Could New Discovery About A Shape-shifting Protein Lead To A Mig...

Courtesy ScienceDaily  Tue, 06/24/2008 - 13:00

A small molecule that locks an essential enzyme in an inactive form could one day form the basis of a new class of unbeatable, species-specific drugs, including antibiotics.

PBGS, an enzyme used by nearly all cellular life, is a morpheein -- a molecule that spontaneously "shape-shifts," -- turning from an active octamer (eight part) protein to a hexamer (six part).

Morphlock stabilizes the hexamer, thereby turning off the enzyme.

Tags:

 

More related items

Could new discovery about a shape-shifting protein...
(Fox Chase Cancer Center) A small molecule that locks an essential enzyme in an inactive form could one day form the basis of a new class of unbeatable, species-specific drugs, including...

New Discovery On Role Of Vital Protein That Fights...
New research assigns hitherto unappreciated importance to a protein of the body's immune defense system. The research has helped to advance medical understanding of how the body defends...

New discovery may enhance MRI scans, lead to portable...
(American Institute of Physics) Researchers in Ohio and France have solved a longstanding scientific mystery involving magnetic resonance -- the physical phenomenon that allows MRI...

NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe
Thoroughly revised, updated and expanded. The first three editions of NightWatch sold more than 600,000 copies, making it the top-selling stargazing guide in the world for the last 20...

Vinegar: Over 400 Various, Versatile, and Very Good...
Vinegar is a health remedy, a neutralizer, a cleaner, a condiment, and a preservative. It can kill bacteria, mold, and germs, yet it is environmentally safe. This comprehensive guide covers...


 

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
science-nature.marc8.com