Articles tagged with Cell Membranes
Scientists have discovered how neurotransmitters and proteins interact to trigger neuronal responses in the brain, with implications for understanding mood disorders and addictions. The study reveals small changes in protein connections control cellular responses, enabling precise regulation of neurotransmitter effects.
Researchers discovered that PIEZO channels in plant cells are located deeper within the cell, in vacuole membranes, not along the plasma membrane as in animal cells. This finding sheds light on how plant cells perceive and respond to mechanical forces.
Researchers have discovered a human cell protein that uses detergent-like action to dissolve bacterial membranes, killing invading pathogens. The protein, APOL3, is found in non-immune cells and offers wide protection against infections.
Researchers have identified a key role for Cytidine Triphosphate (CTP) in bacterial cell division, enabling the Noc protein to bind to DNA and membranes. This discovery may lead to new avenues for targeting bacterial chromosome segregation and cell division.
Researchers observed coral cells engulfing free-living algae in a process that began within minutes, marking the first stages of symbiosis. This study provides new insights into the complex relationship between corals and algae, which is crucial for understanding coral bleaching caused by climate change and pollution.
Researchers elucidated the mechanism by which a membrane remodeling protein, VIPP1, protects thylakoid membrane integrity. The study reveals that VIPP1 creates a basketlike structure with hydrophobic surfaces that bind to the membrane and remodel it.
A Mount Sinai study reveals the complex mechanisms of Ebola virus evasion, highlighting the critical role of VP24 protein in disrupting the nuclear envelope. This disruption compromises cell function, DNA leakage, and antiviral immunity, ultimately contributing to disease severity.
Cancer cells exploit macropinocytosis to repair damaged membranes, allowing them to survive. This technique may also enable cancer cells to recycle membrane material, increasing their resilience.
A new study reveals that the connective tissue protein lumican promotes immune responses against bacterial infections while restraining overactive immune responses in sepsis. Lumican interacts with toll-like receptors on immune cells, stabilizing their interactions to increase activity and production of TNF-alpha.
Research reveals that saturated fatty acids play a key role in forming memories, particularly in the amygdala region of the brain. The study found that levels of myristic acid, found in coconut oil and butter, increased significantly as new memories were formed.
MIT researchers found that rougher implant surfaces stimulate pro-inflammatory T cell responses, while unique surface topographies inhibit tissue inflammation. The study suggests that texture sloughs off and causes chronic inflammation, potentially leading to cancer.
Researchers from Kanazawa University found that gasdermin D forms pores in the cell membrane, allowing factors to flow in and activating IL-1® maturation. This study provides insight into the essential functions of the human immune system and the regulation of immune function.
A newly discovered alpine plant, Dionysia tapetodes, produces fibres from tiny holes in its leaves, producing a stable wool-like material. Flavone and flavone derivatives form the complex structure of the wool through hydrogen bonding, allowing it to maintain stability.
Researchers at Université de Genève and University of Basel study the structure of cellular receptors and molecules that activate immune cells. They discovered a 'lock and key' mechanism involving specific amino acids in chemokine structures, allowing for fine-tuning of immune system activation.
Researchers developed immune cell-mimicking nanoparticles that target inflammation in the lungs and deliver drugs directly where needed. The study showed complete treatment of inflammation in mice, at a drug concentration where standard delivery methods were ineffective.
When E. coli bacteria starve, their cytoplasm shrinks, concentrating nutrients, while the periplasm increases in volume as the inner membrane pulls away from the outer membrane. This reversible adaptation may help them survive until they find their next nutrient source.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a method to control thylakoid membrane formation and used proteomics and microscopic imaging to characterise its stepwise maturation process. The study finds that cyanobacterial thylakoids are dynamic biological systems that can adapt rapidly to environmental changes.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen have developed a non-toxic method to label peptides and investigate their mechanism of action. The new technique allows for efficient screening of molecules important for the adaptive immune system, which can help fight infections and cancer.
Researchers at KAUST developed an electrochemical cell using a ceramic membrane to extract lithium ions from seawater. The process yields solid lithium phosphate with minimal impurities, making it suitable for battery production.
Researchers found silver nanoparticles' shape transformed from triangles to circles after interacting with E. coli cells, affecting their optical properties. The study suggests silver is 'consumed' by the bacteria without impacting its antibacterial properties.
Researchers found prebiotic ethanolamine in a molecular cloud near the center of our galaxy, suggesting it may have formed in space and was incorporated into meteorites and planetesimals. This discovery supports the idea that the molecule could have contributed to the assembly and evolution of primitive cell membranes on early Earth.
Researchers found glycoRNAs, sugar-coated RNAs, decorating the surface of mammalian cells, interacting with other molecules. This discovery upends the current understanding of how cells handle RNAs and glycans, opening a possible role for glycoRNAs in immune disease.
A research team from the University of Münster has identified a new mechanism regulating cell growth in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), which affects one in 10,000 newborns. The study reveals how mutations can disrupt protein binding through a 'burr effect', leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumour formation.
A new method called Progressive Mechanoporation enables the efficient delivery of genes, drugs, and other substances into cells. This is achieved by passing cells through a special polymer biochip with microchannels that create pores in the cell membrane, allowing molecules to pass through.
Researchers have shed light on early bacterial evolution by integrating vertical and horizontal gene transmission, revealing that a tree is still an apt representation of bacterial evolution. On average, genes travel vertically two-thirds of the time, suggesting a tree-like structure.
The study reveals that inner hair cells are stimulated by sound vibrations through a calcium-based mechanism, contradicting the long-held assumption that only outer hair cells interact with the tectorial membrane. This new understanding may lead to improved cochlear implants for treating hearing loss.
A single archaeal enzyme can produce a wide range of natural and unnatural cardiolipins, as well as other phospholipids. This promiscuous enzyme has potential biotechnological applications for the production of self-designed membranes.
Damage to the epithelial barrier is responsible for a wide range of chronic diseases, including allergies, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Research suggests that environmental toxins and pollutants play a significant role in causing these disruptions, emphasizing the need for prevention and intervention strategies.
Researchers have revealed the 3D atomic structure of the human PANX1 protein, a channel pore that plays a crucial role in pyroptosis, a form of cell death triggered by an immune response. The study provides new insights into the mechanism controlling pyroptosis and opens up potential avenues for developing targeted therapies.
A new study found that exposure to organophosphate pesticides may increase susceptibility to COVID-19 infection by triggering an inflammatory response. The research suggests that people with metabolic diseases or cancer may be particularly at risk due to increased ACE2 receptor expression on the surface of airway cells.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have gained atomic-level insights into how PLEKHA7 interacts with the cell membrane to regulate intercellular communications. The study identifies hotspots within PLEKHA7 as potential targets for cancer drugs, particularly in advanced colon, breast, and ovarian cancers.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a novel method to activate and visualize protein channels in bacteria, shedding light on their function. The findings offer potential new avenues for designing antibiotic drugs that target these channels, which are essential for bacterial survival.
Researchers developed a new fluorescent probe, CDgB, that can selectively target the cell membranes of B lymphocytes over T lymphocytes. The probe works by exploiting differences in membrane structures between B and T cells, particularly phospholipid composition and cholesterol content.
Researchers developed a time-lapse system to measure membrane tension and recorded the dynamic responsiveness of the KcsA ion channel. Their experiments revealed hysteresis, where channels activate only at high membrane tension and remain active for a short period even after returning to low tension.
Researchers compared images of COVID-19 vaccine-induced protein spikes to those of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and found a high degree of similarity, suggesting the vaccine's ability to trigger an immune response.
Researchers designed a polymer membrane with molecular cages that increase lithium ion flow by an order of magnitude, improving battery power and efficiency. The solvation cages selectively capture and transport lithium ions faster than their counter anions, enabling high-voltage battery cells to operate more efficiently.
Researchers at LMU München found that diffusiophoresis can facilitate directed particle transport in cells, even without motor proteins. The mechanism sorts particles by size and has implications for understanding cellular processes and potential applications in artificial minimal cells.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed a technique to capture cell-free DNA from fluid samples using an electric charge, making it easier to detect and diagnose cancer. The glass nanopore system can accumulate DNA near the surface, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and potentially detecting mini lipid-based droplets released by tumors.
The UMass Amherst team has made a significant breakthrough in creating ultrathin flexible materials that can self-organize and respond immediately to mechanical force. By modifying the curvature and tension of a membrane, researchers were able to control the positions of tiny solid plates within the membrane.
Researchers found that liver disease primary biliary cholangitis triggers a signaling cascade in skin cells, leading to the formation of micro-RNA bubbles that signal itching. The discovery could lead to new treatments for severe itching and potential liver disease markers.
Researchers at Kyoto University's iCeMS have identified a nuclear protein fragment that activates a lipid-scrambling protein to display an 'eat-me' signal on cell surfaces, alerting phagocytes to eliminate unwanted cells. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of cell death and its importance for maintaining tissue health.
Scientists have identified a polymer with fine-tuned mobility properties that alter the immune activity of specific liver cells, offering potential for regenerative medicine. The study found that surface mobility significantly affects the movement and gene expression profile of Kupffer cells.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have determined the 3D structure and mechanism of MGST2, an enzyme involved in oxidative stress and DNA damage. The study's findings reveal three functional units controlled by sophisticated movements, regulating vital functions and offering insights into future drug development.
Researchers have found that disrupting the interaction between cancer cells and certain immune cells is more effective at killing cancer cells than current immunotherapy treatments. The new approach, targeting protein CD6, has shown promise in mice and may also treat autoimmune diseases.
Researchers have identified address codes in odorant receptor proteins that ensure targeted binding to the cell surface. These
Researchers developed acid-sensitive nanoparticles that can penetrate dense stromal barriers and eliminate cancerous cells. The approach may offer a new avenue for developing efficacious drugs inhibiting pancreatic tumor growth and metastasis.
Researchers uncover key mechanism of acyl protein thioesterase APT2's membrane binding and function. APT2 binds membranes through electrostatic interactions and hydrophobic loop, enabling deacetylating proteins.
A team led by Professor Malte Drescher successfully observed the membrane binding of α-synuclein in living cells using a new measurement method. The study provides direct evidence that α-synuclein interacts with intracellular membranes, which may play a role in Parkinson's disease development.
A new study by Christoph Binder's research group identifies IgM antibodies as a key player in preventing thrombosis. Natural IgM antibodies bind to microvesicles, preventing coagulation and thrombosis, providing a novel approach to reduce the risk of this major cause of death.
Researchers developed a sensor to quantify hydrogen peroxide concentrations near cell membranes, providing insights into cellular processes and potential therapeutic strategies. The biosensor uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to detect changes in molecular signatures.
A Korean research group has developed a new cell co-culture platform that enables the differentiation of stem cells into desired cell types without special pretreatment. The platform displays surface traits similar to those of the extracellular matrix, providing cells with an environment similar to that of the body.
Researchers at VIB discovered the molecular architecture of the TPLATE complex, a crucial protein complex in plants that regulates the outer membrane composition. The study provides new insights into the evolution of this complex and its role in vesicle trafficking, essential for eukaryotic processes.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that clustering of receptors, such as the Y2 receptor, can trigger cell movement similar to the neuropeptide Y signal. The study used light-sensitive matrices and laser spots to control the direction of cell movement with high precision.
Researchers have created molecular models to study the critical parts of SARS-CoV-2 that interact with human cell membranes. The simulations reveal how the virus inserts itself into cells and provide new insights into a potential drug target. This discovery could help develop new treatments for COVID-19.
A researcher is working on a project funded by NASA to understand how the skeleton senses and responds to forces, with the goal of keeping astronauts' bones strong during long periods in space. The study aims to develop strategies to restore healthy bone dynamics, which can be disrupted by disuse and lack of gravity.
A University of Sydney-led team has revealed the shape of the glutamate transporter, a tiny protein controlling cell-to-cell communication. The discovery using cryogenic electron microscopy could help design drugs for diseases such as episodic ataxia and Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists at DGIST create a method to image wet cell membranes without fixing or drying them, providing detailed information on cellular molecules. The technique uses graphene to protect cells from desiccation and degradation, allowing for up to ten minutes of imaging in ultra-high-vacuum environments.
Researchers have created a new anion exchange membrane that overcomes the drawbacks of previous membranes, exhibiting excellent mechanical strength, chemical stability, and conductivity. The membrane's high overall performance was demonstrated in a fuel cell test, showing stable operation for 300 hours with high power density.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) controls various aspects of cell growth in pollen tubes by influencing the distribution of enzymes and resulting effects on cytoskeleton stabilization and pectin secretion.
Immunologists at the University of Freiburg have solved a mystery about how Rituximab, an anti-cancer drug, targets B tumor cells. The researchers found that CD20 organizes nanostructures on the B cell membrane, and its absence or binding to Rituximab activates resting B cells.