Molecular & Structural Biology

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Evolutionary changes in key enzyme help bacteria fine-tune protein synthesis

Evolutionary changes in key protein synthesis enzyme, isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IleRS), may help bacteria fine-tune how quickly proteins are made, report researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan; the University of Zagreb Faculty of Science, Croatia; and ETH Zürich, Switzerland.

29 Oct 2026

Novel transporter protein discovery opens new pathways for central nervous system therapies

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have identified a transporter protein with the potential to open new avenues for improving creatine delivery into the brain and for developing other therapies targeting the central nervous system.

29 Oct 2026

Macromolecular crowding helps control synthetic DNA droplet formation

Macromolecular crowding can serve as a design tool for controlling the formation and organization of synthetic DNA droplets, a study from Science Tokyo reveals.

28 Oct 2026

DEBRA research invests in Topadur to advance small-molecule therapies for dystrophic Epidermolysis bullosa

DEBRA Research gGmbH, a global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and drug development for Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), and Topadur Pharma AG, a Swiss clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced an investment by DEBRA Research in Topadur to support a preclinical program exploring a new treatment approach for dystrophic Epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). DEB is one of the more severe forms of EB, characterized by extremely fragile skin and progressive, debilitating complications.

28 Oct 2026

PARP1 remodels nucleosomes to help cells repair damaged DNA

When DNA is damaged, cellular processes respond and repair the DNA. Inhibiting DNA damage repair can be therapeutically beneficial in cancers with genetic vulnerabilities related to DNA damage response.

23 Oct 2026

Penn State study identifies new regulator of jumping genes

As much as half of the human genome is composed of so-called "jumping genes." These DNA sequences can make copies of themselves that are inserted back into the genome at another location, playing a significant functional role in creating the diversity that drives evolution and in regulating how other genes are turned on or off.

21 Oct 2026

E. coli eavesdrops on neighboring bacteria to stabilize gut diversity

The stability of the human gut microbiome relies on interactions between different bacterial species. However, the specific molecular mechanisms of these interactions, particularly among non-dominant species, remain largely unexplored.

14 Oct 2026

Scientists find strange bacterial immune system that works backward

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have uncovered an extraordinarily unusual bacterial immune system that operates in reverse of known defenses.

13 Oct 2026

Three-dimensional genome structure shapes complex traits in cephalopods

Octopuses, squid and cuttlefish, collectively known as coleoid cephalopods, have evolved exceptionally large and elaborately structured nervous systems capable of complex behaviours such as problem-solving and rapid camouflage.

12 Oct 2026

Amphista Therapeutics announces first patient dosed in AMX-883 Phase 1 clinical trial for acute myeloid leukemia

Amphista Therapeutics Limited ('Amphista'), a leader in the discovery and development of non-cereblon / VHL targeted protein degradation (TPD) medicines, today announced dosing of the first patient in a Phase 1 trial for its lead candidate, AMX-883. Initiated following authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June 2026, the BRAMLIE trial will investigate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary efficacy of AMX-883 monotherapy in participants with AML and high-risk MDS.

From Amphista Therapeutics 12 Oct 2026

Real time molecular movie unlocks secrets of penicillin biosynthesis

Researchers from the University of Oxford and international collaborators have revealed previously unseen rapid chemical stages in the formation of β-lactam antibiotics like penicillin, offering insights that can support future antibiotic development.

9 Oct 2026

Bio-Techne expands global GMP manufacturing network with new Bristol facility to advance scalable cell therapy development

Bio-Techne Corporation, a global provider of life science tools, reagents and diagnostic products, today announced the opening of a new manufacturing facility for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) grade small molecules in Bristol, United Kingdom, further expanding the company's global capabilities to support the rapidly growing cell therapy market.

From Bio-Techne 8 Oct 2026

Study reveals link between mtDNA copy number and cancer severity

Mitochondria are small organelles within cells that play a central role in vital cellular processes, especially energy production.

7 Oct 2026

ESTEVE CDMO expands U.S. capacity with additional $17.5 million investment in Morton Grove

ESTEVE CDMO, a global pure-play CDMO specializing in the development and manufacture of small-molecule APIs and pharmaceutical intermediates, has approved an additional $17.5 million capacity expansion and containment capabilities at its Morton Grove, Illinois facility, bringing total announced investment at the site to $33 million.

From ESTEVE CDMO 5 Oct 2026

New project explores mitochondrial evolution across diverse life forms

A research consortium has generated the broadest look yet at the proteins that make up mitochondria, capturing the organelle's diversity across multiple branches on the tree of complex life.

1 Oct 2026

Simulations reveal how changing enzyme shapes affect molecular recognition

Enzymes are often described as molecular machines that recognize and process specific molecules. However, they are not rigid structures. Their shapes can change, and these changes can affect how molecules enter, interact with, and remain within their active sites.

29 Sep 2026

New study explains how TMEM63B protein regulates cell membranes

An autoinhibitory domain in the C-terminal tail of the TMEM63B, a mechanosensitive lipid scramblase, helps maintain its inactive state under resting conditions, report researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo.

29 Sep 2026

Tapping the power of cryo-ET to visualize how molecular machines interact inside cells

Scientists have often thought of cells as small bustling cities with parts that resemble factories, power grids, and shipping systems.

25 Sep 2026

Protein modification network plays vital role in cancer development

A review published in Genes & Diseases highlights the complex interplay between protein arginine methylation and ubiquitination, two forms of protein modification that can profoundly influence cancer development, progression and treatment response.

24 Sep 2026

NSF awards $19 million to build 3D biological observatory for revealing life's smallest structures

How does learning change the wiring of your brain? How does a shark's eye make sense of its underwater world? How does a single-celled parasite cross the barrier that protects the brain? What might neurodegeneration look like at ultra-magnified scale?

24 Sep 2026