Host and Virus Face Off over RNA Modification

What happens when a mechanism meant to protect the cell gets exploited by bad-mannered viruses? 11.04.2019 Human cells infected with a CMV virus (green), in a control sample and in cells missing enzymes belonging to the m6A system (center and right) Viruses can be...

In Search of the First Enzymes

Proto-enzymes designed in the lab bound strongly to RNA and DNA, suggesting a surprising origin for these proteins 01.04.2019 Structural models derived from NMR data. (Upper) The observed major C-PLoop conformation. (Lower) Alignment of the β-(P-loop)-α elements of...

Same Microbe, Different Effect

Asking a different question about the bacteria in our microbiomes might help target disease more precisely 27.03.2019 Seemingly identical bacteria may harbor genetic differences that affect the host-microbiome relationship Our gut microbiome – the complement of...

Going for Strong Inhibition

A unique method for identifying bioactive chemical compounds produces a potential new drug molecule 31.01.2019 A new inhibitor (magenta) covalently bound to MKK7 (gray), as validated by X-Ray crystallography Our cells receive more messages than a teenager’s phone and,...

A gift for drug discovery

Weizmann establishes the Dr. Barry Sherman Institute for Medicinal Chemistry DATE: JANUARY 21, 2019 SOURCE: WEIZMANN HOMEPAGE It is the purview of pharmaceutical companies to develop potential medications, then market and sell them to patients. And in the halls of...