Articles tagged with Bacterial Proteins
A newly discovered protein from the bacterium Methylobacterium extorquens has been found to be 100 million times better at binding to lanthanides than to other metals. The protein's unique structure may explain its remarkable selectivity, which could provide insights into detecting and targeting rare-earth metals for industrial purposes.
A new study reveals that the gut microbiome helps regulate the host's immune system by moderating vitamin A levels. The bacteria fine-tune the conversion of vitamin A to its active form, reducing an overactive immune response and promoting co-existence with the microbiome.
Researchers found that dietary sugars, particularly fructose and glucose, decrease the abundance of a protein called Roc required for Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron colonization. A resistant strain engineered by researchers outcompeted the wild-type strain in mice fed high-sugar diets.
Rice University scientists develop synthetic protein switches to control electron flow, enabled by chemical triggers. The discovery enables custom-designed switches for applications such as living sensors and electronically controlled metabolic pathways.
Researchers discovered that septins can detect where bacteria will split for division and prevent it from doing so by forming cage-like structures around the bacteria. This finding provides new clues to stop the spread of deadly infections, including Shigella, a 'superbug' deemed a priority by the World Health Organization.
Scientists discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis releases RNA into infected cells, stimulating interferon beta production to support pathogen growth. Mice lacking key protein required for responding to foreign RNA were better able to control MTB infection.
Researchers discovered that a bacterial protein, DnaK, interferes with cell response to and repair of DNA damage, increasing cancer risk. The study suggests that bacterial infections may contribute to more cancers than previously thought.
Researchers have identified a crucial protein, FtsZ, that triggers bacterial cell division when its concentration reaches a threshold. By studying the gut bacterium E. coli, scientists developed a mathematical model predicting when cell division will commence, providing new insights into this fundamental biological process.
Researchers engineered E. coli to produce a heat-resistant protein using an expanded genetic code, evolving it through laboratory selection. The new protein outperformed the natural enzyme in extreme heat conditions, nearly doubling its thermal stability.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown protein called TarP that helps multi-resistant bacteria evade the human immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new therapies against MRSA and other resistant pathogens.
A new toxin discovered in Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been found to degrade DNA and stop the growth of rival bacteria, providing insight into bacterial warfare mechanisms.
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol has identified a key component of the antibiotic binding mechanism of VIM proteins, which protects bacteria from beta-lactam antibiotics. This discovery provides insights into how antibiotics can be designed to block the activity of these resistance mechanisms.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness the power of purple phototrophic bacteria to recover valuable biofuels from organic waste in wastewater treatment plants. By using an electric current to optimize metabolic output, they can generate hydrogen gas with near-100% carbon recovery and minimal CO2 emissions.
A research team from Massachusetts Eye and Ear discovered a new mechanism by which the immune system protects itself against bacteria inhaled through the nose. The 'exosome swarm' process involves tiny fluid-filled sacs that directly attack bacteria and shuttle protective antimicrobial proteins along the airway to protect other cells.
Researchers found significant differences between bacterial and eukaryotic Hsp70s, including variations in binding interfaces and cycles of domain docking and undocking. These findings suggest that eukaryotic Hsp70s have evolved to be more flexible and efficient in their function.
Scientists identify nine new potential vaccine candidates and six new proteins that could be effective targets for new antimicrobials to combat drug-resistant gonorrhea. The study represents a key step toward developing new weapons against the ever-evolving pathogen.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed novel antibacterial compounds targeting LsrK kinase, a key player in bacterial quorum sensing. The identified LsrK inhibitors have shown micromolar activity and will be further optimized to improve understanding of inhibition of LsrK in the AI-2 pathway.
Researchers have found that CRISPR-Cas9 generates a strong immune response in humans, with T cells reacting to the Cas9 protein in almost all healthy subjects. However, the study also highlights the need for new solutions to prevent dangerous immune reactions, particularly for genetic diseases requiring in vivo modifications.
Scientists create a yeast mutant with deficient mitochondria and an E. coli bacterium with the necessary enzymes to form a symbiotic relationship, allowing the chimera to persist for over 40 generations. This model provides insight into the origins of mitochondrial endosymbiosis and can be used to explore further mechanisms.
Scientists at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have isolated a membrane protein from E. coli bacteria and shed light on its molecular structure. The study reveals how the bacterium manages to rid itself of antibiotics by using a pump mechanism, providing insights into the development of resistance.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that tetracycline antibiotics target human cytosolic ribosomes, leading to potential breakthroughs in treating cancer and pathological inflammation. The study provides a crucial foundation for further drug discovery and treatment development.
Researchers at OIST modified bacterial cells to form elaborate shapes, including stars, triangles, and pentagons, demonstrating the adaptability of bacterial cell division machinery. These findings suggest that geometry is not an obstacle to ring formation and have implications for developing new antibiotics.
A newly discovered toxin, Tre1, produced by bacteria, targets vital proteins in host cells, causing disease-like symptoms. The discovery provides insights into bacterial biodefense strategies and the evolution of toxins.
A mathematical model explains why some bacteria cause disease in small doses while others require thousands of bacteria, attributing it to the scale of their attack mechanisms.
Australian researchers discovered that the increased presence of protein NLRP1 leads to fewer good bacteria and anti-inflammatory molecules in the gut, resulting in higher levels of inflammation. This finding could help inform prevention and treatment strategies for IBD.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new test that employs a bacteriophage to detect the presence of E. coli in drinking water. The test can provide results within hours, rather than days, allowing for faster action to be taken in case of contamination.
Researchers develop structure-disrupting peptides to target bacterial proteins' structural core, reducing likelihood of resistance development. The study finds promising results in inhibiting multidrug-resistant bacteria growth and treating gonococcal infections.
Researchers discovered that E. coli bacteria discharge damaged proteins bundled inside minicells as a survival mechanism. Minicells can help bacteria resist antibiotics by kicking out damaged proteins.
A study in mice revealed that MAVS deficiency leads to altered gut microbiota, increased intestinal permeability, and susceptibility to allergic contact dermatitis. The findings suggest a causal relationship between the gut microbiome and allergies.
A recent study used an artificial intestine to investigate how changes in diet affect the microbiome. The research found that a switch from a western diet to one composed exclusively of dietary fats led to increased populations of fatty-acid metabolizing bacteria and decreased production of short chain fatty acids, which are compounds ...
Researchers developed a modified Nurr1 protein that can enter cells from the outside, showing promise in treating Parkinson's disease. The protein increased tyrosine hydroxylase production, a key enzyme in dopamine synthesis, and protected against neurotoxin-induced cell death.
Researchers at UC Davis have created artificial cells that can sense, react, and interact with bacteria, as well as detect and kill them. These artificially engineered cells mimic the essential features of live cells but are short-lived and cannot reproduce themselves.
Research reveals protein aggregates in bacteria provide protection against toxic stresses by encoding epigenetic memory. Cells with inherited aggregates display improved survival and faster recovery than those without.
Scientists have discovered the unique characteristics of the Dps protein, which compacts bacterial DNA to protect it from damage. Despite compacting the DNA, the expression of genes remains unchanged. The study suggests that Dps may act as a shield to protect DNA while allowing bacteria to express genes necessary for survival.
Researchers at MIT have discovered fragments of a protein found in the stomach that can kill certain bacteria, including those resistant to antibiotics. The peptides show promise as new candidates for treating infections and may be used to develop synthetic antibiotics.
Researchers use light patterns to control bacterial swimming speed and shape, creating 'microbricks' for building microscopic devices. The genetically modified bacteria can be used as living propellers to transport small biological cargoes.
Scientists at the University of Leicester have identified a protein that allows bacteria to detect amino acids in their surroundings, regulating their metabolism and sensing nutrient availability. This discovery could lead to new insights into how bacteria function and inform the development of drugs and antibiotics.
A team of Boston College chemists has developed a technology to incorporate non-canonical amino acids into proteins made in eukaryotic cells, including humans. The novel strain of E. coli bacteria enables the facile engineering of the bacteria-derived genetic machinery, opening up new ways to probe and engineer protein function.
A new study reveals how plant-rotting bacteria obtain essential iron for survival by pirating it from host plants' iron-bearing proteins. The bacterium Pectobacterium uses a membrane channel to import the protein ferredoxin, which is then processed to release iron.
BioBits kits use freeze-dried cell-free reactions to enable simple, hands-on biological experiments without specialized lab equipment. The kits introduce molecular and synthetic biology concepts, inspiring students to consider STEM careers.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that sugar-binding proteins called lectins are essential for social amoebas and bacteria living together. Lectins protect bacteria from being killed by amoebas and mediate the establishment of a microbiome, allowing bacteria to transfer genetic material to the amoeba.
Researchers found that different types of efflux pump proteins, key to antibiotic resistance, may not have evolved from a common ancestor. Instead, they may have developed independently through convergent evolution, offering new insights into fighting drug-resistant superbugs.
Researchers discovered that host antibodies can alter bacterial gene expression, allowing beneficial bacteria to cooperate and form a community that protects against disease. This discovery has implications for the development of new therapies or prophylaxis for inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new mechanism of attachment for ETEC bacteria, leading to the development of anti-adhesion agents that can prevent bacterial binding without destroying the bacteria. These agents offer a novel treatment approach that may serve as an alternative to antibiotics.
Scientists adapted thermal proteome profiling technique to study bacteria's protein behavior, revealing novel drug resistance mechanisms and insights into bacterial cell function. The technique allows researchers to investigate thousands of proteins simultaneously, offering potential breakthroughs in understanding antibiotic resistance.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have developed a revolutionary approach to 'freeze' bacteria using synthetic reproductions of natural antifreeze proteins, improving preservation and application in various industries. The new technique outperforms traditional methods, reducing additives and increasing recovery rates.
Gonorrhea researchers have identified a novel protein that powers the virulence of the bacteria causing gonorrhea, opening the possibility of a new target for antibiotics. The discovery could lead to the development of a vaccine and improved treatment options for the highly damaging disease.
Scientists from Umeå University have discovered a new toxin, MakA, produced by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The toxin affects both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, causing damage to the intestinal system, and is transported through the flagellum filamentous structure.
Scientists found that microbial proteins could reduce cropland usage by 6% and nitrogen losses by 8% globally. Replacing up to 19% of animal feed with microbial proteins could lower greenhouse gas emissions by 7% by 2050.
Researchers have identified a protein called STING, which is nearly identical in both humans and fruit flies, triggering an immune response to invading bacteria. This discovery provides a new model organism for studying human immunity and developing infection-fighting medicines.
Researchers at the University of Leicester developed a new method to determine the effectiveness of the Men B vaccine against various meningococcal strains. The approach directly tests blood samples from patients with meningococcal disease, allowing for more accurate assessments of vaccine protection.
UGA and UConn Health researchers uncover how CRISPR-Cas systems recognize viruses, create molecular memory, and confer immunity. The study reveals the essential role of Cas4 proteins in governing this process.
Syphilis researchers have identified exterior proteins on the bacteria that could serve as vaccine targets, marking a breakthrough in the development of a potential vaccine. The discovery was made by UConn Health researchers using computer modeling and testing techniques.
Researchers found that immunizing with Mycobacterium vaccae creates a lasting stress-resilient phenotype in the brain by blocking sensitizing effects of stress. This could lead to new probiotic-based immunizations for PTSD and anxiety, or treatments for depression.
By replacing cysteine with selenocysteine, researchers have created biologically stable proteins that can survive longer in the human body. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, less frequent doses of medicine, lower healthcare costs, and fewer side effects for patients with cancer and other diseases.
Aphids rely on symbiotic bacteria to produce essential nutrients from sugar-rich diets. Researchers found that DNA methylation patterns in aphid cells influence gene expression related to nutrient production.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism used by Xanthomonas citri to resist amoebae, which is controlled by a signaling pathway that enhances its resistance. The study confirms the bacterium's arsenal of mechanisms to withstand environmental competitors and predators.
Researchers discover new proteins involved in atrazine degradation, shedding light on bacterial evolution and adaptation. The study's findings have implications for developing targeted enzymes to contain nitrogen runoff and mitigate algal blooms and animal die-offs.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine found that people with blood type A are more likely to experience severe diarrhea caused by E. coli. Researchers identified a protein responsible for this blood-group difference, which could lead to the development of a vaccine targeting this protein.
A new workflow has been developed to accelerate gene function assignments in bacteria, enabling large-scale assays of gene importance across many conditions. The study identified thousands of genes with previously unknown functions and provided an anchor for other researchers to make informed inference about protein function.