Study finds breakthrough tool for detecting problems during protein synthesis
Innovative Reporter Molecule Developed by Hiroshi Kadokura and Hideki Taguchi in Tokyo
In Tokyo, Japan, a research team led by Associate Professor Hiroshi Kadokura and Professor Hideki Taguchi has developed a new 'reporter' molecule to detect problems in protein synthesis related to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This is crucial as over one-third of human proteins require proper folding and disulfide bond formation in the ER, which are essential for their function.
The team was inspired by a fusion protein from Escherichia coli bacteria and created a reporter molecule based on firefly luciferase (FLuc). This molecule becomes inactive when disulfide bonds form in the ER, allowing researchers to detect issues in protein translocation and bond formation.
The FLuc variant was engineered to misfold in the ER by replacing certain amino acids with Cysteine. This innovation allows for easy detection of protein synthesis problems and can also identify defects caused by potential anti-HIV drugs.
Professor Kadokura emphasized the simplicity and robustness of this method, which is suitable for large-scale screening of molecules that block harmful proteins. Professor Taguchi expressed hope that this tool will advance understanding of life processes and diseases, leading to new medical treatments.
Doubts Revealed
Reporter Molecule
A reporter molecule is a special type of molecule used by scientists to help them see or measure something that is happening inside cells. It acts like a tiny spy that reports back about what's going on.
Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is the process by which cells make proteins. Proteins are important molecules that do many jobs in our bodies, like building muscles and fighting germs.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)
The endoplasmic reticulum, or ER, is a part of a cell that helps make and transport proteins and other important molecules. It's like a factory inside the cell.
Firefly Luciferase
Firefly luciferase is an enzyme that makes fireflies glow. Scientists use it in experiments because it can help them see what's happening inside cells by making them glow too.
Protein Translocation
Protein translocation is the process of moving proteins to the right place inside or outside the cell. It's important because proteins need to be in the right spot to do their jobs.
Disulfide Bond Formation
Disulfide bond formation is when two parts of a protein connect with a special type of bond. This helps the protein keep its shape and work properly.
Large-scale Screening
Large-scale screening is a method used by scientists to test many samples at once. It helps them find useful information quickly, like which medicines might work best.
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