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Researchers at Northwestern Polytechnic University in Shaanxi, China, have developed a new method using supramolecular protein assemblies to address memory deficits in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. These protein assemblies can cross the blood-brain barrier, recognize and eliminate amyloid plaques, promote neurogenesis, and improve cognitive function. This innovative approach opens up possibilities for designing intelligent supramolecular biomaterials for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed magnetoelectric nanodiscs that enable wireless transgene-free neuromodulation. These nanodiscs, known as MENDs, have shown robust responses to magnetic field stimulation in neurons, allowing for remote control of reward or motor behaviors in genetically intact mice. The study suggests that this minimally invasive neuromodulation technique could have significant applications in neuroscience research and treatment. The research was funded by various organizations including the National Institutes of Health and the European Innovation Council. [Extracted from the article]

According to a preprint abstract, researchers have found that the mycobacterial membrane protein large 3 (MmpL3) exists as a dimer in various membrane mimetic systems. This is in contrast to previous structures of MmpL3, which indicated that the protein was monomeric. The researchers used biophysical and computational analysis, sucrose gradient separation, native mass spectrometry, cryo-EM analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations to support their findings. The study also revealed that certain lipid classes were predominant in the co-purified lipids of MmpL3. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

Oxford University Innovation Limited has been issued a patent for a method of detecting membrane proteins using mass spectrometry. The method involves sonication of a vesicle formed from the native membrane of an organism in the presence of a mass spectrometry-compatible buffer. This allows the membrane protein to be detected while still in its native environment, without the use of detergents or harsh chemicals. The invention aims to overcome limitations in traditional structural biology methods and provide a more accurate and sensitive technique for studying membrane proteins and their complexes. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Henan Normal University in Xinxiang, People's Republic of China, have developed a tunable fiber optic sensor using nanodiscs that can detect changes in refractive index. The sensor consists of a square lattice array of silver nanodisks on the end face of the fiber optic. The sensor demonstrates high sensitivity and linearity in response to refractive index changes, and the use of nanodisks with different diameters enables the coupling of two resonant modes, enhancing the sensor's capabilities. This research provides a potential option for achieving multifunctionality and miniaturization in sensor platforms. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the molecular determinants that govern the activation of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) by different apolipoproteins. The study conducted molecular dynamics simulations of LCAT with nanodiscs made from alpha-helical amphiphilic peptides derived from apolipoproteins A1 and E, as well as an apoA1 mimetic peptide. The researchers found that certain residues in the peptides, such as E4, D4, and R7, were key contributors to the interaction with LCAT. The study also detected novel LCAT binding helices in other plasma proteins. However, it is important to note that this preprint has not been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a study on serum amyloid A (SAA), a protein that plays a role in inflammation and is used as a biomarker for inflammation. The study aimed to understand the structure of SAA and its interaction with lipids. The researchers used various techniques to characterize the lipid-free and lipid-bound forms of SAA and found that SAA forms octamers that can scaffold lipid nanodiscs. This study provides new insights into the interaction between SAA and lipids and suggests a potential role for SAA in stabilizing protein-lipid nanodiscs during inflammation. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: Cyclic Nucleotide Research; Emerging Technologies; Genetics; Health and Medicine; Nanodiscs; Nanotechnology EN Cyclic Nucleotide Research Emerging Technologies Genetics Health and Medicine Nanodiscs Nanotechnology 6519 6519 1 08/07/23 20230811 NES 230811 2023 AUG 11 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Health & Medicine Week -- Research findings on nanodiscs are discussed in a new report. Cyclic Nucleotide Research, Emerging Technologies, Genetics, Health and Medicine, Nanotechnology, Nanodiscs Here, we report structures of the cGMP-activated human cone photoreceptor CNGA3/CNGB3 channel in closed, intermediate, pre-open and open states in detergent or lipid nanodisc, all with fully bound cGMP. [Extracted from the article]

Live cell imaging of NINJ1-deficient THP-1 cells reconstituted with NINJ1-eGFP uncovers the pinching off of NINJ1 rings from the cell surface and the loss of NINJ1 to the culture supernatant in oligomerized forms upon inflammasome activation. While NINJ1 and NINJ2 both formed ring-like structures when mixed with liposomes, strikingly, only NINJ1, but not NINJ2, ruptures liposome membranes, leading to their dissolution. [Extracted from the article]