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Cheese making relies on milk proteins to form structure

A recent study in the Journal of Dairy Science reveals that milk protein composition plays a crucial role in cheese production. The researchers found that non-coagulating milk has higher concentrations of certain proteins, leading to lower cheese yields and economic impacts.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJul 20, 2020

Researchers track how bacteria purge toxic metals

Researchers at Cornell University used single-molecule tracking and protein quantitation to study the mechanism of bacteria's resistance to toxic metals, revealing a complex series of steps that lead to detoxification. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective antibacterial treatments.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 28, 2020

Found in mistranslation

Researchers at NCBS found that mistakes in protein synthesis increase the production of a quality control molecule, triggering an early DNA repair response and enhancing mutational resistance. This general advantage of mistranslation persists due to its occasional benefits under stress.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 25, 2020

Genes tell a story about diabetic kidney disease

Scientists have identified several genes that may be involved in the development of diabetic kidney disease. By analysing Finnish samples with diabetes, researchers found connections between specific proteins and the condition. The study's findings suggest new potential targets for treating diabetic kidney disease.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 12, 2020

Circular reasoning

Researchers discovered that lower circHomer1a levels in the brain's frontal cortex are correlated with schizophrenia symptoms and impaired cognitive flexibility in mice. The study suggests that circular RNAs play a crucial regulatory role in gene expression, potentially serving as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment targets.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 12, 2020

Phantom genes keep diabetes at bay

A recent study published in Nature Communications discovered that a specific Long noncoding RNA called LincIRS2 is essential for maintaining healthy metabolism. Mice lacking this gene developed metabolic complications, while those with activated LincIRS2 maintained normal blood sugar levels even in obesity.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2020

Resurrected protein reveals structure of important enzyme

University of Groningen scientists have successfully reconstructed the ancestral genetic sequences for three FMO genes, revealing the structure of these enzymes and their role in metabolizing toxic substances. The results provide insight into how FMOs work, which could lead to the design of drugs activated by these enzymes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 23, 2019

Different mutations in a single gene can wreak many types of havoc in brain cells

A study found that different mutations in a single gene can cause various problems in brain cells. Researchers discovered that even healthy proteins may interfere with mutant proteins' actions, leading to irregular neuronal firing. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding each mutation for personalized medicine.

Malaria parasite lives on the edge

The malaria parasite expresses genes for proteins needed in later stages using two separate schemes of translational repression, which could be exploited to fight the disease. Researchers identified two programs that operate simultaneously and independently, allowing the parasite to quickly respond to changes in its environment.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2019

Engineered protein crystals make cells magnetic

Researchers have engineered protein crystals that can generate magnetic forces many times stronger than previously reported. By introducing these crystals into living cells, scientists can move the cells around with a magnet, offering potential applications in fields such as biotechnology and biomedical engineering.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 25, 2019

Key gene behind hallmark of Lou Gehrig's disease identified

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have pinpointed the RPS25 gene as a key player in the formation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) protein aggregates. Inhibiting this gene's function reduced toxic protein levels by 50 percent, suggesting a potential target for treating ALS and extending lifespan.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 29, 2019

Fetal genome involved in triggering premature birth

A study of over 600 infant genomes found that variations in the SLIT2 gene may contribute to premature births by activating the mother's immune system. The researchers also discovered a link between the SLIT2-ROBO1 signalling pathway and multiple pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and ectopic pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 13, 2019

Translation of genes more complex than expected

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute developed a new microscopy method to visualize gene translation in living cells, revealing out-of-frame translation occurs surprisingly frequently. This discovery suggests thousands of previously unknown proteins may be encoded in our DNA with unknown functions.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 6, 2019

Engineering cellular function without living cells

Researchers at EPFL's LBNC have developed a quantitative, replicable method for studying gene expression using a cell-free system in combination with high-throughput microfluidic devices. This approach allows them to build synthetic biological logic gates that can be used to modify cellular functions and introduce new therapeutic purpo...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019