Proteins

Sorting out the structure of a Parkinson’s proteinComputer modeling may resolve conflicting results and offer hints for new drug-design strategies.

Study offers new way to discover HIV vaccine targetsRagon Institute researchers develop a method to identify weak points in viral proteins that could be exploited for vaccine development.

Mapping the living cellNew technique pinpoints protein locations, helping scientists figure out their functions.

Putting the squeeze on cellsBy deforming cells, researchers can deliver RNA, proteins and nanoparticles for many applications.

Evolution: It’s all in how you splice itMIT biologists find that alternative splicing of RNA rewires signaling in different tissues and may often contribute to species differences.

New injectable gels toughen up after entering the bodyThese more durable gels could find applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Protein that boosts longevity may protect against diabetesSirtuins help fight off disorders linked to obesity, new MIT study shows.

Genetic 911: Cells’ emergency systems revealedStudy examines how cells exploit gene sequences to cope with toxic stress.

Crowding causes cells to produce an orderly matrix of moleculesMaking proteins stand in line could lead to more lifelike lab tests.

Piece by pieceMIT biologist Schwartz relishes the challenge of picking apart the cell’s most complex structure.

Nano-sized ‘factories’ churn out proteinsTiny particles could manufacture cancer drugs at tumor sites.

Predicting how proteins will partnerAmy Keating models critical interactions that underlie most cellular functions.

Faster way to probe proteinsInfrared spectroscopy allows scientists to analyze protein structure on an ultrafast timescale.

Measuring blood flow to monitor sickle cell diseaseNew technology may help doctors predict when patients are at risk for serious complications.

Toying with biological systemsBy swapping microbial genes, Chris Voigt designs cells with novel functions.

Viruses con bacteria into working for themCoevolution of guest and host lets a virus control its host’s machinery.

Team wins protein-folding prizeEarn $5,000 for top finish in the University Protein Folding Challenge

Giving proteins a new glowMIT chemists have designed a way to fluorescently label proteins that could shed light on protein functions never before seen.