Articles tagged with Bacterial Proteins
Scientists have found that the unfolded end of a protein, ColN-T, can still kill E. coli-like bacteria even after its toxic folded portion is removed. This discovery may lead to new, targeted ways to kill antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Researchers identified NLRP7 as a key protein that recognizes bacterial cell wall components in harmful gram-positive bacteria. The discovery could lead to novel treatment strategies to combat infections from deadly bacteria like Listeria and MRSA.
Researchers at Scripps Research and Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have determined the 3D structure of the interaction between an immune molecule called TLR5 and a protein that helps bacteria move. This breakthrough provides significant insights into the molecular mechanism underlying TLR5 recognition and function.
Researchers at Brandeis University have made a significant discovery on how EmrE, a protein responsible for exporting antibiotics from cells, works. By studying its structure and function using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the team hopes to develop inhibitors that can target this protein and prevent drug resistance.
Researchers discovered that certain ocean bacteria are tricked into using their own machinery to activate genes carried by viruses. The viruses inject DNA into stressed bacteria, which then support the virus' replication cycle. This co-evolutionary relationship reveals a sophisticated mechanism of gene regulation and exploitation.
A new detection method for urinary tract infection (UTI) causing bacteria uses MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, reducing diagnostic time to under 30 minutes. This technique has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce costs by accurately identifying bacteria and targeting specific antibiotics.
Scientists have developed a reliable system to model and quantify protein aggregation's impact on cell viability, division, and aging. The study uses Escherichia coli bacteria and the AB42 peptide to predict protein aggregation's effects on cell aging, revealing potential natural chaperones that reduce this damage.
Researchers decoded the behavior of lysozymes, a protein in teardrops that chomps through bacterial cell walls. The discovery could lead to early detection and treatment of cancers.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that the bacterial toxin alpha-hemolysin triggers bladder cell shedding and disables immune responses, contributing to persistent urinary tract infections. The toxin causes degradation of proteins involved in cellular responses to infection, leading to more severe clinical symptoms.
Jan Potempa's discoveries on Porphyromonas gingivalis have led to a new understanding of the origin of gum tissue inflammation. His research may lead to the development of more effective medications to combat periodontal disease and reduce the risk of heart disease and arthritis.
A recent study in the journal mBio challenges the unique E. coli protein YfeX's role in iron acquisition, finding it lacks catalytic ability to dechelate iron from heme. Meanwhile, researchers discover an unprecedented level of transference of resistance among strains and species of bacteria via plasmids containing carbapenemase genes.
Researchers found that Th17 cells, a specialized immune cell group, can confer immunological advantage against infectious organisms. The approach uses protein complexes in the cell membrane as antigens, offering potential for simplified vaccination and broader coverage against diverse bacterial strains.
Bacteria manipulate a natural cellular process to divert raw materials for building and disguising a structure that houses the bacteria as it replicates. The modification creates a dam, blocking proteins from reaching their destination, allowing the bacteria to blend in with the cell.
Researchers at UC San Diego created a living 'neon sign' composed of millions of bacterial cells that glow in unison, synchronized by fluorescent proteins. The bacteria can detect low levels of arsenic and other toxins, providing a real-time update on the presence and concentration of toxins.
Researchers have identified an enteric virus-binding protein (EVBP) found in activated sludge, capable of capturing norovirus, rotavirus, and poliovirus. This breakthrough could enable the detection of low concentrations of viruses in water supplies.
Researchers discovered a new bacterial signal that enables invading bacteria to coordinate attacks on plants, but also triggers a defense response in targeted rice plants. The study found that the protein Ax21 is secreted by bacteria and induces an immune response in rice, leading to a stronger defense against infection.
Scientists at the Pasteur Institute discovered a novel defensive weapon against Shigella bacteria: septin protein cages. These cages not only target pathogens for degradation by autophagy but also prevent bacterial spread by impeding access to actin, a cell skeleton component.
Researchers at Hebrew University and University of Vienna reveal stress-induced protein synthesis machinery that induces bacterial cell death in E. coli. This discovery may lead to the design of improved, novel antibiotics effective against pathogenic bacteria.
Phosphonic acids are persistent pollutants found in common medicinal products, detergents, and herbicides. Bacteria have been shown to break down these molecules with surprising ease, thanks to the identification of specialized proteins that perform key bond-breaking steps.
A novel antibacterial protein, Avidocin, demonstrates potential for preventing and treating E. coli O157:H7-induced diarrhea and intestinal inflammation in an animal study. The protein also carries fewer bacteria in the feces of infected animals, making it a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Researchers identified a process by which Legionella bacteria trick host cells into generating amino acids, necessary for growth and infection. The study's findings could lead to the development of new antibiotics and vaccines.
Researchers discovered Mycobacterium tuberculosis produces a protein that disables the immune response, allowing the bacteria to live comfortably in human cells. This breakthrough provides new targets for developing better treatments against this devastating disease.
Scientists discover a possible therapy for hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1, reversing toxic molecule accumulation in mice. Additionally, researchers design minihepcidins to reduce iron overload by mimicking the natural protein's ability to lower blood iron levels.
Researchers found that certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria have genetic variants that enable them to form biofilms on cardiac devices. This discovery offers clues for preventing infections in patients with implanted devices, which currently cost thousands of dollars and millions of dollars in healthcare costs each year.
Researchers found that specific genetic variants in Staph surface proteins create stronger bonds with human blood proteins, leading to infection. The study aims to develop techniques to prevent these infections by understanding the initial step of biofilm formation.
Scientists have identified a specific genetic variation in Staph bacteria that increases its ability to form bonds with fibronectin, leading to infections in implanted cardiac devices. This discovery has implications for preventing biofilm-related infections and could lead to new protocols for assessing risk.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the dynamic intestinal ecosystem, suggesting new approaches to prevent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and viral infections. They found that certain bacteria can increase polio virus infectivity by activating it.
A foodborne bacterium invades the body by binding to E-cadherin on goblet cells, which produce slippery mucus. The reorganization required to expel the mucus exposes E-cadherin, allowing Listeria to cause systemic infection.
Researchers at Salk Institute developed bacteria that can incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins, enabling the creation of new synthetic chemicals. This breakthrough may lead to the development of drugs that last longer in the bloodstream and environmentally friendly manufacturing methods.
Paul Kenis and James Slauch have been recognized as University Scholars for their exceptional contributions to the field of chemical engineering and microbiology. Their research focuses on developing novel microfluidic tools and studying Salmonella bacteria to understand its virulence and develop new treatments.
Researchers at Yale University have successfully re-engineered the genetic code of bacteria to synthesize special forms of proteins that can mimic natural or disease states. This new technology enables the production of human proteins with their naturally occurring phosphorylation sites, a crucial step in understanding disease processes.
Researchers have identified a modification on EF-P protein that boosts bacterial strength and contributes to Salmonella's virulence. The discovery opens doors for new treatments against this foodborne pathogen, which causes severe illnesses and fatalities.
Scientists have successfully tuned bacteriophage endolysins to increase their effectiveness against C. difficile, a common cause of hospital-acquired infections. The study proposes using truncated versions of these natural antimicrobials as a new weapon in the battle against superbugs.
A novel imaging probe has been developed to detect dangerous heart-valve infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, noninvasively. The probe uses a radiolabeled version of prothrombin to reveal the presence of infected bacteria in mouse models.
Scientists describe how a multipurpose protein on a virus tail bores into bacteria like a drill bit and clears debris. The 'Swiss Army Knife' protein enables the virus to pump its genetic material into bacteria, infecting them.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health have decoded the workings of Pyrazinamide (PZA), a critical TB drug. PZA inhibits trans-translation, a process essential for cell survival under stress conditions, making it effective against non-growing bacteria called persisters.
Bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa employs a unique secretion system to break down its opponents' cell walls, causing their breakdown. The bacteria protects itself from this attack by using immunity proteins that counteract the effects of toxic proteins it secretes.
Researchers discovered a new enzyme called SidD used by Legionella pneumophila to control its host cell and replicate. This finding provides insight into bacterial infection mechanisms and could lead to the design of a new therapy to save lives.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center identified a collagen-binding protein allowing Streptococcus mutans to invade heart tissue, causing endocarditis. The discovery may lead to a screening tool to gauge dental patients' vulnerability.
Sheng Yang He, a plant biologist at Michigan State University, has been recognized as one of the nation's most-innovative plant scientists. He will receive funding for his research on the Type III secretion system, a bacterial weapon that affects plant cells.
Australian scientists have identified a new type of NKT cell that can specifically target lipids found in bacterial cell walls, offering hope for novel vaccine development. The discovery provides insight into the immune system's unique function and its potential to combat various diseases.
Researchers found that MreB proteins assemble into patches and move in circular paths along the inside of the cell membrane, relying on a functioning cell wall for movement. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic intervention and could lead to urgently needed alternatives to antibiotics.
Researchers developed a new technique to identify self-proteins targeted in autoimmune diseases. Using phage display technology, they created a proteome library to examine molecular details of immune responses.
Researchers at University College London and Birkbeck have discovered the structure of FimD, a protein complex that assembles pili on cystitis bacteria. This breakthrough provides insights into pilus biogenesis and has potential applications in developing new antibiotics that target cystitis.
Bacteria can evade the immune system by mimicking human proteins, allowing them to resist antibiotics. This 'molecular mimicry' helps explain the resurgence of highly infectious pathogens.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have elucidated the molecular mechanism of autophagy in intestinal cells, revealing how salmonella is marked and digested. Impaired autophagy may be linked to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Research suggests that aging lung cells are more susceptible to infection by pneumonia-causing bacteria, increasing the risk of community-acquired pneumonia. Controlling inflammation may hold the key to preventing this deadly disease in the elderly.
Scientists have identified the molecular structure of proteins enabling bacterial cells to transfer electrical charge, opening the door to efficient microbial fuel cells. The discovery could also lead to the development of microbe-based agents for oil and uranium pollution cleanup.
A team of NIH scientists has identified the most proteins produced by Brugia malayi, a parasitic worm that causes lymphatic filariasis. The findings may lead to the development of new vaccines and treatments for the disease, which can cause severely disabling swelling in the lower limbs.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered that innate immune system proteins can induce bacterial cell walls to self-destruct. The proteins, called Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins (PGRPs), target bacteria by exploiting a defense mechanism used by the bacteria themselves.
Researchers discovered a protein isolated from beneficial bacteria, called p40, that supports intestinal epithelial cell growth and function, reducing inflammatory responses. Oral consumption of p40 prevented and treated colitis in animal models, providing a potential new therapeutic option for IBD.
Researchers have discovered a novel strategy by which antibiotic-resistant bacteria change their genetic make-up to evade multiple antibiotics. The study provides a clear chemical picture of a clever mechanism for antibiotic resistance that some bacteria have evolved, enabling the design of new compounds to combat superbugs.
Researchers at Texas A&M University discovered that certain bacteria can render themselves dormant in response to antibiotic stress, degrading internal antitoxins and damaging metabolic processes. This 'sleeping' mechanism allows the bacteria to avoid antibiotics, but could potentially be awakened by a complementary chemical.
Researchers unveil unprecedented detail on how transporter proteins modulate neurotransmitter transfer and recycling. The study reveals the molecular workings of transporter proteins, essential for signaling in neurons, and sheds light on how they respond to binding molecules.
Researchers found that zeta toxins convert a compound required for bacterial cell wall synthesis into a poison that kills bacteria from within. The toxin-antitoxin systems, which are normally dormant under normal conditions, can be activated to trigger programmed cell death in response to stress.
Researchers have created a carbon cloak made of graphene that protects bacterial cells from shrinking under electron microscopes, allowing for high-resolution imaging. The graphene cloak uses the material's impermeability and strength to retain water in the cells, enabling scientists to observe them at their natural size.
Researchers at Hebrew University identified a previously uncharacterized type of bacterial communication mediated by nanotubes that bridge neighboring cells. This mechanism enables bacteria to exchange small molecules, proteins, and even small genetic elements, facilitating the acquisition of new features such as antibiotic resistance.
Iowa State researchers have identified and described two parts of the three-part system that pumps toxins from bacteria and allows them to resist antibiotics. The discoveries provide novel insights into how the transporter functions and could lead to ways to block its activity, heightening bacteria's sensitivity to antibiotics.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered a signaling mechanism in the bacterial ribosome that detects proteins activating genes for antibiotic resistance. This mechanism may lead to the development of more effective antibiotics by understanding how signals are generated and transmitted within the ribosome.
A new study found that removing Western fence lizards led to a decrease in tick density and subsequently reduced Lyme disease risk. However, the impact on adult ticks is unclear and requires further research.