Biochemistry

Stadtmueller Lab determines the structure of our predominant mucosal antibody

2020-12-17

It has been over 60 years since scientists first identified the molecule that we know today as immunoglobulin (Ig) A. IgA is the predominant class of antibody found in human mucus where it is known as secretory (S) IgA. SIgA functions to bind microbes in extracellular regions such as the gut and...

Following Drg: Curiosity Drives Scientist’s Protein Synthesis Research

2020-12-14

Current cancer treatments include drugs that target standard protein synthesis in cells, which can kill cancer cells, but also targets healthy cells. To address this issue, associate professor of biochemistry and Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) member, Hong Jin, is focusing on a non-canonical...

The lessons of a Nobel Laureate

2020-11-23

Phillip Sharp recalls a key moment on campus as he renews support for the U of I.

New optogenetics study shows promising results for neuronal regeneration

2020-11-20

Huaxun Fan, co-author of study, sits in lab.

New research by biochemistry professor Kai Zhang and his team at the University of Illinois uses the groundbreaking field of optogenetics to show a potential new route for controlling specific neuron growth with incredible accuracy. Their recent paper “Optical control of ERK and AKT signaling...

Four MCB alumni honored with 2020 LAS alumni awards

2020-10-26

Water fountain next to Alice Campbell Alumni Center.

The winners are being honored during LAS Impact 2020, a weeklong celebration of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences starting on Oct. 26.

Cancer compound originating from U of I scientists leads to major licensing deal

2020-09-30

Researchers discovered a small molecule, ErSO, that eradicates breast cancers in mice by targeting a pathway that protects cancer cells. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

University of Illinois researchers are leading the science behind a new global licensing agreement between the pharmaceutics company Bayer AG and the cancer drug development company Systems Oncology for a new breast cancer drug called ERSO.

Remembering Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty

2020-09-02

Faculty in the University of Illinois School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Department of Biochemistry are remembering the late Professor Ananda Mohan Chakrabarty, who passed away on July 10, 2020, in Chicago.

Decoy receptor neutralizes coronavirus in cell cultures

2020-08-04

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, scientists and health care providers are seeking ways to keep the coronavirus from infecting tissues once they’re exposed. A new study suggests luring the virus with a decoy – an engineered, free-floating receptor protein – that binds the virus and...

Engineered immune cells recognize, attack human and mouse solid-tumor cancer cells

2020-06-29

Silhouette of Preeti Sharma holding up a 250 ml pyrex vial with a bit of liquid inside against a window.

A method known as CAR-T therapy has been used successfully in patients with blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia. It modifies a patient’s own T-cells by adding a piece of an antibody that recognizes unique features on the surface of cancer cells. In a new study, researchers report that they...

New approach drives bacteria to produce potential antibiotic, antiparasitic compounds

2020-06-25

Researchers used a variety of techniques, including genome mining, to identify bacteria that produce defensive compounds in response to hormone exposure. Their approach will help in the discovery of new antibiotics and other medically useful molecules.

Researchers have developed a method to spur the production of new antibiotic or antiparasitic compounds hiding in the genomes of actinobacteria, which are the source of drugs such as actinomycin and streptomycin and are known to harbor other untapped chemical riches. The scientists report their...

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