Articles tagged with Proteins
A team of researchers has developed a new method to produce sturdy and reusable bioplastics from domestic raw materials, reducing reliance on petroleum-based chemicals. The bioplastics, known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), have similar levels of toughness and malleability to traditional plastics, but are infinitely recyclable.
Researchers at UCL successfully chemically linked amino acids to RNA under conditions that could have occurred on early Earth, a significant step towards understanding the origin of protein synthesis. The study demonstrates how RNA might have first come to control protein synthesis.
A study of nearly 16,000 adults found no increased risk of death associated with higher intake of animal protein, but a modest reduction in cancer-related mortality among those who ate more animal protein. The researchers used advanced statistical methods to estimate long-term dietary intake and minimize measurement error.
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.
Aging is harsh on the hippocampus, a region responsible for learning and memory. Researchers at UCSF identified protein FTL1, which slows cognitive decline in mice by increasing metabolism. Treating with a compound that stimulates metabolism prevents these effects. The study offers hope for therapies to block FTL1's impact.
Researchers have developed a synthetic biology platform called T7-ORACLE that enables rapid protein evolution, allowing for the creation of therapeutic proteins with improved functions in a matter of days. This breakthrough has significant implications for various disease areas, including cancer and neurodegeneration.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified dozens of microproteins that play a crucial role in regulating fat cell proliferation and lipid accumulation. This breakthrough discovery offers new potential drug targets for treating obesity and metabolic disorders, building on recent advances in CRISPR gene editing technologies.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have uncovered the detailed chemical mechanism behind preventing premature protein release. The discovery sheds light on how cells execute protein production, one of life's most essential processes, and clarifies the role of the release factor.
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.
A new study shows that delivering a single injection of gene therapy at birth may offer years-long protection against HIV. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver instructions to muscle cells, which produce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
Researchers found that certain antiviral genes become less active with age in people with lupus, leading to fewer inflammatory proteins. This reversal of 'inflammaging' may explain why symptoms improve in some older patients, allowing them to approach healthy aging.
UCSF scientists identified a receptor that enables microglia to engulf and digest amyloid beta plaques, leading to fewer and smaller clumps. This discovery creates an opportunity for new therapies targeting the receptor ADGRG1.
Laminin-411 protein and its derived peptide A4G47 exhibit pro-myelinating activity in oligodendrocytes, promoting myelin sheath formation. This discovery advances understanding of myelin sheath formation and potential applications for treating demyelinating diseases.
Researchers at UC Davis Health developed a promising gene therapy that could treat Rett syndrome by reactivating healthy but silent genes responsible for this rare disorder. The therapy showed impressive results in female mouse models of Rett syndrome, with treated mice living longer and showing better movement and cognition.
A combination of two approved cancer medications may slow or reverse Alzheimer's symptoms by reversing gene expression changes in neurons and brain cells. Researchers analyzed public data from deceased donors and found a link between these drugs and reduced risk of developing the disease.
A comprehensive dataset of proteins participating in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been created to overcome limitations of existing algorithms. The dataset classifies proteins into drivers and clients, and provides a standard set for training AI systems, enabling more precise computational tools.
Researchers from Korea University have discovered that the protein WEE1 can paradoxically drive immune resistance in cancer cells when located in the cytoplasm. This study suggests that targeting WEE1 with an inhibitor, such as adavosertib, may sensitize tumors to immunotherapy and reinvigorate antitumor immunity.
A Johns Hopkins study identifies over 200 types of misfolded proteins associated with age-related cognitive decline in rats. The findings suggest that these proteins may contribute to Alzheimer's and dementia beyond just the previously known A-beta and tau amyloids.
Scientists have recovered a protein sequence from a fossilized tooth over 20 million years old, revealing new insights into the rhino family tree and its divergence from other species. This ancient find expands the timescale for recoverable evolutionary-informative protein sequences by ten-fold.
Researchers have identified a hidden molecular mechanism involving two proteins that allows tumors to resist treatment. A new gelatin-based nanoparticle has been developed to shut down both proteins simultaneously, showing promising results in early studies with mice.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding malaria parasite proteins that could lead to targeted therapies. Two key proteins, PfRAP03 and PfRAP08, regulate gene expression in the apicoplast, a unique organelle found in P. falciparum. The loss of either protein led to parasite death, confirming their essential roles.
A collaborative study from the University of Cologne has discovered the key role of mitochondrial protein AIFM1 in regulating cellular energy metabolism. The research found that AIFM1 interacts with AK2A to maintain energy homeostasis, and visualized its complex structure using cryo-electron microscopy.
Lysine lactylation is a novel post-translational modification connecting cellular metabolism with gene expression and protein function. Non-histone Kla has diverse roles in inflammation, DNA repair, cancer metabolism, and immune signaling.
Scientists at UNIGE have identified MLF2 and RBM15 as key proteins regulating chromatin remodelling, which can go awry leading to cancers and neurological disorders. These two proteins could become promising therapeutic targets for diseases linked to disrupted chromatin remodelling.
The histone modification H3K4me3 is crucial for chromosome and spindle stabilization, normal oocyte development, and embryonic competence. Removing H3K4me3 leads to destabilized spindles, impaired embryonic development, and decreased fertility.
Scientists at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new nanoparticle capable of carrying high doses of chemotherapy drugs while staying stable for extended periods. This innovation could make treatments more effective and reduce side effects.
Researchers have discovered the gene SLC35F2, which allows queuosine to enter cells, a micronutrient vital for health but previously unknown. This breakthrough opens doors to potential therapies for various diseases, including cancer and neurological disorders.
Researchers developed self-propelled ferroptosis nanoinducers to enhance cancer therapy by inducing programmed cell death. The nanotherapeutics exhibited enhanced diffusion and deep tumor penetration while maintaining biocompatibility.
Scientists at UC San Francisco discovered how pancreatic cancer cells metastasize to the lungs or liver using the PCSK9 protein. PCSK9 controls cholesterol acquisition, with low levels favoring the liver and high levels supporting lung adaptation.
Old neurons exhibit unique defects resulting from molecular stress, making them more vulnerable to neurodegeneration. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms behind brain cell deterioration, which could lead to new therapies for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Rutgers and Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed tools that can capitalize on metacaspase 9's ability to help plants combat a wide range of diseases. The enzyme plays a crucial role in programmed cell death, which is essential for fighting diseases and responding to stress.
A recent study by the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich shows that less bitter-tasting pea protein hydrolysates can form bioactive peptides during digestion, which induce satiety signals via bitter taste receptors. The study reveals molecular mechanisms that can be used to optimize the tas...
Salk Institute and UC San Diego researchers captured the first-of-its-kind video of dynein-Lis1 protein interaction, revealing 16 detailed shapes that support designing therapeutics to restore dynein and Lis1 function. The insights gained from this movie will help identify precise locations where drugs can interact with the proteins.
Researchers at UCSF have successfully engineered a shapeshifting protein that can change shape in response to signals, potentially leading to breakthroughs in medicine, agriculture, and environmental applications. This achievement marks the first step towards creating stable yet dynamic proteins using AI-augmented protein engineering.
Scientists have identified a brain molecule called NEAT1 that appears to play a central role in triggering light sensitivity (photophobia) during migraines. By disrupting the normal balance of nerve signaling and pain regulation, NEAT1 makes nerves more sensitive to light.
Göttingen University researchers have discovered previously undetected chemical bonds within archived protein structures, revealing an unexpected complexity in protein chemistry. These newly identified nitrogen-oxygen-sulphur (NOS) linkages broaden our understanding of how proteins respond to oxidative stress.
Researchers at UC San Francisco have identified potential protein markers for frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a form of dementia affecting middle age. The study found changes in RNA regulation and brain connections that could lead to early diagnosis and targeted treatments.
Researchers from USC Keck School of Medicine have developed a low-cost blood test that detects five biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid and tau proteins. The test uses xMAP technology and has the potential to catch the disease in its earliest stages, when treatment might be able to prevent or delay cognitive decline.
A new AI model can predict protein location in human cells with high accuracy, enabling faster diagnosis of diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer. By combining protein sequence analysis with computer vision, the model can pinpoint proteins' locations at the single-cell level.
Researchers at ETH Zurich created an atlas of protein interactions in different tissues, revealing that every fourth interaction is tissue-specific. This knowledge helps identify disease genes and develop targeted drugs with increased specificity.
Researchers successfully constructed a large molecular spherical shell structure with the geometric topology of a regular dodecahedron through entanglement of peptides with metal ions. The resulting M60L60 metal-peptide shell exhibits remarkable stability against heat, dilution, and oxidative conditions, making it a promising platform ...
Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA's behavior changes in a crowded environment, affecting the amount of stress required for strand separation. The study used microscopic magnetic tweezers to investigate interactions between DNA and various molecules.
Increasing Klotho protein levels in mice extends lifespan and improves both physical and cognitive health when aging. The treatment also enhances muscle, bone, and cognitive health, with potential benefits for osteoporosis prevention and brain function.
Research at the University of Bristol has linked mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia to immune response, suggesting a fundamental change in understanding causal mechanisms. The study identified 29 potential biomarkers that could be used for novel therapeutics in mental health conditions.
A new study reveals that protein sources in an animal's diet significantly alter the gut microbiome, with some having extreme effects. The researchers found that diets high in brown rice, yeast, or egg whites led to changes in amino acid metabolism and complex sugar degradation.
Researchers discovered a protein associated with Parkinson's disease causes the transition from liquid to solid in microscopic blobs of protein found in human cells. The study's findings provide new insights into the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers developed fluorescent polyionic nanoclays that can be customized for medical imaging, sensor technology, and environmental protection. These tiny clay-based materials exhibit high brightness and versatility, enabling precise tuning of optical properties.
Scientists have created a detailed map of U2OS cells, revealing previously unknown protein functions and assemblies. The study will help researchers understand how mutated proteins contribute to childhood cancers and provide a blueprint for mapping other cell types.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers has identified a protein called QRICH1 as a potential target for fine-tuning treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The protein regulates T-cell response, and drugs could be designed to control its activity.
The Protein Society recognizes five award winners in 2025 for their groundbreaking research in protein science and technology. Professor Jan Steyaert receives the Christian B. Anfinsen Award for pioneering nanobody technology, while Dr. Brian Kuhlman wins the Emil Thomas Kaiser Award for novel protein design and structural modeling.
Jessica Lusty Beech wins award for understanding plastic-degrading Rieske iron oxidoreductase system, while Matteo Cagiada predicts absolute protein folding stability using generative models. The Protein Society recognizes their contributions to protein science.
Researchers have developed a new strategy to target hard-to-target proteins in human cells by reprogramming proteases to selectively degrade disease-causing proteins. The study demonstrates proof of concept for developing novel therapies for Parkinson's disease, cancers, and other illnesses, using α-Synuclein as a model protein.
Researchers have identified distinct protein degradation patterns in key brain regions for individuals who witnessed trauma, differing from those who experienced it firsthand. Sex-specific differences also emerge, with implications for targeted treatments and a better understanding of PTSD development.
Researchers developed synbiotic chocolates fortified with probiotics and prebiotics, showing improved gut microbiome balance and probiotic survival rates. The study found that the orange-flavored chocolates had a softer texture and more luxurious bite experience.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed AI-powered software, Molecular Intelligence, to structure biomolecules from cryo-EM image data. The tool uses deep learning to analyze low-resolution image data and construct accurate 3D structures of proteins and other biomolecules.
Researchers at Kyushu University have discovered a way to predict a potentially life-threatening side effect of cancer immunotherapy before it occurs. By analyzing cerebrospinal fluid, they identified specific proteins associated with an immune response that can affect the central nervous system after therapy.
Researchers at Scripps Research have captured the first detailed images of polymerase theta (Pol-theta) in action, revealing its molecular processes responsible for a range of cancers. The study provides a blueprint for designing more effective cancer drugs by understanding how Pol-theta repairs DNA using a two-step process.
Researchers at UNIGE have developed a system that uses light to activate targeted molecules, enabling spatial and temporal control over the activity of a molecule in a living organism. This technology has vast potential applications in both basic research and improving existing medical treatments, such as those for skin cancer.
Researchers at the University of Sydney are using Zwitterions to create materials that can prevent blood clots from forming in medical devices and implants. They have successfully created a zwitterionic coating that repels water beyond the material's boundaries.
Researchers from Osaka University found that peristaltic pump action promotes amyloid nucleation in supersaturated fluids, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid. High shear stress caused by the pumping motion mechanically breaks supersaturation to induce amyloid formation.