Research Keyword: protein structure

Exploring the potential of a bioassembler for protein crystallization in space

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Scientists successfully grew high-quality protein crystals in space using an innovative magnetic bioassembler device. By taking advantage of the weightless environment aboard the International Space Station, they were able to grow protein crystals with excellent structural quality that matched or exceeded Earth-based methods. This breakthrough demonstrates that space-based protein crystallization could help scientists better understand protein structures and potentially accelerate drug development.

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If you cannot see it, is it still there? – Ensemble refinement of invisible protein segments

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Scientists studying protein structures using X-ray crystallography often face a problem: flexible parts of proteins don’t show up clearly in their images and get left out of molecular models. This paper demonstrates a new technique called ensemble refinement that can visualize these ‘invisible’ flexible regions by creating multiple model versions simultaneously. Using a mushroom enzyme that produces psilocybin as an example, researchers show that this approach reveals how protein parts actually move and change shape, providing better understanding of how proteins function.

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Classification of polyphenol oxidases shows ancient gene duplication leading to two distinct enzyme types

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Scientists performed a comprehensive study organizing thousands of similar enzymes called polyphenol oxidases (PPOs) found across all living organisms into 12 distinct groups based on their evolutionary relationships. They discovered that a major gene duplication event in ancient times created two main types of these enzymes with different structural features and functions. This new classification system shows that fungal enzymes called o-methoxy phenolases are particularly abundant in certain fungi, likely helping them break down plant materials like lignin.

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Convergent evolution links molybdenum insertase domains with organism-specific sequences

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Scientists studied how fungi use a special protein called Mo insertase to create molybdenum cofactor, which is essential for life. By testing different versions of this protein from various organisms, they discovered that fungi have developed a unique version with a special 20-amino acid region that cannot be replaced with versions from plants or animals. This finding shows that evolution has fine-tuned this protein differently in different organisms.

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Intrinsic determinants of prion protein neurotoxicity in Drosophila: from sequence to (dys)function

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Prion diseases are deadly brain conditions caused by misfolded proteins. This study used computer simulations and fruit fly experiments to understand how tiny changes in prion protein structure affect its ability to cause disease. Researchers found that proteins with flexible loops are more toxic, while those with more rigid structures cause less damage, suggesting new ways to develop treatments by stabilizing the protein’s structure.

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Effects of ultrasound-assisted extraction and transglutaminase treatment on the physicochemical properties of protein from Stropharia rugosoannulata

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Researchers developed improved methods to extract and modify protein from Stropharia rugosoannulata mushrooms to make them better for use in plant-based meat products. Using ultrasound waves and an enzyme called transglutaminase, they were able to increase the protein yield and improve how well the protein can hold water and oil. These modifications enhanced the mushroom protein’s ability to work as a meat substitute in food products.

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