Researchers reveal HIV peptide's possible pathway int...(surrounding negative charges but when no...)

Date:1/17/2008

surrounding negative charges, but when no more of those charges are available due to their greedy peptide neighbors, some of the peptides reach into the cell membrane and grab negative charged phosphates from the other side. This opens a hole in the cell membrane and allows the flow of water and other material into the cell. Once all the peptides have been neutralized, the reaction stops and the hole closes, leaving behind a healthy, viable cell.

For the paper, the researchers reported a dozen different simulations run through a high-powered cluster of computers. Each simulation required a long process of testing and validating results. Garcia's computer cluster is now running simulations on the use of antimicrobial proteins which will open a pore in the cell and keep it open, killing the cell. Antimicrobial proteins have promising direct applications for killing harmful cells in the body.

Garcia hopes to harness the power of Rensselaer's newly opened Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations (CCNI), which houses the world's most powerful university-based supercomputing center. The CCNI will allow him to compile two years' worth of data on his normal cluster in just 10 to 20 days.

'/>"/>

Contact: Gabrielle DeMarco demarg@rpi.edu 518-276-6542 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Source:Eurekalert

2 GOOD

Page: 1 2 3
Related biology news :

1. USC researchers identify mechanism that controls activation of stem cells during hair regeneration
2. Researchers put the bite on mosquitoes
3. Researchers find association between food insecurity and developmental risk in children
4. Iowa State researchers look for smaller, cheaper, 1-dose vaccines
5. Japanese and German researchers meet to discuss climate change
6. Type 1 diabetes triggered by lazy regulatory T-cells: McGill researchers
7. Researchers uncover new piece to the puzzle of human height
8. Researchers create mathematical model of fruit fly eyes
9. Snoozing worms help Penn researchers explain the evolution of sleep
10. Researchers move 2 steps closer to understanding genetic underpinnings of autism
11. Rices West honored as one of Texas best researchers