Articles tagged with Cell Membranes
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have identified a novel regulatory mechanism governing levels of calcium inside cells. The discovery may help scientists understand and target molecular components regulating calcium flux in various diseases.
A team of scientists has identified a unique immune mechanism, microptosis, that targets and kills intracellular parasites. This process involves the release of three proteins: perforin, granulysin, and granzymes, which work together to induce programmed cell death in both the parasite and infected host cells.
Researchers have discovered the structure of TRPV2, a protein linked to pain and heat perception, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain. The study found that TRPV2 has an in-between state where it becomes desensitized to repeated stimuli, suggesting a potential way to alleviate chronic pain.
Researchers demonstrate that fast molecules in the vicinity make blood cell membranes wriggle, but cells also become active when they have enough reaction time. The study reveals a balance between thermal fluctuations and internal forces causing the cells to change shape.
Researchers at University of Southern Denmark investigate the formation and stability of flower-shaped domains in artificial cell membranes. They find that these structures form quickly but lose their shape over time.
A study published in the Biophysical Journal reveals a hepatitis C virus-derived peptide that kills a range of viruses while leaving host cells unharmed. The peptide targets cholesterol-rich membranes shared by many viruses, offering a promising strategy for developing new antiviral drugs.
Researchers at Penn State University have developed a system to replicate the formation and dissolution of liquid organelles in a lab setting. By controlling the electrostatic charge of molecules, they were able to create synthetic liquid organelles that can assemble and disassemble in a biologically-reasonable way.
Researchers have successfully mapped the structural map of a tiny cellular nanomachine called diacylglycerol kinase, which plays a critical role in bacterial cell wall synthesis. The nanomachine's evolution is an extraordinary feat of nature, and its molecular blueprint has shed new light on how it performs its cellular duties.
The ASCB's Celldance Studios released three new award videos featuring eye-popping live cell imaging, showcasing cancer research breakthroughs and the dynamic cell membrane. The videos capture moments of metastasizing cancer cells breaking through blood vessel walls and the exploration of churning lipids and proteins on the cell surface.
Cavitation bubbles, formed by ultrasonic pressure waves, can cause severe damage to nearby cells. Duke researchers used high-speed cameras to study the effects of these powerful little bubbles on individual cells, finding that membranes can withstand higher strains than previously thought and reseal allowing target cells to fully recover.
Researchers at UT-Arlington developed a novel cancer cell detection method based on real-time cell behavior tracking, leveraging the unique dancing behavior of cancer cells on engineered surfaces. This technology has potential to serve as an additional modality for identifying tumor cells from blood samples or biopsy specimens.
Researchers at UCLA have designed a new method for screening cancer cells using parallel microfiltration, which could lead to better treatments for various diseases. The study found that drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells are softer than their sensitive counterparts, and more invasive cells are also softer.
Researchers at Ghent University found a worm globin protein that generates free radical signals, which are essential for reproductive cell generation and regulation of hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Genetic knockdown of the new globin results in sterility, suggesting a crucial role for this signaling process in biology.
Researchers discovered that the protein APP forms spherical structures in the nucleus, affecting gene activity and neurotransmitter modulation. This finding may lead to new therapies for Alzheimer's disease by inhibiting neurotransmitter activity.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in nanopore technology that could pave the way for a surgically implantable artificial kidney. The new device is designed to remove toxins and waste from the blood without a pump or electrical power, offering a promising alternative to dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease.
Cell membranes deform when viruses detach and during cell division, thanks to the ESCRT-III protein complex forming a molecular spring. Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to observe the complex's movements in real-time, validating their theoretical models.
Prof. Ichiro Maruyama's rotation model suggests that receptors exist as dimers prior to ligand binding, regulating activity and flexibility upon binding. This new model challenges the traditional dimerization theory, offering a more energy-efficient explanation for receptor activation.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique for studying the interactions between small molecules and membrane proteins, allowing for precise control over binding kinetics. This breakthrough has broad implications for basic research and drug design, potentially reducing development time and cost.
Researchers at UCSB have made new discoveries about the signaling cascade necessary for phototransduction, allowing animals to detect light. The study reveals that XPORT-A and XPORT-B molecular chaperone proteins are critical for moving TRP channels to the cell surface.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed micro-photosynthetic cell technology that can generate clean energy. The technology involves trapping electrons released by blue-green algae to produce electricity, with the potential for high power density and scalability.
Researchers from UNIGE and Trento University have deciphered the mechanism by which HIV infectivity is destroyed, revealing a new antiretroviral protein called SERINC5. SERINC5 enhances cell defense against HIV, rendering Nef's ability to neutralize it ineffective.
Researchers have developed a technique to coat anticancer drugs in membranes made from a patient's own platelets, allowing the drugs to target both primary tumors and circulating tumor cells. This method can prolong drug circulation time up to 30 hours, increasing effectiveness.
The immune system marks pathogen-containing vacuoles with ubiquitin to trigger destruction, a process that could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Highly virulent strains block this tagging, making them more resistant to host response.
Scientists have identified 500 novel membrane proteins that play a critical role in normal heart function and may help uncover new information about heart failure and arrhythmias. The research focuses on protein Tmem65, which regulates communication between cardiac contractile cells.
Plant cellulose can self-assemble into wrinkled surfaces that produce striking optical effects, such as iridescence and color changes. The researchers found that the twisting structure of cellulose creates a pattern of parallel ridges that split light into its colored components, producing an iridescent sheen.
Researchers discovered how capsaicin interacts with cell membranes, finding that it lodges near the surface and can cause membranes to come apart. This insight may lead to novel tools against cancer or other conditions. The study appeared in ACS' The Journal of Physical Chemistry B.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed solar cells that can track the sun using a kirigami-inspired design. The array of small solar cells tilts within a larger panel, keeping their surfaces more perpendicular to the sun's rays and raising the effective area soaking up sunlight.
Scientists solved the atomic structure of a fluoride ion channel using synthetic proteins called monobodies. The discovery revealed a unique 'double-barreled' architecture with two pathways for fluoride ion flow, differing from typical ion channels.
Researchers at SUNY Downstate Health Science University have identified a new approach to lowering harmful lipids in blood circulation. The study found that LPCAT3 enzyme deficiency reduces lipid absorption and decreases levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids in the bloodstream.
Researchers found that Brazilian wasp venom's MP1 toxin selectively kills cancer cells by interacting with abnormally distributed lipids on their surface. The peptide creates gaping holes, allowing critical molecules to escape and potentially leading to new anticancer drug development.
Research reveals that cytoskeletal tension can alter the structural organisation of the nuclear envelope, affecting chromatin structure and gene reading. This complex process, known as mechanotransduction, has significant implications for understanding cellular differentiation and development.
Researchers elucidated dynamin's role in forming a screw-like structure to constrict and release vesicles. Specific mutations impairing dynamin function are linked to congenital muscle disorders.
Researchers found that sediment-entombed marine archaea's growth varies based on changes in ocean oxygen levels, affecting the accuracy of past ocean temperatures. This discovery highlights the need to consider oxygen levels when interpreting the TEX-86 index, a popular method for measuring ancient ocean temperatures.
Researchers have identified a key feature of the Alzheimer's disease-causing Amyloid beta molecule using laser light and fat-coated silver nanoparticles. The study suggests that designing a drug molecule to attack this specific shape could lead to a breakthrough in Alzheimer's treatment.
A family of transcription factors regulates the formation of caveolae, a crucial component in cell function and disease. This discovery provides insight into understanding cell behavior and combatting diseases caused by lack of invaginations.
Researchers discovered that plants use biological mechanisms to transport volatile compounds to the atmosphere, contradicting the long-held theory of diffusion. This finding could revolutionize our understanding of plant biology and potentially lead to breakthroughs in plant health, defense, and pest management.
T cells' activation relies on a dynamic protein network at the cell surface, with proteins coming and going in rapid intervals. Understanding this process could help boost the immune response against diseases like cancer or infections.
Researchers found that constructing organic solar cells on a 'non-wetting' plastic surface increased efficiency, allowing for larger grain growth and reduced barriers to electricity production. The technique has potential applications in other technologies like faster transistors and more sensitive photodetectors.
Researchers investigated daily fluctuations in human buccal mucosa cells over a year, revealing significant daily rhythms in eleven fatty acids. The study suggests that the cellular changes may be linked to environmental conditions and could have implications for human health.
Researchers found that adenoviruses use ceramide lipids to trigger an infection by creating small pores in the cell membrane. The virus then multiplies in the nucleus and infects other cells. This discovery could lead to new anti-viral agents for gene therapy and vaccination.
Researchers at UC San Diego have designed and synthesized artificial cell membranes capable of sustained growth. The membranes mimic features of complex living organisms, adapting to environmental cues and supporting persistent phospholipid formation.
Researchers discovered that cells in early embryos 'dance' as they compact, a process controlled by cell contraction. The study used new methods to measure forces and tensions within the embryo, revealing that adhesion acts as an anchor rather than an engine of compaction.
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 the University of Basel measured the movement of natural channel proteins in artificial membranes for the first time. The results show that these proteins move up to ten times slower than in their natural environment, a phenomenon linked to membrane flexibility and fluidity.
Scientists discovered the molecular lock of Ebola virus's cellular entry, which could lead to the development of antiviral drugs blocking its interaction with Niemann-Pick C1. The study found mice lacking NPC1 gene were completely resistant to infection, suggesting a potential treatment for Ebola.
Researchers discovered that myxobacteria cells can use social behavior to repair damaged siblings by exchanging outer membrane content. This cooperative behavior improves the fitness of the entire bacterial population.
Researchers at SISSA have developed a novel method to analyze the structure of biological proteins immersed in their physiological context. This technique allows for excellent spatial resolution and study of molecules in their natural environment, providing new insights into the opening/closing mechanism of major ion channels. The stud...
Researchers from the University of Cambridge captured the process of cytotoxic T cells destroying cancer cells using state-of-the-art imaging techniques. The study reveals the remarkable precision and efficiency with which these cells patrol our bodies, identifying and eliminating virally infected and cancerous cells.
Researchers found that vitamin E helps muscles heal by repairing damaged plasma membranes, which are essential for maintaining cell function. Without it, cells can't properly recover from injury, leading to conditions like muscular dystrophy and diabetes-related muscle weakness.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have identified how the AH2 peptide remodels lipid membranes to form the membranous web, a structure essential for HCV replication. This discovery provides an important lead on how to develop therapeutic drugs to combat Hepatitis C virus
Researchers from Aalto University and Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya have achieved a new record in black silicon solar cell efficiency at 22.1%, surpassing previous records by over 3%. The breakthrough is attributed to the application of a thin passivating film and integration of metal contacts on the back side of the cell.
Researchers found that oxidation in cardiac cells disrupts PKG's ability to shield the heart from stress. Oxidation-resistant forms of PKG, however, allow for better protection against disease.
Researchers at Kobe University have discovered that membrane tension stress plays a key role in regulating cell motility. This finding has significant implications for treating infections and malignant tumors, as it may help identify new approaches to cancer treatment.
Researchers have pinpointed a new mechanism responsible for the progression of malaria, which could lead to new therapies. The study found that nanoscale knobs on infected red blood cells cause cell stiffening and reduced blood flow.
Brown University researchers developed new textured surfaces using graphene to better mimic the complex surroundings in which cells grow. The wrinkled surfaces influenced cell growth, with cells being elongated and aligned along the wrinkles, resembling a biologically relevant phenotype.
Chemists at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a simple modular system that can attach proteins to cell membranes with precise control. The system uses light-activated anchors and SNAP-tags to direct protein movements, enabling researchers to study cellular processes in unprecedented detail.
Researchers have described the process of blood vessel pruning on a cellular level, revealing that cells can fuse with themselves to close vessels and prevent blood leakage. This discovery sheds light on the vascular system's ability to regulate itself through plasticity.
Researchers developed new cell-penetrating peptides with sugar molecules that dissolve easily in water, entering cells more efficiently than standard CPPs and having low toxicity. The team aims to use these CPPs as the basis for safe and efficient drug-delivery methods.
Researchers discovered that a protein called Tmem231 plays a crucial role in regulating ciliary membrane composition and function. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying Meckel syndrome and other human diseases characterized by defects in cilia.
Researchers created a highly efficient automated tool to deliver nanoparticles and other large cargo into mammalian cells at a rate of 100,000 cells per minute. This breakthrough enables new scientific research and potential medical applications, such as studying disease development and understanding cell responses.