Kelly Nguyen’s group in the LMB’s Structural Studies Division has determined the molecular basis of how the TPP1 and POT1 components of shelterin recruit human telomerase to telomeres and regulate the enzyme’s activity during genomic replication.
Insight on Research
New method to discover protease and other hydrolase substrates in live mammalian cells
Using genetic code expansion techniques, Jason Chin’s group in the LMB’s PNAC Division have designed a new mechanism-based, light-activated technique to trap and identify new protease and other hydrolase substrates.
Cryptochrome proteins are integral to maintain time within the brain’s master clock
Using synthetic biological techniques, Michael Hastings’ group have collaborated with Jason Chin to gain novel insights into the molecular and cellular processes which govern the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and identified a key regulatory role of cryptochrome clock proteins.
Atomic structures of Aβ42 filaments from the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions
Collaboration between Sjors Scheres’ (Structural Studies), Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon’s and Michel Goedert’s (both Neurobiology) groups have used cryo-EM to reveal structures of Aβ42 filaments, the key factor behind the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Structural breakthrough in study of aggregated TDP-43 protein in brains of ALS and FTD sufferers
Cryo-EM analysis of TDP-43 filaments by Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon’s group in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division has revealed the atomic structure of the characterising feature of neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTD.
How DNA damage induces appetite suppression and weight loss
DNA damage caused by formaldehyde is repaired involving CSA and CSB genes. KJ Patel’s lab have shown how, when this pathway is mutated such as in people with Cockayne syndrome, the appetite suppression hormone GDF15 is released leading to severe weight loss.