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New enzyme could aid anticancer drug development

A new enzyme, CtdY, has been identified that can break an amide bond, a fundamental type of bond found in proteins. This discovery holds significant promise for the pharmaceutical industry, as it could enable the creation of new anticancer drugs and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

New model offers a way to speed up drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new AI model that can quickly screen large libraries of potential drug compounds against target proteins. The ConPLex model uses language analysis to match potential drugs with proteins without needing to calculate molecular structures, enabling fast screening of over 100 million compounds per day.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2023

Eat right, live longer: could a moderate protein diet be the coveted elixir of youth?

A recent study published in GeroScience found that a moderate-protein diet (25% and 35%) improved metabolic health in both young and middle-aged mice. The researchers also observed reduced blood glucose concentrations and lipid levels in liver and plasma. A balanced diet with moderate protein intake may promote metabolic health in huma...

SourceWaseda University·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

New targeting opportunities discovered against canine distemper virus

Researchers at the University of Bern have determined the structure of the canine distemper virus docking protein, enabling the development of tailor-made active substances to prevent virus entry into host cells. This breakthrough paves the way for novel therapies and antiviral drugs against this highly contagious viral disease.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2023

What’s your poison?

A high-throughput analysis of 26 medically important snakes in sub-Saharan Africa reveals the benefits of an integrated approach to understanding their venom composition and function. The study provides a solid foundation for further research on snake biology and antivenom development.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022

New blood test can detect ‘toxic’ protein years before Alzheimer’s symptoms emerge, study shows

A new laboratory test can measure levels of amyloid beta oligomers in blood samples, detecting toxic proteins up to years before cognitive impairment. The test, SOBA, has shown promising results in identifying individuals at risk or incubating Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2022

A class of their own: New factors direct red algae chloroplast protein transport

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Fast food diet before pregnancy can impact breast milk and baby’s health, say scientists

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.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalActa Physiologica·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 27, 2022

Chemists create artificial protein that peers into Earth’s chemical past

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022

Balancing protein in your diet could improve water quality

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 7, 2022

Nanochannels light the way towards new medicine

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.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

Soy sauce’s salt-enhancing peptides

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 16, 2022

Genetic study identifies migraine causes and promising therapeutic targets

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.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2022

A new wearable technology — for plants (video)

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 4, 2022

New study discovers novel inhibitory roles of hnRNPK in skeletal muscle cell differentiation

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.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

Fighting COVID-19 with milk?

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Increased infectivity, antibody escape drive SARS-CoV-2 evolution, studies say

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 16, 2022

Scientists show how artificial intelligence can help to study protein complexes

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.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2022

How to get chloride ions into the cell

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.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022