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Cracking the code of lethal antibodies in a new blood-clotting disorder

A team of researchers has identified a new chronic blood clotting disorder, VITT-like monoclonal gammopathy of thrombotic significance (MGTS), characterized by antibodies similar to those causing vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT). The disorder can lead to severe symptoms despite treatment with full-dose bloo...

SourceFlinders University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025

Research reveals unique features of brain cells linked to neurodevelopmental conditions

A recent study has identified distinct features in two types of brain cells, intratelencephalic (IT) neurons and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons, which may affect their vulnerability to neurodevelopmental conditions. The research highlights the importance of understanding how these brain cells exchange information through their synapses.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 7, 2025

New study increases understanding of HIV drug’s negative effects on the brain

A new study in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science investigates the molecular mechanisms behind Efavirenz's negative effects on brain function. The research reveals that the drug alters lipid metabolism and downregulates certain enzymes, which could lead to the development of new drugs to block its negative activity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Fungal infection: A protein weakens the immune system

A study by researchers from Brazil and Germany found that a surface protein on Aspergillus fumigatus spores suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory substances by immune cells, making it easier for the fungus to infect the body. The enzyme glycosylasparaginase plays a crucial role in this process.

New way to potentially slow cancer growth

A team of chemists at Scripps Research has mapped over 300 small molecule-reactive cancer proteins and their binding sites, revealing key protein targets that can be disrupted with certain chemical compounds to halt cancer cell growth. The findings have the potential to lead to more effective and precise cancer treatments.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2024

Targeting human coatomer subunit zeta-1 by a marine natural product derivative represents a new therapeutic strategy to inhibit enterovirus A71 replication

A marine natural product derivative, MPA-CF3, targets host factor COPZ1 to inhibit enterovirus A71 replication. The study demonstrates a concentration-dependent inhibition of EV-A71 replication and suggests a unique antiviral mechanism of action.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

Tiny worm, giant leap: Discovery of highly specific fatty acid attachment to proteins

A new study reveals critical patterns of protein fatty acid attachment in C. elegans, a microscopic worm offering insights into fundamental biological processes. The findings highlight the link between protein modification and specific fat metabolic pathways, with vast implications for human health.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

A molecular anchor

A team of scientists identified VAP as a molecular anchor that stabilizes mitochondria near synapses in dendrites, supporting memory formation and plasticity. The discovery links VAP to ALS-linked protein and suggests that mitochondrial stabilization is critical for neuronal function and health.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

Graphene oxide reduces the toxicity of Alzheimer’s proteins

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have shown that graphene oxide nanoflakes can reduce the accumulation of misfolded amyloid peptides in yeast cells, which are similar to human neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that graphene oxide may hold great potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Seer researchers find undiscovered links between lung cancer and multiple distinct protein variants via deep, unbiased proteomics analysis

Seer researchers identified four structurally distinct protein isoforms that were differentially expressed in non-small cell lung cancer patients. These findings suggest that these protein isoforms may play a role in NSCLC disease pathogenesis, potentially leading to the development of new diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets.

SourceConsort Partners·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

What’s your poison?

A high-throughput analysis of 26 medically important snakes in sub-Saharan Africa reveals the benefits of an integrated approach to understanding their venom composition and function. The study provides a solid foundation for further research on snake biology and antivenom development.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

New study provides a unique resource for understanding how environmental exposures in early life affect our health

Researchers have developed a unique resource for understanding the impact of early life environmental exposures on health. The study, which analyzed data from 1,301 mother-child pairs, identified associations between 92 in pregnancy and 116 in childhood with molecular profiles at different levels.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2022

Getting to the heart of complex disease

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have developed a novel method for identifying genetic variants that are likely to play important roles in congenital heart disease. The study leverages interactions between proteins to pinpoint candidate genes, including GLYR1, which is involved in turning other genes on and off.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateFeb 18, 2022

Shining light on the dark proteome

Researchers are developing new methods to identify and characterize unknown proteins, including those with multiple forms and modifications. Artificial intelligence-based tools are also helping predict protein structures and functions, providing clues to their roles in health and disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 26, 2022

Roswell Biotechnologies demonstrates molecular electronics sensors on a semiconductor chip in peer-review paper

Roswell Biotechnologies has developed a molecular electronics sensor on a semiconductor chip, enabling real-time detection of single molecules for diverse applications including drug discovery, diagnostics, and DNA sequencing. The platform offers unlimited scalability in sensor pixel density and high resolution measurements.

SourceRoswell Biotechnologies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022