Molecular & Structural Biology

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B12-Producing Gut Bacteria Modulate Neurotransmitter Levels and Reduce Seizures in C. elegans

A new study published in Nature Cell Biology by Mark Alkema, PhD, professor of neurobiology, establishes an important molecular link between specific B12-producing bacteria in the gut of the roundworm C. elegans and the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important to memory and cognitive function.

5 Jan 2024

A Pair of Force-Activated Gene Regulating Proteins Guide Fetal Bone Development

A pair of proteins, YAP and TAZ, has been identified as conductors of bone development in the womb and could provide insight into genetic diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, known commonly as "brittle bone disease."

5 Jan 2024

New Method Designs Proteins With Complex Shapes

A team of researchers has developed an innovative method to design complicated all-α proteins, characterized by their non-uniformly arranged α-helices as seen in hemoglobin.

5 Jan 2024

A Dihydrofolate Reductase Single-Domain Protein Catenane

Professor Wen-Bin Zhang of the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at Peking University and the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, along with Dr. Jing Fang of the same institution, are leading the study.

2 Jan 2024

Novel Solution Revolutionizes Enzyme Production

The increasing need to switch to more environmentally friendly industrial processes is driving up demand for industrial enzymes.

2 Jan 2024

EPFL Scientists Develop Platform for Orally Available Cyclic Peptide Drugs

For decades, a substantial number of proteins, vital for treating various diseases, have remained elusive to oral drug therapy.

29 Dec 2023

Groundbreaking Insights Into How Typical Perfluoroalkyl Acids Accelerate DNA Degradation

Recent research published in the journal Eco-Environment & Health (Volume 2, 2023) reveals groundbreaking insights into how typical PFAAs accelerate the degradation of DNA.

26 Dec 2023

Fox Urine Compound Activates Multiple Sensory Pathways for Robust Insect Avoidance

Crop damage in agriculture and the transmission of vector-borne diseases by insect pests have become worldwide threat nowadays.

26 Dec 2023

Scientists Unravel the Mystery of Parkinson's Disease With 3D Protein Structures

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital revealed the complex structure of two Parkinson's disease-related proteins, both of which are implicated in late-onset cases.

26 Dec 2023

The Adrenaline Puzzle Solved: Scientists Untangle Key Cell Receptor's Inner Workings

Through an international collaboration, scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital leveraged data science, pharmacology and structural information to conduct an atomic-level investigation into how each amino acid in the receptor that binds adrenaline contributes to receptor activity in the presence of this natural ligand.

26 Dec 2023

Cracking the Code of the Cytoplasm: How Cells Organize Protein Production

Back in 2018, the lab of Christine Mayr, MD, PhD, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) introduced the world to a key cellular component that had been hiding in plain sight.

22 Dec 2023

New Technique Reveals Secrets of Protein Partnerships

Proteins are building blocks of our bodies, but they do not work solo. They form partners to facilitate in different biological processes that keep us going.

22 Dec 2023

Deciphering the Structure and Function of PLD3 in Cellular Waste Disposal

If we don't take out the trash regularly, our homes become unpleasant and even a danger to our health.

21 Dec 2023

Sirtuin 6 Boosts DNA Repair in Aging Cartilage Cells

A new research paper was published in Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) Volume 15, Issue 23, entitled, "Sirtuin 6 activation rescues the age-related decline in DNA damage repair in primary human chondrocytes."

20 Dec 2023

Structural Insights Unmask Novel Adaptations and Functions of Human LINE-1 ORF2

Martin Taylor, MD, PhD, a physician investigator in the Department of Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital and an instructor in Pathology at Harvard Medical School, is the lead corresponding author of a new study in Nature, Structural Analysis and Inhibition of Human LINE-1 ORF2 Protein Reveals Novel Adaptations and Functions.

20 Dec 2023

Light-Activated "Good Vibrations" can Destroy Cancer Cells

The Beach Boys' iconic hit single "Good Vibrations" takes on a whole new layer of meaning thanks to a recent discovery by Rice University scientists and collaborators, who have uncovered a way to destroy cancer cells by using the ability of some molecules to vibrate strongly when stimulated by light.

20 Dec 2023