Abstract Recent structural studies have illuminated a critical aspect of HIV-1 entry: the dynamic trajectory of the fusion peptide (FP) during CD4-induced Env opening. While the FP is a known site of vulnerability to broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) in the closed Env conformation, its fate during receptor engagement was previously unclear. A 2025 Nature Communications […]
Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the pathological aggregation of alpha-synuclein, particularly within its hydrophobic NAC region, leading to the formation of toxic fibrils and Lewy bodies. This study presents the rational design and evaluation of a synthetic peptide inhibitor, KEQPTN, aimed at disrupting alpha-synuclein fibrillization. A peptide library was constructed through targeted point […]
Abstract Peptides have emerged as powerful and highly specific therapeutic agents across a broad range of biomedical and cosmetic applications. Their ability to mimic natural biological functions while minimizing systemic toxicity makes them attractive candidates for targeted drug delivery, metabolic regulation, immune modulation, and advanced skincare. However, limitations in stability, delivery, and bioavailability have historically […]
Abstract Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a bioactive peptide derived from milk during cheese production, gaining rapid attention for its nutritional and therapeutic value. Naturally free of phenylalanine, GMP is especially beneficial for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), offering a palatable and effective alternative to synthetic amino acid supplements. Beyond PKU, GMP exhibits anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and metabolic health […]
Abstract As SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to challenge the effectiveness of existing vaccines and therapeutics, the search for innovative antiviral strategies has turned to peptides—especially those targeting host cell entry mechanisms. ATN-161, a pentapeptide that inhibits viral binding to α5β1 integrins, offers a promising foundation but suffers from limited stability and moderate efficacy. In this blog, […]
Abstract The ghrelin receptor (GHSR), a class A G protein-coupled receptor, plays a central role in appetite regulation, energy balance, and growth hormone secretion. Despite its clinical relevance, the structural basis of GHSR activation by endogenous and synthetic ligands has remained elusive. In this study, high-resolution cryo-EM structures of GHSR bound to ghrelin and the […]
Abstract The circadian clock plays a pivotal role in regulating immune responses, yet the interplay between its core components in inflammatory control remains incompletely understood. This blog explores findings from a study investigating the REV-ERBα agonist SR9009 in the context of macrophage-driven inflammation. The research demonstrates that SR9009 effectively suppresses IL-1β and IL-18 production by […]
Osteoporosis, a widespread and debilitating condition, remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially in aging populations. Traditional therapies—while effective for some—carry significant risks, including hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular complications, and low adherence. Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) offer a promising alternative. Engineered for tissue-specific action, SARMs selectively activate androgen receptors in bone and muscle without affecting reproductive tissues, […]
Abstract Oxyntomodulin (OXM), a 37-amino-acid peptide derived from the proglucagon precursor, has long existed in the shadows of better-known incretin hormones like GLP-1. However, its ability to activate both the GLP-1 and glucagon receptors—albeit with modest affinity—has recently propelled it to the forefront of metabolic research. Originally identified for its role in inhibiting gastric acid […]
Abstract Cyclic peptides hold immense promise in therapeutic development, but their complex structures have made accurate design challenging. AfCycDesign, a novel deep learning framework built on AlphaFold2, overcomes these limitations by enabling reliable structure prediction, sequence redesign, and de novo generation of cyclic peptides. This approach achieves atomic-level accuracy with high efficiency, validated by multiple […]
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