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.

Omicron evades roughly twice the number of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies than Delta

New study results highlight that Omicron has an increased affinity to ACE-2 receptors, therefore, has increased infectivity, viral load, and transmissibility compared to other variants of concern, including the Delta variant.

22 Dec 2021

Extended interval between second and third vaccination beneficial against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

A new study proposes a multi-boost vaccine strategy with a longer duration between the second and third dose, as that would be beneficial in acquiring immunity against severely mutated SARS-CoV-2 variants.

22 Dec 2021

Study suggests nitazoxanide fails to reduce the severity of SARS-CoV-2

A new study shows that the optimization of nitazoxanide formulations may allow the review of the potential use of the drug for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

22 Dec 2021

Scientists identify a panel of nanobodies with good neutralizing efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

A team of scientists from Canada has recently characterized a panel of nanobodies against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.

22 Dec 2021

Defensosomes can act as decoys to protect against SARS-CoV-2

In a new study, researchers from New York University have been examining the ability of defensosomes to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection.

22 Dec 2021

Furin cleavage site similarities in SARS-CoV-2 and rodent coronavirus indicate common wildlife host

New study findings show that AcCoV-JC34 is the only luchacovirus containing a –RR-R- motif that is identical to the one found in SARS-CoV-2.

22 Dec 2021

Exploring the Mediterranean diet as a potential strategy against SARS-CoV-2

A study found that the Mediterranean diet, when combined with non-smoking and regular physical activity, can lower susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.

22 Dec 2021

Researchers identify novel cancer markers in patients with aggressive prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and is among the top five causes of cancer-related death. In most cases, prostate cancer can be successfully treated but there is a group of patients who suffer an aggressive course and often fatal outcome.

22 Dec 2021

Researchers identify new mechanism that impairs cancer cell proliferation and induces death

UAB and Vall d'Hebron researchers identified the mechanism by which inhibitors of the ERK5 protein kinase impair the proliferation of cancer cells and induce their death. The results, obtained using human cancer cell lines, demonstrate that ERK5 inhibition activates cytotoxic autophagy, a process that triggers cancer cell death, without affecting healthy cells. A combination of ERK5 inhibitors and chemotherapy could improve cancer treatment.

22 Dec 2021

Researchers identify new mechanism for DNA invasion of adenoviral COVID-19 vaccines

Adenoviruses have a linchpin protein that stabilizes their DNA until it reaches the infected cell's nucleus. The protein then detaches from the viral genome, and the virus uncoats. Only then are the genes released into the nucleus, which is necessary for the production of new viruses.

22 Dec 2021

Polyrotaxane-based biomaterials enhance the connection between epithelial cells

The field of tissue engineering is constantly exploring the possibility of using different properties of various biomaterials to achieve tissue regeneration.

21 Dec 2021

Researchers discover new function of protein tBID

The protein tBID can trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis) by inducing damage in the energy suppliers of the cells, the mitochondria. Apoptosis is essential for maintaining tissue balance.

21 Dec 2021

Broad neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by an unconventional antibody fragment

A new preprint research paper posted to the bioRxiv* server examines the nature and effects of the spike mutations and identifies a vulnerable point that could help develop broad-spectrum protection against circulating variants.

21 Dec 2021

Deletion of autism-linked gene diminishes myelin in mice

Myelin, a sheath of insulation around nerves that enables electrical impulses to efficiently travel through the central nervous system, is diminished in mice that have a gene deletion associated with autism spectrum disorder, new research finds.

21 Dec 2021

National U.S trial confirms effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

In a recent study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, scientists conducted a target trial emulation study and documented that among the elderly in the U.S. (with significant comorbidities), the efficacy of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines was much lower in terms of preventing infection, than previously reported. However, the effectiveness against death was found to be high.

21 Dec 2021