How a calcium-sensing protein multitasks
The calcium-sensing receptor is critical for maintaining healthy calcium levels, but CaSR is also well-known for its side hustles. The receptor is increasingly recognized for its ability to detect other ions and proteins and for its role in breast ca.....»»
Antithrombin study proposes new mechanism of action for the plasma protein"s functional role
Antithrombin, a plasma protein, has been reported to control thrombin activity by directly binding to thrombin, as well as to have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, the actual molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of antithrombin wa.....»»
Discovery of critical iron-transport protein in malaria parasites could lead to faster-acting medications
Malaria kills over 600,000 people a year, and as the climate warms, the potential range of the disease is growing. While some drugs can effectively prevent and treat malaria, resistance to those drugs is also on the rise......»»
Engineered bacterial protein offers efficient rare earth metal separation
A newly discovered protein naturally houses an unusual binding site that can differentiate between rare earth elements, and researchers at Penn State have made it even better. Rare earth elements are key components used in everything from modern tech.....»»
New method achieves functional protein delivery into living cells
In cooperation with researchers from the China University of Petroleum, the working group of Dr. Werner Nau, Professor of Chemistry at Constructor University, has demonstrated the effectiveness of a new method of intracellular protein transport......»»
When ribosomes go rogue
Unusual variations in the cellular protein factory can skew development, help cancer spread, and more. But ribosome variety may also play biological roles, scientists say. In the.....»»
An elegant switch regulates production of protein variants during cell division
Our cells contain thousands of proteins that have gone largely undetected and unstudied until recent years: these are variants of known proteins, which cells can make when their protein-building machinery interacts differently with the same stretch o.....»»
Enhancing recombinant protein expression in lettuce
Recombinant proteins are crucial in pharmaceutical and other industries. A production method uses plants as hosts in transient protein expression systems. Researchers at the University of Tsukuba developed a technique to increase recombinant protein.....»»
Novel quantum lidar achieves high-sensitivity wind detection
A research team has proposed a wind sensing lidar theory based on up-conversion quantum interference and successfully developed a prototype. Their work is published in ACS Photonics......»»
Single-molecule imaging reveals aberrant DNA-binding dynamics of cancer-linked chromatin remodelers
Biophysical chemists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have uncovered a previously hidden landscape that governs the intracellular organization and dynamics of SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers, an important class of protein complexes that c.....»»
Researchers find new role for protein in combating age-related diseases
McMaster University researchers have discovered a previously unknown cell-protecting function of a protein, which could open new avenues for treating age-related diseases and lead to healthier aging overall......»»
Discovery of key protein for biosynthesis of plant defense steroids could enhance pest control strategies
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology have identified GAME15 as a key protein that regulates the biosynthesis of both steroidal glycoalkaloids and steroidal saponins in plants of the genus Solanum......»»
Protein signaling pathway provides insights into cell migration and cancer metastasis
The innate immune response is the body's first line of defense against infection, and a successful immune defense takes a village: a combination of physical barriers, chemical attacks, and an army of specialized white blood cells. But maintaining and.....»»
Cryo-electron microscopy sheds light on endothelin signaling mechanisms
Endothelin is a peptide hormone known for its vasoconstrictive effects. Researchers at University of Tsukuba used cryo-electron microscopy to examine the complex structure of the endothelin receptor and G protein, which are crucial for signal transdu.....»»
Researchers reveal quantum advantage that could advance future sensing devices
Researchers from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have taken a major step forward in using quantum mechanics to enhance sensing devices, a new advancement that could be used in a wide range of areas, including materials charac.....»»
MicroRNA, Protein Folding and Machine-Learning Work Win the Science Nobels
A roundup of the science Nobels, the latest COVID updates and the Europa Clipper launch delay......»»
Scientists discover chemical probes for previously "undruggable" cancer target
Hormone-driven cancers, like those of the breast and prostate, often rely on a tricky-to-target protein called Forkhead box protein 1 (FOXA1). FOXA1 mutations can enable these types of cancers to grow and proliferate. Today, FOXA1 is notoriously diff.....»»
New light-induced material shows powerful potential for quantum applications
A class of material called perovskites, which have special electronic bonding with many applications, could be useful for quantum sensing......»»
Glowing proteins enable real-time, 3-D study of essential enzymes
Working in organoid models, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have developed a new tool to study protein-kinase C (PKC) enzymes, which play a critical role in cell growth, differentiation and survival. Malfunction o.....»»
Calcium transport protein in bacteria offers insights for drug development and food safety
Researchers at Umeå University have revealed details on how bacteria use calcium to regulate vital processes in a way that differs from human cells. This breakthrough is significant in the fight against antibiotic resistance and for increasing safet.....»»
Protein USP50 identified as key in DNA replication balance
A protein that is involved in determining which enzymes cut or unwind DNA during the replication process has been identified in a new study......»»