The Harvard Gazette

Protein

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Amy Gilson is first author of a recent paper on the process of protein structure evolution, which can help researchers design stable molecules for treatment.

Probing protein diversity

Insight on how stability affects structure Harvard-led research

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DateJuly 7, 2017July 7, 2017

“We hope this approach to protein delivery will help connect where genome editing is now to where the field needs to be in order to realize the therapeutic potential of these proteins to address genetic diseases,” said David Liu (right), a professor of chemistry and chemical biology. Liu and a team of researchers, which included John Zuris (left), have already demonstrated that the technology can be used to modify genes in living animals.

Toward genetic editing

Scientists develop system that could treat a host of conditions

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DateNovember 3, 2014

Through their research on “alternative splicing,” John Calarco (left), a Bauer Fellow at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Center for Systems Biology, and postdoctoral researcher Adam Norris have a better understanding of how the process works in different neurons. Their findings could also uncover insights on how it can go awry and lead to disorders such as epilepsy.

Neurons at work

Research provides a clearer view of ‘alternative splicing’

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DateAugust 11, 2014

A new technique for observing neural activity will allow scientists to stimulate neurons and observe their firing pattern in real time. “This is a tool for looking in great detail at how signals flow through neurons, and how the signal flows through circuits of neurons,” said Adam Cohen, professor of chemistry and chemical biology and of physics.

Viewing how neurons work

New tool allows researchers to stimulate them and observe their signals in real time

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DateJuly 15, 2014

Protein: The package matters

News +|

DateApril 30, 2014

“We have been interested in this question for 20 years,” Alexander Schier, the Leo Erikson Life Sciences Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and senior author of the study, said of discovering the new signal. “We’ve made a great deal of progress in understanding how these cells are made, but we could never really explain why these cells suddenly start to move. This new signal is part of the answer.”

‘On’ switches for cells

Researchers find early developmental signal hidden amid ‘noncoding’ RNA

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DateFebruary 2, 2014

David R. Liu, a Harvard professor of chemistry and chemical biology and an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, published a paper in Nature Biotechnology outlining his collaborative efforts to understand the protein "machine" known as Cas9.

A foundation for future research

Study tests precision of protein ‘machine’

Health|

DateSeptember 25, 2013

Stephen Simpson of Sydney University talked about protein as a diet regulator during a Harvard visit.

Following the swarm

Locust research leads to insights on human nutrition

Health|

DateJune 20, 2013April 18, 2019

Malaria parasite transforms itself to hide from human immune system

News +|

DateDecember 21, 2012March 15, 2019

A team of researchers, led by Andres Leschziner, associate professor of molecular and cellular biology at Harvard, and Samara Reck-Peterson, Harvard Medical School assistant professor of cell biology, showed that dynein’s foot dramatically changes shape as it binds to the microtubule.

Molecular motion in detail

Scientists’ high-res images illuminate binding process

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DateOctober 22, 2012May 1, 2019

These are fibroblasts from an unaffected individual (left) and an ALS patient with a FUS mutation. The cell nucleus is shown in blue and the "gems" are the green dots within the nuclei. The nuclei in the white boxes are magnified.

Link found between ALS and SMA

May lead to common treatment for both fatal conditions

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DateSeptember 27, 2012April 18, 2019

“Turing was brilliant,” said Alexander Schier, professor of molecular and cellular biology. “There wasn’t a single molecule known that would regulate development or pattern formation when he proposed this model. For him, it was a pure mathematical model.

Turing was right

Two proteins fit decades-old prediction

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DateApril 23, 2012July 24, 2019

“We were really excited to see the 3-D image of the sensor, because this amazing insight is something that could never emerge from studying these proteins biochemically,” said lead author David Jeruzalmi of Harvard’s Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.

Genetic mechanics

First-ever 3-D images of DNA damage sensor created at Harvard

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DateFebruary 25, 2012May 21, 2019

Rachelle Gaudet, who was named a professor of molecular and cellular biology earlier this year, has long been interested in the structures around her. She grew up thinking she would become an architect, because that would allow her to blend her scientific and artistic sides. But she was drawn further to science through a high school chemistry class. “I’m not an architect, but I study the architecture of proteins,” she said.

Where (tiny) form follows function

Professor probes how nature’s minute architecture works

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DateOctober 13, 2011April 19, 2019

Researchers say that when you compare the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate with the USDA’s MyPlate, the shortcomings in the government’s guide are evident.

Harvard serves up its own ‘Plate’

Healthy Eating Plate shows shortcomings in government's MyPlate

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DateSeptember 14, 2011March 21, 2019

A confocal image of a human cell expressing a fluorescent version of MCU, the newly discovered protein key to mitochondria's ability to absorb calcium.

Cell’s linchpin protein found

Discovery ends 50-year search for calcium channel

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DateJune 19, 2011May 21, 2019

Researchers believe that a twisting strand of protein, known as the V3 loop, is an attractive vaccine target because immune system antibodies aimed at the loop may offer protection against multiple genetic subtypes of HIV-1, the virus that causes AIDS.

The improbable appears promising

Study identifies possible target for AIDS vaccine

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DateMarch 31, 2011May 21, 2019

Harvard researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard find that elevated levels of p21, a protein best known as a cancer fighter, may be involved in the immune system’s ability to control HIV infection. File photo by Justin Ide/Harvard Staff Photographer

Protein that helps battle HIV

Tumor suppressor blocks viral growth in natural HIV controllers

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DateMarch 14, 2011June 6, 2019