A, a lysosomal surface protein, were down by 50-80% in cystinotic cells.
Scientists at Northwestern University have found a way to harvest industrially useful protein from yeast in greater quantities without increasing its production. By genetically knocking out proteins responsible for reabsorption, the team increased protein yields by two- to three-fold.
Research finds accumulated brain damage linked to memory deficits and mood regulation in former NFL players, supporting calls for improved athlete protection from concussion. PET scans show concentrated zones of high translocator protein levels, indicating brain injury and potential long-term neurological risk.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital has found evidence of neuroinflammation in key brain regions of chronic pain patients. The study, published in the journal Brain, identifies a possible way to measure pain and may lead to new treatment strategies.
Researchers created an artificial transporter protein, Rocker, that carries individual atoms across membranes, opening new possibilities for smart molecules. The discovery demonstrates the design of complex functions rivaling those of natural molecular machines.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding brain cell communication and developed a fruit fly model to study neurodegeneration. By partially inhibiting the breakdown of 'defective' proteins, they were able to completely suppress neurodegeneration in fruit flies.
Ines Ehrnstorfer's research reveals the structural basis of DMT1's selective iron and manganese binding. The study shows that mutations weaken ion binding and transport in human DMT1, providing a basis for developing inhibitors to treat iron storage diseases.
Researchers have recreated the complex blood-brain barrier in a laboratory model to study the obstreperous bouncer proteins that protect the brain. The model can be used to test drive difficult ways into the brain and investigate complex phenomena in simple experiments.
A Cornell-led study describes an important role of a protein called OPT3 in maintaining balance of essential micronutrient iron in plants. The research found that OPT3 transports iron and regulates its concentration to partition cadmium away from edible plant parts.
This year's awards recognize Dr. Stephen H. White for membrane protein folding research, Dr. Judith Frydman for eukaryotic cell protein folding mechanisms, and others for their groundbreaking contributions to the field.
Researchers have found that blocking two proteins on smooth muscle cells can cause complete male infertility without affecting long-term sexual behavior. A potential oral male contraceptive drug could be developed within ten years, offering a safe and reversible alternative to current methods.
LIMP-2 possesses a novel protein fold and nanoscale transport tunnel, enabling it to transport enzymes and lipids. This discovery could lead to the development of therapies for diseases like Gaucher's, where enzyme deficiency causes lipid accumulation.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified a novel mechanism by which fatty acids enter cells, bypassing traditional protein-mediated transport. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new drugs targeting fatty acid metabolism in diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
The study reveals that membrane proteins use a dynamic, constantly changing state to transport proteins across the outer membrane without requiring energy. This finding provides an exceptional insight into the transport mechanism and has implications for understanding protein folding and transport in bacteria.
Bacteria use TamA protein to channel protein domains across the outer membrane, overcoming additional barrier for nutrient and toxin transport. This process is crucial for infections by pathogens like Yersinia, Salmonella, and Cholera.
Researchers discovered a novel protein called ceramide-1 phosphate transport protein (CPTP), which regulates biologically active lipids and plays a role in cell signaling. The study sheds light on the cellular mechanisms contributing to diseases like cancer, asthma, and thrombosis.
Researchers have visualized the mechanism of mRNA localization in cells, revealing how a unique 'zip code' signal ensures protein production at the right place and time. The study provides new insights into cellular function and has potential applications for understanding diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy and Alzheimer's.
Scientists have developed a roadmap for ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter proteins, crucial components of every cell that are involved in tumor resistance and disease. Understanding how these proteins interact with other vital components can help develop targeted drugs to treat diseases such as cystic fibrosis, cancer, and others.
Researchers have created a groundbreaking way to measure transporter proteins in living organisms, providing insights into metabolic networks and regulation. This breakthrough has major implications for plant biology and human health research, enabling monitoring of transporters like the Rhesus factor.
Researchers have directly observed quantum effects on energy transfer in photosynthesis, discovering coherence is responsible for maintaining transport efficiency and adaptability. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of quantum effects and potential applications in developing more efficient solar cells.
Researchers found that Cue1 factor contributes to marking defective proteins with molecular tag for degradation, enabling efficient removal. The CUE domain of Cue1 stabilizes ubiquitin chains, regulating formation of degradation signal.
Active transporters in cells, which facilitate nutrient entry, have been found to be leaky and allow water to pass through. This discovery suggests a universal behavior among all active membrane transporters, with large structural changes causing leaks during movement of substrates.
Researchers have discovered plant transport proteins that can help increase the supply of food and energy for a growing global population. These proteins can improve crop yields in saline and acidic soils, reducing the need for fertilizers and water.
Scientists investigate multidrug transporters and anionic lipids to improve antibiotic, anti-malarial, and cancer treatment effectiveness. By understanding lipid-protein interactions, they aim to develop novel drugs that can control these protein complexes.