Our cognitive abilities come down to how well the connections, or synapses, between our brain cells transmit signals. Now a new study by researchers at MIT’s Picower Institute for Learning and Memory has dug deeply into the molecular mechanisms that enable synaptic transmission to show the distinct role of a protein that, when mutated, has been linked to causing intellectual disability. The key protein, called...
Category: <span>Peptides</span>
Post
Computer model offers more control over protein design
Designing synthetic proteins that can act as drugs for cancer or other diseases can be a tedious process: It generally involves creating a library of millions of proteins, then screening the library to find proteins that bind the correct target. MIT biologists have now come up with a more refined approach in which they use computer modeling to predict...
Post
Cyclic peptides for cancer therapy and prognosis assessment
The glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (known as GRP78) is emerging as a target for cancer therapy and a biomarker for cancer prognosis. It is usually produced in greater quantities in cells that are under stress conditions. In many types of cancers, GRP78 protein has been observed to be produced in abnormally large quantities and it tends...
Post
Promising new therapy spares muscle loss in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
A promising therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) developed by University at Buffalo researchers is moving closer to use in humans. The peptide the new drug is based on was originally found in the venom produced by the type of tarantula that Sachs is holding here. Credit: University at Buffalo Published in July in Neuromuscular Disorders, the new UB research demonstrates that the novel...
Post
Modeling mitosis: how combining proteins could help in understanding dividing cells
A new interactive map of the proteins involved in cell division gives the ability to track how groups of proteins interact to drive the process of mitosis. Researchers from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL; Hamburg division, Germany) have created a 4D computer model for mitosis, allowing for the real-time tracking of the proteins involved....
Post
Osteoarthritis: Can an antioxidant offer protection?
In a recent series of experiments, scientists found that a specific antioxidant helps prevent the damage that osteoarthritis causes to cartilage. This may also have applications for bone and brain disorders. Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritis type, causing pain and stiffness in the joints as cartilage steadily breaks down. Osteoarthritis commonly affects knee joints....
Post
First interactive model of human cell division
Real-time tracking of proteins during mitosis is now possible using a 4D computer model made by EMBL scientists Mitosis – how one cell divides and becomes two – is one of the fundamental processes of life. Researchers at EMBL have now produced the first interactive map of proteins that make our cells divide, allowing users...
Post
How olive oil and sleep could stave off heart attacks and strokes: New study examines plasma protein’s role
Apolipoprotein A-IV linked with thrombosis in new study ST. MICHAEL’S HOSPITAL TORONTO, September 6, 2018 – Foods high in unsaturated fats may protect against cardiovascular disease, and new research published today in Nature Communicationshas uncovered why. IMAGE: NEW RESEARCH FROM DR. HEYU NI, PLATFORM DIRECTOR FOR HEMATOLOGY, CANCER AND IMMUNOLOGICAL DISEASES AT THE KEENAN RESEARCH CENTRE FOR BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE (KRCBS) OF ST. MICHAEL’S...
Post
Heteractis magnifica sea anemones can help fight the Alzheimer’s disease
They contain neuroprotective peptides that slow down the inflammation process and the deterioration of neurons causing the development of Alzheimer’s Heteractis magnifica sea anemones contain neuroprotective peptides that slow down the inflammation process and the deterioration of neurons causing the development of Alzheimer’s. There is currently no treatment for this disease. IMAGE: A MAGNIFICENT SEA ANEMONE RIDING THE CURRENT AT MADIVARU MANTA POINT. The Kunitz-type...
Post
Research reveals defence against malaria parasites
A study involving researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) has found that platelets can attack and kill malaria parasites—reducing the number of parasites circulating in the blood. Credit: CC0 Public Domain The study, which has just been published in the prestigious journal Blood, was led by Associate Professor Brendan McMorran at ANU and Professor Nick Anstey at...