JBC News
Building a better model for drug delivery across the blood–brain barrier
Industry and academic scientists collaborated to develop a rat with humanized iron-transport receptors, enabling research into iron homeostasis and drugs that cross the brain’s barrier.
The molecular orchestra of memory
Calcium, calmodulin and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II form a molecular axis that turns fleeting neural activity into lasting memories. New research shows how memories are stabilized, and possibly even protected or repaired.
Differences in pili structure modulate bacterial behavior
Researchers demonstrate how small changes in the structure of hair-like protein appendages can affect the behavior of Acinetobacter bacteria.
Disease-linked mutations disrupt protein phase behavior
Researchers find that pathogenic missense mutations are enriched threefold in phrase-separating intrinsically disordered regions of proteins.
Novel inhibitor targets RAS-driven cancers
Researchers in Louisville identify a small-molecule drug that blocks RALGEF signaling downstream of mutant RAS. The compound suppresses tumor growth with low toxicity, revealing a new therapeutic strategy for RAS-driven malignancies.
How copper delivery fuels bacterial respiration
Researchers identify the roles of several proteins in copper homeostasis in the aerobic bacterium Caulobacter vibrioides.
Ragweed compound thwarts aggressive bladder and breast cancers
Scientists from the University of Michigan reveal the mechanism of action of ambrosin, a compound from ragweed, selectively attacks advanced bladder and breast cancer cells in cell-based models, highlighting its potential to treat advanced tumors.
ASBMB announces 2026 JBC/Tabor awardees
The seven awardees are first authors of outstanding papers published in 2025 in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
Bacteriophage protein could make queso fresco safer
Researchers characterized the structure and function of PlyP100, a bacteriophage protein that shows promise as a food-safe antimicrobial for preventing Listeria monocytogenes growth in fresh cheeses.