Getting protein factories to run—How deubiquitinating enzymes moonlight as Fubi proteases
The small protein ubiquitin is particularly famous for marking proteins for degradation but it has also been shown to regulate virtually all cellular processes. In parallel to the ubiquitin system various other ubiquitin-like modifiers have evolved,.....»»
Chloroplast manipulation: A new strategy in pathogen warfare uncovered
A recent study has unveiled the sophisticated methods pathogens use to weaken plant defenses. It shows how a pathogen's effector protein targets the chloroplast protein StFC-II, increasing its levels in chloroplasts and reducing the plant's ability t.....»»
Simulation model shows ribosome tunnel"s impact on protein structures
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed a new model that simulates the internal environment of a ribosome—the cellular site of protein synthesis. Using computer simulations, they have analyzed the structures of various proteins within t.....»»
Dual protein analysis approach provides potential way to slow cancer growth
Fighting cancer effectively often involves stopping cancer cells from multiplying, which requires understanding proteins that the cells rely on to survive. Protein profiling plays a critical role in this process by helping researchers identify protei.....»»
Dissecting caspase-2-mediated cell death: From intrinsic PIDDosome activation to chemical modulation
Caspase-2, an initiator caspase, plays a critical role in programmed cell death in response to certain cellular stresses. Its activation is facilitated by the PIDDosome, a multi-protein complex that assembles under conditions of genotoxic stress. Des.....»»
Coaxing purple bacteria into becoming bioplastic factories
In a world overrun by petroleum-based plastics, scientists are searching for alternatives that are more sustainable, more biodegradable and far less toxic to the environment......»»
As EV sales slump, Volkswagen scales back battery factories buildout
VW might only need 170 GWh of cells in 2030 if demand stays depressed. Enlarge / A VW worker on the assembly line at Emden in Germany. (credit: Volkswagen) Volkswagen will wait to see what electric car demand is like be.....»»
Research unravels dual role of membrane protein in rice ethylene signal transduction
A research team, led by Professor Zhang Jinsong from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, revealed insights into the mechanism by which the membrane protein MHZ3 collaborates with the ethylene.....»»
A small molecular glue that increases P53 level and suppresses tumor growth in vivo
Molecular glues are typically small chemical molecules that act on the interface between the target protein and the degradation machinery to trigger ternary complex formation. Identification of molecular glues is challenging, and there has been a lac.....»»
Cryo-ET study elucidates protein folding helpers in their natural environment
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), can be used to visualize and analyze cellular structures in their natural environment. Researchers at the MPI of Biochemistry in Martinsried and the University Medical Center Göttingen have now used cryo-ET to stu.....»»
Study shows effective regulation and monitoring is key to tackling emissions of a super-greenhouse gas
New research has revealed factories globally are not properly destroying one of the most potent greenhouse gases emitted from the production of fluoropolymers like Teflon, and refrigerants......»»
Comparing methods for extracting edible protein from mealworms
Edible insects are emerging as an alternative protein source that has various benefits compared with conventional animal sources. New research published in the Journal of Food Science compared four different methods for extracting protein from mealwo.....»»
Researchers teach artificial intelligence about frustration in protein folding
Scientists have found a new way to predict how proteins change their shape when they function, which is important for understanding how they work in living systems. While recent artificial intelligence (AI) technology has made it possible to predict.....»»
Exploring Huntington"s disease: Researchers discover that protein aggregates poke holes in the nuclear membrane
Researchers at Utrecht University in the Netherlands have identified a new way in which the toxic protein aggregates associated with Huntington's disease may damage nerve cells and cause them to die......»»
Plant-microbe interactions underpin contrasting enzymatic responses to wetland drainage
Researchers led by Professor Feng Xiaojuan from the Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IBCAS) have analyzed the divergent responses of carbon-degrading enzymes to wetland drainage and found that enzymatic response to long-term dr.....»»
Newly discovered protein stops DNA damage
Researchers from Western University have discovered a protein that has the never-before-seen ability to stop DNA damage in its tracks. The finding could provide the foundation for developing everything from vaccines against cancer, to crops that can.....»»
Surprise finding in study of environmental bacteria could advance search for better antibiotics
In what they labeled a "surprising" finding, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers studying bacteria from freshwater lakes and soil say they have determined a protein's essential role in maintaining the germ's shape. Because the integrity of a bacterial.....»»
AI, computation, and the folds of life: Supercomputers help train a software tool for the protein modeling community
Form follows function, and this is especially true for life's building blocks—proteins. The folds and shape of molecular proteins reveal their function in supporting life......»»
Study finds protein reduces toxicity of graphene oxide for drug delivery
A new study has discovered ways to reduce the toxicity of graphene oxide (GO), an ultra-thin sheet of nanomaterial derived from graphite, laying the groundwork to use it as a drug delivery system......»»
International team discovers key protein that helps cells maintain their identity
A discovery regarding Mrc1 (Mediator of Replication Checkpoint 1)—a fission yeast protein involved in DNA replication—has been published in Cell. The discovery is the result of an international research collaboration, led by Professors Genevieve.....»»
Researchers identify body"s "quality control" regulator for protein folding, could lead to targeted treatments
Anyone who's tried to neatly gather a fitted sheet can tell you: folding is hard. Get it wrong with your laundry and the result can be a crumpled, wrinkled mess of fabric, but when folding fails among the approximately 7,000 proteins with an origami-.....»»