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MIT chemists discover how changes in a shape-shifting receptor trigger cell growth

Receptors found on cell surfaces bind to hormones, proteins, and other molecules, helping cells respond to their environment.

6 Jul 2022

SARS-CoV-2 can evade Paxlovid by multiple mechanisms

In a recent article posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, the University of South Florida, and the Catholic University of America demonstrated that the natural severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) mutations result in nirmatrelvir resistance.

30 Jun 2022

Seniors with prediabetes should eat better, get moving, but not fret too much about diabetes

Almost half of older adults — more than 26 million people 65 and older — have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How concerned should they be?

24 Jun 2022

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern exhibit divergent interactions with host proteases

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College assessed the cleavability of the spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) and related coronaviruses by several proteases of the host.

19 Jun 2022

Characterizing SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 15 endoribonuclease variants

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* pre-print server, researchers characterized the mutations in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) non-structural protein 15 (Nsp-15).

16 May 2022

Fluorescence-based sensing could be a useful tool for monitoring lactate levels in living organisms

Lactate is generated in the body as a byproduct, during normal metabolism and exercise. While considered a useless waste product for a long time, recent studies have shown that lactate can be an indicator for cancer and various other diseases.

10 May 2022

Study reports an orally available SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitor with potent in vivo antiviral activity

Researchers examined the efficiency of the main protease (Mpro) inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2.

29 Apr 2022

Further optimization of cysteine-reactive pyrazoline-based covalent inhibitors for the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro

Researchers discovered and optimized cysteine-reactive pyrazoline-based covalent inhibitors for several coronaviruses' Mpro, including SARS-CoV-2.

11 Mar 2022

Identification of compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mac1-ADP-ribose binding

Researchers discovered compounds able to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 macrodomain 1 and adenosine diphosphate-ribose binding via high throughput screening.

7 Mar 2022

Mutational analysis of SARS-CoV-2 main protease

A new study discussed the findings of a comprehensive mutational analysis of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2.

1 Feb 2022

An algorithm to predict host cleavage targets of SARS-CoV-2 3CLPro

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers developed a novel bioinformatic algorithm to predict host cleavage targets of the SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease (3CLPro).

23 Jan 2022

Paxlovid provides a glimpse into the future against SARS-CoV-2

A recent study reveals that nirmatrelvir is potent and effective against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.

23 Jan 2022

Applications of bioconjugated nanomaterials in SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics

In this study, the researchers not only elucidate the recent bioconjugated nanomaterials for targeted diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, but they also provide the rationale behind these developments by discussing the mechanisms and approaches.

18 Jan 2022

Study suggests efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors is not compromised in current COVID-19 variants

A new study has focussed on assessing the Mpro mutants of newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants.

2 Dec 2021

Invalidation of potential SARS-CoV-2 protease inhibitors

Researchers identified several structurally disparate compounds that can inhibit the viral protease PLpro and determined whether the identified PLpro inhibitors are truly effective and should be further investigated.

9 Nov 2021

Increased transmission in open spike conformations of SARS-CoV-2 variants

Researchers from Yale University and the University of Texas have collaborated to investigate mutations in some VOCs.

14 Oct 2021

Rapid molecular assay to detect SARS-CoV-2-specific RNA sequences

The study reported rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 with high sensitivity and specificity in clinical samples.

6 Oct 2021

Discovery about cellular 'batteries' could open the door to better treatments for many diseases

A top exercise researcher at the University of Virginia School of Medicine has revealed how our bodies ensure the proper functioning of the powerhouses of our cells.

9 Sep 2021

Researchers show how a protein molecular motor can 'constrict' cell membranes

Cells in the human body constantly receive substances from the outside via a process called endocytosis. One important endocytosis pathway involves the formation of a protrusion within the cell membrane, pointing to the inside of the cell, triggered when a molecule needing to get in reaches the membrane.

31 Aug 2021

Two monoclonal antibodies broadly neutralize SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Researchers in the United States and Canada have described the structural basis and mode of action for two monoclonal antibodies that potently neutralize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – the agent that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

4 Aug 2021