Category Biology/Biotechnology

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center and Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified ALDH4A1, a Mitochondrial proline-metabolizing enzyme, as a third structural component of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) complex. Forming a trimeric assembly with MPC1 and MPC2, ALDH4A1 maintains MPC integrity and facilitates pyruvate import into mitochondria.

Mitochondrial pyruvate import serves as a critical step in cellular energy metabolism, linking cytosolic glycolysis to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation...

Millions of years of evolution have enabled some marine animals to grow complex protective shells composed of multiple layers that work together to dissipate physical stress...

The United States on Friday approved the first blood test for Alzheimer’s, a move that could help patients begin treatment earlier with newly approved drugs that slow the progression of the devastating neurological disease.

The test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, measures the ratio of two proteins in the blood. The ratio is correlated with amyloid plaques in the brain—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s that, until now, has been detected only through brain scans or spinal fluid analysis.

“Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people—more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary.

“Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number i...

Shandong researchers suggest that edible and medicinal fungi contain bioactive components with therapeutic potential for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Findings offer evidence for the potential of these fungi to serve as novel pharmaceuticals or functional foods in the treatment of CNS diseases.

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases involve complex pathophysiology, gradual symptom onset, and significant challenges in therapeutic evaluation...