A Uniquely Stable Trimeric Model of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Transmembrane Domain
Tools created at the Laboratory of Biomolecular Modelling IBCh RAS have been brought together into a computational framework to build a model of SARS-CoV-2 spike transmembrane domain (TMD). Apart from template-based modelling, the framework relies on the molecular hydrophobicity potential (MHP) analyser Platinum, dimer prediction utility PREDDIMER and the adjustment of ‘dynamic MHP portraits’ observed during molecular dynamics simulations. The final model, the only existing one taking into account the lipid environment and helical TMD packing principles, demonstrated phenomenal stability in a model membrane, both on its own and palmitoylated downstream, proving to be stabler than alternative models and a recent NMR structure. The results are published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Learn more
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- A Uniquely Stable Trimeric Model of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Transmembrane Domain
science news
VIII.31 Tools created at the Laboratory of Biomolecular Modelling IBCh RAS have been brought together into a computational framework to build a model of SARS-CoV-2 spike transmembrane domain (TMD).
- Impact of Exogenous Application of Potato Virus Y-Specific dsRNA on RNA Interference, Pattern-Triggered Immunity and Poly(ADP-ribose) Metabolism in Potato Plants
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VIII.15 Methods for inhibition of viral infection induced by spraying plants with preparations of specific double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) are currently being actively developed. Researchers from the Laboratory of functional genomics and plant proteomics, the Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and the Laboratory of Molecular Bases of Plant Stress Resistance of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS studied the contribution of potato plant treatment with dsRNA against potato virus Y (dsRNA-PVY) to two dsRNA-induced plant defense mechanisms: specific RNA interference (RNAi) and non-specific pattern-triggered immunity (PTI).
- SOX9 Protein in Pancreatic Cancer Regulates Multiple Cellular Networks in a Cell-Specific Manner
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VIII.12 Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Sex-determining region Y-box protein 9 (SOX9) is upregulated in the majority of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases. It is hypothesized that the increased expression of pancreatic developmental factor SOX9 is necessary for the formation and maintenance of tumor phenotypes in pancreatic cancer cells.