Understanding minute structural differences in (G protein-coupled receptor) GPCR complexes could lead to the design of more efficacious drugs that have fewer side effects
High-resolution structure of a GPCR-arrestin complex
Cell-invading bacteria are converted into signalling platforms that may trigger septic shock
Septic shock is a common cause of death that can be triggered by LPS, a component of the outer membrane of some bacteria. Felix Randow’s group has shown how the immune response against cytosol-invading bacteria is activated by a signalling platform built on their surface.
Marta Shahbazi wins 2019 3Rs prize for applying new in vitro models to study early embryo development
Marta Shahbazi shares the 3Rs prize for showing that new in vitro models can be used to study embryo development at implantation and beyond, reducing the use of mice.
Brain organoids with the potential to predict drug permeability
The human brain is bathed in a supportive fluid called the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that provides various nutrients. Madeline Lancaster’s group have now developed a new brain organoid that produces CSF and has the potential to predict whether drugs can access the brain.
Revolutionary microscopy technique sees individual atoms for first time
Sjors Scheres’ and Radu Aricescu’s groups have pushed the boundaries of cryo-EM, allowing the technique to detect individual atoms in a protein for the first time. Radu commented, “It was like peeling off a blur over your eyes”. More…
Primitive genetic alphabet based on RNA and DNA
New research suggests that DNA building blocks may have coexisted with RNA at the dawn of life