Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Scientists pool information to boost understanding of drug action

Scientists pool information to boost understanding of drug action

December 01, 2005

A revamped international database, launched tomorrow, 1 December 2005 by The International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) and hosted by the University of Edinburgh, has drawn together information on human genes that are targets for current and future medicines. The IUPHAR database http://www.iuphar-db.org/ has had a major update, following 12 years' work by 300 contributors. It is expected to be a major knowledge source for students and scientists throughout the world.

As a result of the Human Genome Project, scientists now know the human DNA codes for about 20,000-25,000 genes, each of which could be a target for the development of new medicines. However, most scientists believe that only about 10% of these genes are likely targets for the drugs of the future. More than 40% of the medicinal drugs in current use, many drugs of abuse and an estimated 20% of all future likely drug targets are members of three relatively small families of proteins: G Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), ion channels and nuclear hormone receptors. Drugs which work through GPCRs include treatments for asthma, ulcers and heart disease.




Professor Tony Harmar, Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University said: "The Human Genome Project has sparked a huge effort by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide to identify new drug targets and much of this effort has focused on the GPCRs. Our knowledge of this branch of science has advanced very rapidly and it has been difficult for scientists engaged in research in the field and in the teaching of the pharmacology - the science of drug action- to keep pace with the information explosion. The goal of the IUPHAR database is to provide information on all of the GPCRs, with information on the drugs that act on them, the targets in the body where they are found and the diseases in which they may be involved." Professor Michael Spedding, Chairman of NC-IUPHAR, commented: "The knowledge in this database is freely available to all scientists and drug discoverers throughout the world, and is a powerful tool for future research".

University of Edinburgh



Related Drug Current Events and Drug News Articles Drug Current Events and Drug News RSS Drug Current Events and Drug News RSS
Why can't some people give up cocaine?
Drug dependency is a recurrent but treatable kind of addiction. However, not all people who are drug dependent progress in the same way once they stop taking drugs.

WPI Researchers Take Aim at Hard-to-Treat Fungal Infections
A team of researchers at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center at Gateway Park has developed a new model system to study fungal infections.

Drug studied as possible treatment for spinal injuries
Researchers have shown how an experimental drug might restore the function of nerves damaged in spinal cord injuries by preventing short circuits caused when tiny "potassium channels" in the fibers are exposed.

Causative gene of a rare disorder discovered by sequencing only protein-coding regions of genome
For the first time, scientists have successfully used a method called exome sequencing to quickly discover a previously unknown gene responsible for a mendelian disorder.

Scripps research scientists find new link between insulin and core body temperature
A team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered a direct link between insulin-a hormone long associated with metabolism and metabolic disorders such as diabetes-and core body temperature.

Mother's Depression a Risk Factor in Childhood Asthma Symptoms, Study Suggests
Asthma symptoms can worsen in children with depressed mothers, according to research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center published online in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.

Dispensing prescription drugs in 3-month supplies reduces drug costs by a third
Purchasing prescription drugs in a three-month supply rather than a one-month supply has long been regarded as a way to reduce the cost of drugs for patients and third-party payers. New research from the University of Chicago quantifies the savings for the first time.

Researchers begin to decipher metabolism of sexual assault drug
It's a naturally occurring brain chemical with an unwieldy name: 4-hydroxybutyrate (4-HB). Taken by mouth, it can be abused or used as a date-rape drug.

New Down syndrome treatment suggested by Stanford/Packard study in mice
At birth, children with Down syndrome aren't developmentally delayed. But as they age, these kids fall behind. Memory deficits inherent in Down syndrome hinder learning, making it hard for the brain to collect experiences needed for normal cognitive development.

Common pain relief medication may encourage cancer growth
Although morphine has been the gold-standard treatment for postoperative and chronic cancer pain for two centuries, a growing body of evidence is showing that opiate-based painkillers can stimulate the growth and spread of cancer cells.
More Drug Current Events and Drug News Articles
Nursing2010 Drug Handbook with Web Toolkit (Nursing Drug Handbook)

Nursing2010 Drug Handbook with Web Toolkit (Nursing Drug Handbook)
by Springhouse (Editor)

The 30th edition of the best-selling, original drug handbook for nurses has been revised and updated to appeal to the education market as well as the practice market! This comprehensive reference provides complete monographs for more than 900 generic and 3,000 trade drugs. The monographs are consistently formatted for ease of use, and they focus on the practical information that practicing nurses need. Each monograph consists of generic and trade names, pronunciation key, pregnancy risk category, pharmacologic class, controlled substance schedule (if applicable), available forms, indications and dosages, administration (with drug incompatibilities for I.V. drugs), action (including tables showing route, onset, peak, duration, and half-life), adverse reactions, interactions, effects on lab...

Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy (Third Edition)

Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy (Third Edition)
by Cynthia Kuhn (Author), Scott Swartzwelder (Author), Wilkie Wilson (Author)

The third edition of the essential, accessible source for understanding how drugs work and their effects on body and behavior. Together, the first two editions of Buzzed have sold over 120,000 copies—and now the authors have revised and updated the book to include the most recent discoveries about drugs, including new information on the energy drinks craze, prescription drugs such as OxyContin and Ambien, and the date-rape drug GHB. Scientifically accurate and easy to read, this no-nonsense handbook gives the most balanced, objective information available on the most often used and abused drugs, from alcohol, caffeine, and ...

Nursing2009 Drug Handbook with Web Toolkit (Nursing Drug Handbook)

Nursing2009 Drug Handbook with Web Toolkit (Nursing Drug Handbook)
by Rita M. Doyle (Editor)

The 29th edition of the best-selling, original drug handbook for nurses has been revamped expressly to appeal to the education market as well as the practice market. This comprehensive reference provides complete monographs for more than 900 generic and 3,000 trade drugs. The monographs are consistently formatted for ease of use, and they focus on the practical information that practicing nurses need. Each monograph consists of generic and trade names, pregnancy risk category, controlled substance schedule (if applicable), available forms, indications and dosages (including dosage adjustments) administration for all routes (plus I.V. drug incompatibilities (for I.V. drugs), drug action (including tables showing route, onset, peak, and duration), adverse reactions, interactions, effects...

National Geographic: World's Most Dangerous Drug

National Geographic: World's Most Dangerous Drug
Starring: Artist Not Provided

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 01/16/2007

Illegal Drugs: A Complete Guide to their History, Chemistry, Use, and Abuse

Illegal Drugs: A Complete Guide to their History, Chemistry, Use, and Abuse
by Paul Gahlinger (Author)

Does Ecstasy cause brain damage? Why is crack more addictive than cocaine? What questions regarding drugs are legal to ask in a job interview? When does marijuana possession carry a greater prison sentence than murder?

Illegal Drugs is the first comprehensive reference to offer timely, pertinent information on every drug currently prohibited by law in the United States. It includes their histories, chemical properties and effects, medical uses and recreational abuses, and associated health problems, as well as addiction and treatment information.

Additional survey chapters discuss general and historical information on illegal drug use, the effect of drugs on the brain, the war on drugs, drugs in the workplace, the economy and culture of illegal drugs, and...

Lexi-Comp's Drug Information Handbook 2009 - 2010

Lexi-Comp's Drug Information Handbook 2009 - 2010
by Charles F. Lacy (Author), Charles F. Lacy (Editor)

"The Drug Information Handbook" continues to set the industry standard with hundreds of thousands of copies sold! This easy-to-use reference is a must-have for all clinicians and healthcare professionals seeking quick access to concise, comprehensive drug information. Endorsed by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), "Lexi-Comp's Drug Information Handbook" is trusted by practitioners everywhere to help improve patient outcomes and prevent medication errors. Covering over 5500 medications, the "Drug Information Handbook" contains 1,453 drug monographs, including 43 new monographs and hundreds of updates. Monographs encompass up to 34 fields of information, including detailed content on dosage, drug interactions, and adverse reactions. Supplementing the drug information is an...

  Drug Humor - T-shirts - Humor
by Rockabilia



First Check 12 Drug Test, Home

First Check 12 Drug Test, Home
by First Check

5 Prescription Drugs (See Warnings): Tricyclic Antidepressants; Barbiturates; Benzodiazepines; Methadone; Oxycodone. 7 Illicit Drugs: Marijuana; Cocaine; Opiates (Heroin); Methamphetamine; Ecstasy; Amphetamine; Phencyclidine (PCP). FDA Cleared. Results in

Mosby's 2010 Nursing Drug Reference (SKIDMORE NURSING DRUG REFERENCE)

Mosby's 2010 Nursing Drug Reference (SKIDMORE NURSING DRUG REFERENCE)
by Linda Skidmore-Roth RN MSN NP (Author)

If you are going to buy one drug handbook - this should be the one. No other drug handbook enables you to access reliable drug information quicker. With an A-Z organization, each drug is easy to find. But what's even better is the fact that Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference gives you the most complete drug information for each drug, including uses, side effects, and interactions. Key nursing considerations are identified to help you assess, administer, evaluate, and teach your patients. Instructions for giving drugs by various routes (e.g., PO, IM, IV) are also included. You will ALWAYS find the latest and most trustworthy drug information in Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference. There is a difference in drug handbooks - put your trust in Mosby, the leading name in nursing...

American Drug War: The Last White Hope

American Drug War: The Last White Hope
Starring: Tommy Chong, Freeway Ricky Ross, Sheriff Joe Arapio, Ron Paul, Mike Ruppert
Directed By: Kevin Booth

This Authorized DVD copy is intended for educational purposes only.DVD will come in a blank dvd case with written title Over 4 years, 4 festival wins Sold out screenings from California to Manchester England. Angered by the death of several family members from the "legal Drugs" of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Pharmaceuticals - Texas filmmaker Kevin Booth delves into a world of deceit and corruption controlled by a drug dealing government who's only allegiance is to its corporate masters.

© 2009 BrightSurf.com