Articles tagged with Cell Membranes
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.
Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy have significantly lower levels of DHA in their red blood cell membranes compared to healthy individuals. This deficiency may contribute to seizure severity and inform potential treatment strategies involving DHA supplementation.
Dr. Jiang's research focuses on ion channels, proteins in cell membranes controlling ion flow. He joins UT Southwestern faculty with a strong background in chemistry and postdoctoral experience.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, can correct the defective chloride channel responsible for cystic fibrosis. In tissue culture and mouse model systems, curcumin restored normal function to the nasal and rectal epithelia of CFTR mice.
Amanda Rudisin, a Virginia Tech undergraduate, has developed polymers that can transport DNA across cell membranes. Her research found that linear and branched molecules have varying effects on complexation with DNA.
By blocking the activity of enzyme Icmt, researchers can prevent mutant Ras from developing and causing uncontrolled cell growth. This breakthrough may lead to new therapies for various types of cancer, including pancreatic, ovarian, colon, and lung cancers.
Researchers at USC's Viterbi School have developed a new electric pulse technology called electroperturbation, which exposes cells to brief and intense electric pulses that can trigger cell death. The technique has advantages over conventional treatments, being non-invasive and able to deliver treatment remotely.
USC neuroscientist Emily Liman founds that calcium acts as a bridge for taste cells to send signals to the brain about what's been tasted. The study reveals new details on how the sense of taste works and could lead to the development of better artificial sweeteners or additives.
Researchers determined the structure and behavior of a protein receptor complex in E. coli, revealing a 'two-receptor approach' to bring substances into the cell's cytoplasm. This discovery could provide insights into cellular metabolism and how proteins are transported across membranes.
Researchers at Cornell University are developing tiny automated sensors that can map disaster areas, detect biohazards, and report back in real-time. The sensors use biosensors to detect toxins and bacteria, communicate using low-power radio signals, and self-configure using game theory.
Researchers use multiphoton microscopy to watch cell membranes reshaping themselves into two-dimensional liquid phases, or 'rafts', and find that thermal energies influence membrane geometries. The study provides new insights into the functions of cell membranes and their importance to human health.
Researchers have discovered a new protein, TUG, that controls the movement of GLUT4, a glucose transporter in cells. This finding may lead to new drug targets for treating Type 2 diabetes.
Scientists discover that linking sugars to aquaporin-2 is essential for water channel transport in the kidneys. This process enables the body to conserve water and prevent dehydration. The study also identifies a new protein, AQP2-BP, that plays a crucial role in aquaporin-2 production.
Researchers at UCSD have identified chemicals that can protect cells from the effects of the toxin, raising hope for a novel treatment for Pseudomonas infections. The study found that ExoU toxin kills cells by targeting cell membrane phospholipids, but alternative treatments may be possible.
Researchers have discovered a plant cell surface molecule that can halt cell proliferation by acting as both an 'on' and 'off' switch. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of G protein signaling and has implications for agriculture and potentially human diseases.
A research team led by H. Ronald Kaback solved the three-dimensional structure of the bacterial membrane transport protein lacose permease (LacY), shedding light on its mechanism and function. The resulting structure revealed intricate interactions between amino acids, sugars, and protons, providing crucial insights into membrane trans...
Researchers at UCSD have identified a molecule called GAIP interacting protein N terminus (GIPN) that plays a key role in degrading G proteins, which regulate various cellular activities. The discovery has implications for the pharmaceutical industry and highlights the importance of the ubiquitin system in protein turnover.
U.Va. researchers have identified T-type calcium channels as a key regulator of low-voltage-activated calcium channels, a crucial process in various cell types. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more specific and effective drugs for cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers deduced the structure of GRK2, a key regulatory enzyme that modulates G protein signaling. The three-dimensional structure reveals three distinct domains capable of performing multiple regulatory functions simultaneously.
Researchers found that glutamate regulates the movement of bicarbonate and chloride into epithelial cells, controlling mucus transport and water flow. This discovery contributes to understanding how cystic fibrosis is controlled by gland cell membranes and may lead to future therapies for severe forms of the disease.
The device detects cell viability directly and instantly, measuring electrical resistance changes in milliseconds after exposure to a toxic agent. It offers a rapid alternative to traditional fluorescent dye assays for detecting biochemical attacks or monitoring drug toxicity.
Research reveals a mutant form of the muscle protein dysferlin prevents normal muscle repair in two muscular dystrophies, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B) and Miyoshi Myopathy (MM). The discovery identifies a critical component in membrane-repair machinery, offering potential clues for future therapies.
Researchers have developed microgel polymer beads that can be engineered to break apart in acidic conditions, releasing vaccine antigens on the surface of immune cells. This technique avoids destroying protein antigens with stomach acids, making it a promising approach for future vaccines and gene therapy.
Researchers identified a previously unknown protein-aldolase interaction that drives the parasite's movement into cells. This discovery may lead to the development of small molecules blocking this mechanism and treating diseases like toxoplasmosis and malaria.
Prolactin's role in breast cancer has been redefined with the discovery of its ability to travel directly into cell DNA. This finding suggests a new paradigm for hormone function and offers potential therapies for blocking tumor growth.
Researchers have created a two-sided coating with sticky and repellant properties to prevent bacterial contamination on medical implants. The new compound could potentially last permanently and be used in various implant surfaces, including tooth coatings and boat hulls.
Researchers have found that red blood cells cannot repair tears in their surfaces due to the lack of internal membranes, confirming a decade-old hypothesis. In contrast, muscle cells can rapidly repair tears by sealing them with a large internal membrane.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new microfluidic fuel cell that can generate electricity under pulsating conditions, mimicking the flow of blood. This design could help power medical implants and eliminate the need for frequent glucose level monitoring in diabetics.
A new study reports the results of several studies on determining the optimum materials for use as a proton exchange membrane in methanol-based fuel cells. The researchers believe that methanol-based fuel cells could be developed before hydrogen-based fuel cells, providing a convenient and accessible alternative for powering devices.
Researchers are developing nanotech decoys that can stick to the HIV virus and prevent it from entering human cells. The study focuses on the binding of gp120 protein to GalCer molecules in cell membranes.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a novel molecule that plays a critical role in gut immunology and interacts with mucosal-associated invariant T cells. The findings suggest that this molecule may be involved in various diseases of the gut, particularly those related to intestinal microorganisms.
Researchers found that newly made vesicles immediately head to the cell membrane, bypassing older vesicles, which could have implications for diseases like diabetes. The study sheds light on the processing of vesicles in secretory cells and their role in secretion.
Nuzzo and colleague David L. Allara developed stain-repellent coatings, lubricants that cling in harsh weather, and materials for artificial hearts and protein protection. Their discovery attached molecules to gold surfaces, changing interactions with other substances.
The team uses near-field Raman microscopy to illuminate nano-sized structures with light, allowing them to identify material composition and structure. This technique has the potential to revolutionize biology by enabling scientists to understand cell membrane function and develop designer medicines.
Scientists propose a new mechanism for passing information through cell membranes via a shuttlecock motion involving metalloproteins. This theory explains why dietary zinc deficiencies lead to a loss of smell and has significant implications for understanding the sense of smell.
Researchers have identified an abnormality in the anchoring protein ankyrin-B as the cause of long QT syndrome, a rare and often fatal heart condition. The study found that disruption of this protein causes ion channels to function improperly, leading to abnormal heartbeats and cardiac arrhythmia.
Researchers used palytoxin to pry open the sodium/potassium pump's nature, revealing it as a more elaborate version of an ion channel. The study may pave the way for better treatments for hypertension and heart failure.
Researchers found that herpes viruses use a viral protein called mK3 to hide from the immune system by marking MHC class 1 molecules as waste. This study provides insights into basic cellular processes and offers novel strategies for understanding viral infections.
Research reveals bilirubin's role in protecting cells from oxidative damage, potentially improving outcomes for conditions like stroke and heart attack. The study also sheds light on the paradox of bilirubin's production, suggesting it may be an evolutionary development to combat cellular stress.
Researchers at Duke University have uncovered a new role for beta-arrestin in regulating cyclic AMP levels by recruiting phosphodiesterases to the membrane. This finding highlights the complex interplay between these two mechanisms, which were previously thought to be distinct and unrelated.
Researchers found that mutations in muscle-cell caveolin cause defective filament assembly, leading to weakened pelvic- and shoulder-girdle muscles. Caveolae play a vital role in spatially organizing signal transduction at the cell surface.
Researchers have discovered how certain sugars on the surface of H. pylori bacteria help the immune system fight infection, but also make it worse. The findings provide new prospects for developing a vaccine against this virulent bug that causes ulcers and stomach cancer.
Researchers discover that a platelet molecule called phosphatidylserine plays a key role in activating the final step of blood coagulation. The finding could lead to new treatments for clotting disorders, such as heart attacks and strokes.
A study reveals that Alzheimer's plaques can cause a flood of negative ions to drain healthy cells of their charge, leading to cell death. Researchers found that certain drugs can reverse this effect, suggesting a new direction for therapy development.
Harden McConnell, a renowned Stanford University chemist, has been awarded the 2002 Welch Award for his pioneering discoveries about cell membranes. His work has provided new insights into how the body regulates cholesterol and activates its immune system.
PTEN, a cancer-suppressing protein, directs cells by anchoring to the cell membrane and regulating phosphate groups. Its presence helps cells move forward while restricting movement at the back, crucial for sensing direction. The findings could have implications in understanding cancer spread and metastasis.
Dr. McConnell's groundbreaking work on cellular behavior at the molecular level has shed light on interactions between cholesterol and phospholipids, as well as protein-peptide reactions. His research aims to improve understanding of immune surveillance and cholesterol function in cells.
Researchers create custom-built antimicrobial agents using polymers and oligomers inspired by natural defense peptides. The new approach focuses on overall shape rather than specific chemistry, offering a novel solution for combating bacterial infections.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are making significant strides in nanotechnology, developing chemical and biological sensors that will be far more sensitive, selective, and cost-effective. They are also creating advanced materials, structures, and devices for various electronic and photonic applications.
A Los Angeles chemist has won a national award for his groundbreaking research on thin films, specifically monolayers. His technique allows scientists to study these structures at the atomic level, which can lead to breakthroughs in fields like cell membranes and respiration.
Bard has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, including work on scanning electrochemistry microscopy and its applications in studying chemical reactions and biological functions. He is also a dedicated teacher and mentor, having mentored over 200 graduate students and thousands of undergraduate chemistry students.
A study has shown that chilling causes changes in the platelets' outer membrane, leading to the formation of lipid rafts. This process is a general first step in platelet activation, which can lead to blood clots and heart attacks.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a common flaw in the dystrophin protein that causes dilated cardiomyopathy, leading to enlarged heart chambers. Using ventricular assist devices can restore the protein's function and improve heart pumping, offering new hope for patients.
Researchers demonstrate that Ebola and Marburg viruses rely on lipid rafts in the cell membrane to gain entry and assemble. This finding opens up potential therapeutic avenues against these deadly pathogens.
A study by Scott Saunders and colleagues suggests that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) help regulate morphogen gradients, influencing cell development and differentiation. HSPGs may also play a role in the formation of complex bone structures and organs.