The unzipping enzyme

2021-05-01

Every cell needs to divide and produce more cells in order to preserve life. The first step is to make a copy of its own DNA to pass on to daughter cells. This process of making an identical DNA is known as replication and is one of the most fundamental processes that occurs within a cell.

Glutamate receptors and epilepsy

2021-04-01

The protein which inspired the artwork for our featured structure for April 2021 is the glutamate receptor 2, an important mediator of the synaptic transmissions in the central nervous system, playing a key role in the generation and spread of epileptic seizures.  

The amazing spider silk

2021-03-05

Spider silk is an incredibly strong and versatile material, but what is it about the proteins that form these fibres that gives them such useful properties?

Protecting us… even in our tears…

2021-02-01

We are still making discoveries about lysozyme and its many roles in the arms-race between our body’s defences and bacterial invaders. The artwork this month highlights lysozyme’s protective role in our bodies.

Biofilms

2021-01-01

Things are always better when we work together - and the same can be said even for microscopic organisms. Our featured structure for January 2021 discusses these tiny communities, and the proteins that help bring them together.  

The Human Papillomavirus

2020-12-01

The structure that inspired December's image in our 2020 calendar is that of the whole Human Papillomavirus viral capsid. Whilst most people will experience a harmless HPV infection during their life, for some the consequences can be fatal.

Depression and neurotransmitters

2020-10-01

Depression, a common mental disorder  While a depressed mood is a normal temporary reaction to life events, a symptom of some physical diseases, or sometimes a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments, depression is a common mental disorder characterized by a persistent sadn

The blood protein

2020-09-01

The images for September in our 2020 PDBe calendar are inspired by a protein that flows through our veins and arteries, transporting the t

The protein factory

2020-08-01

The artwork for August in our 2020 PDBe calendar is inspired by the cell’s protein making machines called ribosomes.

Sex differentiation: more than XX or XY

2020-07-01

The artwork for July in our PDBe 2020 calendar is inspired by a protein that’s vital for the determination of sex in mammals.

Shine On

2020-06-01

June’s artwork represents the structure of the key enzyme in bioluminescence and brings light into our 2020 calendar.  

Protein folding: Origami with Jellyfish

2020-05-01