Biologists show inner workings of cellular 'undertaker'

One of a cell's most important responsibilities is to break down and recycle proteins that are no longer needed or endanger the cell. This task is carried out by a cellular nanomachine called the proteasome. Scientists from Scripps Research deciphered how the proteasome converts energy into mechanical motion that untangles and unfolds proteins for destruction. The findings, published in Science, could help us understand how proteasomes keep diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's at bay