X-rays Shine Light on Unexpected Protein Function
“Scientists from the University of British Columbia have used x-ray crystallography to uncover a surprising new function of a protein involved in a rare genetic disorder. The findings, published in Nature Communications, reveal the mechanism by which the protein serves a newly discovered role in a common cellular pathway.
The research team, led by professor John Rubenstein, used x-rays to study a protein called XPC, which is involved in the rare genetic disorder Xeroderma Pigmentosum. To their surprise, they found that XPC was able to interact with another crucial cellular component in ways that had never been seen before. This new interaction could explain how XPC plays a role in a common pathway that is involved in a variety of cellular activities, including DNA repair and cell growth.”
A team of scientists from the University of British Columbia have made an exciting discovery using x-ray crystallography. This new technology has allowed them to uncover a surprising new function of a protein involved in a rare genetic disorder. The research team found that the protein, called XPC, is able to interact with another crucial cellular component in ways that had never been seen before. This new interaction could explain how XPC plays a role in a common pathway that is involved in a variety
source: Phys.org