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Large, medically important class of proteins starts to yield its secrets 
Readers of the top-ranked scientific journals Science and Nature might have noticed a recent wave of articles, most recently in the July 13, 2012 issue of Science, with deep importance for biology and medicine. These papers, all published this year by collaborations headed by the Scripps Research Institute laboratory of Professor Raymond Stevens,
Readers of the top-ranked scientific journals Science and Nature might have noticed a recent wave of articles, most recently in the July 13, 2012 issue of Science, with deep importance for biology and medicine. These papers, all published this year by collaborations headed by the Scripps Research Institute laboratory of Professor Raymond Stevens,
Biochemistry
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Friday, Jul 13, 2012, 4:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1274 | Comments: 0
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Friday, Jul 13, 2012, 4:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1274 | Comments: 0
Researchers unravel secrets of parasites' replication
A group of diseases that kill millions of people each year can't be touched by antibiotics, and some treatment is so harsh the patient can't survive it. They're caused by parasites, and for decades researchers have searched for a "magic bullet" to kill them without harming the patient. Now, a team of microbiologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has made an advance th
A group of diseases that kill millions of people each year can't be touched by antibiotics, and some treatment is so harsh the patient can't survive it. They're caused by parasites, and for decades researchers have searched for a "magic bullet" to kill them without harming the patient. Now, a team of microbiologists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has made an advance th
Biochemistry
Source: University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 11, 2012, 10:45am
Rating: | Views: 1185 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Massachusetts at Amherst
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 11, 2012, 10:45am
Rating: | Views: 1185 | Comments: 0
Lipid helps cells find their way by keeping their 'antennae' up
A lipid that helps lotion soften the skin also helps cells find and stay in the right location in the body by ensuring they keep their "antennae" up, scientists report.
A lipid that helps lotion soften the skin also helps cells find and stay in the right location in the body by ensuring they keep their "antennae" up, scientists report.
Biochemistry
Source: Georgia Health Sciences University
Posted on: Monday, Jul 09, 2012, 12:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1180 | Comments: 0
Source: Georgia Health Sciences University
Posted on: Monday, Jul 09, 2012, 12:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1180 | Comments: 0
Scientists identify critical 'quality control' for cell growth
Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have identified a series of intricate biochemical steps that lead to the successful production of proteins, the basic working units of any cell.
Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have identified a series of intricate biochemical steps that lead to the successful production of proteins, the basic working units of any cell.
Biochemistry
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Friday, Jul 06, 2012, 10:15am
Rating: | Views: 1321 | Comments: 0
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Friday, Jul 06, 2012, 10:15am
Rating: | Views: 1321 | Comments: 0
Discovery explains how cellular pathways converge to regulate food intake and body weight
In the complex chain of molecular events that underlie eating behaviors and body weight, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme has proven to be a critical link.
In the complex chain of molecular events that underlie eating behaviors and body weight, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme has proven to be a critical link.
Biochemistry
Source: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 04, 2012, 10:15am
Rating: | Views: 1295 | Comments: 0
Source: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Posted on: Wednesday, Jul 04, 2012, 10:15am
Rating: | Views: 1295 | Comments: 0
Hormone discovered that preserves insulin production and beta cell function in diabetes
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found protective, anti-diabetic functions for a hormone that, like insulin, is produced by the islet cells of the pancreas. The new hormone was found to stimulate insulin secretion from rat and human islet cells and protect islet cells in the presence of toxic, cell-killing factors used in the study.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found protective, anti-diabetic functions for a hormone that, like insulin, is produced by the islet cells of the pancreas. The new hormone was found to stimulate insulin secretion from rat and human islet cells and protect islet cells in the presence of toxic, cell-killing factors used in the study.
Biochemistry
Source: Duke University Medical Center
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1286 | Comments: 0
Source: Duke University Medical Center
Posted on: Tuesday, Jul 03, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1286 | Comments: 0
Programmable DNA scissors found for bacterial immune system
Genetic engineers and genomics researchers should welcome the news from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) where an international team of scientists has discovered a new and possibly more effective means of editing genomes. This discovery holds potentially big implications for advanced biofuels and therapeutic drugs, as genetically modified microorganisms, such as bacteria an
Genetic engineers and genomics researchers should welcome the news from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) where an international team of scientists has discovered a new and possibly more effective means of editing genomes. This discovery holds potentially big implications for advanced biofuels and therapeutic drugs, as genetically modified microorganisms, such as bacteria an
Biochemistry
Source: DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Posted on: Monday, Jul 02, 2012, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1322 | Comments: 0
Source: DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Posted on: Monday, Jul 02, 2012, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1322 | Comments: 0
Enzyme offers new therapeutic target for cancer drugs
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have uncovered a new signal transduction pathway specifically devoted to the regulation of alternative RNA splicing, a process that allows a single gene to produce or code multiple types of protein variants. The discovery, published in the June 27, 2012 issue of Molecular Cell, suggests the new pathway might be a frui
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have uncovered a new signal transduction pathway specifically devoted to the regulation of alternative RNA splicing, a process that allows a single gene to produce or code multiple types of protein variants. The discovery, published in the June 27, 2012 issue of Molecular Cell, suggests the new pathway might be a frui
Biochemistry
Source: University of California - San Diego
Posted on: Friday, Jun 22, 2012, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1140 | Comments: 0
Source: University of California - San Diego
Posted on: Friday, Jun 22, 2012, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1140 | Comments: 0
Video: Researchers find gold nanoparticles capable of 'unzipping' DNA
New research from North Carolina State University finds that gold nanoparticles with a slight positive charge work collectively to unravel DNA's double helix. This finding has ramifications for gene therapy research and the emerging field of DNA-based electronics.
New research from North Carolina State University finds that gold nanoparticles with a slight positive charge work collectively to unravel DNA's double helix. This finding has ramifications for gene therapy research and the emerging field of DNA-based electronics.
Biochemistry
Source: North Carolina State University
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 20, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1493 | Comments: 0
Source: North Carolina State University
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 20, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1493 | Comments: 0
Study describes molecular machinery that pulls apart protein clumps
Amyloid fibers are protein aggregates associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, for which there are no effective treatments.
Amyloid fibers are protein aggregates associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, for which there are no effective treatments.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 20, 2012, 8:45am
Rating: | Views: 1164 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 20, 2012, 8:45am
Rating: | Views: 1164 | Comments: 0
Sex born from hard rock and heavy metal
Complicated life needs zinc, molybdenum and copper to function – those metals may have found their way into organisms via granite
Complicated life needs zinc, molybdenum and copper to function – those metals may have found their way into organisms via granite
Biochemistry
Source: New Scientist
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 20, 2012, 8:33am
Rating: | Views: 1103 | Comments: 0
Source: New Scientist
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 20, 2012, 8:33am
Rating: | Views: 1103 | Comments: 0
Video: Moving 3D computer model of key human protein is powerful new tool in fight against cancer
A picture is worth 1,000 words when it comes to understanding how things work, but 3D moving pictures are even better. That's especially true for scientists trying to stop cancer by better understanding the proteins that make some chemotherapies unsuccessful.
A picture is worth 1,000 words when it comes to understanding how things work, but 3D moving pictures are even better. That's especially true for scientists trying to stop cancer by better understanding the proteins that make some chemotherapies unsuccessful.
Biochemistry
Source: Southern Methodist University
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 19, 2012, 2:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1542 | Comments: 0
Source: Southern Methodist University
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 19, 2012, 2:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1542 | Comments: 0
Chemists use nanopores to detect DNA damage
Scientists worldwide are racing to sequence DNA – decipher genetic blueprints – faster and cheaper than ever by passing strands of the genetic material through molecule-sized pores. Now, University of Utah scientists have adapted this "nanopore" method to find DNA damage that can lead to mutations and disease.
Scientists worldwide are racing to sequence DNA – decipher genetic blueprints – faster and cheaper than ever by passing strands of the genetic material through molecule-sized pores. Now, University of Utah scientists have adapted this "nanopore" method to find DNA damage that can lead to mutations and disease.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Utah
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 19, 2012, 8:15am
Rating: | Views: 1156 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Utah
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 19, 2012, 8:15am
Rating: | Views: 1156 | Comments: 0
Lariats: How RNA splicing decisions are made
Tiny, transient loops of genetic material, detected and studied by the hundreds for the first time at Brown University, are providing new insights into how the body transcribes DNA and splices (or missplices) those transcripts into the instructions needed for making proteins.
Tiny, transient loops of genetic material, detected and studied by the hundreds for the first time at Brown University, are providing new insights into how the body transcribes DNA and splices (or missplices) those transcripts into the instructions needed for making proteins.
Biochemistry
Source: Brown University
Posted on: Monday, Jun 18, 2012, 10:15am
Rating: | Views: 1246 | Comments: 0
Source: Brown University
Posted on: Monday, Jun 18, 2012, 10:15am
Rating: | Views: 1246 | Comments: 0
Protein residues kiss, don't tell
José Onuchic has become an expert at connecting the dots, but finding connections merely implied by the dots … well, that's quite a trick.
José Onuchic has become an expert at connecting the dots, but finding connections merely implied by the dots … well, that's quite a trick.
Biochemistry
Source: Rice University
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 13, 2012, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1129 | Comments: 0
Source: Rice University
Posted on: Wednesday, Jun 13, 2012, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1129 | Comments: 0
Living microprocessor tunes in to feedback
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) – tiny strands of non-protein-coding RNAs – start off as long strands of precursor miRNAs. These long strands get chopped up by a special kind of machinery, the "Microprocessor" complex, to transform them into their shorter functional form. The resulting miRNAs bind to messenger RNA (mRNAs) molecules, inhibiting their protein production capacity and thus regulating the levels of
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) – tiny strands of non-protein-coding RNAs – start off as long strands of precursor miRNAs. These long strands get chopped up by a special kind of machinery, the "Microprocessor" complex, to transform them into their shorter functional form. The resulting miRNAs bind to messenger RNA (mRNAs) molecules, inhibiting their protein production capacity and thus regulating the levels of
Biochemistry
Source: Weizmann Institute of Science
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 12, 2012, 2:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1207 | Comments: 0
Source: Weizmann Institute of Science
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 12, 2012, 2:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1207 | Comments: 0
Scientists develop new tools to unveil mystery of the 'glycome'
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have developed chemical compounds that can make key modifications to common sugar molecules ("glycans"), which are found on the surface of all cells in our body. The new study presents powerful new tools for studying these molecules' function, for example in cell signaling and immunity, and for investigating new treatments
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have developed chemical compounds that can make key modifications to common sugar molecules ("glycans"), which are found on the surface of all cells in our body. The new study presents powerful new tools for studying these molecules' function, for example in cell signaling and immunity, and for investigating new treatments
Biochemistry
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Monday, Jun 11, 2012, 10:30am
Rating: | Views: 1160 | Comments: 0
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Monday, Jun 11, 2012, 10:30am
Rating: | Views: 1160 | Comments: 0
A new way of looking at photosystem II
Future prospects for clean, green, renewable energy may hinge upon our ability to mimic and improve upon photosynthesis – the process by which green plants, algae and some bacteria convert solar energy into electrochemical energy. An artificial version of photosynthesis, for example, could use sunlight to produce liquid fuels from nothing more than carbon dioxide and water. First, however, scienti
Future prospects for clean, green, renewable energy may hinge upon our ability to mimic and improve upon photosynthesis – the process by which green plants, algae and some bacteria convert solar energy into electrochemical energy. An artificial version of photosynthesis, for example, could use sunlight to produce liquid fuels from nothing more than carbon dioxide and water. First, however, scienti
Biochemistry
Source: DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 07, 2012, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1194 | Comments: 0
Source: DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Posted on: Thursday, Jun 07, 2012, 11:30am
Rating: | Views: 1194 | Comments: 0
Protein knots gain new evolutionary significance
A new study suggests that protein knots, a structure whose formation remains a mystery, may have specific functional advantages that depend on the nature of the protein's architecture.
A new study suggests that protein knots, a structure whose formation remains a mystery, may have specific functional advantages that depend on the nature of the protein's architecture.
Biochemistry
Source: University of California - Santa Barbara
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 05, 2012, 12:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1150 | Comments: 0
Source: University of California - Santa Barbara
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 05, 2012, 12:45pm
Rating: | Views: 1150 | Comments: 0
Investigators provide first atomic-level images of the CLOCK complex
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have taken a major step toward understanding the cellular clock, mapping for the first time the atomic-level architecture of a key component of the timekeeper that governs the body's daily rhythms.
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have taken a major step toward understanding the cellular clock, mapping for the first time the atomic-level architecture of a key component of the timekeeper that governs the body's daily rhythms.
Biochemistry
Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 05, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1128 | Comments: 0
Source: UT Southwestern Medical Center
Posted on: Tuesday, Jun 05, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1128 | Comments: 0
Shape-shifting shell
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, have for the first time uncovered the detailed structure of the shell that surrounds the genetic material of retroviruses, such as HIV, at a crucial and potentially vulnerable stage in their life cycle: when they are still being formed. The study, published online today in Nature, provides information on a part
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany, have for the first time uncovered the detailed structure of the shell that surrounds the genetic material of retroviruses, such as HIV, at a crucial and potentially vulnerable stage in their life cycle: when they are still being formed. The study, published online today in Nature, provides information on a part
Biochemistry
Source: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Posted on: Monday, Jun 04, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1151 | Comments: 0
Source: European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Posted on: Monday, Jun 04, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1151 | Comments: 0
Study suggests expanding the genetic alphabet may be easier than previously thought
A new study led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute suggests that the replication process for DNA—the genetic instructions for living organisms that is composed of four bases (C, G, A and T)—is more open to unnatural letters than had previously been thought. An expanded "DNA alphabet" could carry more information than natural DNA, potentially coding for a much wider rang
A new study led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute suggests that the replication process for DNA—the genetic instructions for living organisms that is composed of four bases (C, G, A and T)—is more open to unnatural letters than had previously been thought. An expanded "DNA alphabet" could carry more information than natural DNA, potentially coding for a much wider rang
Biochemistry
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Monday, Jun 04, 2012, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 1154 | Comments: 0
Source: Scripps Research Institute
Posted on: Monday, Jun 04, 2012, 11:15am
Rating: | Views: 1154 | Comments: 0
Computer-designed proteins programmed to disarm variety of flu viruses
Computer-designed proteins are under construction to fight the flu. Researchers are demonstrating that proteins found in nature, but that do not normally bind the flu, can be engineered to act as broad-spectrum antiviral agents against a variety of flu virus strains, including H1N1 pandemic influenza.
Computer-designed proteins are under construction to fight the flu. Researchers are demonstrating that proteins found in nature, but that do not normally bind the flu, can be engineered to act as broad-spectrum antiviral agents against a variety of flu virus strains, including H1N1 pandemic influenza.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Washington
Posted on: Monday, Jun 04, 2012, 10:15am
Rating: | Views: 1388 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Washington
Posted on: Monday, Jun 04, 2012, 10:15am
Rating: | Views: 1388 | Comments: 0
On early Earth, iron may have performed magnesium's RNA folding job
On the periodic table of the elements, iron and magnesium are far apart. But new evidence suggests that 3 billion years ago, iron did the chemical work now done by magnesium in helping RNA fold and function properly.
On the periodic table of the elements, iron and magnesium are far apart. But new evidence suggests that 3 billion years ago, iron did the chemical work now done by magnesium in helping RNA fold and function properly.
Biochemistry
Source: Georgia Institute of Technology Research News
Posted on: Friday, Jun 01, 2012, 2:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1159 | Comments: 0
Source: Georgia Institute of Technology Research News
Posted on: Friday, Jun 01, 2012, 2:30pm
Rating: | Views: 1159 | Comments: 0
Genetic discovery unlocks biosynthesis of medicinal compound in poppy
Scientists at the University of York and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Australia have discovered a complex gene cluster responsible for the synthesis of the medicinal compound noscapine.
Scientists at the University of York and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Australia have discovered a complex gene cluster responsible for the synthesis of the medicinal compound noscapine.
Biochemistry
Source: University of York
Posted on: Friday, Jun 01, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1255 | Comments: 0
Source: University of York
Posted on: Friday, Jun 01, 2012, 12:15pm
Rating: | Views: 1255 | Comments: 0
Building molecular 'cages' to fight disease
UCLA biochemists have designed specialized proteins that assemble themselves to form tiny molecular cages hundreds of times smaller than a single cell. The creation of these miniature structures may be the first step toward developing new methods of drug delivery or even designing artificial vaccines.
UCLA biochemists have designed specialized proteins that assemble themselves to form tiny molecular cages hundreds of times smaller than a single cell. The creation of these miniature structures may be the first step toward developing new methods of drug delivery or even designing artificial vaccines.
Biochemistry
Source: University of California - Los Angeles
Posted on: Friday, Jun 01, 2012, 12:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1119 | Comments: 0
Source: University of California - Los Angeles
Posted on: Friday, Jun 01, 2012, 12:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1119 | Comments: 0
Alzheimer's protein structure suggests new treatment directions
The molecular structure of a protein involved in Alzheimer's disease – and the surprising discovery that it binds cholesterol – could lead to new therapeutics for the disease, Vanderbilt University investigators report in the June 1 issue of the journal Science.
The molecular structure of a protein involved in Alzheimer's disease – and the surprising discovery that it binds cholesterol – could lead to new therapeutics for the disease, Vanderbilt University investigators report in the June 1 issue of the journal Science.
Biochemistry
Source: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Posted on: Friday, Jun 01, 2012, 11:45am
Rating: | Views: 1224 | Comments: 0
Source: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Posted on: Friday, Jun 01, 2012, 11:45am
Rating: | Views: 1224 | Comments: 0
Speeding up drug discovery with rapid 3-D mapping of proteins
A new method for rapidly solving the three-dimensional structures of a special group of proteins, known as integral membrane proteins, may speed drug discovery by providing scientists with precise targets for new therapies, according to a paper published May 20 in Nature Methods.
A new method for rapidly solving the three-dimensional structures of a special group of proteins, known as integral membrane proteins, may speed drug discovery by providing scientists with precise targets for new therapies, according to a paper published May 20 in Nature Methods.
Biochemistry
Source: Salk Institute
Posted on: Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 2:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1164 | Comments: 0
Source: Salk Institute
Posted on: Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 2:00pm
Rating: | Views: 1164 | Comments: 0
New study shows why swine flu virus develops drug resistance
Professor Adrian Mulholland and Dr Christopher Woods from Bristol's School of Chemistry, together with colleagues in Thailand, used graphics processing units (GPUs) to simulate the molecular processes that take place when these drugs are used to treat the H1N1-2009 strain of influenza – commonly known as 'swine flu'.
Professor Adrian Mulholland and Dr Christopher Woods from Bristol's School of Chemistry, together with colleagues in Thailand, used graphics processing units (GPUs) to simulate the molecular processes that take place when these drugs are used to treat the H1N1-2009 strain of influenza – commonly known as 'swine flu'.
Biochemistry
Source: University of Bristol
Posted on: Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 8:45am
Rating: | Views: 2951 | Comments: 0
Source: University of Bristol
Posted on: Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 8:45am
Rating: | Views: 2951 | Comments: 0
Researchers solve structure of human protein critical for silencing genes
In a study published in the journal Cell on May 24, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) scientists describe the three-dimensional atomic structure of a human protein bound to a piece of RNA that "guides" the protein's ability to silence genes. The protein, Argonaute-2, is a key player in RNA interference (RNAi), a powerful cellular phenomenon that has important r
In a study published in the journal Cell on May 24, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) scientists describe the three-dimensional atomic structure of a human protein bound to a piece of RNA that "guides" the protein's ability to silence genes. The protein, Argonaute-2, is a key player in RNA interference (RNAi), a powerful cellular phenomenon that has important r
Biochemistry
Source: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Posted on: Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1165 | Comments: 0
Source: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Posted on: Tuesday, May 29, 2012, 8:30am
Rating: | Views: 1165 | Comments: 0
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