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Synthetic protein quality control system in bacteria

Researchers at Seoul National University developed a synthetic protein quality control system in bacteria to increase the efficiency of protein production. This technology enhances full-length translation, leading to up to 250% increase in protein yield and over two-fold increase in target metabolite production levels.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 8, 2021

Do tumors stiff-arm the immune system?

Tumor cells produce excess complement protein iC3b to mask abnormal proteins, evading immune cell attack. The immune system relies on a flexible receptor CR3 to distinguish between 'I belong' and 'I don't belong' tags.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateDec 15, 2020

Yale scientists identify protein that protects against Lyme

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a protein called Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein 1 (PGLYRP1) that helps protect hosts from infection with the Lyme spirochete. The study, published in PLOS Pathogens, found that mice lacking this protein had higher levels of the bacteria and showed signs of immune system dysfunction.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 11, 2020

Scientists use bacteria as micro-3D printers

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a technique to guide bacterial colonies into creating highly customized three-dimensional objects made of nanocellulose. The objects show great potential for medical use, including supporting tissue regeneration and replacing damaged organs.

SourceAalto University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 10, 2020

Penn Medicine scientists engineer bacteria-killing molecules from wasp venom

Scientists at Penn Medicine have engineered bacteria-killing molecules from toxic proteins found in wasp venom, which could help combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The new antimicrobial molecules work by disrupting bacterial membranes and summoning immune cells, showing promise as potential treatments for sepsis and tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Creating 'green' protein from the air

Gas-to-protein technology uses bacteria to ferment gases, producing up to 70% protein-rich biomass that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This process has the potential to transform agriculture and food production, making it a game-changer for sustainable food options.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 23, 2020

From plastic to protein powder

Researchers at Michigan Tech and the University of Illinois are working on a project to convert plastic waste into protein powder and lubricants using chemical and high heat deconstruction. The team aims to develop a system that can break down plastic quickly, producing nutritional supplements and fuel.

How bacteria adhere to fiber in the gut

Researchers have discovered a unique binding mode that allows bacteria to stick to cellulose fibers in the human gut, enabling them to withstand shear forces. This breakthrough sheds light on the microbiome and its relationship to human health, with potential applications in bio-based medical superglues.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2020

A protein with an unprecedented fold helps bacteria uptake thiosulfate as a sulfur source

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a novel membrane protein YeeE that enables bacteria to uptake thiosulfate from the environment. This unique mechanism provides a sophisticated method for sulfur synthesis, potentially lowering production costs in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2020

Stronger together in the microbiome: How gut microbes feed each other to overcome dietary deficiencies, change host behavior, and improve reproduction

A team of researchers found that two specific gut bacteria establish a metabolic cross-feeding mechanism, enabling them to grow in diets lacking essential nutrients. This interaction also affects the fly's feeding behavior, reproduction, and brain function, making the microbiome more resilient to dietary changes.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 25, 2020

Are antivitamins the new antibiotics?

Researchers from the University of Göttingen have developed a promising new approach involving antivitamins to combat bacterial infections. The study found that antivitamins can inhibit bacterial proteins, preventing their function and leading to potential antibiotic effects.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 24, 2020

Programmed bacteria have something extra

Researchers successfully engineered bacteria to produce a synthetic building block, a 21st amino acid, which prompts the bacteria to produce a protein that fluoresces under metabolic stress. This breakthrough enables the design of novel proteins and organisms with useful functions.

SourceRice University·JournalChem·DateAug 12, 2020

Anatomy of an acne treatment

Researchers at Yale University discovered how sarecycline's chemical structure makes it an effective antibiotic for treating acne. The study found that sarecycline binds to messenger RNA in bacterial ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis and boosting its effectiveness.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Spider silk made by photosynthetic bacteria

Photosynthetic bacteria have been engineered to produce spider silk, which is ultra-lightweight and as tough as steel. The discovery could lead to the mass production of sustainable materials such as tear-resistant clothing and biomedical applications.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 8, 2020