Molecular & Structural Biology

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UTSW researchers show how vulnerable cells armor themselves against infection

Cells in some of the body's most vulnerable entry routes to bacterial infection buffer themselves when the immune system detects danger by reorganizing the cholesterol on their surfaces, a new study led by UTSW scientists suggests.

13 Apr 2020

Chinese scientists report high-resolution crystal structure of COVID-19 main protease

A team of Chinese scientists has reported the high-resolution crystal structure of the main protease (Mpro) of the COVID-19 virus and has identified drugs that may hold promise in combating the virus.

13 Apr 2020

Molecular pathway responsible for TNBC's progression and spread identified

Immunotherapies have revolutionized treatment for people with a variety of cancers. But when given to those with triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease, less than 20% respond.

13 Apr 2020

Large-scale proteomic analysis links glucose metabolism proteins and AD biology

In the largest study to date of proteins related to Alzheimer's disease, a team of researchers has identified disease-specific proteins and biological processes that could be developed into both new treatment targets and fluid biomarkers.

13 Apr 2020

Study finds dependency of a type of small RNA on personal attributes

The cells in our body are home to thousands of tiny molecules called RNAs. There are many different types of RNAs – some carry the code for specific proteins to be made, some transport things within the cell, and some can influence which genes get turned on or off.

13 Apr 2020

Inhibition of sphingolipid metabolism and neurodegenerative diseases

Disrupting production of sphingolipids in neurons improved neurodegeneration symptoms and increased survival in a mouse model.

13 Apr 2020

Unraveling interactions between metal ions and peptides may lead to new therapies for diseases

Copper ions could play a key role when peptide folding goes wrong and leads to harmful aggregates.

12 Apr 2020

Stuttering DNA controls development of mosquito embryos

All organisms have DNA, the genetic material that provides a blueprint for life. The long double-helix-shaped DNA molecules in the body's cells are first translated into RNA molecules and then translated into proteins that ensure the functioning of the cell and the entire organism.

12 Apr 2020

UTSW researchers uncover shape of key protein involved in muscle contraction

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have uncovered the detailed shape of a key protein involved in muscle contraction. The report, published today in Neuron, may lead to improved understanding of muscle-weakening genetic conditions called congenital myasthenic syndromes.

12 Apr 2020

Study sheds light on how a group of novel organelle-based disorders affects cells

A pioneering study has shed new light on how a group of novel organelle-based disorders affect cells.

10 Apr 2020

Scientists demonstrate importance of aligning internal circadian clock with day-night cycles

Timing is everything. A fresh example supporting the old saying has been found in connection with the systems regulated by biological clocks.

8 Apr 2020

Advance in understanding actin sheds light on cell function

Scientists have discovered more about actin, a chemical modification on one of the most abundant and important proteins.

8 Apr 2020

Combining Improved Ion Usage Efficiency with Data Independent Acquisition to Quantify Proteomes

In this interview, Dr. Ben Collins, Reader from the School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast talks to News-Medical Life Sciences about his research and work into diaPASEF workflow.

From Bruker Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry 8 Apr 2020

Novel research explores interaction between engineered gene circuits and biological host cells

Recent discoveries by two research teams in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University are advancing the field of synthetic biology.

7 Apr 2020

Researchers gain new insight into how lipids function within tears

New understandings of how lipids function within tears could lead to better drugs for treating dry eye disease.

7 Apr 2020

Natural approaches along with current therapies could improve colon cancer treatment

Using a modified natural substance along with current approaches could improve colon cancer treatment, according to findings by University of California, Irvine biologists.

6 Apr 2020

Study unravels antibacterial effects of nanopillars in insect wings

Some insect wings such as cicada and dragonfly possess nanopillar structures that kill bacteria upon contact. However, to date, the precise mechanisms that cause bacterial death have been unknown.

6 Apr 2020

Nanopore reveals shape-shifting enzyme linked to catalysis

Scientists observed characteristics of an enzyme inside a nanopore, revealing that it can exist in four different folded states.

6 Apr 2020

Scientists examine the molecular causes of rare hereditary disease

Scientists in EMBL Barcelona’s Ebisuya group, with collaborators from RIKEN, Kyoto University, and Meijo Hospital in Nagoya, Japan, have studied oscillating patterns of gene expression, coordinated across time and space within a tissue grown in vitro, to explore the molecular causes of a rare human hereditary disease known as spondylocostal dysostosis.

5 Apr 2020

Investigating Human Disease with Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics

Dr. Andrew Webb describes how his lab uses mass spectrometry-based techniques to understand the role of post-translational modifications in human disease.

From Bruker Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry 3 Apr 2020