How botox enters our cells
Researchers at PSI have identified structural changes of the bacterial neurotoxin botox that are important for its uptake into nerve cells. This finding could allow a more targeted use of botox in medicine.
On the way to light-controlled medicine
PSI researchers have elucidated the structure of special photoreceptors.
Unlocking the secrets of proteins
This year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to three researchers who have made a decisive contribution to cracking the code of proteins – important building blocks of life. However, developing applications from this knowledge, for example in medicine, requires research institutes such as PSI.
Slipping a note to a neighbour: the cellular way
Study reveals how drug molecules bind in channels between neighbouring cells, changing intercellular communication.
A bionanomachine for green chemistry
PSI researchers have characterised a unique enzyme from bacteria that enables an important chemical reaction.
Highlights – PSI research in 2023
A look back over the past 12 months.
New possibilities for a healing toxin
PSI researchers discover a surprising mechanism that could broaden the spectrum of therapeutic uses of botulinum toxin.
More than just a support structure
Each cell in the human body contains a cytoskeleton. Contrary to what the name suggests, the cytoskeleton is far more than just a support structure.
Immerse yourself in the cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is a little marvel. Probing it promises to reveal, among other things, new possibilities for cancer therapy.
Sandra Mous received the ETH Medal for her dissertation at ETH Zurich
Sandra Mous received the ETH Medal for her dissertation at ETH Zurich under the supervision of Prof. Gebhard F.X. Schertler, Division Head of Biology and Chemistry at PSI. She captured the first molecular movie of an anion transported across the cell membrane by a protein pump. Congratulations!
An algorithm for sharper protein films
A newly developed algorithm allows measurements performed at X-ray free-electron lasers to be evaluated more efficiently.
Calcium sensor helps us to see the stars
New insight into how the protein calmodulin interacts with an ion channel in the eye could explain how our eyes achieve remarkable sensitivity to dim light.
How vision begins
PSI scientists have discovered the very first step occurring in the eye when light hits the retina.
Using light to switch drugs on and off
PSI researchers record a molecular film of a cancer drug fitted with a photoswitch. This opens new insights for drug developers.
The clever glue keeping the cell’s moving parts connected
Optimised by nature over 100 million years of evolution, this smart liquid provides a crucial coupling that ensures cell division correctly proceeds.
A new spin on sample delivery for membrane proteins
Proteins hover in front of the X-ray beam at a Swiss Light Source beamline. Now, spinning thin films bring on board these trickiest of proteins.
How to find anti-cancer agents
PSI researchers have developed a new substance that disables a vital protein in the cell skeleton.
Cool newcomer
Cryo-electron microscopy can help resolve many open questions about light-sensitive proteins, rapidly and with high precision.
The wondrous world of light antennas
How light receptors can be used to specifically switch processes in cells on and off.
How to get chloride ions into the cell
A molecular movie shot at PSI reveals the mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump
New, better coronavirus rapid test
The test identifies different virus variants and improves disease prognosis.
More insight into how vision works
PSI scientists have shed light on the structure of an important component of the eye: CNG ion channels whose job is to relay optical signals to the brain.
Biased signalling for better drugs
A dream drug would provide a targeted therapeutic effect without side effects. Biased signalling could make this a reality. Publishing in PNAS, PSI researchers present a platform for biased signalling-based drug discovery.
Neurodegenerative disease studied by cryogenic X-ray nanotomography
Hard X-ray cryo-tomography scanning of retina from healthy and inherited blindness specimen paves the way for correlative analysis after imaging at the cSAXS beamline.
New active agent against parasites
PSI researchers identify potential active agent against several unicellular parasites – including the pathogens that cause malaria and toxoplasmosis.
Tracking down unreported Coronavirus cases
The University Hospital of Zurich uses proteins made at PSI for Europe’s first large-scale serology study on coronavirus prevalence in Switzerland.
Preventing the break-in of the toxoplasmosis parasite
Scientists have identified the structure and functions of RON13, an enzyme of the toxoplasmosis parasite that is essential for the infectious mechanism in humans.
PSI: advancing in the fight against Covid-19
Crystal structure analysis, computer models, cell cultures – to pursue research on Sars-CoV-2, PSI is exploring many avenues. An overview.
How immune cells are activated
A research consortium has deciphered the mechanism of CCR5 receptor activation, providing insights for the development of CCR5 drug antagonists for AIDS, cancer, and inflammatory diseases.
Cell cytoskeleton as target for new active agents
Using a combination of computer simulations and laboratory experiments, PSI researchers have identified new binding sites for active agents on the vital protein tubulin.