Research Keyword: AlphaFold

Vinigrol Tricyclic Scaffold Biosynthesis Employs an Atypical Terpene Cyclase and a Multipotent Cyclization Cascade

mycolabadmin

Scientists have discovered how a fungus produces vinigrol, a complex molecule with potential health benefits including lowering blood pressure and reducing inflammation. Using advanced computational tools and genetic engineering, researchers identified the specific genes and enzymes the fungus uses to build this molecule’s intricate three-ring structure. By modifying a key enzyme, they were able to create an entirely new diterpene molecule that doesn’t exist in nature, demonstrating the potential to engineer biological systems to produce novel medicinal compounds.

Read More »

Breaking down biofilms across critical priority fungal pathogens: proteomics and computational innovation for mechanistic insights and new target discovery

mycolabadmin

This comprehensive review examines how scientists are fighting dangerous fungal infections that form protective biofilms resistant to current antifungal drugs. Researchers are using advanced protein analysis techniques (proteomics) and artificial intelligence-based computational tools to identify new targets for drug development against four critical fungal pathogens that cause life-threatening infections like meningitis and lung infections. By combining these technologies, scientists can better understand how these fungal biofilms form and develop more effective treatments.

Read More »

Dissimilar Reactions and Enzymes for Psilocybin Biosynthesis in Inocybe and Psilocybe Mushrooms

mycolabadmin

This study reveals that two different types of magic mushrooms—Psilocybe and Inocybe—make psilocybin (the active compound in magic mushrooms) using completely different enzymes and chemical pathways. Despite both mushroom types producing the same final product, they evolved their recipes independently, like two chefs arriving at the same dish through entirely different cooking methods. The research shows how evolution can solve the same problem in multiple ways and provides new enzymes that could be useful for producing psilocybin as a potential depression treatment.

Read More »

In silico screening and molecular dynamics analysis of natural DHPS enzyme inhibitors targeting Acinetobacter baumannii

mycolabadmin

Researchers used computer modeling to find natural compounds from plants and mushrooms that can inhibit a key bacterial enzyme (DHPS) in dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria called Acinetobacter baumannii. They tested thousands of natural molecules and identified two promising candidates that bind strongly to this enzyme and prevent bacteria from producing folic acid, which they need to survive. The study suggests these natural compounds could potentially be developed into new antibiotics to fight infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.

Read More »

Breaking down biofilms across critical priority fungal pathogens: proteomics and computational innovation for mechanistic insights and new target discovery

mycolabadmin

Fungal infections like cryptococcal meningitis and invasive aspergillosis are becoming increasingly difficult to treat because fungi form protective structures called biofilms that resist our current medications. Researchers are using advanced techniques like mass spectrometry to identify the proteins that help fungi build these biofilms, combined with artificial intelligence tools to design new drugs that could break down these protective shields. This combined approach offers hope for developing better antifungal treatments that could save millions of lives.

Read More »
Scroll to Top