Molecular & Structural Biology

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A groundbreaking tool for efficient lipid analysis

Scientists are increasingly aiming to leverage the various functions of lipids in human bodies, for example, in blood coagulation or as blood fats, to better interpret and predict a host of diseases.

29 Apr 2020

Genes control courtship and aggressive behaviors in fruit flies

Similar to many other animals, fruit flies engage in many different courtship and fighting behaviors.

29 Apr 2020

Researchers study the evolution of multidrug-resistant bacteria

Although antibiotics are known to save lives, their use also supports the evolution and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.

29 Apr 2020

Hyperosmotic stress induces phase separation of the proteasomes

Cellular proteostasis is regulated by a crucial proteolytic machine called proteasome via selective degradation of ubiquitylated proteins.

29 Apr 2020

Research on rare molecule aims to improve treatments for cancer, HIV

Stanford University chemist Paul Wender and his colleagues are working to improve treatments for cancer, HIV and Alzheimer's - and they are betting that a drab, weedy marine invertebrate is the means to achieving that end.

28 Apr 2020

Def gene essential for maintaining liver homeostasis and regeneration capacity

Hepatocytes are responsible for diverse metabolic activities in a liver. Proper ribosome biogenesis is essential to sustain the function of hepatocytes.

28 Apr 2020

Study finds utrophin-based therapy could be used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy

If an actor is not in a position to perform in the theatre, an understudy—preferably one with some practice in the role—can take that role on stage.

27 Apr 2020

Study identifies role of interferon-stimulated genes in defense against hepatitis C viruses

The immune system responds immediately when a virus enters the cell, producing interferon—the signaling protein.

27 Apr 2020

Novel protein sensor controls the pathway of fat and sugar conversion in humans

Researchers in Pennsylvania and Texas have discovered a novel protein sensor that limits the amounts of fat and sugar that are converted into energy by human cells, during the starvation periods.

27 Apr 2020

Scientists elucidate precise shape of a key player in human metabolism

A USC-led international team of scientists has found the precise shape of a key player in human metabolism, which could lead the way to better treatments for obesity and other metabolic disease.

24 Apr 2020

Study sheds light on the regulation of microRNAs

In all the organisms, including humans, proteins are encoded by genes and these proteins, in turn, control the body’s diverse specific cellular functions.

24 Apr 2020

Understanding evolution of early life may be trickier than previously thought

Biologists have long hoped to understand the nature of the earliest living organisms on Earth. If they could, they might then be able to say something about how, when, and where life arose on Earth, and perhaps by extension, whether life is common in the Universe.

23 Apr 2020

Researchers develop new molecular workflow to study single-cell genomics of diseases

Although advances in genetics and genomics reveal numerous disease-associated gene mutations, physicians and researchers still wrestle with the tricky challenge of linking those mutations to actual disease-causing processes.

23 Apr 2020

Developing novel compounds that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 main protease

A research team from China has now created two novel compounds that block the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro).

23 Apr 2020

Preventing viral infections by protein shell misassembly

A study published recently in eLife reports new understanding of conditions that govern self-assembly in the protective shell of viruses.

23 Apr 2020

New database of 14,000 known macrolactones could aid future drug discovery

Researchers from North Carolina State University and Collaborations Pharmaceuticals have created a free-to-use database of 14,000 known macrolactones - large molecules used in drug development - which contains information about the molecular characteristics, chemical diversity and biological activities of this structural class.

22 Apr 2020