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Scientists hack cell entry to supercharge cancer drugs

Researchers at Duke University and colleagues discover a way to improve the uptake of cancer-fighting drugs called PROTACs by leveraging the CD36 protein. This approach delivered up to 23 times more potent treatment without compromising stability or solubility, paving the way for effective medications.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2025

Small antibody offers broad protection against influenza

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered an antibody-like molecule, E10, that can protect mice from various influenza viruses. The molecule targets a conserved part of the virus's surface protein shared across multiple influenza types, providing effective protection against seasonal epidemics.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025

Fungal infection: A protein weakens the immune system

A study by researchers from Brazil and Germany found that a surface protein on Aspergillus fumigatus spores suppresses the release of pro-inflammatory substances by immune cells, making it easier for the fungus to infect the body. The enzyme glycosylasparaginase plays a crucial role in this process.

Russian researchers explain origins of dangerous coronavirus variants

Researchers have identified mechanisms behind the emergence of new and contagious coronavirus variants by analyzing over three million genome sequences. The study found that concordant substitutions occurring at other sites influence the likelihood of a substitution occurring at a specific site, leading to unexpected variant emergence.

Researchers explore gene interactions in influenza to help improve accuracy of flu vaccines

Researchers found that reduced NA activity enables HA mutations to become more neutral, and that this process is crucial for predicting future flu strains. The study aims to improve flu vaccine accuracy by understanding the interactions between HA and NA genes.

Research brief: Surface protein editing in bacteria

University of Minnesota researchers have identified a novel circuit in the cell membrane that signals changes to bacterial surface adhesive proteins. This intramembrane signaling system appears to provide a 'fail-safe' mechanism to edit surface proteins and enable bacteria to adhere and colonize different body surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 7, 2019

Putting a face on a cell surface

Researchers have created an in silico inventory of proteins on cell surfaces using machine learning, predicting the presence of over 2,900 proteins on human cell surfaces. The study reveals a wide variety of surface proteins across different cell types, with primary stem cells showing the greatest diversity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2018

Revealing the best-kept secrets of proteins

Scientists at Salk Institute develop novel approach to discover critical contacts on proteins, uncovering new functions for well-studied proteins. The technique has significant implications for therapeutic drug development, which relies heavily on physical interaction with cellular targets.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenetics·DateDec 14, 2017

Scientists map surface of immune cells

Researchers have created a detailed atlas of surface proteins on naive CD4+ T cells, which play a crucial role in the development of immunological memory. The findings provide insights into the cell's maturation process and could lead to new therapeutic approaches for allergies and asthma.

Protein surfaces defects act as drug targets

Researchers have discovered that protein surface defects, called dehydrons, allow water molecules to become unstable and easily expelled. This finding provides a novel strategy for designing drug candidates that can dislodge these water molecules upon association with the protein.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 30, 2013

Improving human immunity to malaria

Researchers developed transgenic P. falciparum to study human antibody response to surface proteins. They found that antibodies targeting PfEMP1 mediate human immunity to malaria, with reduced risk of symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2012

Finding may end a 30-year scientific debate

Antifreeze proteins have been found to bind to ice crystals through a specific mechanism involving hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. This discovery may lead to the development of stronger, more versatile AFPs with commercial applications in various industries.

SourceQueen's University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011

Making viruses pass for 'safe'

A team of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania has engineered a lentiviral vector that expresses CD47, a protein found on all cells, on its surface. This allows the virus to avoid being detected by the immune system, potentially making it safer for gene therapy and drug delivery.

Chopping and changing in the microbial world: How mycoplasmas stay alive

Researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna identified a novel mechanism by which Mycoplasma agalactiae switches its surface protein genes. The so-called phase variation is caused by alterations in short DNA sequences controlled by an enzyme called recombinase. This process enables the organism to avoid host defense mechanisms during infection.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalJournal of Bacteriology·DateSep 8, 2010