Molecular & Structural Biology

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Study may lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases

According to a research team, headed by Decio L. Eizirik, MD, PhD, a Scientific Director from the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute Diabetes Center, new treatments for autoimmune disorders can be identified by studying both target tissues and the immune system together.

7 Jan 2021

Researchers create molecular ON-OFF switches to regulate CAR T cell activity

CAR T cells are a breakthrough class of effective but often toxic cancer therapies. To prevent overactivation, switchable CAR T cells were engineered that can be turned on and off with an approved, widely used cancer drug.

7 Jan 2021

Neurons in the brainstem circuit control fine motor skills

Writing, driving a screw or throwing darts are only some of the activities that demand a high level of skill.

7 Jan 2021

Researchers identify a vital protein needed to regulate anti-tumor immune response

Scientists from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a protein known as NF-kappa B-inducing kinase (NIK).

5 Jan 2021

Scientists resolve long-standing debate over key mechanism involved in gene silencing

Scientists from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have resolved a long-standing debate over how crucial gene-silencing protein detects its targets.

5 Jan 2021

Study shows that hemoglobin in several species descends from a single gene

The marine worm Platynereis dumerilii has enabled researchers from CNRS, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, University of Saint Petersburg, and the University of Rio de Janeiro to demonstrate that hemoglobin appeared independently in several species and actually evolved from a single gene transmitted to all by their last common ancestor.

4 Jan 2021

Study reveals evolutionary relationship between two different organelles in liverwort cells

Cells, the basic unit of life, are surrounded by a limiting membrane called the plasma membrane. Inside cells, there are various membrane-bounded organelles, each of which has various and distinctive functions.

29 Dec 2020

Controlling biological functions of DNA with the aid of light

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the basis of life on earth. The function of DNA is to store all the genetic information, which an organism needs to develop, function and reproduce. It is essentially a biological instruction manual found in every cell.

29 Dec 2020

Chromosomal instability is associated with cancer's aggressiveness

Cancer cells are known for spreading genetic chaos. As cancer cells divide, DNA segments and even whole chromosomes can be duplicated, mutated, or lost altogether.

29 Dec 2020

High-speed atomic force microscopy sheds light on structure, dynamics of intrinsically disordered proteins

Kanazawa University’s pioneering high-speed atomic force microscope technology has now shed light on the structure and dynamics of some of life’s most ubiquitous and inscrutable molecules – intrinsically disordered proteins.

29 Dec 2020

KAIST researchers identify mechanism underlying plasticity in adult brains

Developing brains constantly sprout new neuronal connections called synapses as they learn and remember. Important connections — the ones that are repeatedly introduced, such as how to avoid danger — are nurtured and reinforced, while connections deemed unnecessary are pruned away.

28 Dec 2020

Study shows how the brain navigates places and tracks someone else in the same location

As COVID cases rise, physically distancing yourself from other people has never been more important. Now a new UCLA study reveals how your brain navigates places and monitors someone else in the same location.

24 Dec 2020

Scientists identify new weapon to fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

As scientists around the globe wage war against a novel, deadly virus, one University of Colorado Boulder lab is working on new weapons to battle a different microbial threat: a rising tide of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which, if left unchecked, could kill an estimated 10 million people annually by 2050.

24 Dec 2020

Study uncovers how shattered chromosomes make cancer cells more aggressive

Cancer is one of the world's greatest health afflictions because, unlike some diseases, it is a moving target, constantly evolving to evade and resist treatment.

From UC San Diego 24 Dec 2020

Scientists discover molecular defects associated with rare genetic disorder in children

Damien D'Amours and his team at the Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology needed three years to discover the molecular defects associated with the LIC Syndrome, a serious genetic disorder that affects young children and result in acute respiratory distress, immune deficiency and abnormal chromosomes.

23 Dec 2020