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Ribozymes are enzymes comprised of RNA that fold into three-dimensional structures and that catalyze chemical reactions central to all cells. A new study shows that ribozymes, like proteins, may use general acid catalysis as part of their catalytic toolkit.
ComX is a post-translationally modified peptide involved in quorum sensing in Bacillus subtilis. The structure of ComX has now been shown to contain a geranylated tryptophan with an unusual tricyclic architecture.
Nitric oxide signaling requires that the heme of soluble guanylate cyclase bind NO preferentially to O2. Engineering of the enzyme's active site reveals a molecular basis for NO binding selectivity.
The fate of cells depends on a delicate balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins. Small-molecule inhibitors of anti-apoptotic protein-protein interactions promote apoptosis in cancer cells.
