Molecular & Structural Biology

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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

Scientists identify structural and functional differences in human immune-surveillance protein

The human body is built for survival. Each one of its cells is closely guarded by a set of immune proteins armed with nearly foolproof radars that detect foreign or damaged DNA.

13 Jul 2018

Research deepens understanding of mechanism behind organ morphogenesis

Many organs arise from simple sheets and tubes of cells. During development, these sheets bend and deform into the more complex final shape of the organ.

13 Jul 2018

Researchers find new way for producing medical therapeutic proteins

Bacterial systems are some of the simplest and most effective platforms for the expression of recombinant proteins.

13 Jul 2018

UZH scientists identify enzyme that controls cell division

When a cell divides, its constituents are usually evenly distributed among the daughter cells. UZH researchers have now identified an enzyme that guarantees that cell constituents that are concentrated in organelles without a membrane are properly distributed.

12 Jul 2018

Streck ARM-D Kits detect more antibiotic resistance than comparable tests

Streck, Inc., received great interest in Streck ARM-D Kits after its poster presentation on improved methodology for detection of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria at ECCMID 2018 in Madrid.

12 Jul 2018

Research reveals new gears in the circadian clock

A long-studied factor controlling human sleep cycles actually has two forms, one that keeps a key protein stable and another that promotes its degradation.

12 Jul 2018

Researchers discover why CRISPR gene editing sometimes fails

A study has explained for the first time why the CRISPR gene editing tool fails to work in 15% cases, and has suggested methods to prevent this.

11 Jul 2018

Researchers uncover molecular drivers of a deadly pediatric cancer

Researchers have made important discoveries about the molecular mechanisms driving acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a deadly pediatric cancer.

11 Jul 2018

New approach sheds light on effects of drugs on cancer cells

A new approach established at the University of Zurich sheds light on the effects of anti-cancer drugs and the defense mechanisms of cancer cells.

11 Jul 2018

Researchers find ATM protein that can trigger production of antioxidants

One reason we're supposed to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is because they contain nutritious compounds called antioxidants.

11 Jul 2018

Mature kidney podocytes for developing cell therapies and drug discovery

Human stem cells are of great interest in the fields of regenerative medicine and medical research because they reproduce indefinitely and can differentiate into every other cell type found in the body.

11 Jul 2018

Stem cell study brings scientists closer to understanding schistosomiasis

Scientists have made an important discovery that could lead to the development of new treatments for schistosomiasis, a common parasitic disease.

10 Jul 2018

Newly discovered nanobody holds promise to advance targeted therapies for several diseases

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have found a nanobody that holds promise to advance targeted therapies for a number of neurological diseases and cancer.

10 Jul 2018