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Structure and function of locked conformation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein identified

A new preprint research paper, posted to the bioRxiv* server, uncovered more information on the different structural conformations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The findings suggest the spike protein turns into a locked state to stabilize the spike protein during virus egress.

11 Mar 2021

Novel SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccine candidate produces strong neutralizing response in vivo

A new study by researchers at Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand, reports a COVID-19 vaccine candidate called HexaPro in producing neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in an animal model.

3 Mar 2021

Researchers explore how N501Y mutation in SARS-CoV-2 increases viral transmissibility

Researchers at Erasmus University Medical Center in The Netherlands have explored how and why new variants of SARS-CoV-2 have exhibited heightened infectivity.

24 Feb 2021

DNA origami used to analyze the ultra-fast movements of CRISPR enzymes

The remarkable genetic scissors called CRISPR/Cas9, the discovery that won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, sometimes cut in places that they are not designed to target.

23 Feb 2021

Study: Quantum mechanics plays a role in biological processes and causes mutations in DNA

Quantum biology is an emerging field of science, established in the 1920s, which looks at whether the subatomic world of quantum mechanics plays a role in living cells.

22 Feb 2021

A pangolin coronavirus spike glycoprotein sheds light on SARS-CoV-2’s evolution

As the exact zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2 remains unresolved, scientists at the Francis Crick Institute in London, UK, explored the structure and binding properties of a Pangolin coronavirus spike glycoprotein to see if it could shed light on the evolution of SARS-CoV-2.

16 Feb 2021

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 may soon become the dominant variant in US

A team of scientists from the United States has recently explored the prevalence and transmission dynamics of the B.1.1.7 variant (UK variant) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the United States. The study reveals that because of 35-45% increased transmissibility, B.1.1.7 may soon become the US's dominant variant. The study is currently available on the medRxiv* preprint server.

9 Feb 2021

Emergence and transmission of UK SARS-CoV-2 variant in the US

Researchers describe the impending rise to dominance of the B.1.1.7 (UK) variant in the US. Understanding this development will help to shape preventive action to reduce the infection and mortality rates.

9 Feb 2021

What do we know about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines so far?

A new study surveys what we know so far about SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates from advanced clinical trials.

27 Jan 2021

New UK SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating in US since November, says study

A new study by researchers at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, showed that the new variant has circulated in the US since November.

26 Jan 2021

Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 protein vaccine less immunogenic but more antigenic than expected

Now, a new preprint research paper posted to the medRxiv server presents preliminary results of a stabilized SARS-CoV-2 pre-fusion spike protein vaccine expressed in a baculovirus system (CoV2 preS dTM), with two different adjuvant formulations.

26 Jan 2021

New probes allow scientists to see quadruple-helix DNA in living human cells

New probes allow scientists to see four-stranded DNA interacting with molecules inside living human cells, unravelling its role in cellular processes.

14 Jan 2021

Structure of SARS-CoV-2 cytoplasmic tail uncovered

The virus's cytosolic tail also interacts with the host cell to promote its entry into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). A new study appearing on the bioRxiv preprint server elucidates the conformation of this region of the virus, which will help understand how its form is related to its function in viral entry.

12 Jan 2021

NIST compiles the first detailed tutorial on DNA origami

In a technique known as DNA origami, researchers fold long strands of DNA over and over again to construct a variety of tiny 3D structures, including miniature biosensors and drug-delivery containers.

8 Jan 2021

Study reveals molecular machinery that regulates membrane association of Arf proteins

The small GTPases of the ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) family are key initiators of various physiological processes including secretion, endocytosis, phagocytosis, and signal transduction. Arf family proteins function to mediate the recruitment of cytosolic effectors to specific subcellular compartments.

7 Jan 2021

Study reveals how ecDNA fragments drive gene amplification to generate drug resistance in cancer

Researchers led by Ludwig San Diego Member Don Cleveland and Peter Campbell of the Sanger Center have solved the mystery of how free-floating circular DNA fragments, which are almost exclusively found in cancer cells, drive gene amplification to generate drug resistance in cancer.

24 Dec 2020

Helix News and Research

Structure and function of locked conformation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein identified

Novel SARS-CoV-2 spike vaccine candidate produces strong neutralizing response in vivo

Researchers explore how N501Y mutation in SARS-CoV-2 increases viral transmissibility

DNA origami used to analyze the ultra-fast movements of CRISPR enzymes

Study: Quantum mechanics plays a role in biological processes and causes mutations in DNA

A pangolin coronavirus spike glycoprotein sheds light on SARS-CoV-2’s evolution

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 may soon become the dominant variant in US

Emergence and transmission of UK SARS-CoV-2 variant in the US

What do we know about the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines so far?

New UK SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating in US since November, says study

Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 protein vaccine less immunogenic but more antigenic than expected

New probes allow scientists to see quadruple-helix DNA in living human cells

Structure of SARS-CoV-2 cytoplasmic tail uncovered

NIST compiles the first detailed tutorial on DNA origami

Study reveals molecular machinery that regulates membrane association of Arf proteins

Study reveals how ecDNA fragments drive gene amplification to generate drug resistance in cancer

Research may lead to better treatment and vaccines for Ebola, COVID-19

Repair protein may prevent damage to healthy cells during cancer therapy

Oligourea-based "fake" peptides enhance options for rational drug design, shows study

N-Glycosylation sites may contribute to spike-mediated invasion by SARS-CoV-2

Achieving and maintaining ISO/IEC 27001 and BS 10012 certifications

Expanding research and clinical options for children with cancer

Examining how pain could play a direct protective role in the gut

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