Protein News and Research

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Proteins are complex molecules that are made up of amino acids. They can be found in every cell in the body, and carry out vital processes that keep human beings alive. Mutations in proteins can lead to a multitude of diseases, the most common being cancer.

Monkey-infecting virus shows promise as potential component of future HIV vaccine

A protein from Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, which can infect monkeys and apes, has shown promise as a potential component of a vaccine against Human Immunodeficiency Virus, in a new study from scientists at Scripps Research in La Jolla, California.

22 May 2019

Scientists develop new genetic tool to modify and understand gene function

Scientists of the National Center for Cardiovascular Research led by Rui Benedito have developed a new genetic tool (iSuRe-Cre) that provides certainty in Cre-inducible genetic modifications, a key technique for understanding gene function.

22 May 2019

Newly discovered molecules safely halt the gene editing process

Scientists have discovered two non-toxic molecules that safely halt the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing process.

22 May 2019

Scientists unravel how DNA organizes and preserves genetic information

Two scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have unraveled aspects of how DNA organizes and preserves genetic information.

From Johns Hopkins Medicine 22 May 2019

Inhibition of CRMP2 phosphorylation promotes axonal regeneration after optic nerve injury

A new study by Professor Toshio Ohshima of Waseda University has found that the inhibition of phosphorylation of collapsing response mediator protein 2, a microtubule-binding protein, suppresses degeneration of nerve fibers and promotes its regeneration after optic nerve injury.

22 May 2019

UW researchers use molecular tethers, chemical 'light sabers' for tissue engineering

Tissue engineering could transform medicine. Instead of waiting for our bodies to regrow or repair damage after an injury or disease, scientists could grow complex, fully functional tissues in a laboratory for transplantation into patients.

22 May 2019

Researchers decode how molecular escorts help prevent cancer

The anti-tumor protein p53 can decide on the life or death of a cell: If it detects damage in the cell's genome, the protein pushes the cell to suicide.

22 May 2019

Neonatal exposure to nicotine alters neurons, predisposes brain to addiction in adulthood

Neonatal exposure to nicotine alters the reward circuity in the brains of newborn mice, increasing their preference for the drug in later adulthood, report researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine in a study published "in press" April 24, 2019 in Biological Psychiatry.

22 May 2019

Study provides new insights into key beneficial function of small ancient protein

Cell boundaries are made of lipids. When cells are severely damaged, these lipids need to be rapidly removed to avoid toxicity and facilitate tissue healing. Researchers have discovered that a small ancient protein, Serum Amyloid A (SAA), plays a previously unknown key role in this vital process.

21 May 2019

Blood proteins may be useful for predicting risk of developing heart failure

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of pain, suffering and death in the United States, and despite tremendous advances in knowledge on prevention, treatment of risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure and obesity is not optimal.

21 May 2019

New study shows how a kidney biopsy can be used to tailor treatment for lupus patients

The kidneys of patients living with systemic lupus erythematosus are often under assault, and not all those living with the disease will respond to standard treatment.

21 May 2019

Scientists create bacteria with man-made DNA

In a landmark research study, a living organism (E. coli) has been made using entirely human-made DNA.

21 May 2019

Researchers discuss how time of day affects the severity of illness

In a review published May 17 in the journal Trends in Immunology, researchers discuss how time of day affects the severity of afflictions ranging from allergies to heart attacks.

21 May 2019

Host-cell enzymes vital for inhibiting mutant forms of coronavirus, study finds

Host-cell enzymes called PARP12 and PARP14 are important for inhibiting mutant forms of a coronavirus, according to a study published May 16 in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Stanley Perlman of the University of Iowa, Anthony Fehr of the University of Kansas, and colleagues.

21 May 2019

Ultra-processed diet increases calorie consumption and weight gain

Experts have long suspected that increased consumption of processed foods over the past 50 years has been a primary driver of the obesity epidemic.

21 May 2019

Inhibition of protein may prevent spread of castration-resistant prostate cancer

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered that blocking a specific protein, may be a promising strategy to prevent the spread of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

21 May 2019

Researchers identify enzymes that protect people from diabetic kidney disease

A new study from Joslin Diabetes Center has proven that certain biological protective factors play a large role in preventing diabetic kidney disease in certain people. The study was published today in Diabetes Care.

21 May 2019

Small molecule drug could be an effective strategy to treat glioblastoma

A team of researchers have published in the International Journal of Oncology that RITA, a drug able to reactivate the oncosuppressor function of p53, could be an effective strategy to treat glioblastoma.

21 May 2019

Researchers map virulence factor of influenza A virus in real-time

The influenza A viruses, which have instigated deadly pandemics in the past, still remain a major global public health problem until today. Molecules known as virulence factors are produced by bacteria, viruses, and fungi to help them to infect host cells.

21 May 2019

New approach to waking up sleeping genes could help people with Prader-Willi syndrome

New funding is enabling Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers to develop new approaches to potentially help people with Prader-Willi syndrome, a devastating and incurable genetic condition.

21 May 2019