All Structural Biology articles
-
NewsScientists ID natural products targeting SARS-CoV-2 - including caffeine
Researchers used computational methods to identify potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, revealing promising natural compounds for guiding antiviral drug development, including caffeine.
-
NewsMovie reveals DNA unzipping mechanism with implications for viral and cancer treatments
A detailed unwinding mechanism of the double-stranded DNA has been uncovered for the first time using cutting-edge technology, revealing how cells begin the crucial process of copying their genetic material.
-
NewsH5N1 influenza viral lineages beginning to evade human immunological defenses
A new computer modelling approach predicts the protein-antibody interactions of the potentially pandemic-causing H5N1 avian influenza virus lineage. It helps to understand the viral evolution to ensure high vaccine efficacy.
-
NewsUpdated guidelines for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
In light of the rise in antibiotic resistance, new guidelines are released with detailed recommendations of diagnosis and treatment strategies for pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP), along with the means to manage severe complications.
-
NewsResearchers discover Achilles heel of Lyme disease pathogen
Researchers discovered and investigated an unique enzyme used in the pathway specific to Borrelia burgdorferi, the parasite that causes Lyme disease. The enzyme serves as the ideal genus-specific target for therapeutic intervention.
-
NewsPlastic-degrading enzymes from landfills
Researchers identified and analysed the structure and predicted functions of potential plastic-degrading enzymes in collected landfills sample from around the world, in an effort to reduce plastic pollution.
-
NewsTunnel-building virus: How Zika transmits from mother to fetus
For the first time, researchers demonstrated the component involved in the tunneling nanotubes built by Zika virus to infect placental cells, an infection mechanism which is unique to the Zika virus alone.
-
NewsWithout oxygen: How primordial microbes breathed
Scientists decode the fundamental mechanisms of a cell respiratory enzyme in ancient bacterial cells, with potential applications in removing greenhouse gases and drug development against pathogens.
-
NewsNewly identified bacterial protein helps design cancer drug delivery system
Researchers have identified a previously unknown bacterial protein, the unique structure of which acts as an actin homolog that can be used to design protein nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs to tumors.
-
NewsCeSPIACE: A broad-spectrum peptide inhibitor against variable SARS-CoV-2 spikes
CeSPIACE, a small remodified peptide, is able to block the binding of ACE2 receptor and the spike protein on SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Hence, the cheap and simple peptide could treat COVID-19 infection and prevent reinfection after exposure of the virus.
-
NewsDamaged but not defeated: Bacteria use nano-spearguns to retaliate against attacks
Scientists used state-of-the-art microscopy technology to mimic a nano-speargun, the type VII secretion system, used as a bacterial pinpoint counterattack tactic in response to cell envelope damage against rival bacteria.
-
NewsResearchers see breakthrough in efficient biofuel production
Researchers have found ways to limit the toxicity to microbes generated by the biofuel butanol through fermentation of plant biomass, by manipulating the structure of microbe cell membrane at atomic level.
-
NewsScientists reveal anti-bacterial role of plant metabolite
A study shows that a plant metabolite, erucamide, is able to target and disrupt a protein assembly of Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, thus inhibiting their virulence. Understanding the metabolite’s molecular mechanisms could protect crops from infection.
-
NewsA blueprint for making cereal crops more resistant to fungal disease
Researchers have uncovered the structural interactions between a type of barley immune receptor that helps the crop to fight against devastating fungal disease, powdery mildew and other plant pathogens.
-
NewsNew 3D imaging approach reveals intricate steps of virus assembly
A new integrated 3D imaging approach combines cryo-light microscopy and cryo-soft X-ray tomography to reveal the intricate ultrastructure of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) assembly.
-
NewsResearchers shed light on the mechanisms of bacterial flagellar motors
Researchers have determined the structure and mechanisms of the key components in the flagellar motor, which bacteria use to turn their flagella and move.
-
NewsMpox: a better understanding of tecovirimat resistance
Through biochemical and structural studies, researchers managed to find out how the mutation of an enzyme could affect the interactions between it and the antiviral drug against mpox virus, tecovirimat, hence leading to a better understanding in developing new therapeutic approach against all mpox strains.
-
NewsProtein shuttling mechanism helps bacteria pump out antibiotics
By a joint-university effort, the mechanism of a bacterial efflux pump complex to remove molecules, including antibiotics, has been determined and the extent of bacterial toxin resistance by the complex has also been evaluated with a cutting-edge device.
-
NewsFlexible and resilient: remarkable cell functions of newly discovered algae species
A new species of algae, demonstrating its incredible resilience to extreme environmental conditions including cold and light, is identified in the Baltic Sea and Arctic tundra. Its unique property could be applied to potential cosmetic product manufacturing.
-
NewsNew study reveals how Sudan virus binds to human cells
The interaction between human NPC1 receptor and Sudan virus, closely related to Ebola virus, has been structurally characterised, and gives insight to the pathogenesis of other related filoviruses.