Articles tagged with Proteins
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology create novel self-complementary macrocycles with high control over assembly, using a dual interaction system that incorporates hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. The resulting structures have potential applications in optical and electronic functions.
A mutation in the SHMOOSE protein is associated with a 20-50% higher risk of Alzheimer's disease across four cohorts. The researchers suggest that targeting SHMOOSE may prove beneficial in neurodegenerative and other diseases of aging.
Researchers from Osaka University discovered a new type of protein in red algae Cyanidioschyzon merolae associated with chloroplast protein import and targeting mechanism. The study found that red algae use distinct mechanisms involving GTP-binding proteins to transport proteins across the inner membrane of chloroplasts.
A Swedish study of over 4,000 adults found that those with high prostasin blood levels were 76% more likely to develop diabetes and 43% more likely to die from cancer. Prostasin may be an indicator of disease occurrence or causally relevant, raising the possibility of targeting this protein for future treatments.
A new study found that a fast food diet before pregnancy can negatively impact breast milk quality and baby's health, increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Even short-term consumption of high sugar and fat diets affects women's health and fertility.
Researchers at ITQB NOVA and iMM discovered that the parainfluenza fusion peptide promotes membrane fusion by destabilizing the host's membrane and forming clusters of oligomeric structures. This breakthrough can contribute to developing antiviral therapies to prevent infection.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an artificial protein that could provide new insights into chemical evolution on early Earth. The protein, inspired by a key enzyme in energy production, has been shown to build molecules one step at a time, shedding light on how organic chemistry matured on the planet.
A study from the University of California, Davis, found that balancing protein consumption with human needs can reduce nitrogen excretion rates in US waters by 27% by 2055. Coastal cities have the largest potential to make this change, which could also improve environmental health without increasing wastewater treatment costs.
The study reveals how the EGF receptor changes its shape when binding to its target, triggering cell growth and proliferation. The findings could lead to the design of new cancer drugs that evade resistance, says MIT chemist Gabriela Schlau-Cohen.
Researchers have linked a specific domain of proteins to a cancer trigger in humans, opening up new avenues for selective drug therapies. The discovery was made by identifying four core amino acids called cysteine residues critical to the PAN domain's function.
A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that plant-based meat substitutes contain proteins that are not as easily absorbed by human cells. The researchers used a model meat alternative made from soy and wheat gluten, which was found to have lower peptide uptake than chicken meat.
Scientists identified proline-modified dipeptides and larger proteins that enhance umami and salty flavors in soy sauce. This discovery could help producers optimize fermentation conditions to boost desirable compounds and tailor the taste of soy sauce.
Researchers have developed a novel fusion protein that enables the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using widely available glucose meters. The test was validated on various patient samples and found to be as accurate as four different ELISAs.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a groundbreaking microscopy technique that allows for the study of proteins, DNA, and other biological particles in their natural state. This innovation enables earlier detection of promising drug candidates and provides valuable insights into cell communication processes.
A team of researchers has identified the ancient bird species behind giant prehistoric eggs in Australia, resolving a years-long debate. The study found that the eggs belonged to a unique duck-like line of megafauna known as the 'Demon Ducks of Doom', which was laid by the Genyornis newtoni bird.
A new study applies 'Deep Visual Proteomics' to cancer cells, revealing mechanisms driving tumor development and exposing therapeutic targets. The method integrates advances from four technologies to analyze protein landscapes, providing insights into cancer vulnerabilities.
Researchers have found blood proteins that cause migraine, including DKK1 and PDGFB, which inhibit Wnt signalling pathways. Lower levels of antioxidant proteins FARS2, GSTA4, and CHIC2 also contribute to inflammation linked to migraine. Therapies targeting increased DKK1 levels may represent novel tools for treatment.
Researchers have created a wearable sensor for plant leaves that wirelessly transmits data to a smartphone app, allowing for early detection of water loss and remote monitoring of drought stress. The device has the potential to save resources and increase yields by providing reliable data on plant health.
Researchers studied peptide bond formation between tRNA molecules and a ribosomal RNA segment, revealing the potential for minihelices to bind to the primordial peptidyl transferase center. The study suggests that functional interactions between tRNA and PTC could have been 'revised' in evolution.
A recent study published in ACS Omega analyzed protein levels in semen of men who recovered from COVID-19 and found significant reductions in sperm count, motility, and normally shaped sperm. The researchers also detected changes in fertility-related proteins such as semenogelin 1 and prosaposin.
Researchers develop innovative non-contact agitation technology to assess motility and invasive capacity of cancer cells in tissue sections. The study reveals significant increases in Rac/Cdc42 activity in tumor areas, with stronger correlations found in advanced cancer stages.
Scientists develop first system allowing two unrelated organisms to communicate via chemical signals, with potential applications in disease treatment and cell behavior modification. The nano-translator uses silica nanoparticles to react with glucose and phleomycin, enabling bacteria and yeast to exchange messages.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa developed a spray-on technology using customized nanogold and peptides that can restore heart function and electrical conductivity in damaged hearts. The therapy showed promising results in lab mice, with no off-target organ infiltration by tiny gold particles.
Researchers uncover the pleiotropic functions of hnRNPK in regulating skeletal muscle cell differentiation, including inhibition of myoblast differentiation and suppression of genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress. The study suggests that targeting hnRNPK could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating human disorders.
A new study found that bovine lactoferrin, a protein in cow milk, is effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the WA1, B.1.1.7, and Delta variants. The research suggests that bovine lactoferrin could be used as a preventive or post-exposure treatment for COVID-19.
A team of scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg and the Max Planck Institute discovered the essential final step in mRNA production. The process involves 16 proteins that precisely control the structure of mRNA, which determines protein function and disease risk.
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences to understand the evolution of the virus, finding that increased infectivity is a driving force behind its spread. The omicron variant is predicted to compromise current vaccines and therapies, highlighting the need for new generation of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
Researchers have developed an AI-based method to analyze cryo-electron microscopy data, enabling the simultaneous examination of multiple protein complexes in cells. This breakthrough can lead to a better understanding of protein functions and potentially create new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer.
Researchers found a unique bivalent histone-mark switch specific to critical transcription factors that induce genes essential for angiogenesis. The histone modifiers responsible for this modification are vital for postnatal angiogenesis.
A study led by Przemyslaw Nogly at PSI has detailed insight into the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump in bacteria, revealing how light energy converts to kinetic energy and transports chloride ions inside cells. The pump uses two molecular gates to ensure one-way transport, with the process taking around 100 milliseconds.
Scientists at the University of Münster and Max Planck Institute have clarified the molecular basis for cellular degradation processes by elucidating the 3D structure of Mon1/Ccz1. The complex determines which vesicles deliver their content to the lysosome, a key step in protein regulation.
Researchers at UCSF have identified a new potential drug target, BRD2, which regulates the ACE2 receptor, a key entry point for SARS-CoV-2. Blocking production of BRD2 prevents virus from infecting various human cell types.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed a biotechnology-based solution to produce ovalbumin, a key protein in egg white powder. The fungus-produced ovalbumin reduces greenhouse gas emissions and land use by up to 72% compared to traditional chicken-based production.
Scientists developed a breakthrough fabrication process for microneedle arrays capable of administering protein-based drugs without damaging the skin. The microneedles offer several advantages, including being painless and easy to dispose of.
A team of researchers at UC Santa Cruz has created an unusual protein structure known as a ‘rippled beta sheet’ by mixing mirror-image peptides. The study used x-ray crystallography to obtain images of the structure, which closely matches predictions made in 1953 by Linus Pauling and Robert Corey.
Researchers from The Ohio State University developed a novel method to supplement cow milk with vegetable protein using readily available dairy processing equipment. This innovation combines the benefits of casein micelles with pea protein to create functional, multisourced dairy products that can help bolster declining fluid milk sale...
Researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein accelerates the formation of amyloid fibrils in test tube experiments, interacting with α-synuclein protein. This interaction may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in COVID-19 patients.
Scientists have developed a fusion protein that successfully blocks replication of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses in cell culture tests. The protein combines ACE2 with human antibody fragments, providing reliable protection against future mutations.
Scientists have studied how different drugs affect Pseudomonas aeruginosa, revealing what makes it resistant to antibiotics. A new experimental substance called CHIR-090 has shown promise in blocking the production of sugar-lipid compounds, a previously unexploited target for treatment.
Researchers create large molecular rings that self-assemble into a sheet-like structure on surfaces, allowing for adjustable mesh size and attachment of bulky molecules. This technology has the potential to enable novel catalysts and measure nanomechanical properties of proteins.
Scientists at the University of Groningen have developed a nanopore-based method for protein identification and sequencing. They constructed a proteosome-nanopore system that can recognize proteins from peptide spectra and sequence entire proteins directly.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have created model protein-RNA droplets with properties similar to those of viscoelastic Maxwell fluid and Silly Putty. These droplets exhibit dual behavior, acting like both elastic solids and viscous liquids, depending on the timescale.
Researchers discovered that a heat-soluble protein from tardigrade cytosols self-assembles into fibrous condensates under desiccation conditions. This dynamic organization suggests multistep anhydrobiotic mechanisms, allowing organisms to survive without water.
Scientists at Einstein College of Medicine have successfully suppressed HIV infections in mice using a novel treatment strategy that boosts the immune system's CD8+ T cells. The therapy, known as synTac, selectively targets HIV-infected T cells, eliminating them from the body and offering a potential path to a functional cure for HIV.
Michel Goedert's research focuses on protein aggregates in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, providing deep insights into disease development. His work is essential for finding new treatments, as evidenced by his discovery of gene mutations leading to dementia.
Researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology have identified the 'caramel receptor', which recognizes furaneol, a natural odorant found in fruits and coffee. This discovery contributes to a better understanding of molecular coding of food flavors.
Researchers mapped cancer through protein interactions, revealing biomarkers and potential new treatments for breast and head and neck cancers. The study provides a new definition of biomarkers based on large, multi-protein complexes, offering a more precise way to explain mutation effects.
Researchers developed an AI tool that can quickly and accurately identify suspicious proteins in the body by analyzing their movements. The method, known as diffusional fingerprinting, uses machine learning algorithms to predict protein behavior with over 90% accuracy.
A team of scientists has reported a technique that provides the most detailed picture of kidney stone components yet. The researchers used a novel method to analyze kidney stones, revealing the distribution of three different proteins and their role in crystal growth.
Researchers developed a protein-based COVID-19 vaccine that mimics the SARS-CoV-2 virus shape, eliciting both antibody and T cell responses. The vaccine, using polymersomes decorated with multiple copies of the receptor binding domain antigen, shows promise for longer-lasting immunity.
A new study published in Nutrients highlights the importance of adequate protein intake for adults living with diabetes. The research found that nearly half of US adults with diabetes did not meet the daily recommended protein intake, leading to greater physical limitations and potentially increasing the risk of muscle loss.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is widely used for predicting protein secondary structure and quantifying proteins. The technique can detect structural modifications due to interactions with other materials, making it useful for various sample types.
Researchers at University of Vermont develop nanocage tool that can select and activate specific polymer chains in a lab, opening doors to new possibilities for precision chemistry and industrial applications.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have successfully synthesized evasins, a type of anti-inflammatory protein found in tick saliva, which can suppress chemokine-driven inflammation in human diseases. The proteins show great promise in treating lung inflammation in respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
A team developed a new instrument to detect rapid and irreversible reactions in biological molecules like rhodopsin. The Féry spectrometer allows analysis of very fast processes with high time resolution.
Researchers discovered that proteinaceous amino acids readily form short chains resembling modern proteins, hinting at their potential role in the origin of life. The study suggests these amino acids were selected based on reactivity advantages over nonproteinaceous ones.
A UMass Lowell researcher is translating the toughness of spider silks to develop high-performance synthetic biomaterials. The project aims to understand what makes Darwin's bark spider dragline silk ultra-tough and its potential applications in improving helmets, body armor, medical devices, sports gear, and more.
Researchers used a super-resolution microscope to observe viral assembly, finding that envelope proteins are randomly scattered on the cell membrane rather than recruited by matrix proteins. This discovery could lead to more effective vaccines for enveloped viruses like influenza and HIV.
Researchers discovered that mechanical forces control protein synthesis speeds by influencing ribosome tunnel geometry and protein segment movement. This finding may lead to a better understanding of disease mechanisms linked to defective protein synthesis.
Researchers have developed a new way to measure the activity of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), a protein associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients. By identifying specific client proteins tied to Hsp70 activity, scientists can now develop potential therapies by testing small molecules in real-world environments.