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Proteogenomic analysis of healthy and cancerous prostate tissues using SILAC and mutation databases

This study used SILAC-based quantitative proteomics to investigate the impact of missense mutations on protein expression in prostate cancer versus healthy tissues. The results show that missense mutations correlate with changes in protein abundance, and specific mutations have deleterious effects on protein stability and function.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalOncology Advances·DateJul 31, 2025

New technique helps ID genes related to aging

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new method for identifying genes relevant to the aging process in the C. elegans roundworm model. By exposing thousands of worms to random genetic mutations, they can pinpoint which genes are associated with protein aggregation and reduced lifespan.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

Beyond AlphaFold: A.I. excels at creating new proteins

Researchers developed a new software tool called ProteinMPNN to create protein molecules more accurately and quickly than before. The team used machine learning algorithms, including AlphaFold, to generate new protein shapes and sequences, paving the way for novel vaccines, treatments, and sustainable biomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022

Taste sensors keep proteins in order in flies

A set of genes promoting sweet taste sensation also regulate protein management in flies, according to a new study. The finding suggests a connection between taste-related genes and disorders of protein aggregation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Synthetic tools conduct messages from station to station in DNA

Researchers used deactivated Cas9 proteins to target key segments of the human genome and synthetically trigger gene transcription. The study revealed that enhancers can send messages in both directions, but with a predominant regulatory mode where an enhancer tracks toward corresponding promoters.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Moffitt researchers discover DNA copy number alterations lead to changes in RNA circuits that impact melanoma metastasis

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered that gains in chromosome 1q stimulate a network of competitive endogenous RNA molecules that promote melanoma metastasis. These RNA sequences act as 'ceRNAs' that sponge miRNA molecules, driving tumor growth and development.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Scientists map networks of disease-associated immune genes

Researchers created a detailed map of how immune genes function together, shedding light on the basic drivers of immune cell function and immune diseases. The study found interconnected regulatory networks that can help explain why mutations in different genes lead to the same disease or how drugs impact multiple immune proteins.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 11, 2022

Scientists discover new genetic disease that delays brain development in children

A new genetic disease has been identified that causes abnormal brain development in children, resulting in severe learning difficulties. Researchers have discovered the underlying cause of the condition by analyzing changes in a protein coding gene called GRIA1, which helps move electrical signals around the brain.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2022

Suspect factor for hereditary brain disease

A team of researchers has identified a key player in the molecular pathogenesis of spinocerebellar ataxia type 17 (SCA17), a rare and devastating hereditary brain disease. The enzyme calpain is found to be overactive in cell and animal models of SCA17, leading to impaired protein function and accumulation of toxic protein fragments.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2022

An arms race that plays out in a single genome

Biologists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a two-sided genomic arms race between satellite DNA and its binding proteins in fruit flies. The study reveals that when these elements interact, significant costs to fitness can occur, including impacts on fertility and cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2022

Fishing for new source of proteoglycans, an important health food ingredient

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science discovered that bony fish head cartilage contains abundant proteoglycans, including aggrecan, with similar CS structures to salmon nasal cartilage. This finding reveals the potential of sturgeon as an alternative source of CSPGs for health food formulations.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2022

Genetic roots of 3 mitochondrial diseases ID’d via new approach

Researchers have identified the genetic causes of three mitochondrial diseases and proposed 20 additional possibilities for further investigation using a new approach. The study provides a platform to better understand how mitochondria's hundreds of proteins work together, which could lead to improved diagnoses and treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2022

A subtle genetic change gives new clues about epilepsy

Researchers discovered a previously unknown mutation in a child with epilepsy that affects the functioning of ion channels, which are crucial for brain function. The mutation has been found to decrease the function of normal proteins as well, highlighting the importance of studying genetic mutations.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Genetic study identifies migraine causes and promising therapeutic targets

Researchers have found blood proteins that cause migraine, including DKK1 and PDGFB, which inhibit Wnt signalling pathways. Lower levels of antioxidant proteins FARS2, GSTA4, and CHIC2 also contribute to inflammation linked to migraine. Therapies targeting increased DKK1 levels may represent novel tools for treatment.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

Physics provides new perspective on cellular function and evolution

Researchers at Stockholm University mapped physicochemical properties of proteins in 20,000 organisms, revealing a universal problem that has shaped the proteins of all cellular organisms. This balance between repulsive and attractive forces ensures functional control and is carefully tuned to an organism's environment and lifestyle.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022