Molecular & Structural Biology

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Arterial DNA damage contributes to vascular aging

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 19, entitled, "Reduction of double-strand DNA break repair exacerbates vascular aging."

18 Oct 2023

Study highlights role of circadian clock component BMAL1 on molecular phenotype of senescent cells

A new research paper was published on the cover of Aging (listed by MEDLINE/PubMed as "Aging (Albany NY)" and "Aging-US" by Web of Science) Volume 15, Issue 19, entitled, "BMAL1 modulates senescence programming via AP-1."

16 Oct 2023

Scientists uncover key enzymes involved in bacterial pathogenicity

Gram-negative bacteria cause a variety of infectious diseases in plants and animals alike. Outbreaks of Salmonella and E. coli infections often make headlines due to their severity, and people have to resort to allopathic as well as natural remedies, increasing the burden on the healthcare system.

16 Oct 2023

SPRI beads offer a viable method for recovering full-length 16S rDNA amplicons

Announcing a new article publication for Zoonoses journal. Solid-phase reversible immobilization (SPRI) beads are widely used for high-throughput sequencing library construction to purify and recover nucleic acids.

13 Oct 2023

IL-17: The molecule that could revolutionize autoimmune and cancer treatments

The research paper explores the multifaceted role of the IL-17 family in immune response, covering everything from infection control to pathological conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancer. Future therapies may exploit IL-17's unique signaling pathways to offer more targeted and cost-effective treatments.

12 Oct 2023

Intracellular journey: The penetration of antidepressants into cells, organelles, and membranes

Researchers in neuropsychopharmacology challenge conventional wisdom about antidepressants' actions, revealing significant intracellular activity that influences their effectiveness. Utilizing advanced technologies, the study prompts a reevaluation of drug targeting and mechanisms, opening new avenues for treating depression.

12 Oct 2023

Scientists unravel secrets about the formation of DNA's building blocks

An international team has uncovered details about the formation of DNA's building blocks, paving the way for potential medical and therapeutic applications.

12 Oct 2023

DNA aptamers: A versatile tool for regenerative medicine and beyond

Generating specific cell lineages from induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells is the holy grail of regenerative medicine.

10 Oct 2023

Gut defenders: How T-cell intraepithelial lymphocytes guard against colon cancer

In the latest research published in Science Immunology, experts delve into the gene expression patterns of distinct intraepithelial lymphocyte populations in various gastrointestinal tract regions. Key findings reveal the roles of T-cell IELs in detecting infections and ensuring the gut's barrier integrity, with a special emphasis on their function in combating colon cancer.

9 Oct 2023

Decoding the twist: Coronavirus spike proteins reveal their intricate invasion dance

Researchers use cryo-EM and molecular dynamics to reveal conformational changes in the spike proteins of human coronavirus HKU1 upon binding with a receptor. Findings unveil the complexity of beta coronavirus attachment, suggesting a more intricate mechanism of host cell invasion than previously understood.

8 Oct 2023

Ramadan fasting reshapes gut microbiome

Scientists investigate the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on gut microbiota, revealing significant alterations at both the phylum and genus levels. The study suggests that dietary intake during fasting could play a key role in these microbiota changes.

27 Sep 2023

Key player in ovarian cancer may have implications for PCOS

Researchers explore the involvement and altered expression of BBOX1-AS1 and microRNA-19b in polycystic ovary syndrome.

26 Sep 2023

New insights into the molecular mechanism of protein degradation

Within the intricate molecular landscape inside of a cell, the orchestration of proteins demands precise control to avoid disease.

22 Sep 2023

CD1 lipidomes exhibit size-based antigen display mechanisms

Study uncovers the complexities of how CD1 molecules present a vast array of lipids to T-cells, revealing a unique, size-based antigen-display system. The findings could provide crucial insights into the intricacies of immune response and antigen presentation.

21 Sep 2023

Scientists identify key proteins that regulate organ laterality

In order to keep track of their environment, cells use cilia, antenna-like structures that can sense a variety of stimuli, including the flow of fluids outside the cell.

21 Sep 2023

How well do current vaccines hold up against new SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and FLip?

The study explores the efficacy of three-dose monovalent or bivalent vaccinations in neutralizing newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and FLip. While BA.2.86 showed lower immune evasion abilities compared to recent XBB variants, it was less effectively neutralized by the monoclonal antibody S309, raising questions about vaccine efficacy against evolving strains.

17 Sep 2023

Unlocking the power of lectins: BOA emerges as a potent weapon against all SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers discover that antiviral lectins like BOA can effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and its variants by targeting spike glycans, opening doors for potential pan-coronavirus treatments. The study reveals that BOA's multivalent interactions make it a potent inhibitor against a range of viral variants, offering promise for future therapeutic strategies.

14 Sep 2023

Researchers discover backup protein quality control mechanism

Researchers from the Babraham Institute, UK, and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) have identified a backup mechanism of protein quality control which prevents the toxic effects of protein aggregation in specific tissues when normal methods of molecular monitoring fail.

14 Sep 2023

Research opens up new directions to develop drugs for stopping cytokine storms

Constant exposure of cells to stressing agents, such as pathogens, may disturb an organism's normal functioning. To fight stress, cells have developed several coping mechanisms, including the inflammatory response.

14 Sep 2023

New Omicron subvariant BA.2.86: A master of immune escape but not taking over yet

Researchers have isolated a new SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariant, BA.2.86, revealing its ability to escape neutralizing antibodies five-fold greater than its ancestor strain. Despite its enhanced immune evasion capabilities, BA.2.86 has not shown a significant difference in spread compared to other current variants.

13 Sep 2023