Articles tagged with Proteins
A new Cochrane review of 17 clinical trials found that anti-amyloid Alzheimer's drugs have no significant impact on cognitive decline or dementia severity, but may increase the risk of brain swelling and bleeding. The evidence suggests that these drugs are unlikely to provide clear benefit to patients.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new approach called Sequence Display that generates large-scale sequence-activity datasets for rapid protein evolution. This method enables the creation of accurate machine learning models to predict protein function optimization, overcoming the bottleneck of insufficient experimental data.
Researchers at the University of Groningen discovered that protein clustering in cells leads to reduced movement and improved efficiency in amino acid production. This finding has practical implications for designing efficient cell factories and increasing substance production inside cells.
Researchers at Scripps Research create a nanodisc platform that preserves key parts of viral surface proteins, allowing for better understanding of antibody interactions. This approach can be applied to other viruses with similar membrane-embedded proteins, such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
Researchers discovered multiple molecular subtypes of kinesin-2 with distinct compositions and functions, including a KIF3B/B/KAP3 complex that preferentially associates with TRIM46 and facilitates its transport to the AIS. This study provides insights into how neurons regulate cargo delivery with specificity.
A real-world study found that adults taking GLP-1 RAs for weight loss have significantly lower total energy and protein intake. The use of an AI-powered nutritional tracking app revealed that 88% of users were under national protein guidelines, with many skipping meals to reduce protein intake.
A new study by POSTECH researchers found that the protein tau interacts with DNA during cell division, forming condensates that capture microtubules. This interaction affects chromosome alignment and can lead to cellular abnormalities even in healthy cells.
Scientists at the University of Virginia Health System have developed a suite of AI-powered tools, called YuelDesign, YuelPocket and YuelBond, to transform how new drugs are created. These tools can design drug molecules tailored to fit their protein targets exactly, even accounting for protein flexibility.
The review highlights LRRK2's diverse cellular functions and pathogenic mechanisms in various diseases, including Parkinson's disease and inflammatory disorders. Therapeutic strategies targeting LRRK2, such as kinase inhibitors and emerging approaches like PROTACs and gene therapy, show promise for correcting cellular imbalances and re...
A large-scale computational study found that point-of-origin effects significantly influence protein diversification, with relatively small divergence seen from ancestral proteins. The research reinforces existing theories on initial protein formation and highlights the limitations of modern AI protein design methods.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a previously unknown system of internal 'trade winds' that help cells rapidly move essential proteins to the front of the cell. This breakthrough reveals that cells don't rely on random diffusion but instead create targeted streams of fluid to push proteins forward.
Researchers at the University of Reading developed a new method to produce whey protein with improved texture characteristics, reducing bitter and peppery notes. The findings suggest that manufacturing changes can improve the taste and texture of protein drinks, making them more appealing to those relying on them.
A new study has deciphered the step-by-step assembly of eukaryotic proteasomes, revealing two alternative pathways and a flexible biogenesis process. The findings have far-reaching implications for understanding cellular protein quality control, ageing, and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at The University of Osaka discovered that the cyanobacterial circadian clock is controlled by factors intrinsic to one protein, which remains stable under different conditions. This finding offers significant insight into how living organisms measure time.
Researchers discovered that intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) retain function through interplay of linear motifs and chemical characteristics, not just conserved sequence blueprints. The study found that short binding motifs and overall chemical context are crucial for protein function.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered a new therapeutic target, SRC, present on up to half of all tumors, which can be targeted with antibody drugs. The enzyme, normally hidden inside cells, is exposed on the surface of tumor cells due to an overactive disposal system, making it an easy target for cancer-killing antibodies.
Researchers at Kyushu University develop a new tissue-clearing reagent, SeeDB-Live, enabling repeated, reversible, and real-time imaging of living brains at greater depth and clarity. This breakthrough allows scientists to visualize neural activity in living mice and brain slices, offering new insights into brain dynamics and function.
A protein receptor, PAR1, plays a critical role in maintaining blood vessel structure. The receptor can trigger protective responses to counteract inflammation, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions like sepsis, heart attack, and stroke
Researchers at Scripps Research have developed a blood-based approach that examines protein shape in the bloodstream, distinguishing cognitively normal individuals from those with Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment with high accuracy. The new test could help move diagnosis and intervention to an earlier stage.
Researchers developed a method called optovolution that uses light to guide the evolution of proteins with dynamic, multi-state, and computational functions. This approach favors variants with better dynamics, allowing for the creation of new variants with improved light sensitivity and responsiveness.
Researchers from MedUni Vienna have developed a new approach to drug discovery by targeting intracellular signalling proteins, such as β-arrestins, to control disease-relevant signalling pathways. This approach holds promise for personalized therapies, particularly for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Researchers have identified three new proteins, called epitopes, that help the body determine 'safe' foods, aiding in food tolerance and allergy understanding. The epitopes were found in seed proteins from corn, wheat, and soybean, and interact with regulatory T cells to inform tolerance-or-rejection decisions.
A research team developed an innovative analytical technology to precisely examine intrinsically disordered proteins, a key cause of neurodegenerative diseases. The technology enabled accurate identification of protein structures at the atomic level, revealing how temperature and genetic mutations affect protein structure.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have developed a hypoallergenic alternative cheese using rice proteins. The study analyzed various protein sources from brown rice, white rice, and bran, finding that they can provide qualities needed for plant-based cheesemaking.
A study published in Science Advances reveals a mechanism to bind to intrinsically disordered proteins, providing a new approach for therapeutic design. The research, led by Dr. Xavier Salvatella, shows that these proteins adopt more organized conformations when clustering, allowing for selective binding by a drug.
A comprehensive study of collagen supplements found benefits in skin elasticity, hydration, and osteoarthritis symptoms. However, there were no meaningful improvements in sports performance or muscle recovery, dispelling some myths surrounding its use.
A team of scientists at the University of Sydney has discovered how three naturally occurring antibiotic compounds disrupt the ClpC1–ClpP1P2 complex, a vital protein degradation machine in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This finding uncovers surprising complexity and provides valuable insight into designing more effective anti-TB treatments.
Scientists developed a new platform using protein-like polymers to target and degrade cancer-driving proteins like MYC and KRAS. The approach triggers cancer cell death, offering hope for treating aggressive and drug-resistant cancers.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research discovered that stressed animal cells, including neurons, assemble inactive ribosomes into tightly linked pairs, known as disomes. This novel mechanism relies on a specific piece of ribosomal RNA called an expansion segment to form a precise RNA-RNA interaction.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that explains how exercise improves cognition by shoring up the brain's protective barrier. The study found that an exercise-induced liver protein strengthens the blood-brain barrier, reducing inflammation and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed a free-to-use software tool, PSBench, to verify the accuracy of artificial intelligence-based protein structure predictions. The database includes 1.4 million annotated protein models, verified by experts, and provides reliable information for building more accurate AI systems.
Actin filaments and a fast plant motor protein called Chara corallina myosin XI (Cc XI) were combined to observe spontaneous ring formation. The rings rotated continuously in one direction and remained fixed, even as individual filaments moved within them.
Researchers developed a new method to discover molecular glues through large-scale chemistry and cell-based screening. They identified compounds that selectively degrade ENL in leukemia cells, demonstrating the potential of this approach for targeting previously undruggable proteins.
Researchers discovered that levetiracetam prevents the production of toxic amyloid-beta 42 peptides and plaques in neurons. Administering the drug to high-risk individuals may slow cognitive decline and prevent Alzheimer's symptoms if started early, possibly up to 20 years before symptoms appear.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a new chimeric molecule that targets both Aurora kinase A and HSP90 proteins in cancer cells, improving its pharmacokinetic properties and increasing its exposure in the tumor. This approach could lead to more effective treatment with reduced side effects.
Researchers at PolyU have identified a key driver of tumour growth in liver cancer and developed a monoclonal antibody that neutralises this protein. The antibody inhibits the growth and proliferation of FABP4-driven cancer stem cells, enhancing immune cell activity.
After initiating GLP-1 receptor agonists, consumers showed a decrease in ultraprocessed foods and an increase in protein, while purchasing fewer calories, sugars, and saturated fats. These modest changes may have significant population-level effects given increasing GLP-1RA use.
Researchers at UC Riverside find that faulty gene PTPN2 increases susceptibility to harmful bacteria like AIEC, leading to gut inflammation and IBD. The studies suggest that restoring PTPN2 function or using medications like JAK inhibitors may help control harmful bacterial growth.
Researchers have developed a new AI method called Riff-Diff to construct artificial biocatalysts, resulting in enzymes that are significantly faster, more stable and versatile. The technology allows for precise design of protein structures around active centres, making enzyme design more accessible to the wider biotechnology community.
Researchers have developed a new class of engineered nanoparticles that can bind to and degrade specific disease-related proteins. This technology has the potential to treat diseases such as dementia and brain cancer by eliminating harmful proteins.
Protein Foundation Models (pFMs) leverage vast amounts of sequence and structural data to predict protein structures and functions, enabling novel protein design and analysis. The models have evolved into several mature technical approaches, demonstrating versatility in basic biological research, protein discovery, and biomedical appli...
Researchers at Rice University are exploring biological systems-inspired delivery vehicles to target specific tissues in living organisms, aiming to improve the efficiency of gene-based therapies. The project focuses on optimizing combinations of surface molecules to enable precise and efficient delivery of large DNA payloads.
Scientists have elucidated how legume plants and rhizobia recognize each other through flavonoids and NodD protein. The study found that the shape of the NodD binding pocket accommodates specific flavonoid molecules, explaining why rhizobial NodD is only activated by certain types of flavonoids.
Studies exploring the role of histamine H3R receptor in the brain found that specific amino acid mutations can increase constitutive activity while compromising stability. The research provides a foundation for a better understanding of brain diseases and the design of safer drugs.
A chemist proposes a framework for shared model proteins to improve reproducibility and coordination in protein science. The proposal includes five widely used proteins and aims to establish minimal reporting requirements and curated reference datasets.
An 18-week study found that maintaining grip strength and chair-rise performance alongside weight loss was possible without a prescribed strength-training program, alongside improvements in biomarkers linked to metabolic and cognitive aging. A plant-forward diet featuring fresh lean pork supported healthy-aging markers in older adults.
Researchers have created a comprehensive map of the DNA sequences that control gene expression in human cells, identifying 2.37 million potential regulatory elements. This registry reveals previously unrecognized classes of elements and illuminates how noncoding genetic variation contributes to cell type-specific traits.
Researchers deciphered the structure of Tau proteins' fuzzy coat using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, revealing its dynamic regions and rigid core. The findings provide insight into how Tau proteins form tangles in the brain, which contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Researchers discovered genes that regulate fibroblast growth, which builds the scaffolding between cells. Adjusting these factors reversed age-related changes and improved health outcomes in mice. The study offers new opportunities to understand and reverse aging-related diseases.
Researchers at Colorado State University used AI to modify antibodies into stable intrabodies that can visualize histone modifications in real-time. This allows for better understanding of gene expression and its relationship with cancer and other disorders. The team created 19 new antibody-based probes with a 70% success rate, signifi...
A research team at The University of Osaka has identified a parallel pathway involving CENP-C for centromere specification and function. This process is vital for ensuring chromosomes are structured and genes are expressed appropriately.
A recent study using Drosophila as a model organism reveals the involvement of linear ubiquitination in T-tubule biogenesis. The findings highlight LUBEL's role in triggering Amph-mediated T-tubule formation, which promotes membrane tubulation and curvature through self-ubiquitination and positive feedback loops.
The NAC protein complex regulates protein synthesis by slowing down the early stages of protein formation to ensure a smooth process. This optimization allows for reduced risk of collision and coordinates subsequent folding and logistics processes.
Scientists have discovered how cells maintain safe protein levels despite fluctuations in resources, using a mechanism called Passive Adaptation that adjusts protein removal rates. This process helps cells cope with changes in nutrient availability, development, or stress.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed an efficient strategy to synthesize PROTACs using a three-step click chemistry method. This approach rapidly assembles functional molecules, enabling the easy introduction of ligand components and probe functionalities.
A study published in Science Signaling has identified the MRAP2 protein as a key player in supporting the function of appetite-regulating proteins MC3R and MC4R. The findings suggest that mutations in this protein may contribute to reduced energy balance and obesity risk.
Researchers developed a new way to stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells by blocking an immune checkpoint. They created multifunctional molecules called AbLecs, which combine a lectin with a tumor-targeting antibody, and showed they could boost the immune response to cancer cells.
A large meta-analysis of over 48,000 children found that well-planned plant-based diets can support healthy growth and even offer additional health benefits for children. However, the study also highlights risks of deficiencies in key nutrients such as vitamin B12 and zinc if not obtained through fortified foods or supplements.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth investigate why drugs used to treat other tumours are ineffective against NF2-related schwannoma and meningioma tumours. They explore repurposing clinically tested cancer drugs to target MDR mechanisms, which may lead to effective therapies for patients with these tumours.
The new PLAMseq technique enables simultaneous analysis of chromatin-associated proteins and their location in the genome, opening up new avenues for researching human diseases. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of epigenetic mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer and neurological disorders.