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Study shows how mutant protein clusters drive disease-causing aggregates
A mutation that replaces a single amino acid in a potent tumor-suppressing protein turns it from saint to sinister. A new study by a coalition of Texas institutions shows why that is more damaging than previously known.
The ubiquitous p53 protein in its natural state, sometimes called “the guardian of the genome,” is a front-line protector against cancer. But the mutant form appears in 50% or more of human cancers and actively blocks cancer suppressors.
Researchers led by Peter Vekilov at the University of Houston (UH) and Anatoly Kolomeisky at Rice University have discovered the same mutant protein can aggregate into clusters. These in turn nucleate the formation of amyloid fibrils, a prime suspect in cancers as well as neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Texas governor’s appalling decision on masks
I was getting my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at the Bayou City Event Center in Houston when the news broke that Governor Greg Abbott is lifting Texas’ mask mandate even as health officials warn not to ease restrictions aimed at stemming the pandemic. No one at the vaccination site removed their mask, fortunately. But we immediately started discussing the decision and we were all appalled.
Abbott’s announcement may have been cheered by some in the business community, but make no mistake: those of us who want to see a thriving economic climate are far from universally on his side. Instead, we recognize that to save lives and build a strong long-term future we have to put science first. And the science does not back up his decision.
Collagen Plays Protective Role during Pancreatic Cancer Development
Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of collagen bundles from the delicate connective tissue endoneurium. Endoneurium wraps around and between individual nerve fibers (axons), providing support and filling space between the nerve fibers. Endoneurium consists of collagen and elastin fibers and is found in the peripheral nervous system. The characteristic banding of collagen can be seen in this image. Magnification: x3000 when printed at 10 centimeters wide. [Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library/Getty Images]
March 5, 2021
Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of collagen bundles from the delicate connective tissue endoneurium. Endoneurium wraps around and between individual nerve fibers (axons), providing support and filling space between the nerve fibers. Endoneurium consists of collagen and elastin fibers and is found in the peripheral nervous system. The characteristic banding of collagen can be seen in this ima