Membrane’s digest
MP
Probing Activation and Conformational Dynamics of the Vesicle-Reconstituted β2 Adrenergic Receptor at the Single-Molecule Level.
Tutkus M, Lundgaard CV, Veshaguri S, Tønnesen A, Hatzakis N, Rasmussen SGF, Stamou D.
J Phys Chem B. 2024 Feb 23.
doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c08349.
Fine features of GPCR dynamic structural behavior are hypothesized to encode their functional plasticity, where ligands with different efficacies can direct the same receptor toward different signaling phenotypes.
Here: fluorescence microscopy assay to monitor conformational dynamics of single β2ARs reconstituted in lipid membranes (proteoliposomes).
The conformational dynamics monitored by BODIPY conjugated to an endogenous cysteine. TIRFM and liposome assay => real-time dynamic properties of hundreds of single β2ARs in native-like.
=> Redistribution between two populations of states upon binding of a full agonist, consistent with a mechanism of conformational selection.
Structure and mechanism of the human copper transporting ATPases: Fitting the pieces into a moving puzzle.
Dmitriev OY, Patry J.
Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2024 Feb 24:184306.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2024.184306.
Human copper transporters ATP7B and ATP7A deliver copper to biosynthetic pathways and maintain copper homeostasis in the cell.
Large low abundance MPs with many highly mobile domains and long disordered loops => no method succeeded in solving the complete structure although X-ray crystallography, Cryo-EM and NMR helped to piece together a structure-based model of the enzyme activity and regulation by copper, all this reviewed here.
Cryo-EM analysis of S. aureus TarL, a polymerase in wall teichoic acid biogenesis central to virulence and antibiotic resistance.
Li FKK, Worrall LJ, Gale RT, Brown ED, Strynadka NCJ.
Sci Adv. 2024 Mar;10(9):eadj3864. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adj3864. Epub 2024 Feb 28. PMID: 38416829.
Wall teichoic acid (WTA) = covalent adduct of peptidoglycan. Polymerization of the Staphylococcus aureus WTA is catalyzed by TarL (from TagF-like family of membrane-associated enzymes).
Here: cryoEM structure of TarL => tetramer with extensive membrane-binding platform of monotopic helices. The active site is surrounded by electropositive residues that serve to retain the lipid-linked acceptor for polymerization.
A time-resolved Förster resonance energy transfer assay to investigate drug and inhibitor binding to ABCG2.
Mitchell-White JI, Briggs DA, Mistry SJ, Mbiwan HA, Kellam B, Holliday ND, Briddon SJ, Kerr ID.
Arch Biochem Biophys. 2024 Mar;753:109915.
doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109915.
Novel binding assay using a high affinity fluorescent inhibitor and time-resolved FRET to measure saturation binding to ABCG2. Binding is displaced by inhibitor and other known ABCG2 ligands, and is sensitive to the addition of AMP-PNP.
The membrane-cytoplasmic linker defines activity of FtsH proteases in Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone C.
Mawla GD, Kamal SM, Cao LY, Purhonen P, Hebert H, Sauer RT, Baker TA, Römling U.
J Biol Chem. 2024 Feb;300(2):105622.
doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105622.
In Pseudomonas aeruginosa clone C, two IM associated ATP-dependent FtsH proteases, PaftsH1 and PaftsH2, are identified.
PaftsH1 supports cell growth and antibiotic resistance / PaftsH2 is less efficient.
Modification of the linker region of PaftsH2 with that of PaftsH1 => its substrate processing improves both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the linker sequence influences FtsH flexibility and substrate degradation efficiency.
Ion and lipid orchestration of secondary active transport.
Drew D, Boudker O.
Nature. 2024 Feb;626(8001):963-974.
doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07062-3.
Review on the mechanisms by which transporters couple ion and solute fluxes and how structural and mechanistic variations enable them to meet specific physiological needs and adapt to environmental conditions.
+ how general bilayer properties and specific lipid binding modulate transporter activity.
Bone marrow plasma cells require P2RX4 to sense extracellular ATP.
Ishikawa M, Hasanali ZS, Zhao Y, Das A, Lavaert M, Roman CJ, Londregan J, Allman D, Bhandoola A.
Nature. 2024 Feb;626(8001):1102-1107.
doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07047-2.
Plasma cells are crucial for immune protection, residing mainly in the bone marrow where they rely on specific survival signals.
Here: authors show that bone marrow plasma cells utilize the purinergic ion channel P2RX4 to detect extracellular ATP released by osteoblasts via PANX3. Disruption of PANX3 or P2RX4 => decreased serum antibodies + loss of bone marrow plasma cells, with P2RX4 inhibition reducing autoantibody levels and kidney disease in autoimmune mouse models by regulating endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis.
Allosteric modulation and G-protein selectivity of the Ca2+-sensing receptor.
He F, Wu CG, Gao Y, Rahman SN, Zaoralová M, Papasergi-Scott MM, Gu TJ, Robertson MJ, Seven AB, Li L, Mathiesen JM, Skiniotis G.
Nature. 2024 Feb;626(8001):1141-1148.
doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07055-2.
The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a family C G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that has a central role in calcium homeostasis.
Here: cryoEM and functional assays to investigate the activation of human CaSR embedded in lipid nanodiscs and its coupling to functional Gi versus Gq proteins in the presence and absence of a calcimimetic drug.
High-resolution structural analysis reveals that both Gi and Gq proteins induce conformational changes in the activated CaSR dimer, enhancing interaction with the 7TMthrough protein-lipid interactions. Natural polyamines enhance CaSR activation by bridging negatively charged regions between protomers, while L-tryptophan occupies a site in the G-protein-coupled protomer.
Membrane
Magnetically controlled insertion of magnetic nanoparticles into membrane model.
Moya Betancourt SN, Cámara CI, Juarez AV, Riva JS.
Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2024 Mar;1866(3):184293.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2024.184293.
Polysaccharide-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been reported to show potential applications in many biomedical fields.
Here: study of the interactions between magnetite (Fe3O4) MNPs functionalized with polysaccharides (diethylamino-ethyl dextran, DEAE-D or chitosan, CHI) with different membranes models by Langmuir isotherms, incorporation experiments, and brewster angle microscopy (BAM).
This study assesses the impact of varying initial surface pressure on a preformed phospholipid monolayer to determine the maximum insertion pressure (MIP) and synergy: the primary driving force of the coated MNPs incorporation into the monolayer predominantly stems from electrostatic interaction.
Magnetic field => enhancement of the insertion process of the MNPs into DSPA preformed monolayer.
Cryo-EM structure of human sphingomyelin synthase and its mechanistic implications for sphingomyelin synthesis.
Hu K, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Yang J, Xia Y, Rao B, Li S, Shen Y, Cao M, Lu H, Qin A, Jiang XC, Yao D, Zhao J, Zhou L, Cao Y.
Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2024 Feb 22.
doi: 10.1038/s41594-024-01237-2.
Sphingomyelin biosynthesis is mediated by the sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) family. SMSr possesses ceramide phosphoethanolamine synthase activity. Here: cryoEM structures of human SMSr in complexes with ceramide, DG/PE and ceramide/phosphoethanolamine (CPE).
=> hexameric arrangement with a reaction chamber located between the TM. Catalytic pentad E-H/D-H-D identified at the interface between the lipophilic and hydrophilic segments of the reaction chamber : 2-step synthesis catalyzed by SMSr, involving PE-PLC hydrolysis and the subsequent transfer of the phosphoethanolamine moiety to ceramide.
Monitoring the interactions between POPG phospholipid bilayer and amyloid-forming protein human cystatin C. Does the bilayer influence the oligomeric state and structure of the protein?
Jurczak P, Zhukov I, Orlikowska M, Czaplewska P, Sikorska E.
Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2024 Mar;1866(3):184285.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2024.184285.
Amyloid diseases are characterized by amyloid protein oligomerization.
Here: focus on understanding interactions between model membranes and amyloid-forming proteins like human cystatin C, using MD, NMR, CD, and SEC.
=> Protein interaction with the membrane but no significant impact on its structure or oligomerization process.
The accumulation of methylated porphyrins in dormant cells of Mycolicibacterium smegmatis is accompanied by a decrease in membrane fluidity and an impede of the functioning of the respiratory chain.
Gligonov IA, Bagaeva DI, Demina GR, Vostroknutova GN, Vorozhtsov DS, Kaprelyants AS, Savitsky AP, Shleeva MO.
Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2024 Mar;1866(3):184270.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2024.184270.
Transition to dormancy in Mycolicibacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis is associated with the accumulation of methylated porphyrins in the cell wall.
Here: fluo anisotropy using BODIPY probes => increased membrane rigidity in dormant cells compared to vegetative ones, correlating with TMC concentration. Elevated TMC levels coincided with inhibited respiratory chain activity and reduced redox acceptor activity, potentially affecting metabolic reactions during dormancy. Reactivation of dormant cells led to a return to normal membrane fluidity and porphyrin levels.
Covalent coupling of functionalized outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) to gold nanoparticles.
Bong JH, Dombovski A, Birus R, Cho S, Lee M, Pyun JC, Jose J.
J Colloid Interface Sci. 2024 Feb 18;663:227-237.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.02.137.
Novel outer membrane vesicle-functionalized nanoparticles (OMV-NPs) to encapsulate gold nanoparticles within OMVs through covalent coupling.
OmpA modified with p-azidophenylalanine, allowing covalent coupling to alkyne-functionalized nanoparticles. A simplified preparation method using low-speed centrifugation, and characterization of the OMV-NPs by various methods including zeta potential measurement and enzymatic activity assays.
Additionally, OMVs from attenuated bacteria with surface-displayed proteins or antibody fragments were successfully coupled to gold NPs => versatility and potential applications of OMV-NPs, including tumor cell targeting using monoclonal antibody fragments.
Proteomic Analysis of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Outer Membrane for Potential Implications in Uptake of Small Molecules.
Palande A, Patil S, Veeram A, Sahoo SS, Lodhiya T, Maurya P, Muralikrishnan B, Chugh J, Mukherjee R.
ACS Infect Dis. 2024 Feb 24.
doi: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00517.
Understanding how anti-TB drugs penetrate Mycobacterium tuberculosis is crucial due to increasing resistance.
Here: MS-based proteomics to identify outer membrane proteins affected by β-OG, revealing proteins involved in nutrient uptake. Immunofluorescence confirms surface localization of seven proteins, and overexpression studies show increased membrane permeability and drug hypersensitivity, suggesting potential targets for enhancing drug efficacy against TB.
Bacterial Glycolipid Acting on Protein Transport across Membranes.
Mori S, Shionyu M, Shimamoto K, Nomura K.
Chembiochem. 2024 Feb 24:e202300808.
doi: 10.1002/cbic.202300808.
Recent studies have emphasized the crucial roles of lipids, including diacylglycerol (DAG) and a glycolipid called membrane protein integrase (MPIase), in membrane protein transport. DAG reduces membrane protein integration by decreasing mobility in the membrane core, while MPIase enhances integration through altered membrane properties and direct interactions with proteins. This review employs various analytical techniques such as fluorescence measurements and docking simulations to explore the mechanisms of membrane protein integration mediated by these lipids.
Outer membrane vesicles as a platform for the discovery of antibodies to bacterial pathogens.
Lei EK, Azmat A, Henry KA, Hussack G.
Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2024 Feb 24;108(1):232.
doi: 10.1007/s00253-024-13033-5.
OMVs = promising approach for generating antibodies against bacterial outer membrane targets and have been historically employed in vaccines.
Here: review exploring OMVs’ properties, their role as immunogens, and their ability to induce antibody responses against bacterial antigens. Successful targeting of bacterial pathogens using antibodies derived from OMV-based immunization is discussed, + opportunities and challenges for utilizing OMVs in antimicrobial antibody development.
Ultrastructural and glycoproteomic characterization of Prevotella intermedia: Insights into O-glycosylation and outer membrane vesicles.
Ye X, Paul B, Mo J, Reynolds EC, Ghosal D, Veith PD.
Microbiologyopen. 2024 Apr;13(2):e1401.
doi: 10.1002/mbo3.1401.
cryoET and glycoproteomics to investigate Prevotella intermedia, a Gram-negative bacterium linked to periodontitis.
=> ultrastructure of P. intermedia’s cell envelope and OMVs, showcasing an electron-dense surface layer and various OMV types.
Glycoproteomic analysis => 443 unique O-glycosylation sites within 224 glycoproteins, with a broader range of glycosylation motifs than reported in other species.
Bioinformatics => localization of O-glycoproteins, including periplasmic, inner membrane, lipoproteins, outer membrane, and T9SS-secreted proteins.
Membranes are functionalized by a proteolipid code.
Kervin TA, Overduin M.
BMC Biol. 2024 Feb 27;22(1):46.
doi: 10.1186/s12915-024-01849-6.
Presentation of a conceptual model where all membranes are organized into structural and functional zones. The assembly of zones such as receptor clusters, protein-coated pits, lamellipodia, cell junctions, and membrane fusion sites is explained to occur through a protein-lipid code. This challenges the theory that lipids sort proteins after forming stable membrane subregions independently of proteins.
Protein-lipid acyl chain interactions: Depth-dependent changes of segmental mobility of phospholipid in contact with bacteriorhodopsin.
Umegawa Y, Kato S, Seo S, Shinoda W, Kawatake S, Matsuoka S, Murata M.
Biophys Chem. 2024 Feb 22;308:107204.
doi: 10.1016/j.bpc.2024.107204.
Reconstitution of BR into labeled phospholipid membranes for ssNMR, revealing head group-dependent effects on lipid bilayer depth. While head group structure influenced phospholipid positioning near the bilayer surface, interactions in the deep interior showed minimal dependence, suggesting reduced head group influence in this region.
Functional regulation of aquaporin dynamics by lipid bilayer composition.
Nguyen ATP, Weigle AT, Shukla D.
Nat Commun. 2024 Feb 28;15(1):1848.
doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46027-y.
MD => effects of different bilayers on the plant aquaporin SoPIP2;1, revealing alterations in its structure, thermodynamics, kinetics, and water transport. Realistic lipid bilayers and homogeneous bilayers exert distinct regulatory effects on SoPIP2;1 dynamics, with the former stabilizing non-functional metastable states.
Hydrophobic mismatch and lipid order parameter calculations elucidate how lipid ensemble properties influence SoPIP2;1 behavior.
Native architecture of a human GBP1 defense complex for cell-autonomous immunity to infection.
Zhu S, Bradfield CJ, Maminska A, Park ES, Kim BH, Kumar P, Huang S, Kim M, Zhang Y, Bewersdorf J, MacMicking JD.
Science. 2024 Mar;383(6686):eabm9903.
doi: 10.1126/science.abm9903.
Structure of a large host-defense complex formed by 30,000 guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) on the surface of gram-negative bacteria within human cells. Assembly of this complex (upon GTP hydrolysis) involves 4 GBPs + caspase-4 and Gasdermin D (i.e: immune signaling platform for cytokine release and cell death).
CryoET suggests that GBP1 can adopt an extended conformation facilitating bacterial membrane insertion, leading to LPS release and subsequent caspase-4 activation, offering insights into how the human GBP1 defense complex orchestrates innate immunity against infection.
Molecules
Laser pulses engrave an unlikely surface: soap films
Nature 626, 931 (2024)
doi: https://doi-org.insb.bib.cnrs.fr/10.1038/d41586-024-00513-x
Bumping up the detergent content allows a laser pulse to carve a groove in ethereal films.
Purification and characterisation of the platelet-activating GPVI/FcRγ complex in SMALPs.
Wang X, Slater A, Lee SC, Harrison N, Pollock NL, Bakker SE, Navarro S, Nieswandt B, Dafforn TR, García Á, Watson SP, Tomlinson MG.
Arch Biochem Biophys. 2024 Feb 21:109944.
doi: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109944.
Structure of the collagen/fibrinogen receptor, glycoprotein VI (key player in platelet activation and a potential target for anti-thrombotic drugs).
SMALPs => GPVI extracted with its associated Fc receptor γ (FcRγ) chains from cells, allowing for the characterization of the full-length GPVI/FcRγ complex.
SEC and native PAGE => multiple sizes of purified GPVI/FcRγ SMALPs, suggesting potential GPVI oligomers, while functional assays confirmed their ability to bind collagen.
Synthetic Peptides with Genetic-Codon-Tailored Affinity for Assembling Tetraspanin CD81 at Cell Interfaces and Inhibiting Cancer Metastasis.
Xu K, Gao H, Li Y, Jin Y, Zhao R, Huang Y.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2024 Feb 26:e202400129.
doi: 10.1002/anie.202400129.
APQQ = synthetic peptide derived from a genetically encoded peptide pool, with tight and specific binding to the CD81, a membrane protein.
APQQ enables in-situ tracking of CD81 dynamics and activity in living cells, facilitating the modulation of MP interactions and the relocalization of CD81 to cell junctions.
+ APQQ suppresses cancer cell migration and inhibits breast cancer metastasis in vivo => potential as a multifunctional ligand for studying and interfering with biomolecular interactions at cellular interfaces.
Methods
Enhanced Electrophoretic Depletion of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate with Methanol for Membrane Proteome Analysis by Mass Spectrometry.
Said HH, Doucette AA.
Proteomes. 2024 Feb 2;12(1):5. doi: 10.3390/proteomes12010005. PMID: 38390965; PMCID: PMC10885059.
Improved method for depleting SDS from samples using transmembrane electrophoresis (TME), while maintaining high recovery of MPs.
This protocol enhances the detection of membrane proteins by mass spectrometry, particularly those with minimal net charge and reduced solubility in aqueous solvents, offering a robust approach for membrane proteome characterization in MS-compatible solvents.
Bacterial over-production of the functionally active human SLC38A2 (SNAT2) exploiting the mistic tag: a cheap and fast tool for testing ligands.
Galluccio M, Tripicchio M, Console L, Indiveri C.
Mol Biol Rep. 2024 Feb 23;51(1):336.
doi: 10.1007/s11033-023-08976-3.
SLC38A2 = Na+-dependent transporter specific for small and medium neutral amino acids (involved in human pathologies, such as type II diabetes and cancer).
cDNA coding for SLC38A2 cloned in the pET-28-Mistic vector, and the BL21 codon plus RIL strain was transformed with the recombinant construct.
The addition of a Mistic tag at the N-terminus of the SNAT2 protein was crucial for its over-expression and purification.
Probing amino acid side chains of the integral membrane protein PagP by solution NMR: Side chain immobilization facilitates association of secondary structures.
Goel S, Feisal MR, Danmaliki GI, Yu S, Liu PB, Bishop RE, West FG, Hwang PM.
Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2024 Mar;1866(3):184281.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2024.184281.
Method for incorporating additional long-lived magnetization groups into large protein systems using cost-effective amino acid precursors added to E. coli growth media.
Applied to the OM enzyme PagP in membrane-mimetic micelles, this approach enabled chemical shift assignments for side chain protons, revealing insights into PagP’s structural dynamics and interactions.
Phospholipid-functionalized gold electrode for cellular membrane interface studies – interactions between DMPC bilayer and human cystatin C.
Niedziałkowski P, Jurczak P, Orlikowska M, Wcisło A, Ryl J, Ossowski T, Czaplewska P.
Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr. 2024 Mar;1866(3):184266.
doi: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2023.184266.
Electrochemical interactions between mutant of human cystatin C (hCC V57G) and a membrane bilayer immobilized on a gold electrode surface.
The electrode was modified with 6-mercaptohexan-1-ol and DMPC to mimic the membrane environment => electrochemical measurements, including cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy revealed sensitivity to hCC V57G at a concentration as low as 1 × 10-14 M.
Komagataella phaffii as a Platform for Heterologous Expression of Enzymes Used for Industry.
Khlebodarova TM, Bogacheva NV, Zadorozhny AV, Bryanskaya AV, Vasilieva AR, Chesnokov DO, Pavlova EI, Peltek SE.
Microorganisms. 2024 Feb 7;12(2):346.
doi: 10.3390/microorganisms12020346.
In the 1980s, Escherichia coli was widely used for heterologous protein expression. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has also been popular but has limitations such as inefficient secretion and misfolding.
Nontraditional yeast species like Komagataella phaffii, Yarrowia lipolytica, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe have emerged as alternative hosts, offering faster growth and higher secretion capacities. Among these, K. phaffii is notable for its efficient production and secretion of heterologous proteins, reducing purification costs. This review explores practical strategies for efficient recombinant protein expression in K. phaffii, focusing on enzymes for the feed industry.
Generation of antibodies to an extracellular region of the transporters Glut1/Glut4 by immunization with a designed antigen.
Sumikawa T, Nakakido M, Matsunaga R, Kuroda D, Nagatoishi S, Tsumoto K.
J Biol Chem. 2024 Feb;300(2):105640.
doi: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105640.
Challenge of targeting small extracellular regions of MPs using monoclonal antibodies. The authors designed fusion proteins by grafting an extracellular helix of Glut1 onto the scaffold protein Adhiron.
MD simulations guided the design process, resulting in fusion proteins capable of forming the desired helical conformation.
Alpacas were immunized with these fusion proteins, and VHH obtained using phage display.
=> These antibodies demonstrated binding to both recombinant Glut1 and Glut4 proteins, highlighting the potential of this approach for generating site-specific antibodies against membrane proteins.
PMIpred: a physics-informed web server for quantitative protein-membrane interaction prediction.
van Hilten N, Verwei N, Methorst J, Nase C, Bernatavicius A, Risselada HJ.
Bioinformatics. 2024 Feb 1;40(2):btae069.
doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae069.
Many membrane peripheral proteins have evolved to transiently interact with the surface of (curved) lipid bilayers. Currently, methods to quantitatively predict sensing and binding free energies for protein sequences or structures are lacking.
Here: transformer neural network model trained on MD data for >50 000 peptides that is able to accurately predict the (relative) membrane-binding free energy for any given amino acid sequence.
=> classification of a peptide’s membrane-associative activity as either non-binding, curvature sensing, or membrane binding (+ can be applied to detect membrane-interaction regions in a wide variety of proteins).
web server, PMIpred : https://pmipred.fkt.physik.tu-dortmund.de.
Mito
Identification of MIMAS, a multifunctional mega-assembly integrating metabolic and respiratory biogenesis factors of mitochondria.
Horten P, Song K, Garlich J, Hardt R, Colina-Tenorio L, Horvath SE, Schulte U, Fakler B, van der Laan M, Becker T, Stuart RA, Pfanner N, Rampelt H.
Cell Rep. 2024 Feb 21;43(3):113772.
doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113772.
Identification of a mega-complex within the mitochondrial IM: mitochondrial multifunctional assembly (MIMAS) = 3 MDa.
Comprises proteins involved in various functions including respiratory chain assembly, metabolite transport, dehydrogenases, and lipid biosynthesis,
MIMAS’s integrity relies on PE rather than CL.
Miscellaneous
French scientists alarmed by ‘disastrous’ cut to research budget
doi: 10.1126/science.zcvd4k9
Move is part of €10 billion savings package announced by the government.
A spicy typo
Grimy windows could be harbouring toxic pollutants
Dirty windows can harbour potentially harmful pollutants under protective films of fatty acids from cooking emissions – and these can hang around for long periods of time.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1762392956374303197
What the EU’s tough AI law means for research and ChatGPT
Nature 626, 938-939 (2024)
doi: https://doi-org.insb.bib.cnrs.fr/10.1038/d41586-024-00497-8
The EU AI Act is the world’s first major legislation on artificial intelligence and strictly regulates general-purpose models.
Can non-profits beat antibiotic resistance and soaring drug costs?
Nature 626, 942-944 (2024)
doi: https://doi-org.insb.bib.cnrs.fr/10.1038/d41586-024-00543-5
Effective, affordable antimicrobial drugs aren’t moneymakers, despite being desperately needed. Can non-profit organizations pick up the slack?
How phase separation is revolutionizing biology
Nature 626, 1152-1154 (2024)
doi: https://doi-org.insb.bib.cnrs.fr/10.1038/d41586-024-00547-1
Imaging and molecular manipulation reveal how biomolecular condensates form and offer clues to the role of phase separation in health and disease.
Wanted: scientific bounty hunters
https://www-science-org.insb.bib.cnrs.fr/content/article/news-glance-moon-landing-scientific-bounty-hunters-and-postdocs-facing-hunger
A pilot program will pay reviewers to check important published papers and preprints in psychology. Reviewers will receive up to 3500 Swiss francs (nearly $4000) depending on the severity of any errors uncovered. Authors must consent in advance; they, too, will receive compensation if they cooperate and their work proves reliable. The program, Estimating the Reliability and Robustness of Research, is funded by the University of Bern and modeled after payments by software companies to programmers who find flaws in code. Backers say scientific authors and reviewers lack incentives to identify errors in the literature.
Why are all proteins ‘left-handed’? New theory could solve origin of life mystery
doi: 10.1126/science.z7lwj33
https://www-science-org.insb.bib.cnrs.fr/content/article/why-are-all-proteins-left-handed-new-theory-could-solve-origin-of-life-mystery
Experiments suggest chemical reaction rates explain how amino acid pairs, and perhaps DNA and RNA, get biased toward one handedness.