By Category
Antimicrobial Resistance - bacteria have evolved powerful defenses against antibiotics (9)
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
February 2012 Antibiotic-resistant bacteria build enzymes that destroy drugs like streptomycin |
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Aminoglycoside Antibiotics and Resistance
October 2018 Bacteria become resistant to aminoglycosides by destroying them or changing their target. |
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Dihydrofolate Reductase
October 2002 DHFR is a target for cancer chemotherapy and bacterial infection |
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Multidrug Resistance Transporters
November 2007 Many bacteria use multidrug resistance transporters to pump drugs and poisons out of the cell |
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New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase
July 2015 Antibiotics can save lives, but antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria pose a dangerous threat |
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Penicillin-binding Proteins
May 2002 Penicillin attacks the proteins that build bacterial cell walls |
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Ribosome
January 2010 Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins |
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Tetrahydrobiopterin Biosynthesis
August 2015 Tetrahydrobiopterin plays an essential role in the production of aromatic amino acids, neurotransmitters and nitric oxide. |
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Vancomycin
December 2015 The antibiotic vancomycin blocks the construction of bacterial cell walls. |
Cancer - cells growing without controls (40)
Actinomycin
April 2013 Some antibiotics attack cells by intercalating between the bases in a DNA double helix |
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Anaphase-Promoting Complex / Cyclosome
March 2023 APC/C guards the checkpoints that regulate key steps in the cell cycle |
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Apoptosomes
September 2014 Apoptosomes make life or death decisions in cells |
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ATM and ATR Kinases
August 2023 Dividing cells use ATM and ATR kinases to respond to DNA damage. |
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c-Abl Protein Kinase and Imatinib
July 2023 Protein kinases are being targeted by new anti-cancer drugs |
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Caspases
August 2004 Caspases disassemble proteins during the process of programmed cell death |
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Chimeric Antigen Receptors
October 2017 T cells may be engineered with chimeric antigen receptors to attack cancer cells. |
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Cisplatin and DNA
March 2021 Cisplatin treats cancer by causing damage to the DNA of cancer cells. |
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Cyclin and Cyclin-dependent Kinase
August 2019 Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases control when cells divide, making them important targets for cancer therapy. |
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Dihydrofolate Reductase
October 2002 DHFR is a target for cancer chemotherapy and bacterial infection |
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Epidermal Growth Factor
June 2010 EGF is part of a family of proteins that controls aspects of cell growth and development |
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Estrogen Receptor
September 2003 Estrogen binds to receptors in the nucleus and affects key genes in development |
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Glutathione Transferases
August 2017 Glutathione transferase tags toxic molecules, making them easy to recognize and remove. |
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Hepatitis C Virus Protease/Helicase
December 2020 Structures of hepatitis C viral proteins have led to the discovery of direct-acting antivirals. |
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HER2/neu and Trastuzumab
April 2022 Trastuzumab monoclonal antibodies targeting HER2 receptors are at the forefront of breast cancer treatment |
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Histone Deacetylases
September 2023 Histone deacetylases regulate access to genetic information by modifying histones |
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Hsp90
December 2008 Heat shock proteins ensure that proteins remain folded and active under harsh conditions |
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Human Papillomavirus and Vaccines
May 2018 The capsid protein of papillomavirus is used in vaccines that prevent cervical cancer. |
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Initiation Factor eIF4E
February 2019 Initiation factors for protein synthesis interact through disordered chains. |
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Major Histocompatibility Complex
February 2005 MHC displays peptides on the surfaces of cells, allowing the immune system to sense the infection inside |
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MDM2 and Cancer
June 2019 MDM2 controls the action of p53 tumor suppressor, making it a target for cancer chemotherapy. |
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Microtubules
July 2014 The largest filaments of the cytoskeleton provide tracks for transport throughout the cell |
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Nanodiscs and HDL
September 2019 Nanodiscs conveniently package a small piece of membrane for experimental studies. |
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Nicotine, Cancer, and Addiction
May 2022 Nicotine causes addiction by interacting with receptors in the brain |
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Non-Homologous End Joining Supercomplexes
July 2022 Lethal double-strand breaks in the DNA genome are repaired by NHEJ |
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p53 Tumor Suppressor
July 2002 p53 tumor suppressor protects the body from DNA damage and cancer |
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PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1)
December 2016 PD-1 and its ligands are a new target for cancer therapy |
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Pyruvate Kinase M2
June 2022 Pyruvate kinases are the paradoxical gatekeepers for cancer cell metabolism and growth. |
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RAF Protein Kinases
March 2016 A single mutation in a RAF protein kinase can help transform a normal cell into a cancer cell. |
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Ras Protein
April 2012 Mutation of the growth-controlling ras protein can lead to cancer |
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RecA and Rad51
April 2014 Broken DNA strands may be repaired by matching sequences in a duplicate copy of the DNA |
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Ribonucleotide Reductase
October 2019 Ribonucleotide reductase creates the building blocks of DNA |
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Simian Virus 40
November 2003 SV40 hijacks the cells it infects using only a handful of proteins |
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Small Interfering RNA (siRNA)
February 2008 Our cells continually look for pieces of double-stranded RNA, a possible sign of viral infection |
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Spliceosomes
May 2020 Cryoelectron microscropy is revealing how spliceosomes cut-and-paste messenger RNA molecules. |
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Src Tyrosine Kinase
July 2003 Growth signaling proteins play an important role in the development of cancer |
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Telomerase
November 2018 Telomerase maintains the ends of our chromosomes. |
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Thymine Dimers
July 2007 Ultraviolet light damages our DNA, but our cells have ways to correct the damage |
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Topoisomerases
January 2006 Topoisomerases untangle and reduce the tension of DNA strands in the cell |
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Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VegF) and Angiogenesis
March 2022 VegF promotes blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), affecting cancer proliferation, wound healing, and other bodily processes. |
Coronavirus - coronavirus structures and the search for a cure (7)
Coronavirus Proteases
February 2020 Coronavirus proteases are attractive targets for the design of antiviral drugs. |
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Glucocorticoid Receptor and Dexamethasone
June 2021 An anti-inflammatory drug has given us a new way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Home Tests
February 2023 Home test kits for SARS-CoV-2 test for the presence of nucleocapsid, the protein that packages the viral genome in infectious virions. |
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SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase
September 2020 Coronaviruses duplicate their RNA genome using a specialized polymerase |
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike
June 2020 Coronavirus spike protein binds to receptors on cell surfaces, and is a target for vaccine development. |
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Antibodies
April 2021 Structural biologists are revealing the many ways that antibodies recognize SARS-CoV-2 |
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike Variants
December 2021 SARS-CoV-2 is constantly changing, posing new challenges during the COVID19 pandemic |
Diabetes - causes and cures (8)
Designer Insulins
February 2016 Engineered insulins have been developed to improve treatment of diabetes |
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Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4
October 2016 Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 are used to treat type-2 diabetes |
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Glucagon
April 2015 Glucagon triggers the release of glucose into the blood, to power cells throughout the body |
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Glucose Oxidase
May 2006 Glucose oxidase measures blood glucose level in biosensors |
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Glucose Transporters
April 2017 Glucose transporters deliver glucose molecules one-by-one across cell membranes. |
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Insulin
February 2001 The hormone insulin helps control the level of glucose in the blood |
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Insulin Receptor
February 2015 The cellular receptor for insulin helps control the utilization of glucose by cells |
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Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
June 2015 RAGE recognizes sugar-modified proteins, contributing to an inflammatory response that plays a role in diabetes |
Drug Action - antibiotics, therapeutics and their molecular targets (33)
Actinomycin
April 2013 Some antibiotics attack cells by intercalating between the bases in a DNA double helix |
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Adrenergic Receptors
April 2008 Adrenaline stimulates a G-protein-coupled receptor, priming us for action |
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Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
February 2012 Antibiotic-resistant bacteria build enzymes that destroy drugs like streptomycin |
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Aminoglycoside Antibiotics and Resistance
October 2018 Bacteria become resistant to aminoglycosides by destroying them or changing their target. |
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Anaphase-Promoting Complex / Cyclosome
March 2023 APC/C guards the checkpoints that regulate key steps in the cell cycle |
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Beta-secretase
July 2009 Beta-secretase trims proteins in the cell and plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease |
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Circadian Clock Proteins
January 2008 Circadian clock proteins measure time in our cells |
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Click Chemistry
December 2022 A modular approach to chemistry simplifies the construction of complex protein-targeting molecules. |
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Cyclooxygenase
May 2001 Aspirin attacks an important enzyme in pain signaling and blood clotting |
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Cytochrome p450
October 2006 Cytochrome p450 detoxifies and solubilizes drugs and poisons by modifying them with oxygen |
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Dihydrofolate Reductase
October 2002 DHFR is a target for cancer chemotherapy and bacterial infection |
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Estrogen Receptor
September 2003 Estrogen binds to receptors in the nucleus and affects key genes in development |
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Glucocorticoid Receptor and Dexamethasone
June 2021 An anti-inflammatory drug has given us a new way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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Glutamate-gated Chloride Receptors
November 2015 The antibiotic ivermectin attacks glutamate-gated chloride channels, paralyzing parasitic worms. |
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Glutathione Transferases
August 2017 Glutathione transferase tags toxic molecules, making them easy to recognize and remove. |
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Histone Deacetylases
September 2023 Histone deacetylases regulate access to genetic information by modifying histones |
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HIV Envelope Glycoprotein
January 2014 Envelope protein attaches HIV to the cells that it infects and powers fusion of the virus with the cell membrane |
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Influenza Neuraminidase
May 2009 Neuraminidase is an important target for influenza drugs |
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Integrase
March 2011 HIV integrase allows HIV to insert itself into the genome of an infected cell |
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Interferons
August 2010 Interferons mobilize defenses against viral infection |
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Lactate Dehydrogenase
June 2008 Our cells temporarily build lactate when supplies of oxygen are low |
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Microtubules
July 2014 The largest filaments of the cytoskeleton provide tracks for transport throughout the cell |
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Multidrug Resistance Transporters
November 2007 Many bacteria use multidrug resistance transporters to pump drugs and poisons out of the cell |
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Neurotransmitter Transporters
March 2014 Neurotransmitters are transported out of nerve synapses to end a signal transmission |
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New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase
July 2015 Antibiotics can save lives, but antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria pose a dangerous threat |
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Nitric Oxide Synthase
January 2011 Nitric oxide gas is used as a rapid-acting hormone and as a powerful defense |
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Opioid Receptors
January 2018 Morphine and other opioid drugs bind to receptors in the nervous system, controlling pain |
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P-glycoprotein
March 2010 P-glycoprotein pumps toxic molecules out of our cells |
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Penicillin-binding Proteins
May 2002 Penicillin attacks the proteins that build bacterial cell walls |
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Ribosome
January 2010 Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins |
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Serotonin Receptor
August 2013 Serotonin receptors control mood, emotion, and many other behaviors, and are targets for many important drugs |
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Tetrahydrobiopterin Biosynthesis
August 2015 Tetrahydrobiopterin plays an essential role in the production of aromatic amino acids, neurotransmitters and nitric oxide. |
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Vancomycin
December 2015 The antibiotic vancomycin blocks the construction of bacterial cell walls. |
Drugs and the Brain - molecules for mental health (12)
Acetylcholine Receptor
November 2005 The neurotransmitter acetylcholine opens a protein channel, stimulating muscle contraction |
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Acetylcholinesterase
June 2004 Acetylcholinesterase stops the signal between a nerve cell and a muscle cell |
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Adrenergic Receptors
April 2008 Adrenaline stimulates a G-protein-coupled receptor, priming us for action |
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AMPA Receptor
July 2019 Receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate in our brain come in several shapes and sizes. |
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Calcium Pump
March 2004 Atomic structures have captured the calcium pump in action |
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Capsaicin Receptor TRPV1
October 2020 TRPV1 is an ion channel that senses heat and contributes to pain sensation. |
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G Proteins
October 2004 G proteins receive signals from cellular receptors and deliver them inside the cell |
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Myelin-associated Glycoprotein
July 2020 Nerve axons are insulated and protected by a sheath of myelin |
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Opioid Receptors
January 2018 Morphine and other opioid drugs bind to receptors in the nervous system, controlling pain |
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Piezo1 Mechanosensitive Channel
July 2018 Mechanosensitive ion channels give our cells a sense of touch. |
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Sodium-Potassium Pump
October 2009 Cells continually pump sodium ions out and potassium ions in, powered by ATP |
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Voltage-gated Sodium Channels
March 2020 Voltage-gated sodium channels transmit signals in a wave through the nervous system. |
HIV and AIDS - the virus and how we fight it (8)
Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
February 2014 Structural studies of broadly neutralizing antibodies are paving the way to vaccines for HIV, influenza and RSV |
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Cascade and CRISPR
January 2015 Cascade and CRISPR help bacteria remember how to fight viral infection |
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HIV Capsid
July 2013 At the center of HIV, an unusual cone-shaped capsid protects the viral genome and delivers it into infected cells |
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HIV Envelope Glycoprotein
January 2014 Envelope protein attaches HIV to the cells that it infects and powers fusion of the virus with the cell membrane |
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HIV Reverse Transcriptase
September 2002 HIV builds a DNA copy of its RNA genome, providing a unique target for drug therapy |
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HIV-1 Protease
June 2000 Atomic structures of HIV protease have been used to design powerful drugs for HIV therapy |
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Integrase
March 2011 HIV integrase allows HIV to insert itself into the genome of an infected cell |
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T-Cell Receptor
March 2005 Lymphocytes use T-cell receptors to patrol the body for foreign molecules |
Immune System - our protection from infection (25)
Antibodies
September 2001 Antibodies search for foreign molecules in the blood |
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Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
February 2014 Structural studies of broadly neutralizing antibodies are paving the way to vaccines for HIV, influenza and RSV |
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Chimeric Antigen Receptors
October 2017 T cells may be engineered with chimeric antigen receptors to attack cancer cells. |
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Dermcidin
June 2013 Small toxic peptides help protect us from bacterial infection |
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Ebola Virus Proteins
October 2014 Structures of ebola virus proteins are giving new hope for fighting this deadly virus |
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Hemagglutinin
April 2006 Influenza virus binds to cells and infects them using hemagglutinin |
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Influenza Neuraminidase
May 2009 Neuraminidase is an important target for influenza drugs |
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Interferons
August 2010 Interferons mobilize defenses against viral infection |
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Legumain
August 2018 Legumain cleaves proteins, and can also put them back together. |
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Lysozyme
September 2000 Lysozyme attacks the cell walls of bacteria |
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Major Histocompatibility Complex
February 2005 MHC displays peptides on the surfaces of cells, allowing the immune system to sense the infection inside |
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Measles Virus Proteins
March 2019 Six proteins in measles virus work together to infect cells. |
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MHC I Peptide Loading Complex
April 2023 Several steps of quality control optimize the peptides that are displayed by MHC I. |
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Nanobodies
April 2011 Unusual antibodies from camels are useful in research and medicine |
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PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1)
December 2016 PD-1 and its ligands are a new target for cancer therapy |
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RSV Fusion Glycoprotein
October 2023 Structures of the fusion glycoprotein from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were used to engineer effective vaccines to fight viral infection. |
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SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Home Tests
February 2023 Home test kits for SARS-CoV-2 test for the presence of nucleocapsid, the protein that packages the viral genome in infectious virions. |
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Antibodies
April 2021 Structural biologists are revealing the many ways that antibodies recognize SARS-CoV-2 |
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Secretory Antibodies
August 2022 Secretory immunoglobulins are our most abundant antibodies, providing a first line of defense against pathogens. |
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Siderocalin
January 2016 Our innate immune system starves bacteria of iron using siderocalin. |
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Small Interfering RNA (siRNA)
February 2008 Our cells continually look for pieces of double-stranded RNA, a possible sign of viral infection |
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T-Cell Receptor
March 2005 Lymphocytes use T-cell receptors to patrol the body for foreign molecules |
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Tissue Transglutaminase and Celiac Disease
May 2017 Tissue transglutaminase staples proteins together by forming a chemical crosslink. |
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Toll-like Receptors
November 2011 Toll-like receptors warn us about bacterial and viral infection |
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ZAR1 Resistosome
November 2023 Plants protect themselves from infection with immune system machines such as the resistosome |
Infectious Disease - fighting microbial dangers (12)
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
February 2012 Antibiotic-resistant bacteria build enzymes that destroy drugs like streptomycin |
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Aminoglycoside Antibiotics and Resistance
October 2018 Bacteria become resistant to aminoglycosides by destroying them or changing their target. |
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Anthrax Toxin
April 2002 Anthrax bacteria build a deadly three-part toxin |
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Cholera Toxin
September 2005 Many bacterial toxins have two parts: one that finds a cell, the other that kills it |
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Circadian Clock Proteins
January 2008 Circadian clock proteins measure time in our cells |
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Injectisome
June 2024 Salmonella bacteria inject a cocktail of effector proteins into cells to disable their defenses. |
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Malaria Parasite PTEX
November 2024 The parasite that causes malaria exports hundreds of proteins to remodel the cells that it infects. |
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New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase
July 2015 Antibiotics can save lives, but antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria pose a dangerous threat |
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Penicillin-binding Proteins
May 2002 Penicillin attacks the proteins that build bacterial cell walls |
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Pilus Machine
July 2017 A molecular machine with a rotary motor builds a long protein filament involved in bacterial motility and attachment. |
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Toll-like Receptors
November 2011 Toll-like receptors warn us about bacterial and viral infection |
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Vancomycin
December 2015 The antibiotic vancomycin blocks the construction of bacterial cell walls. |
Peak Performance - the structural biology of athletics and well-being (37)
Acetohydroxyacid Synthase
November 2021 In plants, AHAS performs the first step in synthesis of three essential amino acids, making it an effective target for herbicides. |
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Adrenergic Receptors
April 2008 Adrenaline stimulates a G-protein-coupled receptor, priming us for action |
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Alcohol Dehydrogenase
January 2001 Alcohol dehydrogenase detoxifies the ethanol we drink |
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Anabolic Steroids
August 2007 Anabolic steroids like testosterone are among the most common performance enhancing drugs |
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Angiotensin and Blood Pressure
October 2024 Many medications for controlling high blood pressure inhibit the action of the peptide hormone angiotensin. |
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ATP Synthase
December 2005 ATP synthase links two rotary motors to generate ATP |
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Calcium Pump
March 2004 Atomic structures have captured the calcium pump in action |
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Carbonic Anhydrase
January 2004 Carbonic anhydrase solubilizes carbon dioxide gas so we can breathe it out |
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Catalase
September 2004 Catalase protects us from dangerous reactive oxidizing molecules |
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Circadian Clock Proteins
January 2008 Circadian clock proteins measure time in our cells |
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Citric Acid Cycle
October 2012 Eight enzymes form a cyclic pathway for energy production and biosynthesis |
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Complex I
December 2011 A proton-pumping protein complex performs the first step of the respiratory electron transport chain |
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Cytochrome c Oxidase
May 2000 Cytochrome oxidase extracts energy from food using oxygen |
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Estrogen Receptor
September 2003 Estrogen binds to receptors in the nucleus and affects key genes in development |
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Fatty Acid Synthase
June 2007 Fatty acids are constructed in many sequential steps by a large protein complex |
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Glycogen Phosphorylase
December 2001 Glycogen phosphorylase releases sugar from its cellular storehouse |
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Glycolytic Enzymes
February 2004 The ten enzymes of glycolysis break down sugar in our diet |
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Growth Hormone
April 2004 Growth hormone brings together two copies of its cellular receptor |
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Hemoglobin
May 2003 Hemoglobin uses a change in shape to increase the efficiency of oxygen transport |
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Hypoxia-Inducible Factors
December 2019 HIF-α is a molecular switch that responds to changing oxygen levels. |
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Lactate Dehydrogenase
June 2008 Our cells temporarily build lactate when supplies of oxygen are low |
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Lead Poisoning
April 2016 Lead ions poison proteins throughout the body, blocking their normal function. |
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Leptin
May 2012 Problems with the appetite-controlling hormone leptin can lead to obesity |
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Monellin
July 2016 Monellin and other supersweet proteins trick our taste receptors. |
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Myosin
June 2001 Molecular motors fueled by ATP power the contraction of muscles |
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Nicotine, Cancer, and Addiction
May 2022 Nicotine causes addiction by interacting with receptors in the brain |
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Odorant Receptors
June 2023 Our sense of smell relies on odorant receptors that recognize specific scents. |
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Opioid Receptors
January 2018 Morphine and other opioid drugs bind to receptors in the nervous system, controlling pain |
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Oxidosqualene Cyclase
December 2007 Oxidosqualine cyclase forms the unusual fused rings of cholesterol molecules |
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Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex
September 2012 A huge molecular complex links three sequential reactions for energy production |
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Respiratory Supercomplex
September 2022 In our mitochondria, three electron-transport complexes assemble into a supercomplex. |
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Rhodopsin
March 2012 In our eyes, rhodopsin uses the molecule retinal to see light |
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S-Nitrosylated Hemoglobin
May 2019 Nitric oxide is attached to a conserved cysteine in hemoglobin and then released to control the flow of blood. |
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Serotonin Receptor
August 2013 Serotonin receptors control mood, emotion, and many other behaviors, and are targets for many important drugs |
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Superoxide Dismutase
October 2007 Superoxide dismutase protects us from dangerously reactive forms of oxygen |
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Vitamin D Receptor
November 2012 Vitamin D helps regulate the use of calcium throughout the body |
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Vitamins
December 2023 Vitamins are essential molecular tools that are obtained through a healthy diet. |
Toxins and Poisons - attacking essential molecular machinery (17)
Acetylcholine Receptor
November 2005 The neurotransmitter acetylcholine opens a protein channel, stimulating muscle contraction |
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Acetylcholinesterase
June 2004 Acetylcholinesterase stops the signal between a nerve cell and a muscle cell |
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Actin
July 2001 Cells are supported by a cytoskeleton of protein filaments |
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Anthrax Toxin
April 2002 Anthrax bacteria build a deadly three-part toxin |
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Aquaporin
May 2014 Aquaporins create a channel for water molecules to cross through cell membranes |
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Cholera Toxin
September 2005 Many bacterial toxins have two parts: one that finds a cell, the other that kills it |
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Cytochrome p450
October 2006 Cytochrome p450 detoxifies and solubilizes drugs and poisons by modifying them with oxygen |
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G Proteins
October 2004 G proteins receive signals from cellular receptors and deliver them inside the cell |
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Glutathione Transferases
August 2017 Glutathione transferase tags toxic molecules, making them easy to recognize and remove. |
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Hemoglobin
May 2003 Hemoglobin uses a change in shape to increase the efficiency of oxygen transport |
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Lead Poisoning
April 2016 Lead ions poison proteins throughout the body, blocking their normal function. |
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Phospholipase A2
November 2019 Phospholipase A2 breaks membrane lipids, forming molecules that contribute to inflammation and pain signaling. |
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Potassium Channels
February 2003 Potassium channels allow potassium ions to pass, but block smaller sodium ions |
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Ricin
May 2013 The structure of ricin reveals how it kills cells and how vaccines can produce immunity against ricin poisoning |
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RNA Polymerase
April 2003 RNA polymerase transcribes genetic information from DNA into RNA |
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Sodium-Potassium Pump
October 2009 Cells continually pump sodium ions out and potassium ions in, powered by ATP |
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Topoisomerases
January 2006 Topoisomerases untangle and reduce the tension of DNA strands in the cell |
Vaccines - exploring the molecular basis of vaccinations (15)
Adenovirus
December 2010 Adenovirus has an icosahedral capsid with unusual cell-binding fibers |
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Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
February 2014 Structural studies of broadly neutralizing antibodies are paving the way to vaccines for HIV, influenza and RSV |
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Dengue Virus
July 2008 Atomic structures of dengue virus are giving new hope for creation of a vaccine |
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Fifty Years of Open Access to PDB Structures
October 2021 The Protein Data Bank is celebrating its golden anniversary! |
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HIV Envelope Glycoprotein
January 2014 Envelope protein attaches HIV to the cells that it infects and powers fusion of the virus with the cell membrane |
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HIV-1 Protease
June 2000 Atomic structures of HIV protease have been used to design powerful drugs for HIV therapy |
|
Human Papillomavirus and Vaccines
May 2018 The capsid protein of papillomavirus is used in vaccines that prevent cervical cancer. |
|
Influenza Neuraminidase
May 2009 Neuraminidase is an important target for influenza drugs |
|
Measles Virus Proteins
March 2019 Six proteins in measles virus work together to infect cells. |
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Parvoviruses
May 2010 Viruses that cause distemper are surrounded by an icosahedral capsid |
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Poliovirus and Rhinovirus
August 2001 Crystallographic structures reveal the atomic details of viruses and how to fight them |
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Ricin
May 2013 The structure of ricin reveals how it kills cells and how vaccines can produce immunity against ricin poisoning |
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RSV Fusion Glycoprotein
October 2023 Structures of the fusion glycoprotein from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were used to engineer effective vaccines to fight viral infection. |
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike
June 2020 Coronavirus spike protein binds to receptors on cell surfaces, and is a target for vaccine development. |
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SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Antibodies
April 2021 Structural biologists are revealing the many ways that antibodies recognize SARS-CoV-2 |
Viruses - cellular hijackers (29)
Adenovirus
December 2010 Adenovirus has an icosahedral capsid with unusual cell-binding fibers |
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Bacteriophage phiX174
February 2000 Bacteriophage phiX174 hijacks bacterial cells and forces them to make new copies of the virus |
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Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies
February 2014 Structural studies of broadly neutralizing antibodies are paving the way to vaccines for HIV, influenza and RSV |
|
Coronavirus Proteases
February 2020 Coronavirus proteases are attractive targets for the design of antiviral drugs. |
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Dengue Virus
July 2008 Atomic structures of dengue virus are giving new hope for creation of a vaccine |
|
Ebola Virus Proteins
October 2014 Structures of ebola virus proteins are giving new hope for fighting this deadly virus |
|
Glucocorticoid Receptor and Dexamethasone
June 2021 An anti-inflammatory drug has given us a new way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. |
|
Hemagglutinin
April 2006 Influenza virus binds to cells and infects them using hemagglutinin |
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Hepatitis C Virus Protease/Helicase
December 2020 Structures of hepatitis C viral proteins have led to the discovery of direct-acting antivirals. |
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HIV Capsid
July 2013 At the center of HIV, an unusual cone-shaped capsid protects the viral genome and delivers it into infected cells |
|
HIV Envelope Glycoprotein
January 2014 Envelope protein attaches HIV to the cells that it infects and powers fusion of the virus with the cell membrane |
|
HIV Reverse Transcriptase
September 2002 HIV builds a DNA copy of its RNA genome, providing a unique target for drug therapy |
|
Human Papillomavirus and Vaccines
May 2018 The capsid protein of papillomavirus is used in vaccines that prevent cervical cancer. |
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Influenza Neuraminidase
May 2009 Neuraminidase is an important target for influenza drugs |
|
Integrase
March 2011 HIV integrase allows HIV to insert itself into the genome of an infected cell |
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Measles Virus Proteins
March 2019 Six proteins in measles virus work together to infect cells. |
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Parvoviruses
May 2010 Viruses that cause distemper are surrounded by an icosahedral capsid |
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Poliovirus and Rhinovirus
August 2001 Crystallographic structures reveal the atomic details of viruses and how to fight them |
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Quasisymmetry in Icosahedral Viruses
August 2016 Viruses use quasisymmetry to build large capsids out of many small subunits |
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RSV Fusion Glycoprotein
October 2023 Structures of the fusion glycoprotein from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were used to engineer effective vaccines to fight viral infection. |
|
SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Home Tests
February 2023 Home test kits for SARS-CoV-2 test for the presence of nucleocapsid, the protein that packages the viral genome in infectious virions. |
|
SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase
September 2020 Coronaviruses duplicate their RNA genome using a specialized polymerase |
|
SARS-CoV-2 Spike
June 2020 Coronavirus spike protein binds to receptors on cell surfaces, and is a target for vaccine development. |
|
SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Antibodies
April 2021 Structural biologists are revealing the many ways that antibodies recognize SARS-CoV-2 |
|
Simian Virus 40
November 2003 SV40 hijacks the cells it infects using only a handful of proteins |
|
Small Interfering RNA (siRNA)
February 2008 Our cells continually look for pieces of double-stranded RNA, a possible sign of viral infection |
|
Tobacco Mosaic Virus
January 2009 A cylindrical arrangement of proteins protects a long strand of RNA in TMV |
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YES Complex
April 2024 Bacteriophage phiX174 makes a small protein that kills bacterial cells. |
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Zika Virus
May 2016 Cryo-electron microscopy reveals the structure of Zika virus |
You and Your Health - the molecules that keep us alive (59)
ABO Blood Type Glycosyltransferases
December 2012 ABO blood types are determined by an enzyme that attaches sugars to proteins |
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Acetylcholinesterase
June 2004 Acetylcholinesterase stops the signal between a nerve cell and a muscle cell |
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Alcohol Dehydrogenase
January 2001 Alcohol dehydrogenase detoxifies the ethanol we drink |
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Amyloid-beta Precursor Protein
July 2006 Cell-clogging amyloids form when proteins improperly aggregate |
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Amyloids
September 2015 Alzheimer's disease and prion diseases are linked to unnatural aggregation of proteins into amyloid fibrils. |
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Anabolic Steroids
August 2007 Anabolic steroids like testosterone are among the most common performance enhancing drugs |
|
Angiotensin and Blood Pressure
October 2024 Many medications for controlling high blood pressure inhibit the action of the peptide hormone angiotensin. |
|
Apoptosomes
September 2014 Apoptosomes make life or death decisions in cells |
|
Beta-secretase
July 2009 Beta-secretase trims proteins in the cell and plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease |
|
Calcium Pump
March 2004 Atomic structures have captured the calcium pump in action |
|
Carbonic Anhydrase
January 2004 Carbonic anhydrase solubilizes carbon dioxide gas so we can breathe it out |
|
Carotenoid Oxygenase
June 2005 Light-sensing retinal molecules are built from colorful carotenoids in our diet |
|
Caspases
August 2004 Caspases disassemble proteins during the process of programmed cell death |
|
Catalase
September 2004 Catalase protects us from dangerous reactive oxidizing molecules |
|
CFTR and Cystic Fibrosis
May 2024 Cystic fibrosis is currently treated using drugs that enhance the function of mutated CFTR |
|
Circadian Clock Proteins
January 2008 Circadian clock proteins measure time in our cells |
|
Collagen
April 2000 Sturdy fibers of collagen give structure to our bodies |
|
Crystallins
July 2010 A concentrated solution of crystallins refracts light in our eye lens |
|
Cytochrome p450
October 2006 Cytochrome p450 detoxifies and solubilizes drugs and poisons by modifying them with oxygen |
|
DNA Methyltransferases
July 2011 Cells add methyl groups to their DNA to encode additional epigenetic information |
|
Estrogen Receptor
September 2003 Estrogen binds to receptors in the nucleus and affects key genes in development |
|
Fetal Hemoglobin
May 2021 Fetal hemoglobin allows a growing fetus to receive oxygen from their mother. |
|
Fibrin
November 2006 Rod-shaped fibrin molecules link together to form blood clots |
|
Glucansucrase
June 2011 Bacteria adhere to our teeth by building sticky sugar chains |
|
Growth Hormone
April 2004 Growth hormone brings together two copies of its cellular receptor |
|
Hemoglobin
May 2003 Hemoglobin uses a change in shape to increase the efficiency of oxygen transport |
|
Hyaluronidases
March 2024 Long carbohydrate chains are used to make our bodies flexible and resilient. |
|
Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT)
July 2012 Cells salvage and recycle their obsolete DNA and RNA |
|
Hypoxia-Inducible Factors
December 2019 HIF-α is a molecular switch that responds to changing oxygen levels. |
|
Insulin
February 2001 The hormone insulin helps control the level of glucose in the blood |
|
Leptin
May 2012 Problems with the appetite-controlling hormone leptin can lead to obesity |
|
Lysozyme
September 2000 Lysozyme attacks the cell walls of bacteria |
|
Major Histocompatibility Complex
February 2005 MHC displays peptides on the surfaces of cells, allowing the immune system to sense the infection inside |
|
Neurotrophins
August 2005 Neurotrophins guide the development of the nervous system |
|
Nicotine, Cancer, and Addiction
May 2022 Nicotine causes addiction by interacting with receptors in the brain |
|
Opioid Receptors
January 2018 Morphine and other opioid drugs bind to receptors in the nervous system, controlling pain |
|
Oxidosqualene Cyclase
December 2007 Oxidosqualine cyclase forms the unusual fused rings of cholesterol molecules |
|
Pepsin
December 2000 Pepsin digests proteins in strong stomach acid |
|
Phenylalanine Hydroxylase
January 2005 An unusual cofactor is used in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids |
|
Phospholipase A2
November 2019 Phospholipase A2 breaks membrane lipids, forming molecules that contribute to inflammation and pain signaling. |
|
Piezo1 Mechanosensitive Channel
July 2018 Mechanosensitive ion channels give our cells a sense of touch. |
|
Prions
May 2008 Mad cow disease is caused by prion proteins that misfold and aggregate |
|
Proton-Gated Urea Channel
February 2013 A channel that passes urea allows ulcer-producing bacteria to live in the stomach |
|
S-Nitrosylated Hemoglobin
May 2019 Nitric oxide is attached to a conserved cysteine in hemoglobin and then released to control the flow of blood. |
|
SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Home Tests
February 2023 Home test kits for SARS-CoV-2 test for the presence of nucleocapsid, the protein that packages the viral genome in infectious virions. |
|
Selenocysteine Synthase
August 2008 Selenium is used in place of sulfur to build proteins for special tasks |
|
Serotonin Receptor
August 2013 Serotonin receptors control mood, emotion, and many other behaviors, and are targets for many important drugs |
|
Serpins
May 2004 Serpins are traps that capture dangerous proteases |
|
Serum Albumin
January 2003 Serum albumin delivers fatty acid molecules through the bloodstream |
|
Sirtuins
September 2017 Sirtuin activation is being explored as a way to slow aging. |
|
Superoxide Dismutase
October 2007 Superoxide dismutase protects us from dangerously reactive forms of oxygen |
|
T-Cell Receptor
March 2005 Lymphocytes use T-cell receptors to patrol the body for foreign molecules |
|
Tetrahydrobiopterin Biosynthesis
August 2015 Tetrahydrobiopterin plays an essential role in the production of aromatic amino acids, neurotransmitters and nitric oxide. |
|
Thrombin
January 2002 Thrombin activates the molecule that forms blood clots |
|
Tissue Factor
March 2006 Tissue factor senses damage to the body and triggers formation of a blood clot |
|
Tissue Transglutaminase and Celiac Disease
May 2017 Tissue transglutaminase staples proteins together by forming a chemical crosslink. |
|
Vitamin D Receptor
November 2012 Vitamin D helps regulate the use of calcium throughout the body |
|
Vitamins
December 2023 Vitamins are essential molecular tools that are obtained through a healthy diet. |
|
Xanthine Oxidoreductase
September 2009 Xanthine oxidoreductase helps break down obsolete purine nucleotides |
Biological Energy - capturing and converting sources of power (32)
Aconitase and Iron Regulatory Protein 1
May 2007 Aconitase performs a reaction in the citric acid cycle, and moonlights as a regulatory protein |
|
Alcohol Dehydrogenase
January 2001 Alcohol dehydrogenase detoxifies the ethanol we drink |
|
Alpha-amylase
February 2006 Amylases digest starch to produce glucose |
|
ATP Synthase
December 2005 ATP synthase links two rotary motors to generate ATP |
|
Bacteriorhodopsin
March 2002 Bacteriorhodopsin pumps protons powered by green sunlight |
|
Beta-galactosidase
June 2016 Beta-galactosidase is a powerful tool for genetic engineering of bacteria |
|
Biodegradable Plastic
December 2017 Bacteria build biodegradable plastic that could be better for the environment |
|
Cellulases and Bioenergy
May 2023 Powerful fungal enzymes break down cellulose during industrial production of ethanol from plant material. |
|
Citrate Synthase
September 2007 Citrate synthase opens and closes around its substrates as part of the citric acid cycle |
|
Citric Acid Cycle
October 2012 Eight enzymes form a cyclic pathway for energy production and biosynthesis |
|
Complex I
December 2011 A proton-pumping protein complex performs the first step of the respiratory electron transport chain |
|
Cytochrome bc1
May 2011 A flow of electrons powers proton pumps in cellular respiration and photosynthesis |
|
Cytochrome c
December 2002 Cytochrome c shuttles electrons during the production of cellular energy |
|
Cytochrome c Oxidase
May 2000 Cytochrome oxidase extracts energy from food using oxygen |
|
Fatty Acid Synthase
June 2007 Fatty acids are constructed in many sequential steps by a large protein complex |
|
GFP-like Proteins
June 2014 GFP-like proteins found in nature or engineered in the laboratory now span every color of the rainbow |
|
Glycogen Phosphorylase
December 2001 Glycogen phosphorylase releases sugar from its cellular storehouse |
|
Glycolytic Enzymes
February 2004 The ten enzymes of glycolysis break down sugar in our diet |
|
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
June 2003 A tiny fluorescent protein from jellyfish has revolutionized cell biology |
|
Hypoxia-Inducible Factors
December 2019 HIF-α is a molecular switch that responds to changing oxygen levels. |
|
Isocitrate Dehydrogenase
September 2010 Atomic structures have revealed the catalytic steps of a citric acid cycle enzyme |
|
Lactate Dehydrogenase
June 2008 Our cells temporarily build lactate when supplies of oxygen are low |
|
Luciferase
June 2006 Organisms from fireflies to bacteria use luciferase to emit light |
|
Myoglobin
January 2000 Myoglobin was the first protein to have its atomic structure determined, revealing how it stores oxygen in muscle cells. |
|
Photosynthetic Supercomplexes
April 2020 Light is captured by huge supercomplexes of photosystems and antenna systems. |
|
Photosystem I
October 2001 Photosystem I captures the energy in sunlight |
|
Phototropin
March 2015 Phototrophins sense the level of blue light, allowing plants to respond to changing environmental conditions |
|
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex
September 2012 A huge molecular complex links three sequential reactions for energy production |
|
Pyruvate Kinase M2
June 2022 Pyruvate kinases are the paradoxical gatekeepers for cancer cell metabolism and growth. |
|
Respiratory Supercomplex
September 2022 In our mitochondria, three electron-transport complexes assemble into a supercomplex. |
|
Rhodopsin
March 2012 In our eyes, rhodopsin uses the molecule retinal to see light |
|
Trypsin
October 2003 An activated serine amino acid in trypsin cleaves protein chains |
Biology of Plants - plant cells build molecular machines for photosynthesis, infrastructure and communication, and protection (25)
Acetohydroxyacid Synthase
November 2021 In plants, AHAS performs the first step in synthesis of three essential amino acids, making it an effective target for herbicides. |
|
Auxin and TIR1 Ubiquitin Ligase
February 2009 The plant hormone auxin controls growth and response to light and gravity |
|
Bacteriorhodopsin
March 2002 Bacteriorhodopsin pumps protons powered by green sunlight |
|
Carbon Capture Mechanisms
September 2024 Scientists are studying cyanobacteria to improve the productivity of agricultural crops |
|
Carbonic Anhydrase
January 2004 Carbonic anhydrase solubilizes carbon dioxide gas so we can breathe it out |
|
Carotenoid Oxygenase
June 2005 Light-sensing retinal molecules are built from colorful carotenoids in our diet |
|
Cellulose Synthase
February 2021 Plants build tough cellulose strands one sugar at a time. |
|
Concanavalin A and Circular Permutation
April 2010 For some proteins, clipped and reassembled sequences can produce the same 3D shape |
|
Cytochrome bc1
May 2011 A flow of electrons powers proton pumps in cellular respiration and photosynthesis |
|
EPSP Synthase and Weedkillers
February 2018 The weedkiller Roundup attacks a key enzyme involved in the construction of aromatic compounds. |
|
Fatty Acid Synthase
June 2007 Fatty acids are constructed in many sequential steps by a large protein complex |
|
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
June 2003 A tiny fluorescent protein from jellyfish has revolutionized cell biology |
|
Isoprene Synthase
September 2016 Plants release a billion metric tons of isoprene and other organic gases every year. |
|
Monellin
July 2016 Monellin and other supersweet proteins trick our taste receptors. |
|
Nitrogenase
February 2002 Nitrogenase uses an exotic cluster of metals to fix atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable ammonia |
|
Photosynthetic Supercomplexes
April 2020 Light is captured by huge supercomplexes of photosystems and antenna systems. |
|
Photosystem I
October 2001 Photosystem I captures the energy in sunlight |
|
Photosystem II
November 2004 Photosystem II captures the energy from sunlight and uses it to extract electrons from water molecules |
|
Phototropin
March 2015 Phototrophins sense the level of blue light, allowing plants to respond to changing environmental conditions |
|
Phytohormone Receptor DWARF14
October 2022 Some phytohormones mobilize the cell’s protein degradation machinery to regulate plant growth and development. |
|
Phytosulfokine Receptor
August 2020 Phytosulfokine and other small peptides deliver signals about growth and development in plants. |
|
Ricin
May 2013 The structure of ricin reveals how it kills cells and how vaccines can produce immunity against ricin poisoning |
|
Rubisco
November 2000 Rubisco fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide into bioavailable sugar molecules |
|
TAL Effectors
December 2014 TAL-effectors are modular, DNA-reading proteins that can be used to edit DNA in living cells |
|
ZAR1 Resistosome
November 2023 Plants protect themselves from infection with immune system machines such as the resistosome |
Bioluminescence and Fluorescence - proteins that shape light (3)
Fluorescent RNA Aptamers
January 2019 RNA aptamers are being engineered to track molecules inside living cells |
|
GFP-like Proteins
June 2014 GFP-like proteins found in nature or engineered in the laboratory now span every color of the rainbow |
|
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
June 2003 A tiny fluorescent protein from jellyfish has revolutionized cell biology |
Cellular Signaling - sending and receiving molecular messages (57)
Acetylcholine Receptor
November 2005 The neurotransmitter acetylcholine opens a protein channel, stimulating muscle contraction |
|
Acetylcholinesterase
June 2004 Acetylcholinesterase stops the signal between a nerve cell and a muscle cell |
|
Adenylyl Cyclase
November 2020 Adenylyl cyclase creates second messengers to amplify signals from G-protein coupled receptors |
|
Adrenergic Receptors
April 2008 Adrenaline stimulates a G-protein-coupled receptor, priming us for action |
|
AMPA Receptor
July 2019 Receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate in our brain come in several shapes and sizes. |
|
Anabolic Steroids
August 2007 Anabolic steroids like testosterone are among the most common performance enhancing drugs |
|
Anaphase-Promoting Complex / Cyclosome
March 2023 APC/C guards the checkpoints that regulate key steps in the cell cycle |
|
Angiotensin and Blood Pressure
October 2024 Many medications for controlling high blood pressure inhibit the action of the peptide hormone angiotensin. |
|
ATM and ATR Kinases
August 2023 Dividing cells use ATM and ATR kinases to respond to DNA damage. |
|
Auxin and TIR1 Ubiquitin Ligase
February 2009 The plant hormone auxin controls growth and response to light and gravity |
|
c-Abl Protein Kinase and Imatinib
July 2023 Protein kinases are being targeted by new anti-cancer drugs |
|
Calcium Pump
March 2004 Atomic structures have captured the calcium pump in action |
|
Calmodulin
August 2003 Calcium ions rapidly deliver signals to control processes such as muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and fertilization |
|
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase (PKA)
August 2012 PKA delivers cellular signals by adding phosphates to proteins |
|
Capsaicin Receptor TRPV1
October 2020 TRPV1 is an ion channel that senses heat and contributes to pain sensation. |
|
Cyclin and Cyclin-dependent Kinase
August 2019 Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases control when cells divide, making them important targets for cancer therapy. |
|
Cyclooxygenase
May 2001 Aspirin attacks an important enzyme in pain signaling and blood clotting |
|
Designer Insulins
February 2016 Engineered insulins have been developed to improve treatment of diabetes |
|
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4
October 2016 Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 are used to treat type-2 diabetes |
|
Epidermal Growth Factor
June 2010 EGF is part of a family of proteins that controls aspects of cell growth and development |
|
Estrogen Receptor
September 2003 Estrogen binds to receptors in the nucleus and affects key genes in development |
|
G Proteins
October 2004 G proteins receive signals from cellular receptors and deliver them inside the cell |
|
Glucagon
April 2015 Glucagon triggers the release of glucose into the blood, to power cells throughout the body |
|
Glucocorticoid Receptor and Dexamethasone
June 2021 An anti-inflammatory drug has given us a new way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. |
|
Glutamate-gated Chloride Receptors
November 2015 The antibiotic ivermectin attacks glutamate-gated chloride channels, paralyzing parasitic worms. |
|
Growth Hormone
April 2004 Growth hormone brings together two copies of its cellular receptor |
|
HER2/neu and Trastuzumab
April 2022 Trastuzumab monoclonal antibodies targeting HER2 receptors are at the forefront of breast cancer treatment |
|
Insulin
February 2001 The hormone insulin helps control the level of glucose in the blood |
|
Insulin Receptor
February 2015 The cellular receptor for insulin helps control the utilization of glucose by cells |
|
Interferons
August 2010 Interferons mobilize defenses against viral infection |
|
Leptin
May 2012 Problems with the appetite-controlling hormone leptin can lead to obesity |
|
Mechanosensitive Channels
November 2008 Pressure-sensitive channels open when the internal pressure of a cell gets too high |
|
Neurotransmitter Transporters
March 2014 Neurotransmitters are transported out of nerve synapses to end a signal transmission |
|
Neurotrophins
August 2005 Neurotrophins guide the development of the nervous system |
|
Nicotine, Cancer, and Addiction
May 2022 Nicotine causes addiction by interacting with receptors in the brain |
|
Nitric Oxide Synthase
January 2011 Nitric oxide gas is used as a rapid-acting hormone and as a powerful defense |
|
Odorant Receptors
June 2023 Our sense of smell relies on odorant receptors that recognize specific scents. |
|
Opioid Receptors
January 2018 Morphine and other opioid drugs bind to receptors in the nervous system, controlling pain |
|
PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1)
December 2016 PD-1 and its ligands are a new target for cancer therapy |
|
Photoactive Yellow Protein
March 2017 Researchers use synchrotrons and X-ray lasers to reveal the rapid processes of light sensing. |
|
Phototropin
March 2015 Phototrophins sense the level of blue light, allowing plants to respond to changing environmental conditions |
|
Phytohormone Receptor DWARF14
October 2022 Some phytohormones mobilize the cell’s protein degradation machinery to regulate plant growth and development. |
|
Phytosulfokine Receptor
August 2020 Phytosulfokine and other small peptides deliver signals about growth and development in plants. |
|
Piezo1 Mechanosensitive Channel
July 2018 Mechanosensitive ion channels give our cells a sense of touch. |
|
Potassium Channels
February 2003 Potassium channels allow potassium ions to pass, but block smaller sodium ions |
|
RAF Protein Kinases
March 2016 A single mutation in a RAF protein kinase can help transform a normal cell into a cancer cell. |
|
Ras Protein
April 2012 Mutation of the growth-controlling ras protein can lead to cancer |
|
Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products
June 2015 RAGE recognizes sugar-modified proteins, contributing to an inflammatory response that plays a role in diabetes |
|
Rhodopsin
March 2012 In our eyes, rhodopsin uses the molecule retinal to see light |
|
Serotonin Receptor
August 2013 Serotonin receptors control mood, emotion, and many other behaviors, and are targets for many important drugs |
|
SNARE Proteins
November 2013 SNARE proteins power the fusion of vesicles with membranes by forming a bundle of alpha helices |
|
Src Tyrosine Kinase
July 2003 Growth signaling proteins play an important role in the development of cancer |
|
Tissue Factor
March 2006 Tissue factor senses damage to the body and triggers formation of a blood clot |
|
Two-component Systems
October 2015 Bacteria respond to their environment with two-component sensing systems. |
|
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VegF) and Angiogenesis
March 2022 VegF promotes blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), affecting cancer proliferation, wound healing, and other bodily processes. |
|
Vitamin D Receptor
November 2012 Vitamin D helps regulate the use of calcium throughout the body |
|
Voltage-gated Sodium Channels
March 2020 Voltage-gated sodium channels transmit signals in a wave through the nervous system. |
Central Dogma - transferring information from genes to proteins (13)
Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases
April 2001 Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases ensure that the proper amino acids are used to build proteins |
|
Cisplatin and DNA
March 2021 Cisplatin treats cancer by causing damage to the DNA of cancer cells. |
|
DNA
November 2001 Atomic structures reveal how the iconic double helix encodes genomic information |
|
DNA Polymerase
March 2000 DNA polymerase makes an accurate copy of the cell's genome |
|
Expressome
January 2021 In bacteria, ribosomes start building proteins as messenger RNA is being transcribed |
|
Histone Deacetylases
September 2023 Histone deacetylases regulate access to genetic information by modifying histones |
|
Mediator
January 2024 Mediator integrates regulatory information to decide when genes need to be transcribed. |
|
Non-Homologous End Joining Supercomplexes
July 2022 Lethal double-strand breaks in the DNA genome are repaired by NHEJ |
|
Ribosome
January 2010 Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins |
|
RNA Polymerase
April 2003 RNA polymerase transcribes genetic information from DNA into RNA |
|
SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase
September 2020 Coronaviruses duplicate their RNA genome using a specialized polymerase |
|
Spliceosomes
May 2020 Cryoelectron microscropy is revealing how spliceosomes cut-and-paste messenger RNA molecules. |
|
Transfer RNA
March 2001 Transfer RNA translates the language of the genome into the language of proteins |
Enzymes - the cell's chemists (70)
AAA+ Proteases
August 2006 AAA+ proteases are ATP-powered molecular motors that thread protein chains through a hole |
|
ABO Blood Type Glycosyltransferases
December 2012 ABO blood types are determined by an enzyme that attaches sugars to proteins |
|
Acetohydroxyacid Synthase
November 2021 In plants, AHAS performs the first step in synthesis of three essential amino acids, making it an effective target for herbicides. |
|
Acetylcholinesterase
June 2004 Acetylcholinesterase stops the signal between a nerve cell and a muscle cell |
|
Aconitase and Iron Regulatory Protein 1
May 2007 Aconitase performs a reaction in the citric acid cycle, and moonlights as a regulatory protein |
|
Alcohol Dehydrogenase
January 2001 Alcohol dehydrogenase detoxifies the ethanol we drink |
|
Alpha-amylase
February 2006 Amylases digest starch to produce glucose |
|
Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases
April 2001 Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases ensure that the proper amino acids are used to build proteins |
|
Anabolic Steroids
August 2007 Anabolic steroids like testosterone are among the most common performance enhancing drugs |
|
Aspartate Transcarbamoylase
November 2017 Key biosynthetic enzymes are regulated by their ultimate products through allosteric motions. |
|
Beta-galactosidase
June 2016 Beta-galactosidase is a powerful tool for genetic engineering of bacteria |
|
Beta-secretase
July 2009 Beta-secretase trims proteins in the cell and plays an important role in Alzheimer's disease |
|
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase (PKA)
August 2012 PKA delivers cellular signals by adding phosphates to proteins |
|
Carbonic Anhydrase
January 2004 Carbonic anhydrase solubilizes carbon dioxide gas so we can breathe it out |
|
Carotenoid Oxygenase
June 2005 Light-sensing retinal molecules are built from colorful carotenoids in our diet |
|
Caspases
August 2004 Caspases disassemble proteins during the process of programmed cell death |
|
Catalase
September 2004 Catalase protects us from dangerous reactive oxidizing molecules |
|
Citrate Synthase
September 2007 Citrate synthase opens and closes around its substrates as part of the citric acid cycle |
|
Citric Acid Cycle
October 2012 Eight enzymes form a cyclic pathway for energy production and biosynthesis |
|
Cyclooxygenase
May 2001 Aspirin attacks an important enzyme in pain signaling and blood clotting |
|
Cytochrome p450
October 2006 Cytochrome p450 detoxifies and solubilizes drugs and poisons by modifying them with oxygen |
|
Dehalogenases
April 2018 Bacteria destroy toxic environmental pollutants that include chlorine or bromine atoms. |
|
Dihydrofolate Reductase
October 2002 DHFR is a target for cancer chemotherapy and bacterial infection |
|
DNA Ligase
July 2004 DNA ligase reconnects broken DNA strands, and is used to engineer recombinant DNA |
|
EPSP Synthase and Weedkillers
February 2018 The weedkiller Roundup attacks a key enzyme involved in the construction of aromatic compounds. |
|
Exosomes
February 2007 Exosomes destroy messenger RNA molecules after they have finished their jobs |
|
Fatty Acid Synthase
June 2007 Fatty acids are constructed in many sequential steps by a large protein complex |
|
Glucansucrase
June 2011 Bacteria adhere to our teeth by building sticky sugar chains |
|
Glucose Oxidase
May 2006 Glucose oxidase measures blood glucose level in biosensors |
|
Glutamine Synthetase
June 2002 Glutamine synthetase monitors the levels of nitrogen-rich amino acids and decides when to make more |
|
Glycogen Phosphorylase
December 2001 Glycogen phosphorylase releases sugar from its cellular storehouse |
|
Glycolytic Enzymes
February 2004 The ten enzymes of glycolysis break down sugar in our diet |
|
HIV Reverse Transcriptase
September 2002 HIV builds a DNA copy of its RNA genome, providing a unique target for drug therapy |
|
Hydrogenase
March 2009 Hydrogenases use unusual metal ions to split hydrogen gas |
|
Hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT)
July 2012 Cells salvage and recycle their obsolete DNA and RNA |
|
Isocitrate Dehydrogenase
September 2010 Atomic structures have revealed the catalytic steps of a citric acid cycle enzyme |
|
Lactate Dehydrogenase
June 2008 Our cells temporarily build lactate when supplies of oxygen are low |
|
Legumain
August 2018 Legumain cleaves proteins, and can also put them back together. |
|
Luciferase
June 2006 Organisms from fireflies to bacteria use luciferase to emit light |
|
Lysozyme
September 2000 Lysozyme attacks the cell walls of bacteria |
|
Methyl-coenzyme M Reductase
November 2014 Methanogens use sophisticated molecular tools to build methane |
|
New Delhi Metallo-Beta-Lactamase
July 2015 Antibiotics can save lives, but antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria pose a dangerous threat |
|
Nitrogenase
February 2002 Nitrogenase uses an exotic cluster of metals to fix atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable ammonia |
|
O-GlcNAc Transferase
September 2011 Some protein functions are regulated when sugars are attached |
|
Oxidosqualene Cyclase
December 2007 Oxidosqualine cyclase forms the unusual fused rings of cholesterol molecules |
|
Pepsin
December 2000 Pepsin digests proteins in strong stomach acid |
|
Phenylalanine Hydroxylase
January 2005 An unusual cofactor is used in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids |
|
Phytase
September 2018 Phytase is used in agriculture to mobilize indigestible phosphate compounds in livestock feed. |
|
Poly(A) Polymerase
October 2008 Poly(A) polymerase adds a long tail of adenine nucleotides at the end of messenger RNA |
|
Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex
September 2012 A huge molecular complex links three sequential reactions for energy production |
|
Restriction Enzymes
August 2000 Bacterial enzymes that cut DNA are useful tools for genetic engineering |
|
Rhomboid Protease GlpG
August 2011 Some proteases cut proteins embedded in cell membranes |
|
Ribonuclease A
September 2008 Ribonuclease cuts and controls RNA |
|
Ribonucleotide Reductase
October 2019 Ribonucleotide reductase creates the building blocks of DNA |
|
Ribosome
January 2010 Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins |
|
RNA Polymerase
April 2003 RNA polymerase transcribes genetic information from DNA into RNA |
|
Rubisco
November 2000 Rubisco fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide into bioavailable sugar molecules |
|
Selenocysteine Synthase
August 2008 Selenium is used in place of sulfur to build proteins for special tasks |
|
Self-splicing RNA
May 2005 Special sequences of RNA are able to splice themselves |
|
Src Tyrosine Kinase
July 2003 Growth signaling proteins play an important role in the development of cancer |
|
Sulfotransferases
August 2009 Sulfotransferases transfer sulfuryl groups in enzymatic reactions |
|
Superoxide Dismutase
October 2007 Superoxide dismutase protects us from dangerously reactive forms of oxygen |
|
Tetrahydrobiopterin Biosynthesis
August 2015 Tetrahydrobiopterin plays an essential role in the production of aromatic amino acids, neurotransmitters and nitric oxide. |
|
Thrombin
January 2002 Thrombin activates the molecule that forms blood clots |
|
Thymine Dimers
July 2007 Ultraviolet light damages our DNA, but our cells have ways to correct the damage |
|
Tissue Transglutaminase and Celiac Disease
May 2017 Tissue transglutaminase staples proteins together by forming a chemical crosslink. |
|
Topoisomerases
January 2006 Topoisomerases untangle and reduce the tension of DNA strands in the cell |
|
Transposase
December 2006 Transposases shift genes around in the genome |
|
Trypsin
October 2003 An activated serine amino acid in trypsin cleaves protein chains |
|
Xanthine Oxidoreductase
September 2009 Xanthine oxidoreductase helps break down obsolete purine nucleotides |
Molecular Evolution - mechanisms for the rise of life on Earth (15)
Antifreeze Proteins
December 2009 Small antifreeze proteins protect cells from damage by ice |
|
Concanavalin A and Circular Permutation
April 2010 For some proteins, clipped and reassembled sequences can produce the same 3D shape |
|
Cytochrome c
December 2002 Cytochrome c shuttles electrons during the production of cellular energy |
|
Cytochrome c Oxidase
May 2000 Cytochrome oxidase extracts energy from food using oxygen |
|
Dihydrofolate Reductase
October 2002 DHFR is a target for cancer chemotherapy and bacterial infection |
|
Directed Evolution of Enzymes
December 2018 Biological evolution is being harnessed in the lab to create new enzymes. |
|
Globin Evolution
February 2017 The mechanisms of molecular evolution are revealed in globin sequences and structures. |
|
Luciferase
June 2006 Organisms from fireflies to bacteria use luciferase to emit light |
|
Parvoviruses
May 2010 Viruses that cause distemper are surrounded by an icosahedral capsid |
|
Penicillin-binding Proteins
May 2002 Penicillin attacks the proteins that build bacterial cell walls |
|
Ribosome
January 2010 Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins |
|
Ribosome Diversity
July 2024 By comparing the structures of ribosomes from different organisms, we can explore the evolution of life. |
|
Transposase
December 2006 Transposases shift genes around in the genome |
|
Vancomycin
December 2015 The antibiotic vancomycin blocks the construction of bacterial cell walls. |
|
Vitamin D Receptor
November 2012 Vitamin D helps regulate the use of calcium throughout the body |
Molecular Infrastructure - supporting cells, tissues and organisms (14)
Actin
July 2001 Cells are supported by a cytoskeleton of protein filaments |
|
Actin Branching by Arp2/3 Complex
November 2022 By mimicking actin, Arp2/3 complex helps build a complex cytoskeleton that supports and shapes cells. |
|
Cadherin
March 2008 Adhesive cadherin proteins hold neighboring cells together |
|
Cellulose Synthase
February 2021 Plants build tough cellulose strands one sugar at a time. |
|
Collagen
April 2000 Sturdy fibers of collagen give structure to our bodies |
|
ESCRT-III
August 2024 ESCRT-III forms helical assemblies that remodel cellular membranes |
|
Hyaluronidases
March 2024 Long carbohydrate chains are used to make our bodies flexible and resilient. |
|
Integrin
February 2011 Integrins forge flexible linkages between the infrastructure inside and outside of cells |
|
Microtubules
July 2014 The largest filaments of the cytoskeleton provide tracks for transport throughout the cell |
|
Pilus Machine
July 2017 A molecular machine with a rotary motor builds a long protein filament involved in bacterial motility and attachment. |
|
Proteins and Biominerals
April 2019 Small biomineral crystals are used to build bone, eggshells and even tiny compasses. |
|
Tissue Transglutaminase and Celiac Disease
May 2017 Tissue transglutaminase staples proteins together by forming a chemical crosslink. |
|
Titin
May 2015 The giant protein titin organizes the structure of muscle and gives them elasticity |
|
Vaults
June 2009 Cells build huge vault containers constructed of a symmetric arrangement of many subunits |
Molecular Motors - directed motion at the molecular level (6)
ATP Synthase
December 2005 ATP synthase links two rotary motors to generate ATP |
|
Dynein
August 2014 The motor protein dynein transports cellular cargo along microtubules |
|
Kinesin
April 2005 The motor protein kinesin carries cellular cargo along microtubules |
|
Myosin
June 2001 Molecular motors fueled by ATP power the contraction of muscles |
|
Pilus Machine
July 2017 A molecular machine with a rotary motor builds a long protein filament involved in bacterial motility and attachment. |
|
Vacuolar ATPase
March 2018 Two linked molecular motors are used to pump protons across membranes. |
Molecules for a Sustainable Future - proteins with global impact (13)
Biodegradable Plastic
December 2017 Bacteria build biodegradable plastic that could be better for the environment |
|
Carbon Capture Mechanisms
September 2024 Scientists are studying cyanobacteria to improve the productivity of agricultural crops |
|
Cellulose Synthase
February 2021 Plants build tough cellulose strands one sugar at a time. |
|
Dehalogenases
April 2018 Bacteria destroy toxic environmental pollutants that include chlorine or bromine atoms. |
|
Glutathione Transferases
August 2017 Glutathione transferase tags toxic molecules, making them easy to recognize and remove. |
|
Isoprene Synthase
September 2016 Plants release a billion metric tons of isoprene and other organic gases every year. |
|
Methyl-coenzyme M Reductase
November 2014 Methanogens use sophisticated molecular tools to build methane |
|
Nitrogenase
February 2002 Nitrogenase uses an exotic cluster of metals to fix atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable ammonia |
|
Photosystem I
October 2001 Photosystem I captures the energy in sunlight |
|
Photosystem II
November 2004 Photosystem II captures the energy from sunlight and uses it to extract electrons from water molecules |
|
Phytase
September 2018 Phytase is used in agriculture to mobilize indigestible phosphate compounds in livestock feed. |
|
Phytohormone Receptor DWARF14
October 2022 Some phytohormones mobilize the cell’s protein degradation machinery to regulate plant growth and development. |
|
Plastic-eating Enzymes
January 2023 Researchers are looking to Nature to find ways to dispose of discarded plastic. |
Nucleic Acids - storing genetic information and more (20)
Adenine Riboswitch in Action
June 2017 XFEL serial crystallography reveals what happens when adenine binds to a riboswitch |
|
ATM and ATR Kinases
August 2023 Dividing cells use ATM and ATR kinases to respond to DNA damage. |
|
Designed DNA Crystal
November 2009 Small pieces of DNA have been engineered to form a nanoscale lattice |
|
DNA
November 2001 Atomic structures reveal how the iconic double helix encodes genomic information |
|
Fluorescent RNA Aptamers
January 2019 RNA aptamers are being engineered to track molecules inside living cells |
|
Nucleosome
July 2000 The cell's genome is stored and protected by nucleosomes |
|
RecA and Rad51
April 2014 Broken DNA strands may be repaired by matching sequences in a duplicate copy of the DNA |
|
Restriction Enzymes
August 2000 Bacterial enzymes that cut DNA are useful tools for genetic engineering |
|
Ribonuclease P
August 2021 The ribozyme ribonuclease P cleaves pre-tRNA to form functional tRNA. |
|
Ribosomal Subunits
October 2000 Atomic structures of the ribosomal subunits reveal a central role for RNA in protein synthesis |
|
Ribosome
January 2010 Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins |
|
Riboswitches
October 2010 Special sequences of messenger RNA can bind to regulatory molecules and affect synthesis of proteins |
|
Self-splicing RNA
May 2005 Special sequences of RNA are able to splice themselves |
|
Small Interfering RNA (siRNA)
February 2008 Our cells continually look for pieces of double-stranded RNA, a possible sign of viral infection |
|
Spliceosomes
May 2020 Cryoelectron microscropy is revealing how spliceosomes cut-and-paste messenger RNA molecules. |
|
Telomerase
November 2018 Telomerase maintains the ends of our chromosomes. |
|
Thymine Dimers
July 2007 Ultraviolet light damages our DNA, but our cells have ways to correct the damage |
|
Transfer RNA
March 2001 Transfer RNA translates the language of the genome into the language of proteins |
|
Transfer-Messenger RNA
January 2013 tmRNA rescues ribosomes that are stalled by damaged messenger RNA |
|
Vitamin D Receptor
November 2012 Vitamin D helps regulate the use of calcium throughout the body |
Protein Synthesis - building the molecules of life (55)
AAA+ Proteases
August 2006 AAA+ proteases are ATP-powered molecular motors that thread protein chains through a hole |
|
Aconitase and Iron Regulatory Protein 1
May 2007 Aconitase performs a reaction in the citric acid cycle, and moonlights as a regulatory protein |
|
Adenine Riboswitch in Action
June 2017 XFEL serial crystallography reveals what happens when adenine binds to a riboswitch |
|
Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases
April 2001 Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases ensure that the proper amino acids are used to build proteins |
|
Cascade and CRISPR
January 2015 Cascade and CRISPR help bacteria remember how to fight viral infection |
|
Catabolite Activator Protein
December 2003 CAP senses the level of sugar and mobilizes the proteins needed to utilize it |
|
Chaperones
August 2002 Chaperones help new proteins fold into their proper shape |
|
DNA
November 2001 Atomic structures reveal how the iconic double helix encodes genomic information |
|
DNA Helicase
December 2013 DNA helicase pries apart the two strands in a DNA double helix, powered by ATP |
|
DNA Ligase
July 2004 DNA ligase reconnects broken DNA strands, and is used to engineer recombinant DNA |
|
DNA Methyltransferases
July 2011 Cells add methyl groups to their DNA to encode additional epigenetic information |
|
DNA Polymerase
March 2000 DNA polymerase makes an accurate copy of the cell's genome |
|
Elongation Factors
September 2006 Protein synthesis requires the assistance of several elongation factors that guide each step |
|
Enhanceosome
February 2010 Enhanceosomes help decide the appropriate time to transcribe a gene |
|
Estrogen Receptor
September 2003 Estrogen binds to receptors in the nucleus and affects key genes in development |
|
Exosomes
February 2007 Exosomes destroy messenger RNA molecules after they have finished their jobs |
|
Expressome
January 2021 In bacteria, ribosomes start building proteins as messenger RNA is being transcribed |
|
Hemoglobin
May 2003 Hemoglobin uses a change in shape to increase the efficiency of oxygen transport |
|
HIV Reverse Transcriptase
September 2002 HIV builds a DNA copy of its RNA genome, providing a unique target for drug therapy |
|
Hsp90
December 2008 Heat shock proteins ensure that proteins remain folded and active under harsh conditions |
|
Initiation Factor eIF4E
February 2019 Initiation factors for protein synthesis interact through disordered chains. |
|
Inteins
November 2010 Inteins splice themselves out of larger protein chains |
|
lac Repressor
March 2003 A genetic circuit controls the production of lactose-utilizing enzymes in bacteria |
|
Lysozyme
September 2000 Lysozyme attacks the cell walls of bacteria |
|
Mediator
January 2024 Mediator integrates regulatory information to decide when genes need to be transcribed. |
|
Messenger RNA Capping
January 2012 Messenger RNA molecules are capped with an inverted nucleotide |
|
Nucleosome
July 2000 The cell's genome is stored and protected by nucleosomes |
|
O-GlcNAc Transferase
September 2011 Some protein functions are regulated when sugars are attached |
|
Oct and Sox Transcription Factors
April 2009 Transcription factors decide when particular genes will be transcribed |
|
Oligosaccharyltransferase
February 2022 Oligosaccharyltransferase adds a protective coat of carbohydrates to proteins. |
|
p53 Tumor Suppressor
July 2002 p53 tumor suppressor protects the body from DNA damage and cancer |
|
Poly(A) Polymerase
October 2008 Poly(A) polymerase adds a long tail of adenine nucleotides at the end of messenger RNA |
|
Proteasome
October 2013 Proteasomes destroy damaged or obsolete proteins inside cells |
|
RecA and Rad51
April 2014 Broken DNA strands may be repaired by matching sequences in a duplicate copy of the DNA |
|
Restriction Enzymes
August 2000 Bacterial enzymes that cut DNA are useful tools for genetic engineering |
|
Rhomboid Protease GlpG
August 2011 Some proteases cut proteins embedded in cell membranes |
|
Ribonuclease P
August 2021 The ribozyme ribonuclease P cleaves pre-tRNA to form functional tRNA. |
|
Ribosomal Subunits
October 2000 Atomic structures of the ribosomal subunits reveal a central role for RNA in protein synthesis |
|
Ribosome
January 2010 Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins |
|
Ribosome Diversity
July 2024 By comparing the structures of ribosomes from different organisms, we can explore the evolution of life. |
|
Riboswitches
October 2010 Special sequences of messenger RNA can bind to regulatory molecules and affect synthesis of proteins |
|
RNA Polymerase
April 2003 RNA polymerase transcribes genetic information from DNA into RNA |
|
Selenocysteine Synthase
August 2008 Selenium is used in place of sulfur to build proteins for special tasks |
|
Self-splicing RNA
May 2005 Special sequences of RNA are able to splice themselves |
|
Sirtuins
September 2017 Sirtuin activation is being explored as a way to slow aging. |
|
Sliding Clamps
June 2012 Sliding clamps slide along DNA strands and keep DNA polymerase on track during replication |
|
Small Interfering RNA (siRNA)
February 2008 Our cells continually look for pieces of double-stranded RNA, a possible sign of viral infection |
|
TATA-Binding Protein
July 2005 TATA protein tells RNA polymerase where to get started on a gene |
|
Thymine Dimers
July 2007 Ultraviolet light damages our DNA, but our cells have ways to correct the damage |
|
Topoisomerases
January 2006 Topoisomerases untangle and reduce the tension of DNA strands in the cell |
|
Transfer RNA
March 2001 Transfer RNA translates the language of the genome into the language of proteins |
|
Transfer-Messenger RNA
January 2013 tmRNA rescues ribosomes that are stalled by damaged messenger RNA |
|
Transposase
December 2006 Transposases shift genes around in the genome |
|
Ubiquitin
December 2004 Ubiquitin is used to tag obsolete proteins for destruction |
|
Zinc Fingers
March 2007 Zinc ions are used to strengthen small protein modules that recognize DNA |
Transport - delivering the cell's resources (23)
Aminopeptidase 1 and Autophagy
November 2016 Aminopeptidase 1 is delivered inside the cell using the machinery of autophagy |
|
Anabolic Steroids
August 2007 Anabolic steroids like testosterone are among the most common performance enhancing drugs |
|
Aquaporin
May 2014 Aquaporins create a channel for water molecules to cross through cell membranes |
|
CFTR and Cystic Fibrosis
May 2024 Cystic fibrosis is currently treated using drugs that enhance the function of mutated CFTR |
|
Clathrin
April 2007 Three-armed clathrin triskelions are used to build molecular cages involved in transport |
|
Erythrocruorin
March 2013 Earthworms build a huge version of hemoglobin to carry oxygen |
|
Ferritin and Transferrin
November 2002 Ferritin and transferrin manage our essential stores of iron ions |
|
Fetal Hemoglobin
May 2021 Fetal hemoglobin allows a growing fetus to receive oxygen from their mother. |
|
Glucose Transporters
April 2017 Glucose transporters deliver glucose molecules one-by-one across cell membranes. |
|
Golgi Casein Kinase
January 2022 Casein and many other secreted proteins are phosphorylated by Golgi casein kinase |
|
Hemoglobin
May 2003 Hemoglobin uses a change in shape to increase the efficiency of oxygen transport |
|
Importins
January 2007 Importins deliver proteins into the nucleus through the nuclear pore complex |
|
Injectisome
June 2024 Salmonella bacteria inject a cocktail of effector proteins into cells to disable their defenses. |
|
Multidrug Resistance Transporters
November 2007 Many bacteria use multidrug resistance transporters to pump drugs and poisons out of the cell |
|
Nanodiscs and HDL
September 2019 Nanodiscs conveniently package a small piece of membrane for experimental studies. |
|
Nanowires
February 2024 Nanowires conduct electrons one at a time inside biological molecules. |
|
Neurotransmitter Transporters
March 2014 Neurotransmitters are transported out of nerve synapses to end a signal transmission |
|
Nuclear Pore Complex
January 2017 The nuclear pore complex is the gateway between the nucleus and cytoplasm. |
|
P-glycoprotein
March 2010 P-glycoprotein pumps toxic molecules out of our cells |
|
Proton-Gated Urea Channel
February 2013 A channel that passes urea allows ulcer-producing bacteria to live in the stomach |
|
S-Nitrosylated Hemoglobin
May 2019 Nitric oxide is attached to a conserved cysteine in hemoglobin and then released to control the flow of blood. |
|
Serum Albumin
January 2003 Serum albumin delivers fatty acid molecules through the bloodstream |
|
Sodium-Potassium Pump
October 2009 Cells continually pump sodium ions out and potassium ions in, powered by ATP |
Biotechnology - using biology in industry (18)
Alcohol Dehydrogenase
January 2001 Alcohol dehydrogenase detoxifies the ethanol we drink |
|
Alpha-amylase
February 2006 Amylases digest starch to produce glucose |
|
Antifreeze Proteins
December 2009 Small antifreeze proteins protect cells from damage by ice |
|
Auxin and TIR1 Ubiquitin Ligase
February 2009 The plant hormone auxin controls growth and response to light and gravity |
|
Biodegradable Plastic
December 2017 Bacteria build biodegradable plastic that could be better for the environment |
|
Cascade and CRISPR
January 2015 Cascade and CRISPR help bacteria remember how to fight viral infection |
|
Chimeric Antigen Receptors
October 2017 T cells may be engineered with chimeric antigen receptors to attack cancer cells. |
|
Directed Evolution of Enzymes
December 2018 Biological evolution is being harnessed in the lab to create new enzymes. |
|
DNA Polymerase
March 2000 DNA polymerase makes an accurate copy of the cell's genome |
|
DNA-Sequencing Nanopores
September 2021 Designer nanopores work with enzymes to offer pocket-sized DNA sequencing |
|
EPSP Synthase and Weedkillers
February 2018 The weedkiller Roundup attacks a key enzyme involved in the construction of aromatic compounds. |
|
GFP-like Proteins
June 2014 GFP-like proteins found in nature or engineered in the laboratory now span every color of the rainbow |
|
Glucose Oxidase
May 2006 Glucose oxidase measures blood glucose level in biosensors |
|
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
June 2003 A tiny fluorescent protein from jellyfish has revolutionized cell biology |
|
Monellin
July 2016 Monellin and other supersweet proteins trick our taste receptors. |
|
Pepsin
December 2000 Pepsin digests proteins in strong stomach acid |
|
Phytase
September 2018 Phytase is used in agriculture to mobilize indigestible phosphate compounds in livestock feed. |
|
Plastic-eating Enzymes
January 2023 Researchers are looking to Nature to find ways to dispose of discarded plastic. |
Nanotechnology - building on nature (19)
Adenovirus
December 2010 Adenovirus has an icosahedral capsid with unusual cell-binding fibers |
|
Antibodies
September 2001 Antibodies search for foreign molecules in the blood |
|
Cascade and CRISPR
January 2015 Cascade and CRISPR help bacteria remember how to fight viral infection |
|
Concanavalin A and Circular Permutation
April 2010 For some proteins, clipped and reassembled sequences can produce the same 3D shape |
|
Cytochrome bc1
May 2011 A flow of electrons powers proton pumps in cellular respiration and photosynthesis |
|
Designed DNA Crystal
November 2009 Small pieces of DNA have been engineered to form a nanoscale lattice |
|
Designed Protein Cages
September 2013 Researchers are modifying natural proteins to design new self-assembling protein cages |
|
Designer Proteins
October 2005 Researchers have successfully designed entirely new proteins based on biological principles |
|
DNA-Sequencing Nanopores
September 2021 Designer nanopores work with enzymes to offer pocket-sized DNA sequencing |
|
Fluorescent RNA Aptamers
January 2019 RNA aptamers are being engineered to track molecules inside living cells |
|
GFP-like Proteins
June 2014 GFP-like proteins found in nature or engineered in the laboratory now span every color of the rainbow |
|
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)
June 2003 A tiny fluorescent protein from jellyfish has revolutionized cell biology |
|
Inteins
November 2010 Inteins splice themselves out of larger protein chains |
|
Nanodiscs and HDL
September 2019 Nanodiscs conveniently package a small piece of membrane for experimental studies. |
|
Nanowires
February 2024 Nanowires conduct electrons one at a time inside biological molecules. |
|
Proteins and Biominerals
April 2019 Small biomineral crystals are used to build bone, eggshells and even tiny compasses. |
|
Proteins and Nanoparticles
June 2018 Nanotech scientists are designing new ways to combine proteins and nanoparticles |
|
Ricin
May 2013 The structure of ricin reveals how it kills cells and how vaccines can produce immunity against ricin poisoning |
|
TAL Effectors
December 2014 TAL-effectors are modular, DNA-reading proteins that can be used to edit DNA in living cells |
Recombinant DNA - engineering custom proteins (5)
Beta-galactosidase
June 2016 Beta-galactosidase is a powerful tool for genetic engineering of bacteria |
|
DNA Ligase
July 2004 DNA ligase reconnects broken DNA strands, and is used to engineer recombinant DNA |
|
DNA Polymerase
March 2000 DNA polymerase makes an accurate copy of the cell's genome |
|
Oct and Sox Transcription Factors
April 2009 Transcription factors decide when particular genes will be transcribed |
|
Restriction Enzymes
August 2000 Bacterial enzymes that cut DNA are useful tools for genetic engineering |
Renewable Energy - powering the world with biology (4)
Cellulases and Bioenergy
May 2023 Powerful fungal enzymes break down cellulose during industrial production of ethanol from plant material. |
|
Directed Evolution of Enzymes
December 2018 Biological evolution is being harnessed in the lab to create new enzymes. |
|
Hydrogenase
March 2009 Hydrogenases use unusual metal ions to split hydrogen gas |
|
Methyl-coenzyme M Reductase
November 2014 Methanogens use sophisticated molecular tools to build methane |
Biomolecular Structural Biology - methods for determining atomic structures (12)
Adenine Riboswitch in Action
June 2017 XFEL serial crystallography reveals what happens when adenine binds to a riboswitch |
|
Fifty Years of Open Access to PDB Structures
October 2021 The Protein Data Bank is celebrating its golden anniversary! |
|
Lysozyme
September 2000 Lysozyme attacks the cell walls of bacteria |
|
Myoglobin
January 2000 Myoglobin was the first protein to have its atomic structure determined, revealing how it stores oxygen in muscle cells. |
|
Nanodiscs and HDL
September 2019 Nanodiscs conveniently package a small piece of membrane for experimental studies. |
|
PDB Pioneers
October 2011 A dozen historic structures set the foundation for the PDB archive |
|
Pepsin
December 2000 Pepsin digests proteins in strong stomach acid |
|
Photoactive Yellow Protein
March 2017 Researchers use synchrotrons and X-ray lasers to reveal the rapid processes of light sensing. |
|
Ribonuclease A
September 2008 Ribonuclease cuts and controls RNA |
|
Selenocysteine Synthase
August 2008 Selenium is used in place of sulfur to build proteins for special tasks |
|
Trypsin
October 2003 An activated serine amino acid in trypsin cleaves protein chains |
|
Twenty Years of Molecules
January 2020 Celebrating the structural biology revolution |
Biomolecules - the building blocks of life (14)
Aconitase and Iron Regulatory Protein 1
May 2007 Aconitase performs a reaction in the citric acid cycle, and moonlights as a regulatory protein |
|
Adenine Riboswitch in Action
June 2017 XFEL serial crystallography reveals what happens when adenine binds to a riboswitch |
|
Aspartate Transcarbamoylase
November 2017 Key biosynthetic enzymes are regulated by their ultimate products through allosteric motions. |
|
Circadian Clock Proteins
January 2008 Circadian clock proteins measure time in our cells |
|
Collagen
April 2000 Sturdy fibers of collagen give structure to our bodies |
|
Concanavalin A and Circular Permutation
April 2010 For some proteins, clipped and reassembled sequences can produce the same 3D shape |
|
Crystallins
July 2010 A concentrated solution of crystallins refracts light in our eye lens |
|
Designed Proteins and Citizen Science
July 2021 What if people with no formal experience in science could help to improve or even rewrite nature, simply by playing a game? |
|
DNA
November 2001 Atomic structures reveal how the iconic double helix encodes genomic information |
|
Fifty Years of Open Access to PDB Structures
October 2021 The Protein Data Bank is celebrating its golden anniversary! |
|
Globin Evolution
February 2017 The mechanisms of molecular evolution are revealed in globin sequences and structures. |
|
Hemoglobin
May 2003 Hemoglobin uses a change in shape to increase the efficiency of oxygen transport |
|
Insulin
February 2001 The hormone insulin helps control the level of glucose in the blood |
|
Quasisymmetry in Icosahedral Viruses
August 2016 Viruses use quasisymmetry to build large capsids out of many small subunits |
Integrative/Hybrid Methods - combining techniques to explore huge assemblies (10)
Amyloids
September 2015 Alzheimer's disease and prion diseases are linked to unnatural aggregation of proteins into amyloid fibrils. |
|
Beta-galactosidase
June 2016 Beta-galactosidase is a powerful tool for genetic engineering of bacteria |
|
Clathrin
April 2007 Three-armed clathrin triskelions are used to build molecular cages involved in transport |
|
HIV Capsid
July 2013 At the center of HIV, an unusual cone-shaped capsid protects the viral genome and delivers it into infected cells |
|
HIV Envelope Glycoprotein
January 2014 Envelope protein attaches HIV to the cells that it infects and powers fusion of the virus with the cell membrane |
|
Microtubules
July 2014 The largest filaments of the cytoskeleton provide tracks for transport throughout the cell |
|
Nuclear Pore Complex
January 2017 The nuclear pore complex is the gateway between the nucleus and cytoplasm. |
|
Pilus Machine
July 2017 A molecular machine with a rotary motor builds a long protein filament involved in bacterial motility and attachment. |
|
Proteasome
October 2013 Proteasomes destroy damaged or obsolete proteins inside cells |
|
Vacuolar ATPase
March 2018 Two linked molecular motors are used to pump protons across membranes. |
Nobel Prizes and PDB structures - award-winning research (30)
Adenylyl Cyclase
November 2020 Adenylyl cyclase creates second messengers to amplify signals from G-protein coupled receptors |
|
Adrenergic Receptors
April 2008 Adrenaline stimulates a G-protein-coupled receptor, priming us for action |
|
Aminopeptidase 1 and Autophagy
November 2016 Aminopeptidase 1 is delivered inside the cell using the machinery of autophagy |
|
Antibodies
September 2001 Antibodies search for foreign molecules in the blood |
|
Aquaporin
May 2014 Aquaporins create a channel for water molecules to cross through cell membranes |
|
ATP Synthase
December 2005 ATP synthase links two rotary motors to generate ATP |
|
Bacteriorhodopsin
March 2002 Bacteriorhodopsin pumps protons powered by green sunlight |
|
Capsaicin Receptor TRPV1
October 2020 TRPV1 is an ion channel that senses heat and contributes to pain sensation. |
|
Cascade and CRISPR
January 2015 Cascade and CRISPR help bacteria remember how to fight viral infection |
|
Circadian Clock Proteins
January 2008 Circadian clock proteins measure time in our cells |
|
Click Chemistry
December 2022 A modular approach to chemistry simplifies the construction of complex protein-targeting molecules. |
|
Directed Evolution of Enzymes
December 2018 Biological evolution is being harnessed in the lab to create new enzymes. |
|
DNA
November 2001 Atomic structures reveal how the iconic double helix encodes genomic information |
|
G Proteins
October 2004 G proteins receive signals from cellular receptors and deliver them inside the cell |
|
Hemoglobin
May 2003 Hemoglobin uses a change in shape to increase the efficiency of oxygen transport |
|
Hepatitis C Virus Protease/Helicase
December 2020 Structures of hepatitis C viral proteins have led to the discovery of direct-acting antivirals. |
|
Hypoxia-Inducible Factors
December 2019 HIF-α is a molecular switch that responds to changing oxygen levels. |
|
Myoglobin
January 2000 Myoglobin was the first protein to have its atomic structure determined, revealing how it stores oxygen in muscle cells. |
|
PDB Pioneers
October 2011 A dozen historic structures set the foundation for the PDB archive |
|
Photosystem I
October 2001 Photosystem I captures the energy in sunlight |
|
Photosystem II
November 2004 Photosystem II captures the energy from sunlight and uses it to extract electrons from water molecules |
|
Piezo1 Mechanosensitive Channel
July 2018 Mechanosensitive ion channels give our cells a sense of touch. |
|
Potassium Channels
February 2003 Potassium channels allow potassium ions to pass, but block smaller sodium ions |
|
Ribonuclease A
September 2008 Ribonuclease cuts and controls RNA |
|
Ribosomal Subunits
October 2000 Atomic structures of the ribosomal subunits reveal a central role for RNA in protein synthesis |
|
Ribosome
January 2010 Ribosomes are complex molecular machines that build proteins |
|
RNA Polymerase
April 2003 RNA polymerase transcribes genetic information from DNA into RNA |
|
Spliceosomes
May 2020 Cryoelectron microscropy is revealing how spliceosomes cut-and-paste messenger RNA molecules. |
|
Telomerase
November 2018 Telomerase maintains the ends of our chromosomes. |
|
Tobacco Mosaic Virus
January 2009 A cylindrical arrangement of proteins protects a long strand of RNA in TMV |
PDB Data - understanding the information stored in the PDB archive (1)
Fifty Years of Open Access to PDB Structures
October 2021 The Protein Data Bank is celebrating its golden anniversary! |
Protein Structure Prediction, Design, and Computed Structure Models - the PDB archive made protein structure prediction and protein design possible (3)
Designed Proteins and Citizen Science
July 2021 What if people with no formal experience in science could help to improve or even rewrite nature, simply by playing a game? |
|
Designer Proteins
October 2005 Researchers have successfully designed entirely new proteins based on biological principles |
|
ZAR1 Resistosome
November 2023 Plants protect themselves from infection with immune system machines such as the resistosome |