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NUS researchers discover protein that causes neurological complications in HFMD

Researchers at NUS have identified two new proteins that contribute to EV-A71's ability to invade the central nervous system, making them potential targets for treating severe HFMD cases. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective treatments, particularly for young children affected by this illness.

Researchers identify surface protein as a new osteosarcoma therapeutic target for antibody-drug conjugates

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new surface protein, MT1-MMP, as a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma. The protein is highly expressed on the surface of osteosarcoma cells but not in normal human tissues, making it an attractive target for antibody-drug conjugate therapy.

New tool to dissect the "undruggable"

Researchers at Harvard University have designed a new highly-selective tool to study proteins that are difficult to target with drugs, known as 'undruggable' proteins. The tool uses a nanobody to add or remove specific sugars from proteins, providing a detailed understanding of their function.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 11, 2021

'Miracle poison' for novel therapeutics

A team of researchers from Harvard University has successfully evolved custom proteases that can target specific proteins with high selectivity, opening up new possibilities for neuroregeneration, growth hormone regulation, and cytokine storm treatment. The technology uses phage-assisted continuous evolution to generate bespoke protein...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2021

Easily assembled gold nanoparticle scaffolding serves as molecular probe

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology developed a new method using easily assembled gold nanoparticles to rapidly understand molecular mechanisms. This approach streamlines the laborious process of identifying target proteins for bioactive small molecules, which can be used in pharmaceutical treatments.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateFeb 1, 2021

Examining therapeutic targets for kidney disease

A University of Houston researcher has identified the suPAR protein as a potential therapeutic target for treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a common form of kidney disease. High circulating levels of suPAR have been shown to induce oxidative stress in the kidneys, leading to cell damage and kidney failure.

Useful 'fake' peptides

Scientists create peptide-oligourea hybrids that mimic natural peptide structures, enhancing drug efficiency and stability. The hybrids exhibit high binding affinities and resist proteolytic degradation.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 7, 2020

Fighting Zika? Call in the T cells

A new study suggests that combining T cell activation with antibody production could lead to longer-term protection against Zika virus. Researchers found that inducing CD8+ T cells was key in preventing Zika infection in mice, offering a promising approach for developing effective vaccines.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 2020

Phytoplasma effector proteins devastate host plants through molecular mimicry

A team of biologists discovered that phytoplasma effector proteins interact with specific molecules in plant hosts, causing developmental abnormalities and devastating changes. The research found that the effector proteins adopt a structure similar to their target host molecules, allowing them to bind and cause harm.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateOct 26, 2020

Setting a TRAP for pandemic-causing viruses

Nagoya University scientists have developed a laboratory technique to rapidly select synthetic proteins that strongly bind to SARS-CoV-2. The approach, called TRAP display, could be used to develop sensitive antigen tests and neutralization antibodies for infected patients.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 8, 2020

Naturally occurring antibodies against prion proteins found in humans

Scientists have found that a small proportion of individuals possess high levels of antibodies targeting the normal PrP version of the prion protein. These antibodies may be beneficial in targeting pathological aggregates for degradation by phagocytic cells, potentially offering new tools for studying neurodegeneration. The discovery s...

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 17, 2020

Drug discovery: First rational strategy to find molecular glue degraders

Researchers at CeMM developed a scalable strategy to discover novel molecular glue degraders, which can eliminate disease-causing proteins by targeting the cellular protein quality control system. The study identifies a set of novel compounds that induce the degradation of cyclin K, essential in many cancer types.

CeMM study reveals how a master regulator of gene transcription operates

Researchers discovered that the Mediator complex selectively safeguards a small set of cell-type-specific genes, which form densely connected regulatory circuits. This finding suggests that Mediator is not generally required for all gene transcription and instead plays a crucial role in directing cell-type-specific functions.

June's SLAS discovery features the special collection, 'ion channels and relevant drug screening approaches'

A special collection in SLAS Discovery highlights new screening tools and assays for ion channel drug discovery. The articles cover various techniques such as optical and automated patch clamp electrophysiology to identify new chemical matter for medically relevant membrane protein targets.

Simple N-terminal modification of proteins

Researchers at Osaka University have reported a straightforward approach to protein modification by targeting the N-terminus, providing a new tool for protein engineering. The method uses a single-step reaction to conjugate functional molecules to proteins, resulting in highly efficient site-specific labeling under mild conditions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemBioChem·DateFeb 13, 2020

Discovery could help slow down progression of Parkinson's disease

A collaboration between Rutgers University and Scripps Research has led to the discovery of a small molecule that reduces α-synuclein protein levels, potentially slowing or stopping Parkinson's disease progression. This finding offers hope for early-stage patients and may be applicable to other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2020

Ben-Gurion University researchers slash pre-drug screening time from years to days

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed a powerful tool that streamlines the development of disease therapies, transforming a multi-year process into just a few days. The new approach simultaneously evaluates thousands of mutations in protein-protein complexes, increasing understanding of m...

Cell biology: All in a flash!

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a tool that allows for the selective degradation of essential proteins in cells using light or chemicals. This method enables the study of protein function without relying on genetic mutations or gene deletion, which is often not possible for essential proteins.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020