Articles tagged with Cell Membranes
Researchers discovered that liquid-like proteins form condensed phases with liquid properties, similar to morning dew on a spiderweb. The phase separation is driven by a hydrodynamic instability and affects microtubule branching in cells.
Researchers have identified a new protein that regulates fluidity in moss cell membranes, allowing them to withstand cold temperatures. This discovery shows convergence in plant evolution, with mosses and flowering plants using similar mechanisms to protect themselves from cold and pathogens.
A new model explains why saturated fats increase blood cholesterol and why this should be dangerous. The 'Homeoviscous Adaptation to Dietary Lipids' (HADL) model suggests that cells adjust membrane fluidity according to changes in diet, leading to a decrease in blood cholesterol levels when consuming polyunsaturated fats.
Researchers found that membrane vesicles, which carry biological information between bacteria and cells, produce more info-rich bubbles in response to antibiotics. This may lead to the transmission of warning signals to neighboring cells and potentially foster antibiotic resistance.
Cell velocity depends on surface stickiness, and researchers have figured out the precise mechanics. A mathematical model captures forces involved in cell movement, matching experimental results for various cell types. The findings could provide new targets to interrupt tumor metastasis.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology reveals how plants produce defensive toxins, such as diterpene glycosides, without harming themselves. These plant chemicals attack specific parts of the cell membrane, and plants store them in a non-toxic form to prevent self-harm.
Researchers found that removing the internal limiting membrane can help transplanted retinal cells integrate into the retina, improving vision loss caused by glaucoma and other diseases. The study aims to develop new ways to repair or replace lost optic neurons by growing new cells.
Scientists have discovered that cell-spanning whirlpools in egg cells are formed by the collective behavior of rodlike molecular tubes called microtubules. The gyres distribute nutrients and guide development, likely observed in humans as well.
Galectin-1, a sugar-binding protein, may fuel inflammation and worsen sepsis in patients at risk. Researchers found elevated levels of galectin-1 in sepsis patients and suggest it as a potential biomarker for identifying those at risk.
Researchers from Iowa State University and Penn State University developed a method to measure and model desalination membranes, leading to improved water flow and salt removal. By creating uniform membrane density at the nanoscale, they found that membranes with fewer hot spots perform better.
Researchers at Kyoto University's iCeMS have discovered how a transporter protein twists and squeezes compounds out of cells, including chemotherapy drugs from some cancer cells. This mechanism, driven by ATP energy, facilitates the export of toxic compounds and confers drug resistance.
Researchers propose that a family of transporter proteins, including ABCA1, enabled vertebrates to thrive on land and develop complex body structures. The protein regulated cholesterol levels, allowing for the development of sophisticated biological processes.
Scientists at University of Colorado Boulder develop new compound JD1 that targets Gram-negative bacteria by exploiting innate immune response, reducing survival and spread by 95%. Further studies underway to explore compounds like JD1 for commercialization.
A novel computational tool called CShaper speeds up the analyzing process from hundreds of hours to a few hours by computer. It can segment and analyze cell images systematically at the single-cell level, enabling biologists to decipher the contents of these images within a few hours.
Scientists at Incheon National University investigated the impact of crosslinker length on anion-exchange membrane fuel cell performance. They found that excessive crosslinker length can compromise properties, but optimal lengths improve AEMs' hydrophilicity and conductivity.
Scientists have discovered how a key protein channel regulates ion transport across cell membranes, with implications for developing treatments for diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and neurological pain. The research found that the channel's function depends on its variant and is regulated by PIP2 binding and phosphorylation.
Researchers developed a membrane material that self-cleans biological contaminants through sunlight irradiation, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and extending membrane lifespan.
Research suggests that weathered microplastic particles are 10 times more likely to be internalized by mouse cells than pristine particles. The formation of a biomolecular crust on the surface of microplastics enhances their ability to be engulfed by cell membranes, potentially leading to inflammation and health risks.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have created a technology using synthetic llama antibodies to prevent specific proteins from being destroyed inside cells. This approach could be used to treat dozens of diseases, including cystic fibrosis, by selectively rescuing imperfect but functional proteins.
Scientists have created a method to expand lipids in cell membranes, enabling the imaging of proteins and organelles with unprecedented resolution. This breakthrough allows for detailed insights into bacterial infection mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Achromatium oxaliferum is a highly adaptable bacterium that thrives in diverse environments, including hot springs and ice-cold water. Its unique gene expression mechanism allows it to 'archive' unused genes, enabling rapid adaptation to changing conditions.
A new diagnostic tool has been developed to predict which cancer patients are most likely to benefit from immunotherapy treatments. The tool analyzes the interactions between immune cells and tumor cells, as well as the activation state of immune checkpoints.
Researchers have discovered that malaria parasites secrete the protein EXP2 to create pores in host cell membranes, facilitating entry. Blocking or decreasing liver infection can prevent malaria. The findings open a new pathway for prophylactic interventions and may lead to the development of treatments.
Researchers have discovered that gut-educated antibody-producing cells inhabit and defend regions surrounding the central nervous system, including the dura mater. The study shows that these immune cells play a crucial role in protecting the brain against meningitis and other infections.
Researchers have visualized a new class of molecular gates, called proton-activated chloride channels (PAC), which regulate the passage of small molecules into and out of cells. These gates are critical for maintaining pH balance within brain cells, allowing them to sense and respond to their environment.
Researchers used microfluidic devices to study the interaction between viruses and cell membranes, revealing high-resolution understanding of electric shifts happening at the surface. The technique showed that glycine can interrupt capsid formation for replicated viruses within the cell.
A Rochester Institute of Technology scientist is exploring phase separation in bacterial chromatin with a $559,000 NSF grant. The project aims to understand how this process enables bacterial cells to compartmentalize functions and control biomolecular structures.
A joint UC Berkeley-ITU team uses molecular dynamics simulations and single molecule experiments to identify the processes that happen when the virus binds to human cells. They discover intermediate states and specific amino acids that stabilize each state, which may lead to targeted treatments.
Scientists have created soft pyroelectric materials that can convert heat into electricity, solving the mystery of how snakes sense their surroundings in the dark. The development is based on a mathematical model inspired by the physiology of snake pit organs.
Researchers have discovered how snakes can detect prey with uncanny accuracy in total darkness by converting infrared radiation into electrical signals. The cells inside the pit organ membrane are found to function as a pyroelectric material, drawing upon the electrical voltage in most cells.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism by which cells detect and respond to mechanical stress, triggered by the deformation of their nuclei. This 'fight or flight' reflex allows cells to rapidly flee crowded environments, a process that is conserved across species and in adulthood.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University have identified molecular differences in brain neurons that may support drug development for psychiatric disorders. The study focused on the mRNA set of two types of cortical neurons, revealing cell surface proteins that can be targeted to treat certain conditions.
Researchers from ICIQ and IRBBarcelona have developed a synthetic carrier that can transport amino acids, such as Proline, across cell membranes. The study shows a 30-fold increase in L-Proline transport activity, opening up new possibilities for treating diseases related to amino acid metabolism.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new cell perturbation system that can deliver DNA, RNA, and proteins into cells with high efficiency and low toxicity. The Nanofountain Probe Electroporation system has the potential to revolutionize medical treatments by enabling quicker and more customized treatment plans.
The new membraneless fuel cell, developed by INRS researchers, powers an LED for four hours using only 234 microlitres of methanol. The device uses selective electrodes to minimize crossover and can be optimized to use ethanol, a greener fuel.
A new membrane model has shown that proteins can change profoundly in different lipid environments, opening up a new area of research. The team used x-ray and neutron scattering to confirm the artificial membrane's structure and revealed unique information about the lipid-protein relationships.
University at Buffalo biophysicist Priya Banerjee is investigating protein-RNA condensates, which play vital roles in cellular processes and certain human diseases. The research aims to understand the molecular forces governing their composition and behavior.
Researchers have found a group of bacteria thriving in the deep-sea Black Sea with genetic material carrying both bacterial and archaeal lipid pathways. This discovery suggests that 'mixed' membranes may be more widespread than previously thought, bridging the membrane lipid divide between Bacteria and Archaea.
Researchers found that Staphylococcus aureus bacteria adhere more strongly to hydrophobic surfaces, which have a high water-repelling effect. On these surfaces, the bacteria form robust biofilms that are difficult to remove, posing a significant threat to patients in hospitals.
Researchers have discovered that human white blood cells use a new mechanism called molecular paddling to swim and migrate through fluids without changing shape. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of cell migration, which could impact our understanding of immune responses and cancer research.
Researchers from UNIGE have successfully demonstrated that cellular tissues deform through buckling, a phenomenon that could be crucial for understanding embryo development. By recreating the process in vitro and analyzing the mechanical properties of artificial embryos, the team provided quantitative proof of the hypothesis.
Bioengineers at UC San Diego have discovered a new type of membrane-associated extracellular RNA, or maxRNA, that is present on the surface of human cells. This finding suggests a more expanded role for RNA in cell-to-cell and cell-to-environment interactions than previously thought.
A research group at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg has developed a method to produce controlled-quality phospholipid-based substances that can reduce inflammation without triggering an immune response. These natural compounds have shown promise in treating conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, and infarcts.
Researchers have identified Atg9 vesicles as a platform for assembling the autophagy machinery to build autophagosomes. The biogenesis of autophagosomes involves numerous proteins, and isolating 21 components has enabled scientists to rebuild parts of the machinery in a controlled manner.
Dr. Christopher Basler receives $100,000 grant to study enzymes critical for SARS-CoV-2 replication and explore small molecule inhibitors as potential COVID-19 treatments. Early data suggests these drugs could be effective in slowing SARS-CoV-2 growth.
Researchers have developed a new imaging technique called single-molecule orientation localization microscopy (SMOLM) that allows them to distinguish between different phases of lipid molecules in cell membranes. This technique uses fluorescent probes to directly 'see' the probe's orientation and determine its chemical composition.
LONs have shown outstanding properties in designing membrane-anchored biosensors and synthetic membrane channels due to their information-transfer and self-assembly abilities. They also have great potential in making contributions to developing new therapies and controllable nanoreactors.
A Chapman University study discovered that primary cilia have extracellular vesicle-like characteristics, playing a crucial role in cardiovascular function and genetic diseases. The research found that defects in these proteins lead to various organ system disorders, including heart looping and kidney cysts.
Scientists have developed a new tool to precisely target cancer cells by distinguishing them from neighboring cells. The Co-LOCKR system uses synthetic proteins to detect specific combinations of cell surface markers, allowing for more precise targeting and improved safety for cancer-killing CAR T cells.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that Vibrio parahaemolyticus uses a novel pathway to escape human intestinal cells. The bacteria modify cholesterol molecules in the cell membrane, weakening it enough for the bacteria to break through and infect new cells.
Researchers from the University of Otago have discovered that viruses can use a 'decoy' strategy to evade the immune system. By acquiring a membrane inside the nucleus of infected cells, these viruses can travel through different environments and avoid detection by the immune system.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have created artificial membrane-less organelles within human cells by controlling the phase separation of emerging class of proteins. This advance enables precise tuning of a single property to modulate existing cell functions or create new behaviors.
Researchers have developed a technique to control and visualize cell function expression at a high level, enabling minimally invasive surgery to living cells. This innovation aims to solve the mystery of life by manipulating cellular functions and visualizing biomolecules.
Researchers at Caltech have found that amino acid tails on RNA polymerase enzymes help them work with different types of DNA, enabling gene activation. The longer the DNA molecule, the longer the tail.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have discovered how plants make cellulose, a key component of cell walls. Cellulose is created through molecular machinery that produces three chains, which are then transported to the cell surface and assembled into microfibrils for added strength.
A team of researchers identified how a single-celled organism produces flashlights in response to mechanical forces, shedding light on the underlying physics. The study showed that the brightness depends on both the depth and rate of deformation.
Researchers at Tokyo Tech developed a synthetic channel that can mimic natural ion channels, demonstrating self-assembling and functionally active orientation of artificial molecules in membranes. The study shows promising results for biomimetic regulation and potential applications in sensing and separation devices.
Researchers develop new method to study α-synuclein protein's interaction with cell membranes, revealing damage occurs at very low concentrations. The method uses lipid vesicles as mimics of cellular membranes and shows that α-synuclein binds to and destroys mitochondrial-like membranes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute identified a novel drug that can protect the brain during and after a stroke. The study shows that injured neurons can remain viable if prevented from following biochemical pathways leading to cell death.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease, where Aβ protein assemblies disrupt the neuronal membrane, leading to cell death. The study provides insight into the atomic structure of these assemblies and proposes targeting membrane pores to prevent neurotoxicity.