New discovery of protein activity

Proteins ensure different basic functions in the body, their activities depend in part on how they move. These movements are often driven by a thin layer of water surrounded by water. However, some proteins do not react as usual under the action of water.

Red lipid biofilm and blue hydration layer (Photo: tempsreel.nouvelobs.com ) Proteins are molecules made up of a series of amino acids that form chains that can include rows of elements. They take on very different functions, from oxygen transport to body protection (antibodies). Their role depends on their structure but also depends on the three-dimensional arrangement of the molecule as well as their dynamics. The hydration water surrounding the protein has long been regarded as the "master" of protein, because it imposes molecular motions, ie, molecular dynamics. Thus, when hydrated water coagulates, the protein also cools; If the hydration water returns to normal liquid, the protein is also in a normal state. In this way, the cell environment can regulate the dynamics of a protein and thus regulate its function. So far, it has been accepted that water's superiority of activity is common to all proteins.

An international team of researchers has shown that a small change in water dynamics does not affect protein dynamics, contrary to what is observed for proteins. Researchers think that the dynamics of proteins can be controlled by a liquid medium. Thus, the biological activity of a protein in the cell can be controlled through the movement of a liquid medium, such as moving from a region containing solid lipids to a more flexible polymeric region. .

This discovery is considered fundamental to medical research and development of new therapies. Indeed, more than half of the current pharmaceuticals are related to protein, it is also a research goal. Therefore, it is important to know how to activate the protein.

NACESTI