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Researchers modify yeast to show how plants respond to a key hormone

Researchers have developed a novel toolkit based on modified yeast cells to tease out how plant genes and proteins respond to auxin, the most ubiquitous plant hormone. The system revealed the basic 'code' of auxin signaling, including how specific combinations of repressing or activating proteins can bind to auxin, DNA, and one another.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2016

Researchers at the CNIO discover a gene that is essential for the DNA-replication process

The discovery of POLD3's critical role in DNA replication reveals its necessity for both tumor and healthy cells, casting doubt on its use as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. The study used genetic engineering to eliminate the gene in mice, showing its essential function in cell division and survival.

Cancer-preventing protein finds its own way in our DNA

Geneticists at KU Leuven have discovered that tumour protein TP53 can autonomously locate and bind to specific DNA sequences, activating the right genes to repair damaged cells. This finding sheds light on the mechanisms controlling gene expression and holds promise for future cancer therapies.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalGenome Research·DateJun 16, 2016

How an artificial protein rescues dying cells

Researchers at Princeton University discovered how a synthetic protein called SynSerB promotes cell growth in serine-depleted E. coli cells. By inducing overexpression of a protein called HisB, SynSerB enables the production of essential amino acid serine, allowing cells to survive.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2016

2016 Protein Society Awards

The 2016 Protein Society Awards recognized Dr. Gary Pielak, Dr. Rachel Klevit, Dr. H. Eric Xu, and Dr. Andreas Plückthun for their groundbreaking contributions to protein science. The winners received prestigious awards sponsored by Rigaku Corporation, Genentech, The Neurath Foundation, and The Protein Society.

A new twist in genetic switches

Rice University researchers found that a master regulator's activity is determined by kinetics, not thermodynamics. The study revealed the 'molecular stripping' process, which quickly stops protein production.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2015

New massive dataset of bacterial proteins

Scientists from Switzerland and the Netherlands have identified over 2,300 bacterial proteins in 22 different growth conditions, representing half of the bacterial genes. The dataset provides insight into protein function, expression levels, and post-translational adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 7, 2015

Floppy but fast

Flexible, spaghetti-like proteins can bind to their receptor within billionths of a second, retaining high specificity. This discovery explains the transport paradox in cellular communication, enabling efficient proof-reading while maintaining speed.

Proteins assemble and disassemble on command

Researchers at Duke University have deciphered the genetic code that instructs proteins to assemble or disassemble in response to environmental stimuli. This discovery provides a new platform for designer proteins and investigations into nanotechnology, biotechnology, and medical treatments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 2015