A team of researchers has captured the first high-resolution 3D images of RyR1 calcium channels in muscle cells, revealing synchronized opening and the role of neighboring channels. The study may explain mechanisms behind serious muscle diseases, such as malignant hyperthermia and congenital myopathies.
Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center have discovered the structure of a protein chain that stabilizes caveolae, small invaginations on the cell membrane that protect cells from mechanical stress and allow nutrient uptake. The findings offer new insights into lipid metabolism disorders and related diseases.
Researchers explore activating SLC transporters to treat brain disorders, including epilepsy, autism, and Alzheimer's, by regulating neurotransmitter and energy balance. Gene therapies also target SLC deficiencies in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Researchers have developed a new method to determine the high-resolution structure of 7TM proteins in a lipid bilayer using ultrafast magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR. This technique allows for detailed structural information while preserving the native-like membrane protein structure, overcoming limitations associated with proton–proton...
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University mapped six major conformations of a membrane protein related to learning, memory and fear behavior. The findings provide a blueprint for designing new drugs to inhibit this channel in cases of stroke.
Researchers from The University of Osaka have developed a method to reconstruct ancestral rhodopsins that can be produced and experimentally tested in bacteria. This innovation utilizes an insertions-deletions aware sequence reconstruction approach, enabling scientists to study the evolution of functional proteins.
Researchers developed a nanowire device that selectively captures cancer-related extracellular vesicles from the blood serum of ovarian cancer patients. The technology uses high-performance zinc oxide nanowires and achieves efficient capture of cancer biomarkers with minimal physical burden on patients.
Researchers have successfully imaged the detailed workings of a cell membrane protein, called TMEM16 scramblase, which has essential roles in all animals. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic strategies for blood coagulation disorders, cancers, and other conditions in which the protein works abnormally.
A new iron transporter protein, OsIET1, has been identified in rice, crucial for delivering iron to young leaves. The study reveals OsIET1 mediates inter-vascular Fe transfer, promoting optimal plant growth and productivity.
Researchers developed a new approach using the microbial protein Archaerhodopsin-3 to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, leading to significant tumor shrinkage when exposed to green light. The findings, published by Okayama University, show great potential for this light-activated molecule as a novel cancer therapy.
Researchers identify PIEZO2-expressing fibroblasts as key drivers of keloid formation and recurrence. These cells sense mechanical pressure, leading to excessive collagen production and scarring. The study's findings hold significant implications for future diagnosis and treatment options.
A new study reveals the first detailed structure of HvAACT1, a barley root protein that enables plants to tolerate aluminum-rich acidic soils. This breakthrough provides the structural basis for citrate efflux in plants and has implications for designing crops that can withstand difficult conditions.
A team of Japanese researchers has identified shootin1b as a protein that promotes cell migration in glioblastoma, the most common and difficult-to-treat brain tumor. By suppressing abnormal activity of shootin1b, the study suggests a potential target for preventing glioblastoma spread.
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light developed a new method to resolve specific sites within mechanosensitive protein PIEZO1 in its native cell membrane state. The technique, using cryogenic conditions and rapid freezing, sheds light on how the protein flexes and expands in response to mechanical stimuli.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology reveal the essential role of LptM in maturing and stabilizing the LptDE complex, a key component of Gram-negative bacteria's outer membrane. This finding provides fundamental insights that may support antibiotic design and advances understanding of bacterial virulence.
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which ATP enters the endoplasmic reticulum, a process crucial for cellular function. The study reveals SLC35B1 as the key transporter protein, providing a promising target for therapeutic intervention.
A decade-long project has provided the first comprehensive functional blueprint of chemical transport pathways in human cells. The RESOLUTE consortium's groundbreaking studies have more than doubled existing knowledge on solute carriers, offering powerful new resources for biomedical discovery.
Researchers have identified new gateways for drugs to modulate proteins regulating cellular activity. These discoveries may facilitate the creation of new medications or improve existing ones, leading to more targeted therapies and reduced side effects.
A team of researchers from Japan directly visualized protein translocation across membranes for the first time, providing insights into the SecYEG-SecA complex dynamics and its role in facilitating protein movement. The study estimated a protein translocation rate of 2.2 amino acid residues per second.
Researchers discovered special proteins that keep tiny particle membranes intact during transport, and found these proteins influence cargo function. Animal experiments showed ion channel protein is crucial for repairing heart damage in mice.
Irene Coin's lab has developed a comprehensive overview of genetic code expansion technology and its application in membrane proteins. The technology allows for the modification of proteins directly in living cells, enabling the production of novel protein therapeutics and a deeper understanding of natural proteins.
The study uses cryo-electron microscopy to observe the ETB receptor-G protein complex, revealing a strong binding interaction between G protein and ETB receptor. This finding may deepen understanding of endothelin signaling mechanisms and inform the development of new drugs.
A study published in mAbs reveals that up to one-third of antibody-based drugs exhibit nonspecific binding to unintended targets, a serious concern for patient safety. The Membrane Proteome Array technology helped identify this issue, challenging the long-held belief in absolute antibody specificity.
Cancer cells can attach themselves to liver cells when specific proteins are present, allowing them to colonize and form new tumors. This discovery provides insights into the metastatic process and may lead to potential treatments that prevent cancer from establishing new tumors.
Researchers from Rice University discovered that viruses achieve precise timing in cell lysis by balancing the buildup and breakdown of holin proteins. This balance ensures optimal cell bursting, essential for viral replication, despite underlying randomness in biological processes.
Researchers have discovered that menthol sensing appeared before cold sensing in the human TRPM8 protein, suggesting distinct activation modes. This finding paves the way for new pain therapies without adverse thermal side effects.
Researchers at EPFL have created a deep learning pipeline to design soluble analogues of cell membrane proteins, making them easier to study and use in pharmaceutical development. The approach has shown remarkable success in producing functional proteins that maintain parts of their native functionality.
Vaping additives, particularly vitamin E, can damage the lungs by inhibiting gas exchange and lung stability. The study used Langmuir films to simulate the expansion and compression of the pulmonary surfactant, observing how the additive changed its properties and monitored changes as more were added.
Researchers discovered that tight junctions regulate conformation change of ZO-1 protein in response to mechanical force, enabling cells to resist stress. This finding highlights the importance of tight junctions in maintaining body integrity under mechanical stress.
A UC Riverside-led study has devised a way to make large quantities of the Membrane protein, which plays a crucial role in how SARS-CoV-2 acquires its spherical structure. The researchers found that when the M protein interacts with the membrane, it coaxes the membrane to curve, leading to the virus's characteristic shape.
Researchers have pinpointed the crucial changes in a membrane protein that allow Antarctic octopuses to function normally in freezing temperatures. By swapping specific amino acids, scientists discovered three key modifications that together enable the pump to work efficiently, allowing the octopus's nervous system to adapt and thrive.
Research discovered lipids concentrate on graphene oxide in cell membrane models, revealing a mechanism for lipid domain formation. The findings have implications for concentrating and separating lipids and membrane proteins, essential for medicine and drug discovery.
Researchers from Kyoto University developed a microchip using human iPS cells to measure transport capacity of membrane proteins, potentially giving test animals respite. The model simulates glucose reabsorption and drug excretion in renal proximal tubules, enabling patient-specific disease modeling and personalized medicine studies.
A team of scientists led by Professor Ivan Đikić and Christian Hübner identified the role of ubiquitin in regulating ER-phagy, a process involved in the degradation of the endoplasmic reticulum. This discovery sheds light on neurodegenerative diseases caused by defective FAM134B and ARL6IP1 proteins.
Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.
A new study reveals that a Cas protein and a membrane protein work together to enhance anti-viral defense in bacteria. The team found that the membrane protein forms a pore-like structure that disrupts energy production and hinders virus replication, effectively 'pulling the plug' on viral infections.
Researchers discovered a protein involved in membrane remodeling in cyanobacteria, structurally similar to eukaryotic membrane proteins, suggesting it may be the oldest known bacterial ancestor. The protein, SynDLP, was found to have structural properties that match those of eukaryotic dynamin.
The study resolves a long-standing question about the structure of respiratory supercomplexes in unicellular eukaryotic organisms. Complex II is found to be part of the supercomplex in these organisms, optimizing ATP formation and revealing a surprising variety in supercomplex construction.
Researchers developed a new device to identify key membrane proteins in urine indicative of brain tumors. This could lead to early detection and increased survival rates for patients.
Researchers from Osaka University have identified a system known as the GET pathway as crucial for regulating the numbers of energy-producing mitochondria. The study found that disruption of the GET pathway leads to reduced mitophagy, a process responsible for removing defective or excess mitochondria.
Researchers at Integral Molecular have developed highly specific antibodies against Claudin 6, a tumor-specific protein found in multiple solid tumors. The antibodies use a single atomic contact point to derive exquisite specificity, allowing them to target cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissues.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg and Kyoto Sangyo University have elucidated the guidance mechanism for mitochondrial pore formation through structural and functional experiments. The study reveals that Sam50 and Sam37 proteins play critical roles in forming barrel pores, essential for cellular function.
Scientists have discovered how cells eliminate mutated mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) using autophagy, a cellular waste disposal process. This mechanism prevents mitochondrial damage and preserves function.
A new study has discovered that MTCH2, a protein essential in various cellular processes, acts as a 'door' for proteins to access the mitochondrial membrane. The finding opens up potential avenues for cancer treatments by harnessing apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism.
Researchers at the University of California, Riverside successfully modeled the formation of SARS-CoV-2 using coarse-grained models, revealing key ingredients and components contributing to its packaging. The study could inform the design of effective antiviral drugs to arrest coronaviruses in their assembly stage.
Cell membranes facilitate viral infection by allowing spike proteins to bind and enter cells. The study identifies the role of cell membranes in SARS-CoV-2 variant infections, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers captured first image of antigen-bound T-cell receptor complex with bound antigen at atomic resolution. The study reveals no significant structural changes in the receptor after antigen binding, sparking further investigation into the signaling pathway activation mechanism.
Researchers used virus-like particles to identify mutations in Omicron that make it more infectious and escape antibodies. The study found that mutations in the nucleocapsid protein are crucial for enhancing spread, highlighting potential new vaccine targets.
Researchers have published the first-ever look at a key stage in the life cycles of measles and Nipah viruses, revealing how future therapies might stop these viruses. The study identifies how paramyxoviruses utilize a host cell lipid for viral spread, providing a new target for developing inhibitors of the assembly process.
Scientists have created a membrane made from a waste by-product of vegetable oil manufacturing that can filter out heavy metals from contaminated water. The membrane uses proteins derived from peanut or sunflower oil production to attract and trap heavy metal ions, purifying water to international drinking standards.
Researchers at Hokkaido University identified two deubiquitinating enzymes, UBP12 and UBP13, that stabilize the brassinosteroid receptor BRI1 in plant cells. This finding reveals a crucial role for these enzymes in regulating plant growth and development.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate based on nano-sized membrane vesicles that provide protection against multiple pneumococcal strains. The vaccine target two conserved lipoproteins MalX and PrsA, showing serotype-independent cross-protection.
A recent study by Seoul National University researchers found that human membrane proteins have evolved to strike a balance between foldability and functionality. The folding pathway of a glucose transporter was elucidated using single-molecule magnetic tweezers, revealing the importance of domain stability in structure formation.
Researchers developed new method to visualize CNS fibroblasts and their intercellular interactions in the CNS. The technique provides a detailed picture of CNS fibroblasts, including their location, size, morphology, and gene/protein expression patterns.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin create first-ever biologically authentic computer model of HIV-1 virus liposome, shedding light on replication and infectivity. The study reveals key characteristics of the liposome's asymmetry and its role in shaping macroscopic properties.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have identified hundreds of new proteins associated with cystic fibrosis, including those that interact with the CFTR protein. These discoveries may shed light on why some patients respond better than others to current therapies.
Researchers investigated the effects of insulin aggregation on human health, finding strategies to prevent it. Additionally, a study revealed that amphiphilic membrane environments can regulate enzymatic behaviors in Salmonella proteins.
Researchers at the University of Cologne have identified a new direct link between proteins BAX and DRP1 and apoptosis. The study reveals that DRP1 can serve as a direct cell death activator by binding to BAX, potentially leading to new cancer therapies.
A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals the mechanism of membrane curvature that allows cells to form pockets to capture substances. The researchers used high-resolution fluorescence imaging to watch these pockets form within live cells, providing a clearer understanding of how cells 'eat' and consume substances.
Scientists have identified a crucial mechanism for Rhodopsin production in fruit flies, which may lead to a better understanding of retinitis pigmentosa and vision loss. The study reveals that the EMC protein complex is essential for the proper folding and insertion of Xport-A, a key chaperone of Rhodopsin.