Enzyme

SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins trigger periodontal fibrosis

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers examined the pathological impacts of the structural components of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on human periodontal cells and tissue to understand the association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and deteriorating oral health. Study: SARS-CoV-2 causes periodontal fibrosis by deregulating mitochondrial β-oxidation. … Read more

What is the impact of cholesterol on SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-mediated membrane fusion?

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers assessed the impact of ceramide (CER) and cholesterol (CHOL) on membrane fusion mediated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. Study: Cholesterol and ceramide facilitate SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-mediated membrane fusion. Image Credit: CROCOTHERY/Shutterstock. Background SARS-CoV-2 entrance into host cells is … Read more

Study demonstrates robust antibody response elicited by trivalent protein subunit vaccine against SARS-CoV-2

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers demonstrated that a trivalent vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) improved the breadth of humoral immune responses in mice. Study: Trivalent SARS-CoV-2 S1 Subunit Protein Vaccination Induces Broad Humoral Responses in BALB/c Mice. Image Credit: Corona Borealis Studio/Shutterstock Background SARS-CoV-2 vaccines … Read more

SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins utilize different mechanisms to bind to ACE2

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A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences applied computational approaches to study the binding mechanisms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and SARS-CoV spike (S) proteins to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Study: Spike proteins of SARS-COV and SARS-COV-2 utilize different mechanisms to bind with human … Read more

Novel prefusion S antigen designed by the mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein’s trimeric structure

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* server, researchers mutated the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein’s trimeric structure to design a novel prefusion S antigen, S2D14. Study: Structural and Computational Design of a SARS-2 Spike Antigen with Increased Receptor Binding Domain Exposure and Improved Immunogenicity. Image Credit: creativeneko/Shutterstock Background … Read more

Cryo-electron tomography helps visualize platelet deformation due to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers used cellular cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to demonstrate the role of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-triggered severe coagulopathies. Study: Direct Cryo-ET observation of platelet deformation induced by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Image Credit: Sergejs Pintis/Shutterstock Background … Read more

Structure-directed mutagenesis produces thermostable SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimers with potential vaccine booster applications

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, a team of researchers investigated the change in the stability, antigenicity, and protein expression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein trimer using structure-directed mutagenesis to alter a cavity in the core of the spike protein. Study: Enhanced stability of the … Read more

Research suggests a new model of how beige fat biogenesis is controlled

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Once considered an inert tissue, fat – or adipose tissue – is now known to play an active role in the body’s critical functions by secreting hormones that regulate hunger and body temperature. Body fat comes in several varieties; for example, white adipose tissue stores excess energy, and brown adipose tissue primarily burns energy. In … Read more

Researchers find new way to deliver a protein quickly, effectively and briefly to the brain

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Many diseases have at their origin a protein that does not function properly. Now, a multidisciplinary research team with Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas A&M University has found a way to deliver a protein quickly, effectively and briefly to the brain, with therapeutic and scientific implications. Potential uses for the method in the future could … Read more