Articles tagged with Amino Acids
Researchers used X-rays to pinpoint locations of more than 50 mutations in the ryanodine receptor, a protein associated with calcium-related diseases. The study provides insights into how these mutations contribute to disease and could lead to new therapeutic targets for heart disease.
McGill researchers discovered how cells identify and recycle proteins by capturing an image of the UBR box component. This finding holds promise for understanding and treating Johanson-Blizzard syndrome, a rare disease causing deformations and mental retardation.
Research found that extracellular proteins require less energy to produce than their cellular counterparts, even though they are lost to the environment. Microbes like E. coli and Pseudomonas syringae have optimized their protein synthesis to reduce energy costs, with over 100 proteins being more economical in nature.
Scientists have identified six critical amino acids in the TRIM5α protein that enable it to destroy HIV. Altering these amino acids in human cells renders TRIM5α ineffective against HIV-1 infection, highlighting a potential target for therapy development.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that protein diffusion is slower than previously thought, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases such as Alzheimer's, ALS, and cystic fibrosis. The discovery provides a fundamental understanding of the pre-folded state of proteins.
A team of Vanderbilt chemists has developed a novel method for synthesizing peptides that incorporates non-natural amino acids. The technique streamlines the process, making it easier to create diverse peptides and proteins, which have highly specific biological activity associated with low toxicity.
Jason W. Chin receives the EMBO Gold Medal for his groundbreaking work on reprogramming the genetic code, allowing molecular biologists to control and elucidate protein functions with unprecedented precision. His research enables the creation of designer amino acids, opening doors to new applications in protein therapeutics and materials.
Researchers found that adding virginiamycin to corn-soybean meal feed rations improves ileal amino acid digestibility, enabling pigs to utilize amino acids more efficiently. This increase in digestibility could lead to significant savings on formulation cost and lower diet costs for swine producers.
Researchers have found a link between obesity and cancer by studying a cell pathway that regulates cell growth. Amino acid nutrients, elevated in obese individuals, may hyper-activate this pathway, affecting human cells' response to stress and disease.
Researchers at Emory University have identified the first fish species to switch from ultraviolet to violet vision, a significant find in understanding natural selection. The scabbardfish's ability to detect blue light is linked to environmental factors and molecular evolution.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center suggests that high protein intake with fat consumption may contribute to insulin resistance in obese individuals. The research found that the combination of branched-chain amino acids and high-fat diets caused changes at the cellular level that can lead to insulin resistance.
Scientists have discovered more support for the idea that amino acids created in space contributed to the origin of left-handed based protein life on Earth. The research found a pattern of excess left-handed isovaline in meteorites, which suggests that water played a role in its creation.
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.
A new method of synthesizing peptides using simple reagents has been discovered by McGill University researchers. The technique allows for the creation of multiple peptides with minimal equipment and expense, revolutionizing biological research.
Researchers found that vigabatrin reduces taurine levels, leading to retina cell degeneration induced by light. Introducing a taurine-rich diet and reducing light exposure can help curb secondary effects in children treated with the drug.
Researchers at Yale and the University of Tokyo demonstrated how pyrrolysine (Pyl), a rare amino acid, was incorporated into proteins. This discovery opens the door to engineering the genetic code and understanding the functions of modifications found in human diseases.
Scientists at NIST have developed a new technique using terahertz spectroscopy to study biomolecules in water. The method uses nanoscale droplets of soap-like molecules called micelles, which provide an aqueous environment for the biomolecules to flex and bend while limiting water absorption.
Scientists have successfully engineered bacteria to produce unusually long-chain alcohols essential in the creation of biofuels, packing more energy into a smaller space. The new method could lead to more efficient production of gasoline and jet fuel, reducing volatility and corrosion., Researchers used genetic modification to expand n...
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that only a few mutations in an enzyme can shift the output of plant compounds, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This finding has implications for developing environmentally friendly fungicides and pesticides, as well as new flavors and fragrances.
Researchers found that SOD1 protein stability and aggregation propensity are key factors in predicting patient survival. Mutations that increase stickiness and decrease stability of the protein correlate with reduced survival times.
MIT researchers deciphered bacterial communication pathways, identifying specific amino acids that govern signaling specificity. This breakthrough enables engineering of bacteria as biosensors for detecting chemical pollutants.
Scientists suggest that meteorite impacts may have delivered the chemical seeds of life on Earth, resulting in a predominance of left-handed amino acids. This theory is supported by evidence found on meteorites and simulations of prebiotic conditions, which show that cosmic amino acids can transfer their chirality to simple amino acids.
Scientists have discovered ancient meteorites containing the highest concentration of amino acids ever recorded, suggesting that the early solar system was richer in life's raw materials than previously thought. This finding may have helped kick-start life on Earth.
Scientists have found high levels of amino acids in two meteorites, indicating that the early solar system was a rich source of organic compounds. This discovery supports the idea that meteorites may have delivered these essential building blocks to Earth.
A new study published in Hypertension found that low-fat diets are more effective in preserving and promoting a healthy cardiovascular system compared to low-carbohydrate diets. The research suggests that the higher fat content in low-carb diets may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, leading to heart disease.
Researchers found that some abiotic precursors to life on Earth carry 'handedness' in a larger number than previously thought. The discovery was made possible by the study of an exceptionally pristine meteorite, which revealed molecular asymmetry in extraterrestrial chemistry.
A Cornell-led study comparing 15 African-Americans and 20 European-Americans found proportionately more harmful genetic variations in Europeans. Computer simulations suggest that the first Europeans had smaller and less diverse populations, allowing mildly harmful variations to become more frequent over time.
Researchers at the University of Leipzig successfully produce kilogram quantities of isocitric acid from sunflower oil using a combination of biotechnology and chemical steps. This achievement opens up new avenues for synthesizing complex natural products and chiral building blocks.
A single amino acid variation in equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) creates a different type of EHV-1 that causes neurological disorders in horses. The researchers found that altering this amino acid reduces virus levels and makes the virus more susceptible to antiviral drugs.
Chinese researchers report a convenient method for synthesizing short protein chains using inexpensive starting materials and a simple cobalt complex catalyst. The new technique, similar to olefin polymerization, could be ideal for industrial production and may lead to the creation of polypeptides that were previously inaccessible.
Scientists have developed a method to insert unnatural amino acids into living mammalian cells, allowing for precise control over protein structure and function. This breakthrough enables the study of previously inaccessible biological questions, such as the mechanism of ion channels in nerve cells.
Researchers have discovered a new compound called AN2690 that effectively treats fungal infections by blocking protein synthesis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial compounds to combat antibiotic resistance.
A study published in PNAS reveals that genes of human and chimpanzee underwent a rigorous two-step filtering process, with radical mutations more harshly screened. The researchers estimated that around 10-12% of genetic changes between humans and chimpanzees are adaptive, with most responsible for significant evolutionary divergence.
Researchers at NIST have developed a miniaturized technique for separating minute samples of proteins, amino acids, and other chemical mixtures. The new 'gradient elution moving boundary electrophoresis' (GEMBE) method works by opposing the movement of mixture components with a stream of buffering solution flowing at a variable rate.
Researchers found that yeast cells deal with potassium limitation by producing and excreting amino acids, similar to a detoxification system in mammals. In low potassium conditions, yeast cells are more susceptible to ammonium toxicity, leading to increased amino acid excretion.
A recent study by MIT chemist Catherine L. Drennan has discovered the simple secret behind how organisms create self-medications like antibiotics and anti-tumor agents. The enzyme SyrB2, which uses a smaller amino acid to bind halides, reveals an elegant simplicity in its mechanism.
Researchers at Children's Hospital in Pennsylvania have successfully performed liver transplants on patients with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a rare genetic disorder that causes amino acid accumulation. The study shows improved metabolic stability and reduced risk of brain swelling, stroke, and learning disabilities.
FGF8 promotes cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. In developing embryos, FGF8 is involved in the regulation of neural crest cell migration.
A study analyzing data from the INTERMAP study found a significant association between higher vegetable protein intake and lower blood pressure levels. The researchers suggest that amino acids in vegetable proteins may play a role in this effect, and other dietary components like magnesium may also contribute.
A recent study published in JAMA found that administering L-arginine to patients following a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) does not reduce vascular stiffness or improve ejection fraction. In fact, the study suggests that older patients taking L-arginine may be at an increased risk of death after a heart attack.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute found that aquaporin channels are narrower for water than glycerol, allowing only water to pass. This discovery could lead to new drug targets for treating diseases related to impaired aquaporin function.
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have successfully tested their life detection instrument, the Mars Organic Analyzer (MOA), which can detect amino acids and homochirality on Mars. The instrument passed key tests in Chile's Atacama Desert, paving the way for its inclusion on the European Space Agency's ExoMars mission.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo are conducting a 12-week study to evaluate the effectiveness of an amino acid supplement in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The trial will compare the active treatment with a placebo, and results may offer an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers used atomic force microscopes to study the effects of biomolecules on crystal dynamics and shape. They found that specific interactions between growth modifiers and step edges controlled the formation of complex crystal shapes, challenging long-held theories.
Scientists have discovered that ribosomes' universally conserved nucleotides are not crucial for building proteins but instead aid in their release. The findings challenge long-held ideas about protein synthesis, suggesting a new model for the ribosome's function.
Scientists at Georgia Tech are testing compounds that may inhibit the enzyme essential for the HTLV-I virus's reproduction, with potential as treatments for the fatal adult T-cell leukemia. The research aims to develop better inhibitors of the protease enzyme, which could lead to a new pharmaceutical agent in about five years.
Researchers have identified a novel form of the Rett syndrome protein, which is more abundant in human brain than previously thought. This discovery may provide insights into potential functional differences between the two proteins and help identify mutations in exon 1.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography professor and his colleague revisit the famous Miller experiment to recreate a prebiotic soup that may have been present on early Earth. The report traces the history of the experiment and highlights its significance in transforming the study of life's origin into a respectable field of inquiry.
Researchers at Illinois and Stanford have compared simulated and experimental protein folding dynamics, achieving good agreement. The study used a small protein with 23 amino acids, which can fold rapidly, and demonstrated the heterogeneous nature of the folding event.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new approach to decoding the protein language by creating a 3-D image of each known protein and reducing it to a simpler 2-D representation, called a contact map. The data from the contact map is used to predict unknown proteins and novel protein formation.
A study by National Space Biomedical Research Institute found that amino acid supplements can maintain protein synthesis rates and body mass during bed rest, a model for muscle loss in space. The supplements also showed potential in reducing muscle atrophy in elderly, burn patients, and those after major operations.
A 1996 study found that nearly half of Asian Indian participants had low vitamin B-12 levels, with 52% showing metabolic indications of deficiency. The study suggests genetic adaptations and gastrointestinal infections may contribute to the high prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency in this population.
Researchers discovered a striking similarity between proteins involved in early stages of Alzheimer's disease and mad cow disease using computer modeling. The study suggests a common molecular mechanism underlying the initiation stages of these neurodegenerative diseases, potentially leading to new preventive drug targets.
Dialysis patients who took amino acid supplements experienced a significant increase in albumin levels, with an average rise of 0.22 g/dL for hemodialysis patients and 0.01 g/dL for peritoneal dialysis patients. This study suggests that simple nutritional interventions can have a positive impact on the health of dialysis patients.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a rotational motion in gates controlling nerve impulses, challenging current models. The study reveals how amino acids move like keys turning in locks, affecting the flow of ions and generating nerve impulses.
Scientists have detected rotational motion in ion channel gates, which control the flow of sodium and potassium ions. The discovery challenges current models and may aid in developing future treatments for neurological disorders.
A new chemical methodology developed by a chemist at the University of Illinois has made synthesizing both enantiomers of alpha-, beta- and gamma- aryl amino acids more efficient. The production of unnatural amino acids is of particular interest to the pharmaceutical industry, where it can enhance the stability of possible drugs.