Microbiology
How HCMV hijacks host cells — and beyond
Ileana Cristea, an ASBMB Breakthroughs webinar speaker, presented her research on how viruses reprogram cell structure and metabolism to enhance infection and how these mechanisms might link viral infections to cancer and other diseases.
Engineered fusion protein targets kiwifruit pathogen
Synthetic protein selectively kills kiwifruit pathogen, offering a promising biocontrol strategy for agriculture. Read more about this recent JBC paper.
Pathogen-derived enzyme engineered for antibiotic design
Engineered variants of a bacterial enzyme developed at the University at Buffalo accept larger substrates, paving the way for new acinetobactin-based antimicrobials. Read more about this recent JBC paper.
Omega-3 fats linked to healthy aging and improved heart metabolism
Scientists from the University of Iowa find that a diet high in polyunsaturated fatty acids from fish oil increases cardiac triglyceride uptake and improves insulin sensitivity. Read more about this recent JLR study.
Bacterial enzyme catalyzes body odor compound formation
Researchers identify a skin-resident Staphylococcus hominis dipeptidase involved in creating sulfur-containing secretions. Read more about this recent Journal of Biological Chemistry paper.
Host fatty acids enhance dengue virus infectivity
Researchers in Germany find that viral replication depends on host enzymes that synthesize lipids, revealing potential metabolic targets for antiviral intervention. Read more about this recent Journal of Biological Chemistry paper.
Influenza gets help from gum disease bacteria
Scientists discover that a protease from Porphyromonas gingivalis enhances viral spread. Read more about this recent Journal of Biological Chemistry paper.
How bacteria fight back against promising antimicrobial peptide
Researchers find a mutation in E. coli that reduces its susceptibility to a potential novel antibiotic. Read more about this recent Journal of Biological Chemistry paper.
Innovative platform empowers scientists to transform venoms into therapeutics
Scientists combine phage display and a “metavenome” library to discover new drugs that bind clinically relevant human cell receptors. Read about this recent Molecular & Cellular Proteomics paper.