which partially supported the research. "This work highlights the value of model organisms in helping us understand cellular processes that impact human health."

The research team also showed that removal of ARC105 in human cells by RNAi also negatively affects the same key SREBP target gene as identified in C. elegans. This suggests that the molecular switch is evolutionarily conserved (and therefore likely physiologically important).

Exhaustive biochemical detective work performed by the N??r group together with the group of Gerhard Wagner, PhD, HMS professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, identified exactly how SREBP and ARC105 interact. They found a flexible tail on the SREBP molecule that fits into a specific groove on a region of ARC105 called KIX.

The researchers analyzed the amino acid sequence of the ARC105 protein, testing many different sections using NMR spectroscopy to eventually find the KIX area--just one tenth the area of the larger ARC105 protein--that specifically binds to SREBP. This specific interaction between SREBP and ARC105 might be a target for small molecule drugs, according to Dr. Wagner.

"While RNAi completely knocks out a protein including its other functions, perhaps not related to fat metabolism, a small molecule is a more subtle tool that could eliminate one protein-to-protein interaction," says Dr. Wagner. Finding a molecule that attaches to and inhibits the flexible tail of SREBP is unlikely, but a search for inhibitors to fit the grooved KIX site looks much more promising.

The team is already initiating high-throughput screening at Harvard Medical School's Institute of Chemistry and Cell Biology to identify small molecule inhibitors of the KIX site.

"Of course there are numerous hurdles that would need to be overcome before finding specific and effective treatments based on these findings," says Dr. N??r. If small molecules that speci
'"/>




Page: 1 2 3 4
Related medicine news :

1. First Artificial Heart patient has Major setback
2. Vision Loss Due To Diabetic Retinopathy a Major Cause Of Concern
3. Depression Found To Be A Major Cause for Death in Elderly
4. Genetics Has A Major Role To Play In Body Shape.
5. Pigs Population A Major Threat To Encephalitis Ravaged UP
6. Delhi Government To Interlink All Major Hospitals Through e-Governance
7. Nine Major Culprits For Tooth Loss Identified By Researchers
8. Obesity Among Children May Become a Major Problem
9. Canadian Lung Cancer Study Lauded As Major Advance in Cancer Fight
10. Smokers Sue Tobacco Major Philip Morris
11. India Can Become Major HIV Drugs Producer