Structure-destabilizing mutations transform Bcl-2 from an antiapoptotic protein into a proapoptotic protein
Bcl-2 family proteins are highly conserved molecules that play a crucial role in regulating the release of apoptotic proteins from mitochondria. They possess Bcl-2 homology (BH) domains, which are characterized by both sequence and structural similar.....»»
Synthesis method improves catalytic activity by controlling the surface structure of metal particles
Fine-tuning the reactions that produce hydrogen (H2) for use as a clean fuel is an important endeavor to fight against climate change. Researchers at Tohoku University and the Tokyo University of Science have succeeded in improving the catalytic acti.....»»
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......»»
Advancing drug delivery: New framework links lipid nanoparticle structure to immune response
A new framework bridges a gap in understanding RNA therapeutics by linking the structure of lipid nanoparticles to immune response. It can help scientists and engineers expand the use of RNA medicines beyond vaccines to other therapeutic applications.....»»
On the way to light-controlled medicine: Researchers elucidate the structure of specific photoreceptors
Researchers in biology and medicine have long dreamed of controlling the activities of cells without, for example, having to use chemicals. After all, in a structure as complex as an entire organism, unwanted side-effects can often arise......»»
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.....»»
Understanding the influence of specific gene mutations on starch properties in barley
Cereals such as rice, wheat, maize, and barley are essential in the human diet and have various uses in the food industry. Their suitability for different industrial applications depends on the properties of their grains. The major component of these.....»»
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.....»»
Newly developed methodology breaks molecular symmetry to back one theory about life"s origin
The vast majority of organic molecules (based on a carbon structure) are not flat, but have a three-dimensional geometry. Various results can be obtained depending on the way the atoms are arranged inside each molecule. In some cases, a molecule and.....»»
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.....»»
Turtle genome provides new clues on the evolution of vertebrates
Scientists from the UAB and Iowa State University have generated the genome assemblies of two hidden-neck turtles. The results, which revealed a new three-dimensional structure of the genome within the phylogenetic group of reptiles, birds and mammal.....»»
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.....»»
Apple strong passwords aren’t entirely random, but are cleverly designed
Whenever an Apple device generates a strong password for you, the structure of those secure passwords isn’t entirely random. Instead, Apple created rules specifically designed to make them easier to type if you ever have to do that manually, and.....»»
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......»»
Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer helps researchers determine shape of black hole corona
New findings using data from NASA's IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) mission offer unprecedented insight into the shape and nature of a structure important to black holes called a corona. The findings are published in The Astrophysical Journ.....»»
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......»»
A new generation of telescopes will probe the "unknown unknowns" that could transform our knowledge of the universe
In recent decades, we've learned huge amounts about the universe and its history. The rapidly developing technology of telescopes—both on Earth and in space—has been a key part of this process, and those that are due to start operating over the n.....»»
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.....»»
Mangrove microbes show potential for breaking down plastics
A way to select a suite of mangrove bacteria that can transform plastic has been developed that potentially offers a new strategy in the global toolkit of plastic waste cleanup. Researchers have assessed the impact of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).....»»
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.....»»
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......»»