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Do genes-in-pieces code for proteins that fold in pieces?

Researchers found a correlation between protein folding and evolution in certain globular protein families, with most conserved exons corresponding to better foldons. However, the general trend did not hold for all protein families, suggesting other biological factors may influence protein folding and evolution.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2024

With $12 million NIH grant renewal, Lewis Katz School of Medicine researchers to explore novel cell mechanism in heart injury and repair

Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine will investigate how injured heart cells communicate with other cells throughout the body using microvesicles known as exosomes. The study aims to understand how specific molecules, such as microRNAs, facilitate communication pathways between cells in the heart and vasculature.

Tackling the hurdle of tumor formation in stem cell therapies

A breakthrough discovery by Nara Institute of Science and Technology researchers identifies EPHA2 as a critical surface protein for preserving stem cell potency. This finding holds promise for safer regenerative medicine by reducing the risk of tumorigenesis, paving the way for organ repair and treatment of degenerative conditions.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Celiac disease: New findings on the effects of gluten

Researchers at Bielefeld University discovered that certain gluten-derived molecules, including the 33-mer deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP), form nanosized structures that accumulate in gut epithelial cells and lead to leaky gut syndrome. This triggers chronic inflammation and autoimmune responses in celiac disease patients.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Tsetse fly protein provides anticoagulant with its own on-off switch

Researchers have developed a new anticoagulant with an on-off switch, providing rapid control of bleeding risks in surgery and blood clots. The supramolecular approach combines a tsetse fly protein with a synthetic peptide, allowing for the anticoagulant to be rapidly deactivated by introducing correctly matched strands of free PNA.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Synthetic droplets cause a stir in the primordial soup

Scientists from OIST created synthetic droplets to mimic biological processes, finding that pH gradients facilitate Marangoni effect and enabling droplets to detect and migrate towards each other. This study sheds light on the movement of simplest forms of life in primordial soup billions of years ago.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2024

Microbiota enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis-secreted BFT-1 promotes breast cancer cell stemness and chemoresistance through its functional receptor NOD1

Researchers identified a link between Bacteroides fragilis-secreted BFT-1 and breast cancer resistance, highlighting the importance of targeting microbiota in cancer treatment. Inhibiting the NOD1 pathway may sensitize breast cancer cells to chemotherapy, providing a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Small protein plays big role in chronic HIV infection

A study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that normal levels of interferon-β are required for normal memory function, and its absence changes nerve cell components in a sex-dependent fashion. The research also showed that higher or lower than normal levels of interferon-β affect the brain in a sex-dependent manner.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Through the microscope: TMEM16F protein and its molecular dance

Researchers used advanced techniques to study TMEM16F's structure and function in its native environment, uncovering previously overlooked structural conformations. The study reveals a dynamic and flexible functioning of the protein, essential for regulating cell functions such as blood coagulation and immune defense.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2024

Protein allows poison dart frogs to accumulate toxins safely

Scientists have discovered the protein that enables poison dart frogs to accumulate and store potent toxins in their skin for self-defence against predators. The findings may suggest potential therapeutic strategies for treating humans poisoned with similar molecules.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

UMSOM researchers discover first ever link between hemoglobin-like protein and normal heart development

Researchers found that cytoglobin, a protein similar to hemoglobin, plays a vital role in the correct left-right pattern of the heart and other asymmetric organs. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic interventions for rare birth defects affecting cilia function.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Hard to drug: Protein droplets reveal new ways to inhibit transcription factors in an aggressive form of prostate cancer

Researchers have discovered a new approach to targeting transcription factors in prostate cancer by exploiting the formation of protein droplets. This process can be used to inhibit androgen receptor activity, which is essential for the growth and survival of cancer cells.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 4, 2023

An engineered protein enhances memory

Researchers have developed an engineered LIMK1 protein that can be activated by administering the drug rapamycin, resulting in improved memory function. This innovative approach has great potential applications in understanding memory processes and facilitating the identification of solutions for neuropsychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Modulation of protein stability: a new approach to studying cosolvent effects

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study how urea and alcohol induce structural changes in proteins, with a focus on stabilizing helices and coils. The team identified preferential binding parameters for both cosolvents, demonstrating opposing effects that can be predicted using computational methods.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProtein Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2023

Doubling down on known protein families

A new study doubles the number of protein families known up until now and identifies many novel structure predictions using a massive analysis of 1.3 billion proteins. The researchers leveraged AI methodologies to unravel the roles of previously unknown protein sequences, expanding the horizons of potential functions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2023

Stem-cell derived organoids secrete tooth enamel proteins

Researchers successfully created stem-cell derived organoids from human stem cells that secrete three essential enamel proteins. These proteins form a matrix that undergoes mineralization to create a hardened enamel structure. The breakthrough offers hope for developing novel treatments to repair and regenerate teeth.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

The protein protectors of fertility

Researchers from Osaka University have shed light on how certain proteins contribute to the formation of piRNAs, a type of RNA that protects the genome. Tejas plays a key role in recruiting Vas and Spn-E, facilitating nuage formation and piRNA processing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023