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Self-assembly of a large metal-peptide capsid nanostructure through geometric control

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 ...

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalChem·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2025

A more realistic look at DNA in action

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMay 9, 2025

Enzyme engineering opens door to novel therapies for Parkinson’s, cancers and other hard-to-target protein diseases

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2025

How a crucial DNA repair protein works—and what it means for cancer treatment

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.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 3, 2025

Using light to activate treatments in the right place

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.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateFeb 19, 2025

Peristaltic pump flow induces amyloid formation

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.

SourceOsaka University·Journalnpj Biosensing·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Breakthrough observation of real-time protein translocation by SecYEG-SecA complex

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.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 17, 2025

Researchers illuminate new structures of a critical amyloid protein

The study reveals that the transthyretin protein forms asymmetric structures with two differently shaped binding pockets, which may contribute to its instability. The researchers' novel graphene grid method allows them to capture the protein's natural conformations, providing new insights into its structure and potential for targeted t...

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 28, 2025

High-throughput single-microbe RNA sequencing reveals adaptive state heterogeneity and host-phage activity associations in human gut microbiome

A new method captures RNA from diverse microbes, revealing distinct adaptive states in Prevotella and Roseburia genera. The study identifies novel host-phage transcriptional activity associations, providing insights into the complex relationships within the human gut microbiome.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2024

Michael Courtney of Turku Bioscience Center receives grant for research on SYNGAP1 missense variants and drug repurposing from SynGAP Research Fund (SRF) dba Cure SYNGAP1

Dr. Michael Courtney's team will use advanced phenotyping techniques to assess how SYNGAP1 missense variants impact protein function, focusing on pathogenic or uncertain variants. The project aims to inform therapeutic strategies for patients with SYNGAP1-related disorders through drug repurposing and functional assays.

Unveiling unknown chemicals in human serum samples

A study by Chiba University researchers has identified 106 compounds in pregnant women's serum samples, including phthalates, nitrogenous compounds, and parabens, which may impact biological pathways. The study proposes a non-targeted approach for detecting foreign chemicals and evaluating their potential health effects.

SourceChiba University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2024

From chaos to order: Proteins can re-structure themselves to create important substances

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have observed proteins restructuring themselves to produce inositol, a key substance for metabolism. The study reveals that this process occurs in multiple similar proteins, shedding light on their functions.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2024

Bringing lost proteins back home

Scientists at Stanford University have developed a new method to relocalize misplaced proteins in cells, which could lead to therapeutic treatments for diseases. The team created a class of molecules called TRAMs that convince natural shuttles to take cargo like proteins to different parts of the cell.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateSep 20, 2024

New way to potentially slow cancer growth

A team of chemists at Scripps Research has mapped over 300 small molecule-reactive cancer proteins and their binding sites, revealing key protein targets that can be disrupted with certain chemical compounds to halt cancer cell growth. The findings have the potential to lead to more effective and precise cancer treatments.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2024

Researchers teaching artificial intelligence about frustration in protein folding

Researchers have developed a new method to predict protein movements by teaching AI about energetic frustration. This improves the accuracy of tools like AlphaFold2 in predicting alternative structures and functional movements. The study has significant implications for drug design, enzyme engineering, and disease mechanisms.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2024