Tracing the function expansion for a primordial protein fold in the era of fold-based function prediction: β-trefoil.

The incredibly narrow protein fold bottleneck, which separates the billions of unique proteins on one side to deliver diverse biological functions on the other, arises from folds that tolerate mutations during evolution. One such fold, called the β-trefoil, is present in functionally diverse proteins including cytokines involved in the immune system such as interleukin-1. The unrecognizable sequence-level diversity, even among paralogs of interleukin-1 within the same chromosomal locus, suggests the resilience of this fold to mutational onslaught.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates biopolymers toward decarbonizing economy and sustainable future.

Polymers are synonymous with the modern way of living. However, polymers with a large carbon footprint, especially those derived from nonrenewable petrochemical sources, are increasingly perceived as detrimental to the environment and a sustainable future. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a microbial biopolymer and a plausible alternative for renewable sources.

Microbial Polyhydroxyalkanoates Granules: An Approach Targeting Biopolymer for Medical Applications and Developing Bone Scaffolds.

Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are proteinaceous storage granules ranging from 100 nm to 500 nm. sp. serve as unique bioplastic sources of short-chain length and medium-chain length PHA showcasing properties such as biodegradability, thermostability, and appreciable mechanical strength.