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NYU Abu Dhabi researchers discover new nanobodies that can disable a key SARS-CoV-2 structural protein and disrupt viral replication

Researchers identified two nanobodies that specifically target and stabilize the tetrameric form of SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein Nsp9, potentially repressing viral replication. These findings suggest a new antiviral strategy for diagnosis and treatment against COVID-19.

SourceNew York University·JournalAdvanced Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

Towards precision medicine for dialysis patients

A research team from the University of Zurich has identified a common genetic variant in the AQP1 gene that affects treatment efficacy and patient survival on peritoneal dialysis. Patients carrying this variant have a higher risk of death, but researchers found a way to circumvent the problem using colloid osmotic agents.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

A new treatment for glaucoma?

Researchers developed a new protein treatment that prevents glaucoma from forming in mice and reduces pressure in the eyes. The study provides new targets for therapies and aims to develop an injectable treatment for patients.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2021

More effective treatment of Alzheimer’s

Researchers at Uppsala University have designed new antibodies that bind to both large and small aggregates of the amyloid-beta protein, potentially providing a more effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The new antibody format is stronger in binding to clumps and can also target smaller aggregates.

SourceUppsala University·JournalTranslational Neurodegeneration·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Sudden cardiac episodes could be caused by deadly cocktail

Researchers discover that sudden cardiac episodes are caused by a combination of genetic mutations and chemical modifications in heart cells. The study uses new technology to manipulate the protein, demonstrating that phosphorylation can affect its function, particularly when paired with mutations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021

Fighting brain cancer at its root

Researchers at McGill University identified proteins that drive cancer stem cells in brain tumours. Targeting the protein galectin1 may provide a more effective treatment for glioblastoma when combined with radiation therapy. The study found significant improvement in tumour response to radiation therapy, resulting in expanded lifespan.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Researchers from Tel Aviv University prove for the first time that silent mutations can predict the development of cancer cells

Silent mutations, which don't change protein sequences, hold diagnostic value in predicting cancer types and patient survival. The study analyzed over 10,000 cancer genomes and found that combining information from silent and non-silent mutations improved classification and prognostication up to 17% and 5%, respectively.

SourceTel-Aviv University·Journalnpj Genomic Medicine·DateAug 31, 2021

Study could lead to new treatments for neuroblastoma

Researchers have identified a new potential treatment for neuroblastoma by targeting the ALT mechanism, which is responsible for chemotherapy resistance. The study found that activating ATM kinase at telomeres promotes chemotherapy resistance in ALT neuroblastoma and suggests a cancer-specific approach to treating this disease.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2021

Flawed quality control in the brain

Scientists developed a new mouse line to study protein balance and quality control in the mammalian brain. The research revealed that different neurodegenerative diseases have distinct protein misfolding patterns, offering insights into potential therapeutic options.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateAug 19, 2021

Three-layered control of mRNA tails

A new study reveals that multiple pathways regulate poly(A) tail lengths in yeast, involving poly(A) binding proteins and a self-regulating pathway. This discovery sheds light on the complex control of mRNA tails and their impact on protein production.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Genetic enigma solved

A team of researchers has cracked the code on dog coat color patterns by identifying five distinct genetic variants that cause different colors. These variants originated in an extinct species and were introduced into modern dogs through hybridization events.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2021

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers develop “dimmer switch” to help control gene therapy

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a system that can fine-tune protein expression from gene therapy vectors, addressing the need for controlled dosing. The 'dimmer switch' uses alternative RNA splicing and an orally available small molecule to adjust levels of expression up or down as needed.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

New Alzheimer's treatment targets identified

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified potential new treatment targets for Alzheimer's disease, focusing on defective proteins and existing FDA-approved drugs. The study provides hope for clinical trials to begin sooner, targeting brain damage caused by amyloid buildup.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 8, 2021

MicroRNAs may play a role in COVID-19

Researchers discovered that SARS-CoV-2 produces microRNAs affecting individuals' respiratory systems and immune responses. Understanding these impacts may provide new insights into COVID-19 pathogenesis and treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·DateJun 23, 2021

Changes in proteins play important role in aging kidneys

Researchers studied age-related changes in kidney function, combining protein analysis with gene transcription. They found that aging kidneys have increased immune cells, inflammation, and decreased mitochondrial energy production. This suggests that therapies promoting protein building or slowing breakdown may help treat age-related k...

SourceeLife·DateMay 4, 2021

Unique AI method for generating proteins will speed up drug development

Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have developed an AI-based approach called ProteinGAN, which uses generative deep learning to create highly diverse protein variants with naturalistic-like physical properties. This method accelerates the rate of protein engineering, driving down development costs and enabling environm...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 30, 2021

New proteins 'out of nothing'

A team of researchers has reconstructed the formation of a newly emerged protein in flies, essential for male fertility. The study reveals that species form new proteins de novo without related precursor proteins, with beneficial functions emerging after millions of years.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 2021

The birth of a male sex chromosome in Atlantic herring

Researchers at Uppsala University have reconstructed the birth of a male sex chromosome in Atlantic herring, identifying a tiny region with only three genes. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of sex determination and provides insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying sex-based traits.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2020