Publications by authors named "R Jerala"
Article Synopsis
- The Centre of Excellence for the Technologies of Gene and Cell Therapy (CTGCT) has been established at the National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana, marking Slovenia’s first center dedicated to precision medicine and cutting-edge therapies.
- The CTGCT aims to advance cancer immunotherapy and personalized treatments for genetic diseases by developing innovative biomedical tools and collaborating with international institutions for effective therapy development.
- Its focus on translating research into practice, alongside partnerships with clinicians and patient organizations, positions the CTGCT as a key player in improving access to gene and cell therapies across Slovenia and the broader Eastern European region.
Inflammasomes are defense complexes that utilize cytokines and immunogenic cell death (ICD) to stimulate the immune system against pathogens. Inspired by their dual action, we present cytokine-armed pyroptosis as a strategy for boosting immune response against diverse types of tumors. To induce pyroptosis, we utilize designed tightly regulated gasdermin D variants comprising different pore-forming capabilities and diverse modes of activation, representing a toolbox of ICD inducers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBeyond Dimerization: Harnessing Tetrameric Coiled-Coils for Nanostructure Assembly.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl
December 2024
Versatile DNA and polypeptide-based structures have been designed based on complementary modules. However, polypeptides can also form higher oligomeric states. We investigated the introduction of tetrameric modules as a substitute for coiled-coil dimerization units used in previous modular nanostructures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- This study investigates how a mutation in the MyD88 protein affects immune responses and cell health in mice, revealing issues similar to those in humans with NEMO deficiencies.
- The mutation leads to lower MyD88 protein levels, increased oxidative stress, and dysfunctional mitochondria in macrophages, resulting in heightened susceptibility to apoptosis, especially when treated with ibrutinib.
- The research highlights the critical role of MyD88 in activating NF-κB to protect macrophages from premature death and suggests that adjusting MyD88 levels could be a potential approach for treating MyD88-related lymphomas.
Article Synopsis
- Modular protein engineering allows for the creation of high-molecular-weight assemblies and nanoscale biomaterials with precision, inspired by the structure of human dystrophin.
- The study focuses on designing elongated nanorods using a module of three tandem spectrin repeats that self-assemble through coiled-coil peptides, ensuring structural integrity and continuity of the α-helix.
- The resulting rigid rods, measured by advanced microscopy techniques, can be equipped with various proteins or peptides along their length, showcasing their potential as functionalized biomaterials in research and applications.