Molecular & Structural Biology

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Structural parameters of phosphatidylglycerol-DNA complex revealed

An interaction of DNA with lipids is of great interest because of their functions. As fatty acids and lipids can specifically bind to nucleic acids forming a code sequence of the genomic DNA, it is important to study the interaction of the oligonucleotide DNA (dA)20-(dT)20 with phosphatidylglycerol by the molecular dynamics method.

24 Sep 2021

Scientists analyze the molecular machinery of poxviruses at an atomic level

Poxviruses have found a unique way of translating their genes into proteins in the infected organism. A team of researchers from Würzburg shows for the first time how the molecular machinery involved works at an atomic level.

24 Sep 2021

How does the KLF4 transcription factor influence gene expression?

Scientists have led a research group to identify a mechanism using which transcription factor KLF4 can influence gene expression.

24 Sep 2021

Circulating tumor cells found to form clusters that cause breast cancer metastases

A new study reports that circulating tumor cells that exhibit the features of stem cells employ ICAM1 to enable the formation of CTC clusters.

24 Sep 2021

Discovery may offer a promising new path for the study of multiple sclerosis

A surprising discovery may offer a promising new direction in the study of multiple sclerosis and other diseases of hypomyelination – when axons of neurons are not covered sufficiently in fatty sheaths (myelin), which disrupts communication between nerve cells.

23 Sep 2021

Researchers show how 'bad mucin' contributes to worsening pulmonary conditions

Mucus is an essential protective layer of gel-like liquid composed largely of proteins called mucins throughout our airways.

23 Sep 2021

Study explores the benefits of the MIND diet for older adults

Scientists identified that older adults could take advantage of a specific diet named the MIND diet even when the protein deposits are developed.

23 Sep 2021

Novel process for accurate data analysis from NMR spectrometers

Researchers created a process employing machine learning to enhance data examination from a robust scientific tool—nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

23 Sep 2021

Prions may help yeast cope with rapidly changing environmental conditions

Prions are proteins found in the brain and familiar for their role in causing disease.

23 Sep 2021

Researchers reverse Kleefstra syndrome after birth in a mouse model

Scientists announced the reversal of Kleefstra syndrome—a genetic disorder leading to intellectual disability.

23 Sep 2021

Potential biomarkers help diagnose progressive stages of liver disease

Results of national research pinpointed potential biomarkers that could ultimately be employed for the diagnosis of progressive stages of liver disease.

23 Sep 2021

Researchers seek to point a way toward a unified theory for DNA folding

At more than 2 meters long, the human DNA molecule uses intricate folding patterns to fit into cells while locally unfolding to express genes. Such phenomena, however, are difficult to measure in experiments, and theoretical frameworks explaining them continue to be at odds with one another.

22 Sep 2021

Study identifies vital factor involved in the evolution of the human brain

Humans have a huge and intricately folded neocortex, the reason for various intellectual abilities, setting apart humans from all other species.

17 Sep 2021

ASU receives $12.5 million for the development of new Biological Integration Institute

The National Science Foundation has announced the award of $12.5 million to Arizona State University for the development of a new Biological Integration Institute.

17 Sep 2021

Researchers capture the assembly of ribosomes within human cells

Ribosomes are the multi-component molecular machines that create complex proteins by binding building blocks together as per instructions encoded in the messenger RNAs of the cell.

16 Sep 2021

Researchers infer chemical steps involved in methylthiolation of tRNAs

Recent research revealed the chemical steps in a vital cellular modification mechanism that inserts a chemical tag to certain RNAs. Interference of this process in humans can result in cancers, diabetes, and neuronal diseases.

From Penn State University 16 Sep 2021

Researchers reveal why nerve cell’s protein production slows down in CMT patients

A team led by MDC researcher Marina Chekulaeva has figured out why protein production slows down in the nerve cells of people suffering from Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. This discovery could lead to a new therapeutic approach, the scientists report in the journal "Nucleic Acids Research".

16 Sep 2021

Programmable DNA-based microfluidic chip for performing complex mathematical calculations

The term 'DNA' immediately calls to mind the double-stranded helix that contains all our genetic information. But the individual units of its two strands are pairs of molecules bonded with each other in a selective, complementary fashion.

15 Sep 2021

Novel method for dynamic tracking of tissue-specific secretory proteins in live mice

Researchers have presented a method for profiling tissue-specific secretory proteins in live mice. This method is expected to be applicable to various tissues or disease models for investigating biomarkers or therapeutic targets involved in disease progression.

15 Sep 2021

RIT scientists uncover new information about the way coronavirus attaches to human cells

Rochester Institute of Technology scientists have uncovered new information about the way coronavirus and several of its variants attach to human cells.

14 Sep 2021