BiotechNews1

Originally published by The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) , on June 10, 2025 edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan   Development of hyperactive variant eNAT10 through NAT10 protein engineering. By engineering the NAT10 protein, which performs RNA acetylation in human cells, based on its domain and structure, eNAT10 was developed, showing approximately a 3-fold increase in RNA acetylation activity compared to the wild-type enzyme. Credit: Nature Chemical Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41589-025-01922-3 RNA gene scissors (CRISPR-Cas13) are gaining significant attention as a next-generation gene therapy with fewer side effects. They can suppress infection by eliminating viral RNA, such as in coronaviruses, or regulate the expression of disease-causing genes. KAIST researchers have developed the world's first technology that can precisely locate and acetylate (chemically modify) only the desired RNA among countless RNA molecules (mol...

Originally published by Katherine Fenz, Rockefeller University, on Jun 5, 2025 edited by Lisa Lock , reviewed by Andrew Zinin Three dimensional cryo-EM structure of VCP (blue and purple) bound to three VCPIP1 promoters (red, orange, and yellow). Credit: Kapoor lab Healthy cells are constantly breaking down proteins and building up new ones with the help of enzymes aptly named unfoldases , because they unravel proteins tagged for destruction or recycling . Now, a new electron microscopy study demonstrates how VCP, one such unfoldase , physically interacts with tag removal enzymes, called DUBs . The findings show how these two enzymes work in tandem to process proteins , and may have implications for the study of diseases such as those linked to neurodegeneration . The research is published in the Journal of Cell Biology . "VCP dysfunction is linked to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's," says first author Lauren Vostal, a graduate student in the ...

Autism and ADHD have distinct brain connectivity signatures, study finds Originally published by Ingrid Fadelli , at Phys.org, on May 31, 2025   edited by Stephanie Baum , reviewed by Robert Egan Comparative analysis of brain connectivity in autism and ADHD. Credit: Nature Mental Health (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s44220-025-00431-5 Autism spectrum disorder ( ASD ) a nd attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) are among the most well-known neurodevelopmental conditions , estimated to affect approximately 1–3% and 5–7% of the global population , respectively. While people diagnosed with ASD can experience difficulties with social communication, repetitive behaviors and a heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli (e.g., lights, sounds, etc.), those diagnosed with ADHD are often prone to hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention , which makes it harder for them to focus on tasks for extended periods of time. ADHD and autism often co-occur , with statistics estimati...