Complexification of macrobiomolecules, such as homodimer to heterodimer transitions, are common during evolution. Is such complexification always adaptive? Using large-scale experiments and in-depth biochemical analyses, Després et al. recently demonstrated that an obligate heterodimer can evolve from a homodimer through neutral, nonadaptive events, and quantified key parameters required for such transitions.
The development of non-biological applications of DNA has not only resulted in delicately shaped DNA-based nano-objects with complex functions but also spawned their use for novel catalytic applications. From the multitude of applications of DNAzymes that operate on a relatively simple substrate, we have witnessed the emergence of multifunctional catalytically active DNA-based nanostructures for one of the most challenging tasks known to a chemist: the controlled and precise modification of a wild-type protein in its natural environment. By incorporating various elements associated with post-translational modification (PTM) writer enzymes into complex nanostructures, it is now possible to chemically modify a specific protein in cell lysates under the influence of an externally added trigger, clearly illustrating the promising future for this approach.
Wnt morphogens induce signaling via binding their extracellular receptors. Here, we discuss several recent structural studies showing how Wnts engage their receptors frizzled (FZD) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5/6 (LRP5/6), how Cachd1 has been shown as an alternative initiator of Wnt signaling, and how lipidated Wnt may be produced and secreted from the cell.
The Nrf1/Nfe2L1 transcription factor is a master regulator of proteasome biogenesis. New work by Yoshida and colleagues reveals a surprising mechanism by which ubiquitination of N-glycosylated Nrf1 controls its function.
Strigolactones (SLs) perform versatile functions in plants. The different members of the α/β-hydrolase superfamily bind and hydrolyze SLs at varying rates to transduce their signal or maintain SL homeostasis. Recent work by Palayam et al. on SL-degrading carboxylesterases (CXEs) uncovers structural elements that determine the mechanism, efficiency of SL hydrolysis, and biological functions.
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：