Press-room
News 
- science news Why is the bush cricket green?
May 30 A team of scientists with the participation of researchers from the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry RAS has revealed the nature of the green pigment in the bush cricket Tettigonia cantans. It turned out that the bush cricket owes its protective coloration to a chromoprotein with a unique fold that contains two chromophores simultaneously. One of them is a yellow carotenoid, and the other is a blue bilin. The mixture of the two colors results in a bright green coloration, practically indistinguishable from grass and allowing the animal to cleverly hide. The work has been published in PNAS.
- science news FEBS Journal Editor’s choice: the research article about peptide modulator of ASIC1a with a unique structure
May 29 Researchers from Laboratory of Neuroreceptors and Neuroregulators and Laboratory of Biomolecular NMR-Spectroscopy of IBCh RAS, together with the Laboratory of Biological Testing of the BIBCh, isolated and characterized Ms13-1, a new peptide of the sea anemone Metridium senile with a unique 3D-structure and a pronounced selective effect on acid-sensing ion channels ASIC1a. Ms13-1 has a spatial fold named the "Cys-ladder" by the authors, and is a member of a novel structural class. In the nanomolar range, Ms 13-1 acts as a positive allosteric modulator of ASIC1a, and the injection of the peptide into the mouse hind paw causes pain, which is suppressed by the selective antagonist of ASIC1. The work was published in the FEBS Journal and was marked as the Editors' choice for the May issue.
- science news Redox differences between neurons and astrocytes in vivo in ischemic brain tissues of rodents
May 21 Combinations of novel in vivo approaches allow to detail redox events with high spatiotemporal resolution in the brain tissues of laboratory animals. We demonstrated redox differences between neurons and astrocytes in damaged brain areas of rodents in vivo during ischemic stroke in model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats and photothrombosis model in mice. Using highly sensitive genetically encoded biosensor HyPer7 and a fiber-optic neurointerface technology, we demonstrated that astrocytes differ from neurons in elevated hydrogen peroxide levels in the ischemic brain area of rats. Raman microspectroscopy also revealed the overloading of the mitochondrial electron transport chain precisely in astrocytes in the brain tissues of awake mice during acute ischemia. The results are published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling.
- science news Autophagy activator with AMPK-mediated mechanism of action
May 19 Age-related imbalance between synthesis and degradation of biomolecules in cells leads to the development of, among other, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. A decrease in autophagy, a process that is involved in degradation of damaged or dysfunctional cellular components, may contribute to this imbalance. Autophagy is regulated within cells through multiple signaling pathways, including the AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase)-dependent pathway, which functions as a key sensor of changes in the cell's energy status. Researchers from the IBCh RAS, the A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physicochemical Biology of Moscow State University, the Patrice Lumumba Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, and other institutes assessed the ability of phenoxazine derivatives to activate this process. The lead compound demonstrated specific activation via the AMPK-dependent pathway and low cytotoxicity in three non-cancer cell lines. The work was published in Bioorganic Chemistry.
- science news Plasma protein corona of liposomes loaded with a phospholipid–allocolchicinoid conjugate enhances their anti-inflammatory potential
May 12 The staff of the Laboratory of Lipid Chemistry IBCh RAS, together with colleagues from Nizhny Novgorod State University and the Human Proteome Center of the Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, studied the effects of protein coronas formed in human blood plasma ex vivo on different liposomes carrying a colchicine analog. Today colchicine is considered as a possible treatment for cardiovascular complications. On a model of monocytes from human peripheral blood, the protein coronas have been shown to enhance the anti-inflammatory potential of liposomes. A particularly sharp effect was observed for liposomes bearing specific proteins, including minor ones in normal plasma.
- science news TLR2 and Zinc: A Surprising Partnership in Immune Signaling
March 31 A team of scientists from the Laboratory of Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, in collaboration with researchers from China, has made a breakthrough in understanding the function of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), a key component of the innate immune system. Their study, published in FEBS Letters, reveals that TLR2 exhibits a previously unknown ability to bind zinc ions with high affinity and specificity. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) serve as the first line of defense in the immune system by recognizing pathogens and initiating immune responses. Despite extensive research, the precise molecular mechanisms governing TLR activation remain elusive. The newly identified zinc-binding capability of TLR2 provides fresh insights into its regulatory mechanisms. The researchers also identified specific amino acids essential for zinc coordination and TLR2 function, highlighting a potential link between zinc homeostasis and immune activation. These findings suggest that zinc plays a critical role in modulating TLR-mediated immune signaling, opening new avenues for research into immune system regulation and potential therapeutic applications.
- science news Potent painkiller from spider venom
March 6 A whole family of peptides with completely unexpected activity has been discovered in spider venom. These peptides inhibit mammalian purinergic receptors with high affinity and selectivity. A peptide called purotoxin-6 (PT6) from the venom of the crab spider Thomisus onustus inhibits P2X3 receptors, an important pharmacological target in a number of pain syndromes and chronic cough. PT6 has a compact fold and exhibits a potent analgesic effect in animal models of osteoarthritis and trigeminal neuralgia. At the same time, unlike small-molecule P2X3 ligands that are being developed as drugs, purotoxin does not cause dysgeusia, i.e., distortion of the sense of taste. Research on purotoxins began at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry some 20 years ago under the supervision of Academician Eugene Grishin and was successfully continued by Alexander Vassilevski. The results, unique on a global scale, were published in Molecular Therapy.
- science news On Selectivity of K+-channels: How Do Proteins Know About the Square Antiprism?
February 24 Potassium channels are one of the major players in the transduction of the nerve impulse, and mutations in their genes lead to neurological and cardiovascular diseases. The most important feature of K+-channels is their highest selectivity for K+ over Na+ and other cations. In the new work, members of the Group of in silico Analysis of Membrane Proteins Structure and the Laboratory of Molecular Instruments for Neurobiology analyzed all known 3D-structures of membrane proteins. As a result, the key principle of K+-channel selectivity filter architecture was confirmed: within it, oxygen atoms of the protein backbone are arranged in a chain of square antiprisms, replicating exactly the solvation geometry of the potassium ion. Distortion of the filter, for example during inactivation, is detected by the algorithm developed by the authors, which can be used for structural classification.
- science news Breakthrough in Preeclampsia Modeling: From 2D Cultures to Placenta-on-a-Chip
February 5 Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension and multi-organ involvement in pregnant women. This condition occurs in 2–8% of all pregnancies and remains one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality. Despite decades of research, the exact mechanisms of its development are not fully understood, and existing therapeutic strategies remain only partially effective. A new study published by a team of Russian scientists led by Evgeny Knyazev, Polina Vishnyakova, Olga Lazareva, and Alexander Tonevitsky provides an overview of modern cellular models of preeclampsia and their potential in the search for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
- science news Alexander Vassilevski is elected as the Chair of the European Section of the International Society on Toxinology
December 4, 2024 The International Society on Toxinology (IST) unites scientists and clinicians studying venoms, poisons, and toxins from all over the world. The society was founded in 1962. It organizes world and regional congresses, publishes the journal Toxicon, and sponsors the prestigious Redi Award.
Events 
- science news Scientific reports by members of the Chinese delegation of Advanced STEM Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy Morning session
June 18 On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., Scientific Reports of members of the Chinese delegation of the Advanced STEM Research Center, Beijing Chaoyang Kaiwen Academy will be presented in the Small Hall of the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry on the 3rd floor of the BON. Everyone is invited.
- science news "Molecular Brain" seminar
September 8, 2023 (This event is over) The seminar will take place on 08 September at 15:00 in the Minor hall. Professor Naira Ayvazyan, Director of the Orbeli Institute of Physiology of NAS RA (Yerevan, Armenia), will talk about the research conducted at this center. In particular, she will touch on the mechanisms of poisoning with snake venom. Everyone is cordially invited.
- science news "Molecular Brain" seminar, Epilepsy and channelopathies: from molecular mechanisms to the clinic and back
September 22, 2022 (This event is over) The seminar will take place on September 22 at 16:00 in the Minor hall. Three presentations will focus on the current understanding of epilepsy and channelopathies and will consider various aspects: molecular and physiological mechanisms, as well as approaches to therapy. Everyone is cordially invited!
- science news Seminar “Molecular brain”: Allan Kalueff
May 12, 2022 (This event is over) Комментарии: 1Seminar “Molecular brain” resumes its work after the long delay caused by pandemic of new coronavirus infection. However, all the people who are liking to listen lectures on-line, can participate via zoom-translation (link). The seminar will be held on the 12th of May at 3 pm in the Small lecture hall (3rd floor, BON, IBCh). Everyone is welcome!
- science news Gene therapy 2.0: AAV beyond monogenic gene correction
February 4–5, 2022 (This event is over) Founding and managing partner of 4BIO Capital - Dmitry Kuzmin - will make a presentation in conference room 04 Februry 2022 at 15:00
- science news Lipids 2021 Conference
October 11–13, 2021 (This event is over) Lipids 2021 Conference, October 11-13, 2021, IBCH RAS, Moscow
- science news "Molecular Brain" seminar dedicated to Eugene Grishin’s 75th anniversary
April 27, 2021 (This event is over) The open seminar of the Department of Molecular Neurobiology will take place on April 27 at 11:00 in the Great Assembly Hall. The program includes presentations by colleagues, students, friends and associates of Eugene Grishin. We cordially invite everyone interested in modern work in the field of toxins, ion channels and neurobiology! Live broadcast in Zoom.
- conferences International School "Molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases"
November 26, 2020 (This event is over) Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) invites you to take part in the International school for young scientists "Molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases", which will be held on November 26, 2020 online.
- science news Lecture by Director-General of the ICGEB Lawrence Banks «Human Papillomaviruses: From Infectious Entry to Malignancy»
January 27, 2020 (This event is over) ICGEB Director-General Group Leader Lawrence Banks will deliver a lecture entitled «Human Papillomaviruses: From Infectious Entry to Malignancy». Date and time: Mon 27 January 2020 14:00. Location: Small conference hall at 3rd floor BON IBCh.
- science news LIGHTS ON: Molecular Imaging of disease dynamics in vivo
September 27 October 11, 2019 (This event is over) Abhijit De PhD Scientific Officer ‘F’ and Principal Investigator Head, Molecular Functional Imaging Lab Advanced Centre of Training Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India.