Tag: structural biology
-
Protein Dark Energy Reveals Form vs Function in Molecular Architecture
Unveiling a Hidden Force in Protein Folding In the world of molecular biology, researchers have long tracked how proteins fold into precise shapes that govern their function. A fresh line of inquiry, inspired by the cosmological term “dark energy,” suggests there is a similarly enigmatic energy component at work within proteins. This so‑called protein dark…
-
How GPCR Ligand Structures Dictate Activation Levels
Understanding GPCRs: The Gatekeepers of Cellular Communication G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are essential proteins that sit on the surface of cells, acting as gatekeepers for signals entering the cell. They respond to a diverse array of external ligands—ranging from small molecules to larger peptides—and translate those external cues into intracellular actions. The central mechanism of…
-
How Structural Findings Explain Why GPCR Ligands Trigger Different Activation Levels
Understanding GPCRs and Their Ligands G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are essential players in cellular communication. They sit on the cell surface and respond to a diverse set of ligands—ranging from tiny ions to large proteins—that bind to the receptor and initiate intracellular signaling. The resulting response is mediated primarily through heterotrimeric G proteins, which translate…
-
Giant Leap in Tiny Worlds: UVic Researchers Enable Atomic Imaging with Low-Energy SEM
Groundbreaking advance brings atomic-scale imaging to compact microscopes In a development that could redefine what laboratories can achieve without investing in prohibitively expensive equipment, researchers at the University of Victoria have demonstrated sub-Ångström imaging using a low-energy scanning electron microscope (SEM). The breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, shows that high-resolution, atomic-scale images are no longer…
-
UVic Researchers Break Atomic-Scale Imaging Barrier with Low-Energy SEM
Breakthrough: High-Resolution Imaging on a Budget Researchers at the University of Victoria have achieved a groundbreaking advance in electron microscopy, demonstrating sub-Ångström resolution using a compact, low-energy scanning electron microscope (SEM). This achievement, published in Nature Communications, marks a significant shift in how scientists can visualize atomic-scale structures without relying on large, expensive equipment. Leading…
-
Gly-X6-Gly Motif Reveals Membrane Protein Rules in Cells
Unraveling the Mysteries of Membrane Proteins Membrane proteins are essential gatekeepers of the cell, orchestrating substance transport, signal transduction, and intercellular adhesion. When their function goes awry, diseases such as cancer can arise, making these proteins prime targets for therapies. Yet studying membrane proteins is notoriously difficult because their lipid surroundings help them hide their…