Molecular & Structural Biology

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New drug discovery system allows scientists to target ‘undruggable’ enzymes

A new drug discovery system allows scientists to specifically target members of an important family of enzymes, called phosphatases, which were previously considered mostly "undruggable".

27 Jul 2018

Scientists discover gene that predicts arthritis severity

Scientists have discovered a new gene that is associated with disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis. HIP1 produces an inflammatory molecule which drives RA.

26 Jul 2018

Small RNA in sperm shown to be essential for embryonic development

New research has shown that small RNA in sperm is essential for embryo implantation and embryonic development. The findings will be used to optimize IVF.

26 Jul 2018

Study reveals key role of actin cytoskeletal dynamics in supporting immune cell function

In order to move, a body needs a strong scaffold. This is not only true on a macroscopic level, where animals rely on skeletons to support their muscles.

26 Jul 2018

Researchers find that IgM antibody could protect against HIV-1

A team of scientists from Texas Biomedical Research Institute have homed in on an antibody that could protect against infection with HIV-1.

24 Jul 2018

Bioengineers build 3D model of human heart ventricle

Harvard University researchers have bioengineered a three-dimensional model of a human left heart ventricle that could be used to study diseases, test drugs and develop patient-specific treatments for heart conditions such as arrhythmia.

24 Jul 2018

Discovery about how malaria moves could lead to new therapies

Researchers have made an important discovery about how Plasmodium falciparum (the parasite that causes malaria) is able to evade capture by the immune system.

23 Jul 2018

Researchers design proteins that can self-assemble into complex structures

A collaborative research team based in Japan has designed new proteins that can self-assemble into the complex structures underlying biological organisms, laying the groundwork for leading-edge applications in biotechnology.

20 Jul 2018

Scientists discover protein regulator of myelin production

Scientists have made an important discovery about the role of a protein called PRMT5 in the production of myelin.

19 Jul 2018

Study identifies RNA molecules that regulate male hormones in prostate cancer

In most cases of prostate cancer, tumor cell growth is stimulated by the action of male hormones, or androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

19 Jul 2018

Novel bioengineering technique could help repair bone defects

Researchers have developed a bone engineering technique that uses stem cells to improve bone grafts for the treatment of bone injury or disease.

18 Jul 2018

Single genetic change in gut bacteria can lead to obesity

A new study has shown that a single genetic change in a bacterium of the gut microbiome can lead to metabolic diseases such as obesity.

18 Jul 2018

Scientists identify hidden signals in RNAs that control protein synthesis

Scientists have long known that RNA encodes instructions to make proteins. The building blocks that comprise RNA-;A, U, C, and Gs-;form a blueprint for the protein-making machinery in cells. To make proteins, the machinery latches on RNA at one end and then scans along the RNA until it reaches an AUG string, which is the signal to start translating the genetic code into a protein.

17 Jul 2018

Study delves into the role played by Protein Kinase C in synaptic plasticity

Inside the brain, is a complex symphony of perfectly coordinated signaling. Hundreds of different molecules amplify, modify and carry information from tiny synaptic compartments all the way through the entire length of a neuron.

17 Jul 2018

Olfactory receptors play pathophysiological role in all organs than merely smell perception

Numerous studies to date have shown that olfactory receptors are relevant not only for smell perception, but that they also play a significant physiological and pathophysiological role in all organs.

16 Jul 2018

Researchers discover how proteins involved in neurodegeneration enter cells

Researchers have discovered how nerve cells recruit corrupted proteins that then corrupt other normal proteins within the cell, leading to Alzheimer's.

16 Jul 2018

Researchers uncover how cells invite corrupted proteins inside

Vampires can turn humans into vampires, but to enter a human's house, they must be invited in. Researchers at the UT Southwestern Medical Center, writing in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, have uncovered details of how cells invite inside corrupted proteins that can turn normal proteins corrupt, leading to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

16 Jul 2018