Articles tagged with Membrane Proteins
Researchers have discovered that a bacterial protein has a similar structure and function as human ESCRT-III proteins, which are responsible for remodeling and rebuilding the cell membrane. The protein, PspA, forms protective structures on the cell membrane to cope with stress, and its structure is essential for its function.
A study by an international consortium reveals the structure and mechanism of a protein that builds and maintains photosynthetic membranes in plants. The research provides new opportunities for engineering plants to be more resistant to extreme environmental conditions, helping to sustain human food supply and combat climate change.
Researchers at Umeå University used neutron reflexometry and NMR spectroscopy to study full-length human Bcl-2 protein, revealing its membrane localization and conformation. The results suggest that Bcl-2 exerts its cell-protective function by inhibiting cell-killing proteins at the membrane interface.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a new biomanufacturing platform that can increase protein-based vaccine yields by five-fold and reduce production costs to $1 per dose. The technology utilizes enriched cell-free extracts with cellular membranes, significantly broadening access to potentially lifesaving medicines.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a novel method to activate and visualize protein channels in bacteria, shedding light on their function. The findings offer potential new avenues for designing antibiotic drugs that target these channels, which are essential for bacterial survival.
A team led by Professor Malte Drescher successfully observed the membrane binding of α-synuclein in living cells using a new measurement method. The study provides direct evidence that α-synuclein interacts with intracellular membranes, which may play a role in Parkinson's disease development.
Researchers discovered human BCAS3 and C16orf70 as novel autophagic proteins, which accumulate around damaged mitochondria after mitophagy induction. The BCAS3-C16orf70 complex is required for autophagosome formation site recruitment, indicating accessory functions in autophagy machinery.
Researchers are using neutron scattering to study how the coronavirus interacts with human cells and develop treatments that target the cell membrane. By understanding how the virus enters cells, scientists hope to create therapies that can slow down viral infection and reduce its harmful effects.
A new microscopy technique, SPOT, allows for the simultaneous observation of multiple organelles and their complex lipid dynamics. This breakthrough enables researchers to study organelle interactions, diagnose diseases, and monitor progression with unprecedented precision.
Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have made groundbreaking discoveries in climate science, providing unprecedented data to improve global environmental models. Additionally, scientists have uncovered a mechanism that disease-causing bacteria use to anchor their protective outer membranes, which could inform strategies to c...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new DNA-based analytical method called NanoDeep, which enables the analysis of entire populations of cells. This breakthrough could lead to better drugs for breast and other cancers by providing a more detailed understanding of membrane protein organisation.
A team of scientists discovered that membrane-attached protein IM30 forms a protective carpet on the surface of cell membranes under stress conditions. The protein's complex ring structure disassembles and unfolds into a protective shield, stabilizing membranes and preventing cell death.
Researchers develop new approach to acquire structural data of membrane proteins, including GPCRs, using LCP crystallization and MicroED. This method enables the determination of detailed structures of previously inaccessible proteins.
A new membrane model has shown that proteins can change profoundly in different lipid environments, opening up a new area of research. The team used x-ray and neutron scattering to confirm the artificial membrane's structure and revealed unique information about the lipid-protein relationships.
Researchers at Portland State University used cryo-electron microscopy to image connexin-46/50 membrane proteins at an unprecedented level of resolution, revealing new insights into their structure and function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective targeted treatments for diseases.
Researchers have discovered that a drop in cell membrane tension controls protein sorting, using molecular probes to measure and visualize endosomes' physical properties. This finding has implications for understanding cancer and degenerative diseases.
Thylakoid membranes from a model cyanobacterium have been studied in unprecedented detail using atomic force microscopy. The results show how these membranes modulate protein abundance and form structurally variable complexes to adapt to changing environments.
Chinese researchers identify RNF126 as a key enzyme in the reubiquitination process, targeting misfolded membrane proteins for degradation. The study highlights the importance of this mechanism in maintaining normal cell physiology and potentially serving as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Researchers develop new method to study α-synuclein protein's interaction with cell membranes, revealing damage occurs at very low concentrations. The method uses lipid vesicles as mimics of cellular membranes and shows that α-synuclein binds to and destroys mitochondrial-like membranes.
Researchers have created biological storage compartments using protein and RNA, offering an alternative to traditional lipid-based vesicles. The hollow spheres can be used for targeted drug delivery or pesticide release, and their structure resembles classical lipid vesicles without being made from lipids.
Researchers found that GPT1 targets both plastids and the endoplasmic reticulum, enabling simultaneous formation of reduction power. The oxidative pentose-phosphate pathway also occurs in peroxisomes, producing NADPH and ribulose-5-phosphate.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that gamma-secretase, a protein shredder, indirectly regulates fat metabolism in brain cells. This process can lead to adiposis, disrupting cellular functions, while also having potential benefits against cancer by inhibiting tumor cell division.
The Protein Society announced its 2020 award recipients, recognizing leaders and innovators in protein science. Professor Karen Fleming received the Carl Brändén Award for her pioneering work on membrane protein folding, while Professor Stephen Sligar was honored with the Christian B. Anfinsen Award for his development of nanodiscs.
The study reveals the modular design of ALG6, an enzyme responsible for forming lipid-linked oligosaccharides, enabling its adaptation to various substrates. The researchers also developed methods for synthesizing complex glycans in the lab, providing new insights into LLO biosynthesis.
Scientists have found that autophagosomes produce their own membranes locally, rather than reusing existing components. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of how autophagy works and potentially improve health in old age.
Researchers have discovered two crucial mechanisms that contribute to the robust orientation of polarized proteins along the long axis of the fertilized egg. The study shows that the ellipsoidal geometry of the egg influences patterning and selection of the long axis polarization.
A multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists has developed high-performance filtration membranes that demonstrate higher density of pores than commercial membranes and can be produced much faster.
Researchers used ultrashort X-ray pulses to study Photosystem I, a large biomolecular system converting sunlight into chemical energy. This breakthrough paves the way for time-resolved studies on electron transfer in photosynthesis, with potential applications in medicine and next-generation solar energy storage.
Researchers used solid-state NMR spectroscopy to observe rhomboid protease movement, revealing a gate that opens for substrate protein entry. This study provides new insights for developing medication targeting these proteins.
Scientists have identified proteins that allow archaea to adapt to extreme water temperatures, providing a new method for estimating historic ocean temperatures. The discovery resolves uncertainties in the use of archaeal lipids as paleotemperature proxies.
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.
Researchers discovered rhodopsin forms transient clusters within disc membranes in retina, acting as platforms for light to chemical signal conversion. These clusters are concentrated in the center of disc membranes and exhibit properties similar to rafts.
Researchers created synthetic proteins that change shape in response to pH changes, moving as intended and disrupting lipid membranes. This technology could help medication enter cells more effectively, potentially rivaling viral delivery systems without drawbacks.
A study published in Nature Communications found that Lem2 is key to nuclear size control in the model organism Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Researchers confirmed Lem2's role by assessing changes in nuclear volume/cytoplasmic volume ratio after deleting or overexpressing the protein.
Researchers use atomic force microscopy to track the formation of deadly holes in bacterial surfaces, discovering a bottleneck that prevents harm to human cells. The study provides insight into how the immune system kills bacteria and may guide the development of new therapies harnessing the immune system against bacterial infections.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new electron microscopy technique called cryoAPEX that accurately tracks membrane proteins in well-preserved cells. This breakthrough method combines the benefits of high-pressure freezing and chemical fixation techniques to produce high-quality images of protein structures.
Researchers at Arizona State University are using synthetic biology to study the mechanisms of cellular activities and develop artificial membraneless organelles that can perform complex functions. They aim to exploit liquid-liquid phase separation to create designed structures with potential applications in catalysis and synthetic bio...
Researchers at TUM created artificial cell assemblies that can communicate and trigger complex reactions like RNA production, mimicking biological organisms. The system achieves spatial differentiation and is a step towards tissue-like synthetic materials.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have adapted a chemical reaction pathway from plant biology to convert water into hydrogen fuel using solar energy. The new process combines two membrane-bound protein complexes, Photosystem I and II, to perform a complete conversion of water molecules to hydrogen and oxygen.
Stanford researchers discovered a protective lipid-linked cellular membrane in archaea, allowing them to thrive in highly acidic habitats. The discovery could provide new evidence about the evolution of life on Earth and shed light on molecular fossils.
Researchers discovered how Staphylococcus aureus assembles a complex to anchor pores, which are then stabilized and used to destroy host cells. Blocking this complex's formation can prevent toxin pore assembly.
Scientists at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have isolated a membrane protein from E. coli bacteria and shed light on its molecular structure. The study reveals how the bacterium manages to rid itself of antibiotics by using a pump mechanism, providing insights into the development of resistance.
Researchers develop chemically programmed synthetic cells that can communicate and interact with each other in a highly coordinated way, forming self-supporting artificial tissue spheroids. The artificial tissues undergo sustained beat-like oscillations in size, allowing for modulated amplitude of beating and control of chemical signals.
Researchers from Vanderbilt University have developed atomically thin membranes with nanoscale holes, showcasing improved permeance and faster diffusion rates compared to traditional commercial membranes. This breakthrough has the potential to transform small molecule separation, fine chemical purification, and other processes.
Raymond Stevens has made significant contributions to membrane protein structural biology technologies. His work led to ground-breaking discoveries on the structures, evolution, and therapeutic targeting of G protein-coupled receptors.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have isolated a protein supercomplex from a bacterial membrane that generates a voltage across the bacterial membrane, enabling efficient ATP production. The study's findings will inform future efforts to obtain the atomic structures of large membrane protein supercomplexes.
Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new method to study inflammatory cells in mice, allowing for genetic modification, multiplication, and visualization in living organisms. This approach reduces the number of animal experiments needed.
The researchers' hypothesis is confirmed by laboratory experiments and molecular dynamics calculations, which show that chiral arrangements of water molecules enhance material transport through the membrane.
Dr. Adam Smith receives $650,000 CAREER award to develop a quantitative chemical model for receptor tyrosine kinases, targeting anti-cancer therapies. The project also includes education initiatives and citizen science projects.
A new theoretical framework explains pattern formation in non-equilibrium systems, where local chemical equilibria are constantly changing. This leads to the emergence of self-organizing patterns and chemical turbulence.
Researchers used mutant bacteria to study how changes in membrane proteins impact cellular processes, finding that phospholipid environment can control protein structure and function. This discovery provides a new way to understand cellular regulation and integration of chemical reactions.
Researchers have shed light on the mechanism behind important proteins on N. gonorrhoeae's outer membrane, potentially leading to new antibiotics or a vaccine. The findings suggest that BamE could be a new vaccine target against N. gonorrhoeae.
Scientists at the University of Freiburg have elucidated the mechanism of protein insertion into the mitochondrial outer membrane. The discovery sheds light on the formation and function of mitochondria, which play a crucial role in cellular energy production.
Rice University researchers confirmed their theory on the mechanism behind a fluorescent biosensor that monitors neurons by sensing changes in voltage. They developed a method to test fluorescent biosensors using computer simulations, resolving a decade-long debate between scientists.
Researchers at Charité's NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence have identified a protein mechanism responsible for rapid signal transmission between nerve cells. The discovery, published in Nature Neuroscience, reveals that bridging by synaptotagmin allows high-speed transmission via synapse fusion.
Researchers discovered that an enzyme called squalene monooxygenase (SM) responds to increased cholesterol levels by being destroyed, reducing cholesterol production. This finding could lead to new treatments targeting SM, potentially decreasing cholesterol levels.
Scientists at the University of Washington have discovered that living yeast cell membranes can undergo phase separation, a process where distinct regions enriched in particular protein and lipid types arise. This discovery reveals that cells use demixing as a tool to shape membranes and their functions within a living system.
Researchers developed a computational simulation method to predict protein sequence changes for efficient membrane insertion, correlating improved insertion efficiency with increased protein yield. The new approach offers a way forward for membrane protein researchers struggling to express their proteins.
A team of researchers from Newcastle University discovered the MlaA protein, which removes lipids from the outer membrane to increase permeability for toxic compounds. This process could be exploited by drugs to decrease bacterial virulence and enhance antibiotic effectiveness.
Researchers have devised a new way of producing hydrogen fuel by combining a photosensitive protein with titanium dioxide particles in nanodiscs. The process, which uses sunlight to generate energy, results in the production of hydrogen at an efficiency rate of 45% or more.