Articles tagged with Amino Acids
Researchers studied peptide bond formation between tRNA molecules and a ribosomal RNA segment, revealing the potential for minihelices to bind to the primordial peptidyl transferase center. The study suggests that functional interactions between tRNA and PTC could have been 'revised' in evolution.
Researchers at University of Bonn identified a key enzyme, RIM1, that maintains synaptic homeostasis and prevents excessive brain activity. The discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism.
Researchers developed a MOF-based system for delivering DNA into target cells, overcoming challenges in gene therapy. The tiny structures protected genetic cargo and helped ferry it into the nucleus, where gene activity takes place.
Researchers developed a compound consisting of insulin bound to an antioxidant group, improving glucose consumption and brain function in mice with type 1 diabetes. The combination therapy showed better cognitive performance than individual treatments alone.
A team of scientists successfully investigated the electronic structure of tautomeric mixtures using inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) at BESSY II. They can now experimentally separate the signal of each individual molecule, providing detailed insight into their functionality and chemical properties.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that D-serine controls tissue pocket formation, allowing for successful tail regression in marine sea squirts. The study's findings provide insight into epidermal homeostasis and evolutionary perspectives on D-amino acid function.
Researchers found that bilobalide, an active ingredient in Ginkgo biloba extract, protects the heart from ischemic injuries by preserving ATP generation and enhancing metabolic flux. The study suggests that bilobalide may provide a new herbal therapy for treating myocardial ischemia.
A dietary supplement combining 5-aminolevulinic acid and sodium ferrous citrate helps slow down aging-related muscular decline in fruit flies. The study reveals improved muscle architecture and mitochondrial function, offering a potential therapeutic option to address age-related muscle health.
Scientists have characterized thousands of small molecules in coral reef ecosystems, providing insights into food web dynamics and chemical ecology. The study found that corals and seaweeds release diverse compounds that influence nutrient concentrations and availability in the ecosystem.
Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.
A new study reveals that Xanthomonas euvesicatoria has evolved to evade the immune system of tomato plants by changing a single amino acid in its flagellin proteins. This finding poses significant challenges for breeding disease-resistant tomato varieties, forcing farmers to rely on fungicides and copper treatments.
A new study led by the American Museum of Natural History suggests that the extinct ground sloth Mylodon was an omnivore, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers analyzed amino acid nitrogen values in fossil samples to determine their diet, finding evidence of meat consumption.
By analyzing pitch, length, octaves, chords, dynamics, and main theme of four pieces from the mid-1800s Romantic era of classical music, researchers created protein songs with improved musicality. The study found that using a specific music style guided the structure of proteins to produce more pleasant melodies and harmonies.
A recent study measured 60 DBPs in three types of tea and found that brewed tea contained significantly lower levels of DBPs than tap water. However, the researchers also identified 15 previously uncharacterized compounds that likely form from chlorine reactions with natural precursors in tea leaves.
Researchers discovered that individual taste neurons in fruit flies can detect compounds from multiple taste categories, influencing feeding decisions. The team found that single-taste neurons are capable of responding to more than one tastant category, and that a single tastant category can activate multiple classes of taste neurons.
Researchers reprogrammed synthetic E. coli with multiple nonstandard amino acids to exhibit viral resistance. This breakthrough enables the creation of designer proteins with innovative properties.
Scientists have discovered a crucial aspect of peptide machinery, providing a breakthrough in re-engineering peptides. The study sheds light on how selectivity is achieved in the assembly lines that produce peptides, enabling single amino acid changes without altering multiple components.
Researchers developed a multidimensional vibrational circular dichroism system using a quantum cascade laser to analyze peptides containing D-amino acid residues. The instrument achieves high intensity and narrow focusing, allowing for the detection of chiral components in proteins.
Researchers found prebiotic organic molecule hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three carbon-rich meteorites, validating theories of its role in forming organic compounds. HMT is thought to be a stable source for ammonia and formaldehyde, which can form other important biological molecules.
Researchers from Hokkaido University and the USA confirm the presence of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three carbon-rich meteorites, supporting models that propose HMT as a key molecule in organic compound formation. The discovery validates theories on extraterrestrial origin of life and provides new insights into prebiotic chemistry.
Researchers identified Sestrin as a key regulator of stem cell function and lifespan in response to dietary amino acids. Increasing Sestrin levels extended fruit fly lifespan and protected against negative diet effects.
Researchers found triclosan suppressed FGF21 expression and altered genes involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism. Triclosan also accelerated liver disease development in mice with type I diabetes and changed gut microbiota similar to NASH patients.
Researchers develop Single-residue Terminal Labeling (STELLA) to fluorescently tag microproteins without disrupting their function. The method enables visualization of elusive polypeptides from SARS-CoV2 coronavirus, opening new avenues for studying tiny proteins in living cells.
Researchers at JAIST have developed a new method to create water-soluble polyimides with high thermoresistance, featuring high transparency and tunable mechanical strength. The biopolyimides were synthesized using bio-based resources and treated with alkaline metal hydroxide to yield water-soluble salts.
A new study shows that most meat products, including ribeye steak, have high digestible indispensable amino acid scores, making them suitable for improving nutrition in developing countries. This research uses pigs as a model for humans and finds that processing can affect protein quality.
Researchers identify a key viral protein with potential drug targets, revealing unique protonation mechanisms that could lead to broad-spectrum antiviral treatments. Small shifts in pH may alter the enzyme's shape, allowing for more effective treatment options against COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.
A University of Kentucky College of Medicine study reveals how the angiotensinogen (AGT) protein contributes to blood pressure regulation and atherosclerosis. Replacing amino acids in AGT did not affect blood pressure or atherosclerosis in mice, suggesting these proteins may not be critical regulators.
Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering and University of Michigan have modified an enzyme from bacteria to promote regrowth of nerve tissue following injury. The new version is more stable than the natural enzyme, which could lead to new treatments for reversing nerve damage.
A clinical trial by Oregon State University found that lipoic acid supplements caused significant weight loss and fat reduction in overweight but otherwise healthy participants. The study also showed improvements in inflammation markers and oxidative stress, with notable benefits for women and heaviest participants.
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.
Researchers found ProCap DDGS contains more crude protein and amino acids than conventional de-oiled DDGS, and its standardized ileal digestibility is nearly all amino acids. The product also provides approximately 1,200 kcal per kilogram of metabolizable energy more than conventional DDGS.
Researchers at Caltech have found that amino acid tails on RNA polymerase enzymes help them work with different types of DNA, enabling gene activation. The longer the DNA molecule, the longer the tail.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to transform alcohol into amino acids, the building blocks of life. This breakthrough enables the creation of new, unnatural amino acids that can be used to build complex molecules targeting various diseases.
Researchers engineered a single messenger protein to induce cellular responses targeting two distinct conditions: neuronal regeneration and lung tumor inhibition. The study demonstrates the potential of bioengineering ligands to treat neurodegenerative disease and cancer.
Scientists found an unexpected intermediate in the peptidoglycan recycling pathway, which regulates cell wall assembly and composition. The study reveals a link between peptidoglycan recycling and de novo biosynthetic pathways.
Researchers investigate the chemistry of the earliest fluids in the Solar System by studying the framboidal magnetite grains in the Tagish Lake meteorite. They propose that a lack of amino acids may be due to insufficient precursor materials.
Researchers at NIH found that a single amino acid change in the NLGN4 gene can drive the difference in male and female cases of autism. The study suggests that this mutation may result in autism-related symptoms, including intellectual deficits, due to the inability of the Y-chromosome version of the protein to compensate.
Researchers at TUM designed an artificial binding protein with a unique chemical composition to bind to biological sugar structures. This protein has superior affinity to natural lectins and can inhibit cell growth, making it a potential therapeutic agent for conditions like cancer and infectious diseases.
Researchers use machine learning to translate protein structures into musical scores, generating new proteins with unique properties. The method has the potential to design entirely new biomaterials and improve existing enzymes.
The durian tree emits a potent smell due to the amino acid ethionine, which is released by a plant-specific enzyme during fruit ripening. The amino acid has been linked to liver damage and cancer in animal tests, but low concentrations may have positive immunomodulatory effects.
A new University of Illinois study shows that amino acids from a torula yeast product are more digestible by young pigs than those from fish meal. The yeast-based protein ingredient was found to provide the same amount of digestible amino acids and metabolizable energy as fish meal, but with lower phosphorus content.
A new study published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology suggests that amino acid L-serine may be useful in treating ALS. The study found that L-serine successfully reduced ALS-like changes in an animal model of ALS, including motor neuron degeneration and pro-inflammatory microglia.
Researchers at University of Groningen develop novel artificial enzyme using unnatural amino acid and copper complex, demonstrating potential for improved industrial chemical catalysis. The study showcases the power of combining abiological components to achieve active site creation, paving way for new enzymatic options.
A collaborative research effort has identified key amino acid sequences responsible for liquid-liquid phase separation in proteins. The study's findings reveal that spacers play a crucial role in diluting the interaction strength of sticky amino acids, allowing proteins to condense into liquids.
Scientists have developed a 'bilingual' molecule that combines DNA and protein codes, enabling communication between nucleic acids and proteins. The molecule holds potential for diagnostics, gene therapy, and drug delivery targeted to specific cells.
Lehigh University professor Brian Chen is developing software that can predict protein interactions, reducing the need for human interpretation. The software has already successfully demonstrated the ability to predict something completely unknown in a collaboration with Rutgers University.
A recent study from the University of Illinois discovered that human-grade dog foods are not only highly palatable but also more digestible than initially estimated. The researchers tested six commercial dog foods made with minimally processed human-edible ingredients, finding high protein quality and low stool volume in dogs.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have discovered a way to monitor enzyme workflows, allowing them to target the amino acid composition of enzymes. This enables more efficient enzyme design, leading to lower drug costs, reduced CO2 emissions, and greener chemistry.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a unique bacterial regulatory mechanism called T-boxes, which facilitate basic functioning in bacteria. Understanding the structure of these elements could lead to designing targeted antibiotics, offering hope against antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Three peptides from Australian fungus Penicillium exhibit unique amino acid structures, leading to development of bilorphin and bilactorphin as novel analgesics acting on opioid receptors. These findings suggest a new pathway for pain management with reduced adverse effects.
Rice University chemist Han Xiao is developing a custom-designed 21st amino acid to make life-saving substances and produce novel proteins for therapies. The goal is to create 'unnatural organisms' that can produce multiple designer amino acids, leading to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and cancer treatment.
A team of researchers found that the amino acids, a fundamental set of life's building blocks, may have special properties that helped bootstrap themselves into their modern form. The study suggests that each time a modern amino acid was discovered and embedded in biology's toolkit during evolution, it provided an adaptive value unusua...
Researchers have discovered a second molecular zipper in the beta amyloid protein that may contribute to the formation of brain fibrils in Alzheimer's disease. This kinked form is more harmful and can initiate a cascade of events leading to dementia.
A new study at the University of Hawaii found that a tropical marine sponge obtains essential nutrients from its symbiotic bacteria, not from filtering seawater. This discovery provides insight into the biology of sponges and highlights the importance of marine microbes in their diet.
Researchers report that prebiotic amino acids can stabilize prebiotic fatty acid membranes in the presence of magnesium ions or sodium chloride. The findings propose how the first cell membranes might have formed and how key cellular components might have co-localized.
Researchers discovered that amino acids can stabilize membranes against magnesium ions, enabling the first cells to encode genetic information. The study suggests that amino acids and RNA building blocks co-localized in watery environments, providing a potential mechanism for life's emergence.
A Belgian team developed a two-in-one contrast agent for medical imaging, combining MRI and photoacoustic imaging techniques. The bimodal probe enhances sensitivity while minimizing risks for patients.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute find that proteinaceous amino acids react more efficiently, leading to the formation of complex life forms. The study suggests a possible explanation for the selection of positively charged amino acids in proteins.
Researchers discovered that proteinaceous amino acids readily form short chains resembling modern proteins, hinting at their potential role in the origin of life. The study suggests these amino acids were selected based on reactivity advantages over nonproteinaceous ones.
Researchers developed a new technique to enhance the infection-fighting potential of natural chemicals and test them quickly. Three synthetic molecules were found to be four times more effective at killing bacteria than their natural predecessor.