Insight on Research

Many proteins in cells assemble into complex structures formed of multiple parts, often resulting in excess parts which are unusable. Now, Manu Hegde’s group have discovered a new pathway that degrades leftover components. Disruption of this pathway leads to neurodegeneration.

John Briggs’ group has provided the first description of HIV-1 matrix protein structures determined within both immature and mature authentic virus particles, showing how they rearrange on maturation of the virus ahead of infection of another cell.

While infected with SARS-CoV-2, our immune systems generate antibodies against both Spike (S) and Nucleoprotein (N). However, standard tests only show neutralisation for S-antibodies. Leo James’ group has developed a new assay that measures anti-viral activity of N-antibodies.

Although the cytoskeleton is known to play an important role in determining cell, and therefore organ, shape, how components of the cytoskeleton are reorganised during tube formation is unclear. Katja Röper’s group has identified a mechanism behind this.

Membrane remodelling and repair are essential for all cells. Buzz Baum’s group have shown that bacterial proteins Vipp1 and PspA are members of a family of membrane-remodelling proteins once thought to be exclusive to eukaryotes.

Jason Chin’s group, in our PNAC Division, has created cells with a synthetic genome and instructed them to make novel polymers from artificial building blocks for the first time. These new bacteria have also proved resistant to viral infections.