Molecular & Structural Biology

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Researchers identify mechanisms that regulate mammary gland development

Publication in Nature Cell Biology: researchers at the Université libre de Bruxelles, ULB define for the first time the mechanisms responsible for the mammary gland development.

23 May 2018

DNA vaccine shows promise for colorectal cancer

For the first time in humans, researchers are testing a combined approach to treating advanced stage colorectal cancer (CRC) that may be life-changing for patients.

22 May 2018

Scientists decipher workings of little-understood bacterial riboswitch

In a discovery that points to potential new antibiotic medicines, scientists from Rice University and the University of Michigan have deciphered the workings of a common but little-understood bacterial switch that cuts off protein production before it begins.

22 May 2018

Neurological protein found to protect against inflammatory diseases

Researchers have identified a protein involved in the activation of macrophages that protects against inflammatory disorders such as sepsis and inflammatory bowel disease.

21 May 2018

Researchers identify protein essential for eye lens development and clear vision

If you want to take clear photographs, you don't use sandpaper to clear a smudge from your camera's lens. Similarly, if you want to see clearly, the lens of your eye has to be free of obstruction.

21 May 2018

Study brings fresh insights into biology of malaria parasite

A team of researchers led by a University of California, Riverside, scientist has found that various stages of the development of human malaria parasites, including stages involved in malaria transmission, are linked to epigenetic features and how chromatin -- the complex of DNA and proteins within the nucleus -- is organized and structured in these parasites.

18 May 2018

Whole genome sequencing could prevent transfusion reactions

Researchers have recently published a study which may reduce complications and save lives for blood transfusion recipients.

18 May 2018

Researchers uncover unusual form of cross-talk between proteins that affect gene expression

Turning genes on and off is an intricate process involving communication between many different types of proteins that interact with DNA.

18 May 2018

Study provides insights into how immune cells kill bacteria with acid

The first line of immune defense against invading pathogens like bacteria are macrophages, immune cells that engulf every foreign object that crosses their way. After enclosing it in intracellular membrane vesicles, a process called phagocytosis, macrophages kill their prey with acid.

17 May 2018

Researcher develops small molecules that inhibit derailment of gene expression in cancer

Not everyone person who has a "cancer gene" will inevitably develop this disease in their lifetime. Thanks to a new area of research called epigenetics, we now know that many genes are only read under certain circumstances.

17 May 2018

Researchers discover a new antibody type

Researchers have made a discovery that contradicts previous understanding that an antibody only eliminates a specific subgroup of bacteria.

16 May 2018

Researchers demonstrate new strategy for stimulating autophagy

Brown University researchers studying the biology of aging have demonstrated a new strategy for stimulating autophagy, the process by which cells rebuild themselves by recycling their own worn-out parts.

16 May 2018

Biologists determine how transcription factors function differently in embryonic development

A team of biologists has determined how transcription factors (TFs), which guide gene regulation, function differently in embryonic development.

16 May 2018

Blueprint of human heart chambers exists in zebrafish, study reports

Scientists have shown for the first time that the blueprint for the four chambers of the human heart exists in the humble zebrafish, a study in eLife reports.

16 May 2018

Interfering with enzyme's movement may be new approach for developing of anti-cancer drugs

Revealing all the steps required to activate an enzyme called a protein kinase may identify new ways to target cancer, according to new University of Arizona-led research.

16 May 2018

Essential fats in diet may regulate protein secretion in muscles by altering gene expression

A new study reveals that essential fats in the diet may play a role in regulating protein secretion in the muscles by changing the way genes associated with secretion act.

15 May 2018

Biochemists isolate protein supercomplex from bacteria that generates voltage

Biochemists at the University of Illinois have isolated a protein supercomplex from a bacterial membrane that, like a battery, generates a voltage across the bacterial membrane.

15 May 2018

Scientists uncover new target for MRSA

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified why methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA is so resilient, a finding that could pave the way for potential new treatments.

15 May 2018

Researchers use body odor to diagnose malaria

An international team of researchers recently discovered that malaria could be diagnosed through changes in body odor.

15 May 2018

Disease tolerance is the key to treating TB, say experts

A new study from McGill University suggests it is the body’s ability to “tolerate” rather than “resist” TB infection that stops symptoms of the disease developing.

14 May 2018