New proteins "out of nothing"
Proteins are the key component in all modern forms of life. Hemoglobin, for example, transports the oxygen in our blood; photosynthesis proteins in the leaves of plants convert sunlight into energy; and fungal enzymes help us to brew beer and bake br.....»»
Nature inspires a new wave of biotechnology
Biological molecules called peptides play a key role in many biological activities, including the transport of oxygen and electrons. Peptides consist of short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. They are also the inspiration for n.....»»
Scientists navigate uncharted waters in fish immunology research
Upon infection or immunization, all jawed vertebrate species generate proteins called antibodies that bind and neutralize pathogens. Strong and long-lasting antibody responses in warm-blooded species such as mammals are produced in secondary lymphoid.....»»
Malfunction in spermatogenesis: Researchers uncover contribution of cylicin proteins to male fertility
For successful fertilization, sperm should move forward rapidly and be shaped correctly. The unique structure of the sperm cells forms during spermiogenesis. Now, researchers from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the Transdisciplinary Research.....»»
Team discovers protein crucial for B cell differentiation and antibodies
A cell nucleus is a busy place. Cellular proteins twist and pull DNA, folding the genome into intricate 3D structures that support functioning of its coding parts......»»
Low-pH-dependent RNA binding and oligomerization of SID-1 transmembrane family proteins: Implications for RNA transport
In C. elegans, the protein SID1 plays a crucial role in the systemic RNA interference process by facilitating the transport of exogenous double-stranded RNA into the cytoplasm. Previously, Chen-Yu Zhang's group has already demonstrated that intact pl.....»»
Scientists discover a new stress response pathway for repairing RNA-protein crosslinks caused by toxic aldehydes
The research team of Professor Petra Beli and their collaborators have discovered that aldehydes, a type of toxic chemical produced by the body after drinking alcohol, damage cells by creating chemical crosslinks between RNA and proteins, thereby int.....»»
Testing the limits of AlphaFold2"s accuracy in predicting protein structure
Proteins, the workhorses of biology, are encoded by DNA sequences and are responsible for vital functions within cells. Since the first experimental measurement of a protein structure was made by John Kendrew in the 1950s, protein's ability to fold i.....»»
Reshaping protein design with function-first, AI-guided engineering
A significant step forward in protein design from Generate Biomedicines, Massachusetts, has developed an AI that can generate feasible protein structures and predict the potential functionality of the proteins generated......»»
Using tiny traps to study protein interactions can provide new knowledge about difficult-to-treat diseases
Proteins that form clumps occur in many difficult-to-treat diseases, such as ALS, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's. The mechanisms behind how the proteins interact with each other are difficult to study, but now researchers at Chalmers University of Tech.....»»
A tale of two proteins: Fundamental research could make growing better crops like clockwork
Have you ever taken something apart, like a watch, to see how it works by looking at the parts inside individually?.....»»
Chemist unlocks plastic alternatives using proteins and clothing scraps
Every year, 400 million tons of plastic waste are generated worldwide. Between 19 and 23 million tons of that plastic waste makes its way into aquatic ecosystems, and the remaining goes into the ground. An additional 92 million tons of cloth waste is.....»»
Shedding new light on sugars, the "dark matter" of cellular biology
Scientists at Université de Montréal's Department of Chemistry have developed a new fluorogenic probe that can be used to detect and study interactions between two families of biomolecules essential to life: sugars and proteins......»»
Designing a space bioprocessing system to produce recombinant proteins
Biomanufacturing based in space can improve the sustainability of deep space exploration. Bioprocessing systems to advance biomanufacturing for space applications need to be developed. In a new report now published in npj Microgravity, Mathangi Soun.....»»
Researchers use powerful AI tool to gain new insights into protein structures
An international team of researchers has revealed new insights about the three-dimensional structure of certain types of proteins by using the powerful artificial intelligence tool AlphaFold2......»»
Ultrafast X-ray pulses force atoms to give up their electronic secrets
A new spectroscopy technique developed by RIKEN researchers could help reveal the inner workings of metal catalysts and the proteins involved in photosynthesis in plants......»»
Research shows bone density is maintained by proteins that are also involved in hair color
Bone is maintained via a delicate balance between formation and resorption, and its imbalance leads to bone related diseases like osteoporosis, rheumatism and periodontitis......»»
Unlocking pathways to break down problem proteins presents new treatment opportunities
When targeting problem proteins involved in causing or spreading disease, a drug will often clog up a protein's active site so it can't function and wreak havoc. New strategies for dealing with these proteins can send these proteins to different type.....»»
How do kingfishers avoid concussions when diving? It might be in their genes
Mutations in the MAPT gene associated with tau proteins seem to play a significant role. Enlarge / Fish-eating kingfishers execute plunging dives into the water to capture prey, yet never seem to get concussed. (credit: Richard T.....»»
Study discovers ferns can produce crop-saving insecticide
A new study has identified novel insecticidal proteins in ferns. Professor Marilyn Anderson at La Trobe University said the discovery could lead to plant-made protein pest control for crop plants that are essential to global food production......»»
Modulation of protein stability: A new approach to studying cosolvent effects
Controlling the process of destabilization is important when manipulating the unfolding and refolding of proteins in vitro (outside their native environment). To this end, urea and alcohol are used as cosolvents, substances added in small amounts alo.....»»