Molecular & Structural Biology

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Advanced cryo-EM reveals stunning details of viral RNA replication complex structure

For the first time, scientists at the Morgridge Institute for Research have generated near atomic resolution images of a major viral protein complex responsible for replicating the RNA genome of a member of the positive-strand RNA viruses, the large class of viruses that includes coronaviruses and many other pathogens.

21 Jul 2020

Study sheds light on protein involved in Huntington’s disease

Researchers have performed a new study that exposes complex details regarding the biology of the huntingtin protein (HTT), which causes Huntington’s disease.

20 Jul 2020

Study shows how the coronavirus disarms the body’s innate immune system

Scientists have established how SARS-CoV-2 suppresses the production of proteins in infected cells and how this virus effectively disarms the immune system.

20 Jul 2020

A fast and less expensive technique to count sperm in lobsters

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have identified a quicker and less expensive way to count sperm in lobsters that could help scientists looking at any animal better understand mating, a key aspect of species survival.

20 Jul 2020

SARS-CoV-2 protein effectively shuts down host protein production, shows study

A detailed study of a SARS-Cov-2 protein, Nsp1, with a central role in weakening the host anti-viral immune response shows that it effectively shuts down production ofproteins in the host.

20 Jul 2020

Researchers construct “DNA droplets” that exhibit dynamic functions

DNA is considered the storage unit of all genetic data in living organisms.

20 Jul 2020

Study: High levels of iron in the blood can prevent age-related damage

Genes linked to ageing that could help explain why some people age at different rates to others has been identified by scientists.

17 Jul 2020

Study shows how cells respond to nutrient deprivation

The idea of the cell as a city is a common introduction to biology, conjuring depictions of the cell's organelles as power plants, factories, roads, libraries, warehouses and more.

From Harvard Medical School 17 Jul 2020

Modified mRNAs improve efficiency of protein synthesis

Since mRNAs play a key role in protein synthesis in vivo, the use of mRNAs as medicines and for in vitro protein synthesis has been desired.

17 Jul 2020

New method reveals the dynamics of HIV Gag-protein lattice structure

Viruses are scary. They invade our cells like invisible armies, and each type brings its own strategy of attack. While viruses devastate communities of humans and animals, scientists scramble to fight back.

17 Jul 2020

A new approach to combat drug resistance in aggressive age-related macular degeneration

An international team of researchers led by Baylor College of Medicine and Houston Methodist has discovered a strategy that can potentially address a major challenge to the current treatment for choroidal neovascularization (CNV), an aggressive form of age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly.

17 Jul 2020

New technique increases the precision of gene editing

A group of biomolecular engineers from Rice University has now identified a C-worthy method that significantly improves the precision of gene editing.

17 Jul 2020

Substances that target oxytocin receptors can help treat various diseases

Oxytocin is the so-called “cuddle hormone” or “love hormone” that plays a role in strengthening the relationship between the mother and child and controlling social bonding.

17 Jul 2020

Researchers identify key enzyme that drives the production of ribosomes

Scientists have demonstrated that an enzyme fuels the production of ribosomes—the molecular machines that synthesize all cellular proteins.

From University of Toronto 17 Jul 2020

Study shows genetic factors may influence the susceptibility to COVID-19

A new Cleveland Clinic study has identified genetic factors that may influence susceptibility to COVID-19. Published today in BMC Medicine, the study findings could guide personalized treatment for COVID-19.

16 Jul 2020

Imaging mass spectrometry identifies tumor markers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Volume 11, Issue 28 of Oncotarget features "Lipid and protein tumor markers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma identified by imaging mass spectrometry" by Schmidt et. al. which reported that the authors used MALDI imaging mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry to seek tumor-specific expression of proteins and lipids in HNSCC samples.

15 Jul 2020