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.

Small antibody fragment shows potential for non-hormonal contraception

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows how a small antibody fragment can block fertilization by targeting a key protein on the surface of the egg.

15 Apr 2025

Inherited mutations in healthy cells may contribute to cancer development

Most cancer genome studies have focused on mutations in the tumor itself and how such gene variants allow a tumor to grow unchecked.

15 Apr 2025

Digital lifestyle program cuts diabetes risk by 46% in prediabetics, study of 130k+ adults reveals

A large study of 133,764 adults found that a voluntary digital lifestyle program reduced 10-year diabetes risk by 45.6% in prediabetics and doubled remission rates in diabetics, with significant improvements in triglycerides, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers like hs-CRP.

14 Apr 2025

Blood test detects Parkinson’s years before symptoms appear using RNA markers

A new study identifies a blood-based biomarker that detects pre-symptomatic Parkinson’s disease by measuring the ratio of specific nuclear and mitochondrial transfer RNA fragments. The test outperforms standard clinical tools and may also reflect disease mechanisms related to impaired protein synthesis.

14 Apr 2025

Scientists identify critical enzymes for astrocytic GABA production in Alzheimer’s disease

A research team at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) has identified a previously unknown enzyme, SIRT2, that plays a key role in memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

14 Apr 2025

Who really decides what Australians eat? New study reveals financial sector’s hidden power

A new study explores how financial and non-financial actors shape food system investments in Australia, revealing who holds the power to promote—or prevent—healthier food environments. It introduces “profit-plus investing” as a potential tool for aligning finance with public health.

13 Apr 2025

What really causes keto flu, and how can you prevent it?

A scoping review from the University of Bergen identifies a wide range of transient symptoms—collectively known as "keto flu"—that occur during the initiation of a ketogenic diet. The review explores their physiological basis and highlights strategies, such as MCTs and electrolyte supplementation, to ease the transition.

13 Apr 2025

New study connects parasitic disease to genetic changes in the cervical lining

New research has revealed that Schistosoma haematobium (S. haematobium), a parasitic infection affecting millions globally, can trigger cancer-related gene activity in the cervical lining, with changes becoming even more pronounced after treatment.

12 Apr 2025

IL-6 emerges as early sepsis indicator in high risk groups

A pioneering study presented today at ESCMID Global 2025 has uncovered the potential of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a powerful diagnostic biomarker for the early detection of sepsis in high-risk patient groups, including neonates, children and pregnant women.

11 Apr 2025

Northwestern scientists identify key genes behind Parkinson's development

A longstanding mystery in Parkinson's disease research has been why some individuals carrying pathogenic variants that increase their risk of PD go on to develop the disease, while others who also carry such variants do not.

11 Apr 2025

Boosting tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy with the power of B cells

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that tapping into the body's own immune system and activating a type of immune cell known as B cells, could be the key to boosting the effectiveness of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, or TIL therapy.

11 Apr 2025

Bacteria engineered for remote sensing through color signatures

Bacteria can be engineered to sense a variety of molecules, such as pollutants or soil nutrients. In most cases, however, these signals can only be detected by looking at the cells under a microscope or similarly sensitive lab equipment, making them impractical for large-scale use.

11 Apr 2025

COVID-19 treatments show minimal serious side effects

Numerous treatment options for COVID-19 have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over the last four years, including antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies that suppress an excessive immune response.

11 Apr 2025

GSK3β identified as a driver of drug resistance in BRAF mutant melanoma

A new research perspective was published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on April 4, 2025, titled "GSK3β activation is a key driver of resistance to Raf inhibition in BRAF mutant melanoma cells."

11 Apr 2025

New assay detects epigenetic changes caused by carcinogenic chemicals

Chemicals used as food preservatives, flavoring agents, dyes, pesticides, cosmetics, cleaners, and other industrial materials are being increasingly recognized as a health hazard.

10 Apr 2025

Researchers explore drug repurposing strategy for Parkinson's disease

Despite significant advances in Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment, it remains incurable, with limited therapeutic options.

10 Apr 2025

Exploring the complex association between anemia and retinopathy of prematurity

Anemia is a common condition in premature infants, particularly those at risk for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

10 Apr 2025

Unlocking the power of MDA5 protein modifications in antiviral defense

Cleveland Clinic virology researchers have found that a specific protein modification to the immune protein MDA5 is key to how human bodies detect and respond to viruses and viral replication.

10 Apr 2025

Epigenetic discovery offers hope for reducing addiction relapse

New research on the biological basis of addiction has found that the critical epigenetic enzyme histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) limits the expression of the gene Scn4b, regulating neuronal activity and thereby the formation of strong drug-related memories, which can trigger relapse in individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs).

10 Apr 2025