Articles tagged with Cell Membranes
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 have identified key mechanisms for cell volume regulation, including water channels and organic particle efflux. Cells use these processes to manage salt concentrations and prevent osmotic disruption.
Scientists at UC Davis create porous aerogel supports to study artificial membrane systems, aiming to replicate biological membranes. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into how real cell membranes behave in platelet cells that form blood clots.
Researchers found that matriptase, a cell surface enzyme, triggers the formation of tumor cells and promotes rapid cell division. The study suggests that targeting matriptase could be an effective way to treat various types of cancer.
Research reveals that sticky mutant proteins in patients with inherited ALS cause the disease by promoting abnormal interactions with other proteins or membranes. The study suggests that understanding how tissues handle these protein forms could lead to new treatments for some forms of ALS.
Scientists have discovered microcompartments in bacteria that challenge the long-held assumption of their simplicity, revealing a more complex organization than previously thought. The study provides the first structures of these protein shells and sheds light on their function, sparking potential biotechnology applications.
Scientists at WashU Medicine found that natural killer cells become more capable of attacking invaders after encountering a specific molecule on the surface of other cells. This process, known as licensing, has important implications for understanding persistent viral infections and bone marrow transplants.
Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have developed 'smart' bio-nanotubes that can encapsulate and release drugs in specific locations. The nanotubes were created using lipid bilayer membranes and microtubules from cell cytoskeletons.
Scientists have traced the critical step in how anthrax toxins enter host cells, revealing that a pore protein plays an active role in translocation. The 'phi-clamp', a collection of hydrophobic amino acids, acts as a chaperone to shepherd unfolded lethal factor and edema factor molecules through the heptameric channel.
A new chemical sealant, poloxamer 188, has been shown to prevent heart failure in mice with muscular dystrophy by improving the heart's ability to relax and fill with blood. The treatment restored normal elastic properties in individual cardiac myocytes, reducing the risk of cardiac damage and failure.
Researchers have discovered that phospholipids, a crucial component of cell membranes, directly influence the folding of membrane proteins. The absence of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) led to misfolding and reduced protein activity in E. coli bacteria.
Researchers discovered a new way to understand brain cell degeneration in patients with Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases. The study found that small, misshapen proteins embedded in cell membranes can disrupt electrical activity, leading to cellular destruction.
Vinculin and alpha-actinin work together to reinforce the cell skeleton, allowing it to withstand stress during movement and enabling purposeful motion. This discovery could help understand embryonic development and cancer metastasis.
Scientists discover how HIV protein fragment FP shuts down immune response in T cells. Researchers found that FP locks onto proteins involved in invoking large-scale immune response, effectively shutting them down.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that cathepsin G regulates neutrophil secretion of inflammatory chemicals, leading to tissue and cartilage damage in joints. Inhibiting this enzyme has attractive potential as a therapeutic target for treating arthritis.
Researchers found that CD22 targets its own molecule to regulate B cell activation. This discovery is crucial for understanding the complete picture of how CD22 and B cells work, which can lead to new ways of addressing immunologic disorders involving B cell activation.
Scientists have discovered that Rh proteins, previously thought to be inactive carriers, play a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of carbon dioxide in and out of red blood cells. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of human physiology, including breathing, pH regulation, and kidney function.
Research suggests that a variant form of abnormal prion protein lacking an anchor may be unable to signal cells to start the lethal disease process, leading to infection without symptoms. The study provides novel insights into how prion and other neurodegenerative diseases develop and hints at new approaches to prevent such diseases.
A team of researchers has created simple structural models for over 600 Escherichia coli membrane proteins using a combination of experimental techniques and theoretical methods. The study reveals which membrane proteins can be produced in large quantities by the bacterium, crucial information for drug development.
Researchers have developed a new purification process that combines high throughput with high selectivity, enabling more fine separations. By attaching a negatively-charged dye molecule to the protein of interest, retention is enhanced in higher proportion than when it wasn't tagged.
Akiko Iwasaki, Yale assistant professor of immunobiology, has been awarded the Burroughs Wellcome Investigator in Pathogenesis in Infectious Diseases Award. She aims to understand how mucosal lining cells interact with viruses and trigger immune responses.
Researchers have discovered the structure of a membrane transporter protein used by bacteria and human cancer cells to evade drugs. This finding could lead to improved cancer therapy and more effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections. The protein, MsbA, plays a crucial role in bacterial cell growth and is now being studi...
The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has received nearly $3 million in funding from the NIH to study P. aeruginosa bacteria and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family, which are involved in cellular growth and differentiation.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered a method to expose the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on cancer cells, making it accessible to blood-borne immunotherapies. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for prostate cancer patients with advanced disease.
Scientists at the Elhuyar Fundazioa Institute have identified a previously unknown mechanism for capturing nutrients in plants. The process, which uses micro-vesicles and internal compartments called vacuola, is independent of specific transporters in plasma membranes and can be triggered by saccharose.
Researchers have found molecular changes in breast cancer that are similar to those occurring in brain tumors, providing new insights into disease progression and potential treatment targets. The study identified specific laminin isoform changes that coincide with blood vessel growth and metastasis in breast cancer.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a key gene involved in regulating sleep duration, which could lead to new approaches to treating sleep irregularities. The study found that mutations in this gene affect the amount of sleep individuals need and can even impact life span.
Barron and Monteiro-Riviere's project explores fullerene interactions with skin cells, aiming to develop new nano-biohybrid materials. The researchers will investigate physiochemical properties of fullerenes to predict uptake and activity.
Researchers found that palmitate, a saturated fatty acid, can attach to proteins regulating bioelectricity in cells. This attachment affects the transmission of electrical impulses in nerve and heart cells, with potential health implications.
Researchers have discovered a new process called sumoylation that regulates key ion channels, including the background potassium channel. This process allows cells to control the flow of ions, which is essential for various cellular activities such as nerve impulses and muscle contractions.
Researchers at UCSD found that statins and cholesterol depletors can reduce intracellular calcium levels and inhibit cell growth in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, which contributes to idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. This novel mechanism may provide a new approach for treating IPAH with current and future therapies.
The researchers designed a microfluidic fuel cell that functions without a physical barrier to separate the fuel and oxidant, utilizing laminar flow instead. This design offers several advantages, including fewer parts and simpler design, as well as compatibility with alkaline chemistry.
Listeria uses host cell lipids to move within cells and spread through the body. The bacteria hijack the host cell's actin cytoskeleton using two membrane lipids, PIP2 and PIP3, which are essential for their movement.
Researchers at Arizona State University found that liposomes form microtubules under low electric fields, which may have significant implications for cellular biology and nanotechnology. The discovery could lead to new methods for fabricating bionanotubes.
Professor Magloire has made significant contributions to odontoblast biology, including characterizing replacement populations and developing novel culture systems. His research has shown the role of TGFβ and new gene profiles involved in odontoblast differentiation and mechanosensitivity.
Research reveals that IL-6 activates a pathway in liver cells that triggers protection against hepatitis and immune-mediated liver damage. Two proteins, KC and SAA2, play a crucial role in this protective effect.
A new study found that cholesterol plays a crucial role in regulating cell signals by interacting with the oxysterol binding protein (OSBP), which controls the deactivation of ERK. This mechanism helps maintain proper levels of active ERK, preventing cancer growth.
Researchers at Whitehead Institute discover mTOR/rictor complex, a crucial component in Akt's activation process. This finding holds promise for developing targeted cancer therapies by blocking the complex and preventing tumor growth.
The ASBMB-Avanti award recognizes Dr. Dowhan's work on lipid-protein interactions, which has expanded our understanding of lipids' roles in cellular processes. His research has established the molecular basis for new lipid functions and impacts a wide range of investigators.
A team of researchers led by Carnegie Mellon University's Danith Ly has developed a way to deliver promising genetic tools into living cells. The tools, called GPNAs, use modified PNAs with improved cell uptake properties and can target specific disease-causing proteins.
A PEG injection can prevent most dogs from suffering permanent spinal damage after injury, allowing nerve cells to heal themselves. Researchers found that nearly 75 percent of treated dogs resumed a normal life.
Researchers found that fasting reduces phospholipid levels in the heart by up to 40% after 12 hours, allowing mitochondria to become more energy-efficient. After feeding resumes, phospholipid levels return to normal, but triglyceride levels remain elevated, hinting at a memory of deprivation.
Researchers at UCSB discovered a key mechanism by which E. coli bacteria adhere to the urinary tract. The finding sheds light on the mechanisms driving urinary tract infections, allowing for potential new treatments and survival strategies under stressful conditions.
Researchers find that blocking annexin 2 or eliminating it from cell surfaces can prevent HIV infection in macrophages. Annexin 2 helps the virus deliver its genetic material into cells by binding to a surface component on the virus.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered that certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as celecoxib, can inhibit bicarbonate transporters, compromising the body's ability to balance pH in cells. This can negatively impact recovery from heart attacks.
A new transport molecule called NaBC1 has been discovered, allowing boron to enter human cells. The protein is specific for borate and plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth and bone mineralization.
Researchers have uncovered a fossilized structure in the nuclear pore complex that suggests ancient bacteria could curve their membranes, leading to the development of endomembrane systems and eukaryotic cells. This discovery provides insight into the evolution of eukaryotes and their intricate internal processes.
Researchers found a novel rhodopsin protein in bacteria that can distinguish between blue and orange light, enabling more efficient harvesting of light for photosynthesis. This discovery sheds light on the role of cell membranes in biological functions and has potential applications in nano-machinery as a color-sensor.
Researchers create nanotubes with antimicrobial properties that can detect and kill biological agents. The nanostructures can change color in response to UV light and have been shown to be effective against E. coli bacteria.
A study at Duke University Medical Center discovered the cln3 protein transports a vital lipid that is essential for normal cell function. The breakdown of this system leads to uncontrolled apoptosis in Batten disease, but the protein also plays a role in cancer, Alzheimer's, and AIDS.
UCSF researchers publish first atomic-level structure of the channel controlling ammonia passage in and out of cells. The discovery provides insights into toxic effects and potential treatment options for life-threatening diseases caused by ammonia toxicity.
Researchers find that simple vesicles with genetic material grow and compete for resources, challenging current theory on cell evolution. The study suggests that the presence of RNA is key to driving cellular growth and competition.
Researchers use a novel chemical reaction in living mice to tag cells and attach tracer molecules to sugars on cell surfaces. This technique could help doctors pinpoint inflamed or cancerous cells for diagnosis. The method allows for the exploration of biosynthetic pathways and the examination of functional consequences.
Researchers demonstrate Staudinger ligation in remodeled cells of living mice, enabling tagging of specific cell types for noninvasive imaging and potential treatment of diseases. The technique meets key requirements of bio-orthogonality, allowing selective chemical reactions in physiological environments.
Researchers have developed a method that could vastly improve the ability of atomic force microscopes to 'see' the chemical composition of a sample, follow variations of the sample, and map its topographic structure. This new technique allows for molecular-scale imaging with increased sensitivity.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have created a library of small protein-like molecules that can self-assemble to form hollow corkscrew-like pores. These man-made pores can mimic biological function, filtering out unwanted molecules from solutions or carrying specific molecules across cellular membranes.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a protein called NHE1 that regulates cell acidity by directly detecting volume changes. This control is crucial for cell growth and proliferation. The study found specific differences in how NHE1 responds to changes in cell volume compared to another similar transporter, NHE3.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have refined the description of a bacterial protein that regulates salt and solute flow. By understanding how this protein functions, scientists may be able to design new antimicrobial agents by manipulating its gating mechanism.
Researchers found that adding texture to implant surfaces increased compatibility with fibroblasts, reducing the risk of dead tissue build-up and infections. The study suggests that textured surfaces could lead to fewer implant replacements and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers identified more than 500 proteins contained in the midbody structure necessary for normal cell division. Inactivating these proteins led to cytokinesis defects, causing abnormal cell division, which can lead to diseases such as cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.