Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are enzymes used by cells to trim protein modifications made from the protein ubiquitin, and thereby regulate proteins. Malfunctioning of DUBs could lead to diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. A protein called USP53 has been recently linked with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis, a hereditary liver disease in children, yet its mechanism of action has remained elusive. While its sequence made it part of a deubiquitinase family, previous attempt to detect catalytic activity had remained inconclusive. Now, a team has decoded the mode of action of USP53 and its related enzyme called USP54.
Read more …Molecular gardening: New enzymes discovered for protein modification pruning
Researchers have discovered a surprising link between a chronic gut infection caused by a common virus and the development of Alzheimer's disease in a subset of people. It is believed most humans are exposed to this virus -- called cytomegalovirus or HCMV -- during the first few decades of life. According to the new research, in some people, the virus may linger in an active state in the gut, where it may travel to the brain via the vagus nerve -- a critical information highway that connects the gut and brain. Once there, the virus can change the immune system and contribute to other changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. This virus may be a target for antiviral treatments.
Read more …The surprising role of gut infection in Alzheimer's disease