Molecular & Structural Biology

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Hemoglobin plays role as a chemosensory signal for mother mice to protect offspring

Biochemists in Japan were surprised to discover that the molecule hemoglobin in the blood works not only as an oxygen carrier, but when the blood is spilled as a result of aggression, accident or predator attack, the molecule also acts as a chemosensory signal -; a chemical stimulus picked up by the senses, namely smell in this case -; for lactating mother mice, prompting digging or rearing behavior in them to check the surrounding environment and keep their offspring safe.

11 Feb 2022

P53 protein induces leader cell behavior, migration and clearance during epithelial tissue repair

New research led by the University of Bristol has found the protein p53 plays a key role in epithelial migration and tissue repair.

11 Feb 2022

Study shows how root symbiosis with fungi is driven by the plant’s phosphate status

Phosphorus is one of the most important nutrients for plants. Among other functions, it is needed to create substances for the plant’s immune system, for the healthy development of seeds and for root growth.

9 Feb 2022

Social contact-seeking behavior in mice is driven by peptide amylin in the brain, study reveals

As we have experienced during the COVID pandemic, loneliness, or perceived social isolation, is a major stress for social animals and increases the risk of various mental and physical health issues such as depression, substance abuse, obesity, and premature death.

9 Feb 2022

Gene-editing techniques could be used to tackle mitochondrial disorders, study shows

Defective mitochondria – the 'batteries' that power the cells of our bodies – could in future be repaired using gene-editing techniques.

9 Feb 2022

New proteomics method identifies proteins responsible for regulating R-loop levels in human cells

There are many different ways in which the genetic material DNA can be damaged, resulting in the development of diseases such as cancer. Certain forms of DNA damage are associated with so-called R-loops.

8 Feb 2022

Scientists use genetically informed brain atlases to identify hundreds of genomic loci

An international team of scientists has used atlases of the human brain informed by genetics to identify hundreds of genomic loci. Loci is plural for locus, and in genetics indicates the physical location of a gene or variant on a chromosome.

From UC San Diego 8 Feb 2022

Study discovers a novel role for hormone-sensitive neurons in maternal nesting behavior

Gestation leads to a modification of brain circuits and behaviors such as nesting within the animal kingdom. The underlying biological, neural and hormonal mechanisms have been unknown until now.

7 Feb 2022

Study reveals how the body controls inflammation during removal of damaged cells

A research team from Cologne and Osnabrück has investigated in detail how messenger substances signal inflammation during the removal of damaged cells in the body.

7 Feb 2022

New method helps distinguish bacterial DNA from human and other non-bacterial cells

For decades, a small group of cutting-edge medical researchers have been studying a biochemical, DNA tagging system, which switches genes on or off. Many have studied it in bacteria and now some have seen signs of it in, plants, flies, and even human brain tumors.

4 Feb 2022

Study provides insight into the mechanism of action of DNA topoisomerase VI at the molecular level

The enzyme DNA topoisomerase VI (topo VI) plays a vital role in eliminating chromosome tangles that arise in the cell nucleus of plants.

4 Feb 2022

New computer tool identifies over 100,000 novel viruses

Viruses are the major group of biological agents widely recognized.

4 Feb 2022

First 3D structure of regulator protein elucidated in almost atomic resolution

Proteins are indispensable components in living organisms. They are not only "building material" for the body – they also make molecular communication between cells possible, they are needed for nerve impulses to occur, and they control chemical reactions.

3 Feb 2022

Researchers provide first evidence of the gene-environment interaction in the social dysfunctions typical of autistic disorders

Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by a wide range of behavioral issues.

2 Feb 2022

Researchers construct organized structures of hydrogel blocks using “sticky” DNA

Scientists from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University employed minuscule DNA strands to direct the building of viewable gel blocks.

2 Feb 2022

Researchers develop artificial protein muscle that moves independently

Research carried out from the University of Freiburg’s livMatS Cluster of Excellence showed outstanding progress in creating a muscle using only natural proteins.

2 Feb 2022

Scientists visualize protein machinery of respiration with unparalleled precision

Oxygen and sugar are the basis of life for animals, plants, fungi and many bacteria. The metabolic process called respiration makes it possible to convert food into energy for the cells.

1 Feb 2022

Study offers insight into how activated protein C may protect aging patients from reperfusion injury

A University of South Florida Health (USF Health) preclinical study offers molecular insight into how activated protein C (APC) may improve aging patients' tolerance to reperfusion injury – a potentially adverse effect of treatment for ischemic heart disease.

1 Feb 2022

Researchers aim to tackle neurodegenerative diseases of the eye and brain

Could a new paradigm in digital health treat blinding disorders and possibly also be a conduit for treating other parts of the brain? A multi-disciplinary team of world-renowned researchers at USC are exploring this exciting possibility.

31 Jan 2022

Study identifies new therapy to treat cystic fibrosis

The process of making proteins from genes is similar to that of a factory, where employees must follow a set of instructions that are both effective and precise.

31 Jan 2022

Molecular & Structural Biology

Hemoglobin plays role as a chemosensory signal for mother mice to protect offspring

P53 protein induces leader cell behavior, migration and clearance during epithelial tissue repair

Study shows how root symbiosis with fungi is driven by the plant’s phosphate status

Social contact-seeking behavior in mice is driven by peptide amylin in the brain, study reveals

Gene-editing techniques could be used to tackle mitochondrial disorders, study shows

New proteomics method identifies proteins responsible for regulating R-loop levels in human cells

Scientists use genetically informed brain atlases to identify hundreds of genomic loci

Study discovers a novel role for hormone-sensitive neurons in maternal nesting behavior

Study reveals how the body controls inflammation during removal of damaged cells

New method helps distinguish bacterial DNA from human and other non-bacterial cells

Study provides insight into the mechanism of action of DNA topoisomerase VI at the molecular level

New computer tool identifies over 100,000 novel viruses

First 3D structure of regulator protein elucidated in almost atomic resolution

Researchers provide first evidence of the gene-environment interaction in the social dysfunctions typical of autistic disorders

Researchers construct organized structures of hydrogel blocks using “sticky” DNA

Researchers develop artificial protein muscle that moves independently

Scientists visualize protein machinery of respiration with unparalleled precision

Study offers insight into how activated protein C may protect aging patients from reperfusion injury

Researchers aim to tackle neurodegenerative diseases of the eye and brain

Study identifies new therapy to treat cystic fibrosis

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