In the fight against SARS-CoV-2, scientists have been working on identifying neutralizing antibodies that could be used in preventative treatments or as post-exposure therapies. The latest findings, which include data from the ALS, indicate that antibodies from SARS survivors could potently block entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Read more »
ALS Work Using Protein Crystallography
Protein crystallography is used for determining the molecular structure of proteins. Crystallized protein molecules cause a beam of incident x-rays to scatter in many directions, with constructive and destructive interference generating a diffraction pattern. By analyzing these patterns, a crystallographer can produce a three-dimensional picture of the density of electrons within the crystal and thus determine the protein's structure.
Study Leads to Firmer Grasp of Biochemical “Reactive Handle”
Protein crystallography provided new insight into a functional group of molecules that, if added to bacterial enzymes, could enable a variety of alterations to the bacteria’s polymer output. Tweaking enzymes to produce these “reactive handles” is a first step toward biosynthesizing diverse polymers with tailored properties. Read more »
Staff at Berkeley Lab’s X-Ray Facility Mobilize to Support COVID-19-Related Research
X-rays allow researchers to map out the 3D structure of proteins relevant to diseases at the scale of molecules and atoms, and the ALS has been recalled to action to support research related to COVID-19, the coronavirus disease that has already infected about 2 million people around the world. Read more »
X-ray Crystal Structures of the Influenza M2 Proton Channel Drug-Resistant V27A Mutant Bound to a Spiro-Adamantyl Amine Inhibitor Reveal the Mechanism of Adamantane Resistance
The M2 proton channel, shown with front and back monomer helices removed, is an anti-influenza drug target. Here, a bound inhibitor blocks the transport of protons through the V27A mutant channel. Read more »
ALS Reveals Vulnerability in Cancer-Causing Protein
A promising anticancer drug, AMG 510, was developed by Amgen Inc. with the help of novel structural insights gained from protein structures solved at the ALS. AMG 510, which is currently in phase II clinical trials for efficacy, targets tumors caused by mutations in the KRAS protein, one of the most common causes of cancer. Read more » 
Molecular Handle Enables Viral Attack on Joint Cells
A collaboration of university and industry researchers used x-ray crystallography to investigate how the chikungunya virus, which can cause debilitating joint pain, engages a receptor protein found on the surfaces of joint cells. The work provides a path forward in the fight against a family of viruses that can result in acute and chronic arthritis. Read more »
Unique Cancer Drug Discovered With Help From Advanced Light Source Begins Historic Clinical Trial
Errors in the KRAS gene, which encodes a crucial cell-signaling protein, are one of the most common causes of cancer. Seeking to develop a long-sought direct inhibitor, researchers at Amgen conducted x-ray crystallography of KRAS(G12C) proteins at the ALS. The high-resolution structural maps helped Amgen make the breakthrough discovery of a small pocket on the molecule. Read more »
Structural Basis for Finding OG Lesions and Avoiding Undamaged G by the DNA Glycosylase MutY
Finding OG and avoiding G: DNA repair enzyme MutY distinguishes between undamaged guanine (green) and oxidized guanine when targeting OG:A mispairs. A structural motif within the C-terminal domain (violet) responds to OG to G substitution and appears mechanistically coupled to the adenine removal site (gray) in the N-terminal domain (cyan). Read more »
Discovery of a Covalent Inhibitor of KRASG12C (AMG 510) for the Treatment of Solid Tumors
KRASG12C has emerged as a promising target in the treatment of solid tumors; however, clinically viable inhibitors have yet to be identified. Here, researchers report on structure-based design and optimization efforts, culminating in the identification of AMG 510, a highly potent, selective, and well-tolerated KRASG12C inhibitor currently in phase I clinical trials (NCT03600883). Read more »
Genetic Blueprint for the Bioproduction of an Antidepressant Drug Candidate
A set of genes from a marine bacterium has been found to encode the biosynthesis of a promising antidepressant drug candidate. This work, which used the ALS to solve the structure of a key enzyme, could enable industrial-scale bioproduction of the drug in ways that are more efficient and sustainable than chemical synthesis. Read more »
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 8
- Next Page »
