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.

Researchers uncover hidden roles of accessory genes in SARS-CoV-2

Viruses are lean, mean, infection machines. Their genomes are tiny, usually limited to a handful of absolutely essential genes, and they shed extra genomic deadweight extremely fast.

20 Nov 2024

New approach to stabilize RSV protein could lead to better vaccines

In most people, the lung-infecting pathogens known as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) trigger mild cold-like symptoms. But in infants and seniors, these viruses can cause severe pneumonia and even death.

20 Nov 2024

Study identifies DNA collisions driving genetic changes in cancer

Cancer researchers at the University of Chicago and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) have discovered that mutations in certain genes can lead to the accumulation of DNA errors, resulting in a specific type of genetic change known as large tandem duplications (TDs) that can arise from the collision of two critical cellular processes: transcription and DNA replication.

20 Nov 2024

Antibiotic activity altered by interaction with nanoplastics, new research shows

Nanoplastics significantly alter antibiotic interactions, reducing effectiveness and increasing resistance, posing serious implications for health and ecology.

20 Nov 2024

SARS-CoV-2 hijacks cholesterol trafficking to fuel infection and evade immune responses

SARS-CoV-2 disrupts cholesterol metabolism by using its ORF3a protein to sequester cholesterol in lysosomes, reducing BMP levels and optimizing viral survival. This novel mechanism offers insights into long-term metabolic complications of COVID-19.

19 Nov 2024

Kyushu University team develops antibody to fight age-related muscle atrophy

We all age. And while humanity's life expectancy has increased dramatically in the modern era, we still struggle with the inevitable health issues our bodies face as we get up in the years.

19 Nov 2024

Diabetes drugs cut asthma attacks by up to 70%, reshaping treatment options

Metformin and GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduce asthma attacks in patients with type 2 diabetes, offering potential new treatments for asthma.

19 Nov 2024

New protein target offers promise for alleviating cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease

A recently published study by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that a tiny protein called PNA5 appears to have a protective effect on brain cells, which could lead to treatments for the cognitive symptoms of Parkinson's disease and related disorders.

19 Nov 2024

Muvalaplin shows promise in lowering Lp(a) levels in clinical trial

A clinical trial testing muvalaplin, a novel oral medication, was able to safely and effectively lower high levels of lipoprotein (a), according to late-breaking science presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024.

19 Nov 2024

New research links sphingolipids to heart disease and atherosclerosis

Excess cholesterol is known to form artery-clogging plaques that can lead to stroke, arterial disease, heart attack, and more, making it the focus of many heart health campaigns.

19 Nov 2024

Research uncovers how inhaled house dust mites trigger of allergic asthma

New research from the University of Pittsburgh uncovers how inhaled house dust mites, a common trigger of allergic asthma, activate the immune system and drive this disease in mice.

19 Nov 2024

New CAR T-cell therapy shows promise against aggressive HER2+ breast cancer

One-third of HER2-positive (HER2+) tumors express the P95HER2 protein, which associates with an aggressive form of breast cancer with a poorer prognosis. Investigators of the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology's (VHIO) Growth Factors Group, in collaboration with researchers of the Cancer Research Program of Hospital del Mar Research Institute (HMRI), Barcelona, have developed novel chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy that can produce a potent antitumor response against p95HER2-expressing cells.

19 Nov 2024

Malaria crystal structure offers clues for more effective medications

Prof. Leslie Leiserowitz first became intrigued by malaria when he was a young boy in South Africa. His father, who scouted the continent in search of wood for the family business, brought back not only tales of elephants and gorillas but also skin rashes and ringing in his ears, side effects of the quinine he took to prevent malaria.

19 Nov 2024

From crude lysate to purity with high-precision AAV capsid measurement with Bio-Rad's new ddPCR Kit

Accurately quantify AAV capsids directly from crude lysates with Bio-Rad's new ddPCR kit—offering reliable, efficient, and precise measurement to streamline your research workflows.

From Bio-Rad Laboratories 19 Nov 2024

MSU researchers develop method for earlier disease detection using blood proteins

Medical professionals have long known that the earlier a disease is detected, the higher the chance for a better patient outcome.

19 Nov 2024

How alcohol impacts male health

This research explores how alcohol consumption disrupts metabolism, damages the liver, and impairs male reproductive health, emphasizing the complex mechanisms and public health implications.

18 Nov 2024

Green tea kombucha could transform your gut and boost your weight-loss journey

Green tea kombucha improves gastrointestinal symptoms and alters the serum metabolome in individuals with excess body weight on an energy-restricted diet, showing potential metabolic health benefits.

18 Nov 2024

Experts evaluate plant-based diets for kids, urging nutritional care and supplementation

Plant-based diets for children and adolescents may offer health benefits but pose risks of nutritional deficiencies, requiring careful planning and professional oversight.

18 Nov 2024

How vitamin B3 could be the secret to living longer and protecting your heart

Dietary niacin intake reduces risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in US adults, with benefits more pronounced in non-diabetic individuals and linked to NAD metabolism improvements.

18 Nov 2024

Common heart failure drug reduces risk of chemotherapy-induced heart damage in cancer patients

A commonly prescribed medication for heart failure was linked to a lower risk of heart damage, or cardiotoxicity, among high-risk cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment using anthracyclines, according to preliminary late-breaking science presented today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024.

18 Nov 2024