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It takes 2 to infect

Structural biologists reveal how internalin B dimer activates human receptor Met, allowing Listeria to infect cells. The discovery may lead to therapeutics for improved wound healing and treatment of listeriosis.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateNov 30, 2009

Sweet as can be: How E. coli gets ahead

Researchers discovered that E. coli has a protein that recognizes the rarer furanose form of galactose, allowing it to exploit this additional nutrient source. This adaptation enables E. coli to grow faster and persist in the gut at the expense of other species.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2009

Evolution still scientifically stable

Researchers discovered molecular evidence supporting Darwin's theory of evolution, finding that complex machines evolved through a process of combination and modification of existing proteins. The study provides a blueprint for understanding the evolution of cellular machinery, contradicting Intelligent Design explanations.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2009

Making bacteria make useful proteins

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a system that turns harmless bacterium Caulobacter crescentus into a protein production factory, making useful proteins for vaccines and therapeutic purposes. The technology could be used to manufacture HIV-blocking agents cheaply and with minimal expertise.

Spontaneous assembly

A team of scientists used PALM microscopy to show that bacterial membrane proteins can spontaneously form clusters without being actively distributed. The researchers found that random lateral protein diffusion and protein-protein interactions generate complex, ordered patterns in the chemotaxis network.

Estrogen linked to lowered immunity in fish

Research by USGS scientists links estrogen exposure to reduced immune response in largemouth bass, potentially making them more vulnerable to diseases. The study reveals that estrogen blocks production of hepcidin, a hormone that regulates iron and has antimicrobial properties.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalFish & Shellfish Immunology·DateJun 3, 2009

Bacteria with a built-in thermometer

Bacteria of the Yersinia genus possess a protein thermometer called RovA, which measures temperature and metabolic activity to control infection. RovA activates genes for the infection process in suitable environments, while adapting to life within the host.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 20, 2009

JCI online early table of contents: May 11, 2009

Researchers identified LXR proteins as a new target in the fight against tuberculosis, providing substantial protection against infection. Additionally, studies revealed that immune cells can destroy AAV-transduced liver cells through CTL recognition, suggesting a potential therapeutic intervention to improve gene therapy success.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 11, 2009

Cells get two chances, not just one, to fix their mistakes

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that cells have a second chance to correct errors in protein production, which could lead to new insights into neurodegenerative disorders and the development of targeted antibiotics. This discovery gives scientists a better understanding of the mechanism behind protein synthesis mistakes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 12, 2009

Unfolding 'nature's origami'

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered that proteins fold incorrectly many times before forming the correct structure, with amino acids central to function causing misfolding. The study, which looked at the Im7 protein, has huge implications for understanding protein sequences and disease balance.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 2, 2009

Self-regulating molecular 'transformers' control intracellular protein delivery

Scientists at Caltech have discovered self-regulating molecular 'transformers' that control the delivery of proteins to their correct locations within cells. The research could lead to novel treatments for diseases resulting from flaws in protein delivery and the development of new types of antibiotics.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2009