Amino Acid News and Research

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Amino Acid is one of several molecules that join together to form proteins. There are 20 common amino acids found in proteins.

Researchers find plasma donors with broad malaria protection

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, remains a major global health threat, claiming 600,000 lives annually, mostly young children in sub-Saharan Africa. Immunity to severe malaria develops after repeated infections and is mediated by antibodies blocking the parasite's highly diversified PfEMP1 adhesion proteins from binding to the human endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) on blood vessel walls.

19 Aug 2025

MIT technique reveals how AI models predict protein functions

Within the past few years, models that can predict the structure or function of proteins have been widely used for a variety of biological applications, such as identifying drug targets and designing new therapeutic antibodies.

19 Aug 2025

New therapies for acute kidney injury show promise

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe renal disorder affecting approximately 10%-15% of hospitalized patients and up to 50% in intensive care units (ICUs). Its pathogenesis involves complex inflammatory regulatory mechanisms. As core components of the cytokine network, interleukins (ILs) exert pleiotropic effects in AKI development, extensively participating in inflammation, fibrosis, tissue injury repair, and remote organ damage.

18 Aug 2025

Amino acid metabolism shapes the tumor immune microenvironment and therapy response

The tumor microenvironment is not just a site of cancer growth—it is a high-stakes metabolic contest where tumor and immune cells vie for limited resources.

17 Aug 2025

New mouse model reveals key role of osteocytes in osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) refers to a group of rare genetic bone disorders that results in the formation of fragile bones. In patients with OI, the matrix that makes up the bone has been found to be abnormal, leading to an increased risk of fractures.

13 Aug 2025

AI breakthrough designs peptide drugs to target previously untreatable proteins

A study published in Nature Biotechnology reveals a powerful new use for artificial intelligence: designing small, drug-like molecules that can stick to and break down harmful proteins in the body - even when scientists don't know what those proteins look like.

13 Aug 2025

Plant-based protein blends can match whey for muscle recovery

Recent research reveals effective plant-based protein blends for muscle recovery, highlighting the need for higher doses to match whey's benefits.

12 Aug 2025

RSPO2 gene identified as key driver in metastatic prostate cancer

A new research paper was published in Volume 16 of Oncotarget on July 25, 2025, titled "Dissecting the functional differences and clinical features of R-spondin family members in metastatic prostate cancer."

11 Aug 2025

All-atom models reveal novel protein misfolding mechanism

New computer simulations that model every atom of a protein as it folds into its final three-dimensional form support the existence of a recently identified type of protein misfolding.

8 Aug 2025

Subtle genetic shifts in brain enzyme offer clues to human evolution

The evolutionary success of our species may have hinged on minute changes to our brain biochemistry after we diverged from the lineage leading to Neanderthals and Denisovans about half a million years ago.

5 Aug 2025

LptM protein revealed as essential to outer membrane stability in bacteria

Gram-negative bacteria pose a significant threat to global health due to their high resistance to antibiotics compared to that of Gram-positive bacteria.

4 Aug 2025

New research unveils vast influence of B vitamins on health and disease

Eight essential nutrients make up the suite of B vitamins also known as the B complex. Researchers from Tufts University and elsewhere have revealed that these B vitamins influence a vast spectrum of human health and disease, including cognitive function, cardiovascular health, gastric bypass recovery, neural tube defects, and even cancer.

4 Aug 2025

Study sheds light on molecular mechanisms of brain aging

Aging and neurodegeneration are both known to disrupt the production of functional proteins in cells – a process called "proteostasis," or protein homeostasis.

31 Jul 2025

Selective impairment of translation contributes to brain aging in killifish

Aging selectively impairs the production of crucial DNA- and RNA-binding proteins, which contributes to hallmarks of aging in the brains of killifish, according to a new study.

31 Jul 2025

Artificial sweetener may undermine effectiveness of cancer treatment

Sucralose is a popular sugar substitute for people who are cutting calories or managing blood sugar levels, but new research by the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center suggests that the artificial sweetener may not be the best choice for patients undergoing cancer immunotherapy.

31 Jul 2025

New blood test detects early-stage solid tumors with high accuracy

Current methods for cancer diagnosis are based on identifying biomarkers - molecules that reveal a particular state or process in the body – produced by the tumor or associated proteins.

31 Jul 2025

Gut microbial metabolites restore hormone-producing cells in obesity

New research from scientists at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine reveals that certain gut microbial byproducts may hold promise as a novel therapy for obesity-associated metabolic complications by restoring critical hormone-producing cells in the intestine.

29 Jul 2025

Gene-edited mosquitoes slash malaria spread 93% using self-propagating shield

Scientists engineered a naturally occurring genetic variant (Q224) in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, making them highly resistant to malaria parasites without affecting fitness. A novel gene-drive system rapidly spread this protective trait through lab mosquito populations, offering a potential breakthrough for malaria control.

24 Jul 2025

Hemp seeds: The surprisingly complete protein hiding in plain sight

Researchers reviewed the nutritional and functional potential of industrial hemp seeds, highlighting their complete protein, healthy fat, and fiber content. The review outlines how processing innovations and market forces could make hemp a leading ingredient in plant-based and functional foods.

24 Jul 2025

CoVerage outperforms rivals in early detection of COVID mutations

The CoVerage system monitors SARS-CoV-2 evolution, predicting variants and scoring amino acid changes to inform vaccine efficacy and public health strategies.

24 Jul 2025