Molecular & Structural Biology

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New type of molecular editor can make precise changes in mitochondrial DNA

The genome in mitochondria -- the cell's energy-producing organelles -- is involved in disease and key biological functions, and the ability to precisely alter this DNA would allow scientists to learn more about the effects of these genes and mutations.

9 Jul 2020

New spatial mapping method pinpoints new potential therapeutic targets for lupus

A team of researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used a new method of pinpointing potential disease-causing changes in the genome to identify two new potential therapeutic targets for lupus, while also paving the way for more accurately identifying disease-causing variations in other autoimmune disorders.

9 Jul 2020

Newly synthesized peptides show promise for treating gastrointestinal disorders

Thanks to the interesting group of trefoil factor peptides, both industry and research could usher in better treatments for chronic disorders.

8 Jul 2020

Scientists discover role of surface diffusion in protein transport

Many of the most promising medicines under development are proteins, often antibodies, to help patients fight disease. These proteins must be purified as part of the manufacturing process -- a task that can be tricky and result in costly waste.

8 Jul 2020

Researchers design novel enzyme to study the interactions between proteins

Proteins regulate several physiological functions that are crucial for living things in vivo. More than 20,000 protein types are found in human beings.

7 Jul 2020

DNA repair tool is tailored to deal with specific type of complex break, study shows

Our cells are constantly dividing, and as they do, the DNA molecule - our genetic code - sometimes gets broken. DNA has twin strands, and a break in both is considered especially dangerous.

7 Jul 2020

Organoids reveal inflammatory processes that play a role in infectious diseases

Research is employing mini-organs to model the digestive tract in the laboratory setting. These supposed organoids shed light on the inflammatory processes.

6 Jul 2020

New method can help estimate environmental DNA levels in aquatic ecosystems

Ecologists have started to intensely study such DNA molecules, known as environmental DNA, to evaluate how macro-organisms are distributed.

6 Jul 2020

Study shows how epigenetics contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases

The human immune system is expected to guard people against the invasion of external microbes, but at times, it possibly leads to autoimmune disorders.

From Osaka University 6 Jul 2020

Novel technology significantly improves the quality of stem cells

For years, stem cells have continued to have excellent potential in regenerative medicine.

6 Jul 2020

Study highlights the role of hematopoietic immune cells in gene regulation

More often, the human body is viewed as a “machine” containing specialized components: immune cells protect against pathogens, organs contribute physiological functions, and soft tissue and bones give structure.

6 Jul 2020

Molecular landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms revealed

Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN) is a group of rare malignancies with overlapping features from myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), that include a variety of diseases depending on their phenotype (hematological and morphological characteristics).

3 Jul 2020

Mineral-coated microparticles are better vehicles for promising mRNA-based therapy

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have developed a safer and more efficient way to deliver a promising new method for treating cancer and liver disorders and for vaccination -- including a COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna Therapeutics that has advanced to clinical trials with humans.

3 Jul 2020

Researchers discover protein involved in protecting B cells

Whenever a germ gets into the human body, the immune system usually responds immediately to fight off the enemy attacker. One of our defense system's most important strategies involves B lymphocytes, also known as B cells, which produce antibodies that target and neutralize pathogens.

2 Jul 2020