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Non-coding RNAs are ubiquitous, but the discovery of new RNA gene sequences far outpaces research on their structure and functional interactions. We mine the evolutionary sequence record to derive precise information about function and…
We investigate how the proximity of supergiant donor stars to the Eddington-limit, and their advanced evolutionary stage, may influence the evolution of massive and ultra-luminous X-ray binaries with supergiant donor stars (SGXBs and ULXs).…
We present a theoretical investigation on possible selection of olfactory receptors (ORs) as sensing components of nanobiosensors. Accordingly, we generate the impedance spectra of the rat OR I7 in the native and activated state and analyze…
Over the last two decades epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase has become an important target to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, three generations of EGFR kinase-targeted small molecule drugs have been FDA…
Binding interactions between proteins and other molecules mediate numerous cellular processes, including metabolism, signaling, and regulation of gene expression. These interactions evolve in response to changes in the protein's chemical or…
Predicting protein properties is paramount for biological and medical advancements. Current protein engineering mutates on a typical protein, called the wild-type, to construct a family of homologous proteins and study their properties.…
We use CRPropa 3 to show how the expected cosmogenic neutrino and gamma-ray spectra depend on the maximum energy of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) at their sources, on the spectral index at injection and on the chemical composition…
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a dynamic network of interconnected sheets and tubules that orchestrates the distribution of lipids, ions, and proteins throughout the cell. The impact of its complex, dynamic morphology on its function as…
The recA/RAD51 gene family encodes a diverse set of recombinase proteins that effect homologous recombination, DNA-repair, and genome stability. The recA gene family is expressed in almost all species of Eubacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes,…
Stick insect stepping patterns have been studied for insights about locomotor rhythm generation and control, because the underlying neural system is relatively accessible experimentally and produces a variety of rhythmic outputs. Harnessing…
During the last two decades, ecological speciation has been a major research theme in evolutionary biology. Ecological speciation occurs when reproductive isolation between populations evolves as a result of niche differentiation.…
Rhizomes play fundamental roles in plant evolution, persistence, and environmental adaptation by enabling clonal propagation, resource storage, and stress resilience. Despite their ecological and agronomic importance across diverse plant…
Biological systems have evolved to amazingly complex states, yet we do not understand in general how evolution operates to generate increasing genetic and functional complexity. Molecular recognition sites are short genome segments or…
The mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) family of proteins is involved in regulating cellular fate activities such as proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Their fundamental importance has attracted considerable attention on…
DNA regulation and repair processes require direct interactions between proteins and DNA at specific sites. Local fluctuations of the sugar-phosphate backbones and bases of DNA (a form of DNA "breathing") play a central role in such…
This work analyzed genome-wide nucleotide distribution patterns in ten insect genomes. Two internal measures were applied: (i) GC variation and (ii) third codon nucleotide preference. Although the genome size and overall GC level did not…
Convergent evolution provides powerful evidence for natural selection, yet its molecular basis is typically sought in protein-coding amino acid substitutions. Whether adaptive pressures can drive the convergent evolution of synonymous codon…
The traditional focus of physiological and functional genomic research is on molecular processes that play out within a single body. In contrast, when social interactions occur, molecular and behavioral responses in interacting individuals…
We investigated progestin and corticosteroid activation of the progesterone receptor (PR) from elephant shark (Callorhinchus milii), a cartilaginous fish belonging to the oldest group of jawed vertebrates. Comparison with human PR…
Estrogen receptors (ERs) are a group of proteins activated by 17$\beta$-estradiol. The endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) mimic estrogen action by bind directly to the ligand binding domain of ER. From this perspective, ER represent a…