New research highlights matricellular proteins as key targets for treating common ocular disorders. The special issue explores the function of these proteins and their role in inflammation and blood vessel formation in the eye.
Four UC San Diego School of Medicine researchers have received the NCI Outstanding Investigator Award for their groundbreaking research in cancer. Kun-Liang Guan, Tannishtha Reya, Jin Zhang, and Michael Karin will receive multi-million-dollar awards to fund new projects tackling cell growth, cancer detection, and treatment.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine reveal a more accurate structure of Protein Kinase C (PKC), providing new targets to fine-tune the enzyme's activity. The corrected structure suggests ways to turn PKC 'on' for cancer treatment and 'off' for neurodegenerative disease treatment.
Researchers found that St John's Wort produces the same adverse reactions as antidepressants, including anxiety, panic attacks, and dizziness. The study highlights the need for people to seek advice from qualified healthcare practitioners when using herbal medicines like St John's Wort.
The study identifies two enzymes, KDM4A and KDM4C, which alter gene expression in embryonic stem cells to direct their differentiation into endothelial cells. The enzymes work through epigenetic modifications, changing the activity of genes without altering DNA itself.
Phelps was recognized for his contributions to nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, including the invention of PET scanners. His work has improved outcomes for patients with cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease.
A team of researchers from Montana State University has identified a new chemical compound called IQ-1S that shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that IQ-1S significantly reduced the severity of collagen-induced arthritis and inhibited the destruction of cartilage and bone.
Researchers discovered a critical role of the body clock in controlling the immune response to infection. A microRNA called miR-155 helps stop the macrophage clock, allowing it to become inflamed, while restoring clock function may provide new therapies for inflammatory disorders.
Scientists at Northwestern University have synthesized four new chemical compounds with antipsychotic properties using natural products from plant species used in traditional healing practices in Nigeria. These compounds show promise in improving cognitive impairment in animal models, a partially effective treatment for schizophrenia.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that menthol, often used as a flavoring, has a significant pharmacologic effect when combined with nicotine. The study revealed that menthol slows or prevents the recovery of sensitivity after the first insult, placing receptors in a desensitized state.
Two Yale researchers received the Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair, Dr. John Elsworth for his work on cell-based therapies and Dr. Cesar Borlongan for his groundbreaking stem cell therapy research. Their awards recognize significant contributions to neural therapy and brain repair.
Scientists found a receptor protein called gp130 that activates signaling pathways stimulating stem cell proliferation and survival, leading to healing and repair. This discovery has implications for developing new treatments for colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
USF scientists found that statins produce a significant reduction in cholesterol levels but have failed to substantially improve cardiovascular outcomes. The researchers argue that advocates for statins have used statistical deception to inflate their effectiveness and downplay adverse effects.
A new study suggests that nicotine's metabolite cotinine amplifies the effect of acetylcholine, a primary chemical messenger involved in learning and memory, potentially providing therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's and other memory disorders. Cotinine may also have synergistic effects with existing Alzheimer's therapies.
A new review highlights techniques to provide optimal dosing recommendations for patients with kidney disease. Mathematical modeling tools can help analyze clinical program level data to inform dosing decisions.
High-dose atorvastatin therapy has been linked to reduced blood levels of creatinine and lower incidence of acute kidney injury in heart surgery patients. This finding comes from an analysis of 14 randomized controlled clinical trials involving 1689 patients.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have gained new insight into the dopamine transporter mechanism, which could lead to the development of a cocaine antidote. The discovery highlights an interaction between amino acids that controls access for dopamine to its binding site in the protein.
A novel molecular mechanism has been uncovered that tightens the bonds between cells lining blood vessels in mice, potentially preventing fluid leakage and improving survival rates. The discovery could lead to the development of new therapies targeting acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a fatal condition in approximately half ...
Researchers at CWRU School of Medicine discovered the mechanism behind enzyme Lecithin: retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) storing vitamin A, essential for vision. The study reveals that modifying LRAT's enzymatic activity can be used to transport small molecule drugs to the eye, reducing systemic side effects.
Researchers found that menthol reduces irritation from nicotine by desensitizing airway receptors. The study provides insight into how menthol affects the function of α3β4 receptors, which are expressed in both airways and other neurons.
Researchers at Lund University have identified a mechanism that creates cold-induced pain, linking it to the same receptor that reacts to pungent substances in mustard and garlic. This discovery could help those with cold allodynia, a common problem among patients with chronic pain or nervous system diseases.
Researchers develop mathematical toolkit that analyzes cancer mutation data, revealing common and rare mutations have equal impact on tumor behavior. The study also finds that mutations cause subtle, precise alterations in protein communication pathways, enabling targeted therapies.
A new vaccine is being developed to help smokers quit by blocking the physiological pleasure that nicotine elicits in the brain. The vaccine uses biodegradable nanoparticles to prevent nicotine molecules from entering the brain, reducing cravings and addiction.
UCSF researchers develop SunTag technology to precisely turn genes on and off, revolutionizing CRISPR applications. The technique has broad implications for reprogramming cells and understanding diseases.
A team of researchers uncovered how Protein Kinase A II-beta changes shape in response to cAMP, revealing its internal architecture and ability to regulate energy consumption and hormone interactions.
A new study found that rosuvastatin is more effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein subfractions in prediabetic patients than those with normal glucose levels. The medication led to a greater decrease in small dense lipoproteins, considered particularly harmful.
Recent research highlights the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms on medication absorption and availability in autism patients. Alternative modes of drug administration are needed to provide more effective therapy.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new journal focused on cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, aiming to improve the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. The journal will publish original research, invited editorials, and reviews by prestigious authors, with the goal of becoming the leading journal in this field.
A NUS study shows that artesunate, a common anti-malarial drug, can effectively control asthma with improved treatment outcomes and lesser side effects. The research reveals artesunate's ability to suppress airway inflammation and produce anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of dexamethasone.
Researchers found that L-carnitine administration improved axon area, myelin sheath area, and numerical density of myelinated axons, suggesting neuroprotective effects on sciatic nerve crush injury in rats. These findings indicate potential benefits of L-carnitine for treating nerve damage.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a peptide in semen that enhances HIV infection by up to 10,000 times. The findings suggest that healthy epithelial cells are resistant to the toxicity of these protein enhancers.
A group of industry and regulatory scientists released consensus recommendations for assessing the safety pharmacology evaluations of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics. The guidelines emphasize the importance of safety pharmacology studies to evaluate cardiovascular function effects.
A study has identified a genetic mutation that may cause parkinsonism in young people, particularly those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The mutation affects the brain's transport of dopamine, leading to movement disorders and mental health issues.
The Pew Charitable Trusts and Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust launched a new scholars program targeting cancer research. Five promising early-career scientists will receive funding for innovative research using genetics, pharmacology, and structural biology.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that orexin proteins play a crucial role in both promoting and blocking bone formation. This dual regulation may provide new targets for treating osteoporosis, particularly by inhibiting orexin receptor 1 or activating orexin receptor 2.
Researchers at Penn University's Center for Environmental Toxicology will study asbestos exposure pathways and develop methods for bioremediation. The study aims to identify factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma and determine if genetic or environmental factors play a role.
A new animal study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that male mice exposed to alcohol before breeding had less likely offspring who consumed less alcohol and were more sensitive to its effects. The study suggests environmental factors, such as epigenetics, may play a role in shaping drinking behaviors.
Researchers explore new approaches to managing intraocular fluid buildup in the trabecular meshwork, a key structure controlling eye pressure. The development of next-generation glaucoma therapies aims to improve treatment options for those at risk of glaucoma.
Researchers at UPMC Cancer Institute discover plant-derived compounds that selectively target breast cancer cells, inhibiting growth and inducing death. These findings offer potential new approaches to preventing and fighting breast cancer.
Narine Sarvazyan invents a new organ, the 'mini heart', made of cardiac muscle cells, to help return venous blood flow. The cuff can be created from patient's own adult stem cells, eliminating rejection risk and treating chronic diseases like venous insufficiency.
Researchers at Plant & Food Research identified falcarinol-type compounds that inhibit transport mechanisms interfering with cancer chemotherapy. These compounds, found in carrots and parsley, may complement conventional treatments to deliver better results for patients.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a key protein target for shutting down the growth of prostate cancer cells. ERG protein is transformed into cancer cells by an enzyme called USP9X, but a molecule called WP1130 can block this process.
A UCLA research team has developed a treatment that blocks two metabolic pathways needed by leukemia cells, halting their growth and leading to cell death. The experimental treatment showed promising results in mice with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
A new study found that malnutrition in pregnant African women reduces the effectiveness of HIV treatment, with up to 41% decrease in antiretroviral exposure. The research highlights the need for nutritional support in HIV-infected pregnant women.
Lactate triggers the release of noradrenaline, a hormone fundamental to brain function, via an unknown receptor. This discovery opens new avenues for pharmacology and could lead to novel treatments for conditions like stress, pain and depression.
Researchers discovered that valproic acid activates AMPK, which reduces fat accumulation in the liver and lowers blood sugar levels in obese mice. Treated mice showed decreased blood sugar levels and a stabilization of weight.
Research reveals that fetal exposure to nicotine increases long-term risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome in offspring, as the liver produces more triglycerides. The study found that pregnant rats exposed to nicotine had an increased risk of developing these conditions later in life.
A recent study by McGill University researchers discovered a direct link between brain metabolism and signaling, which may explain why seizures in some epilepsy patients can be controlled with a specially formulated diet. The research also found that the mitochondria of brain cells play a crucial role in energy production and signaling.
Researchers develop 'Swiss-Army-Knife' molecule to capture RNA from individual cells in their natural tissue environment. This non-invasive method allows for the analysis of how cell-to-cell chemical connections influence gene expression and protein production.
Research found that adult nomograms for Vancomycin dosage calculations are not accurate for children over 10, highlighting the need for personalized dosing regimens. The study's authors recommend further studies to determine the most effective dosing methods for teenagers between 10 and 18 years old.
The US Army's new strategic research plan aims to improve treatment outcomes for traumatic brain injury by identifying critical research priority areas. The report highlights six main target areas, including pharmacological interventions and preclinical drug assessment.
Researchers found that HIV protein Tat alters synaptic connections between nerve cells, leading to neurocognitive impairment in infected patients. The changes appear to be a protective response resulting from the over-excitation of the network by Tat.
Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine are leading panels on various aspects of geroscience at the NIH symposium. The event aims to understand the biological processes underlying aging and its impact on chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Researchers at Monash University have combined computer modelling with pharmacology to gain new insights into how the body interacts with novel drug treatments. The study reveals alternative drug recognition sites on G protein-coupled receptors, which play a role in virtually every biological process and most diseases.
A team of researchers at Mount Sinai used systems biology and big data analysis to find that combining diabetes drug rosiglitazone with exanatide reduced heart attacks. The approach identifies potential safer combinations, sparking interest in repurposing FDA-approved drugs.
A study published in British Journal of Pharmacology found that naringenin from citrus fruits successfully blocks the formation of kidney cysts, a common disorder leading to loss of kidney function. The component was shown to regulate the PKD2 protein responsible for polycystic kidney disease.
The Albert Einstein Cancer Center has received a $17 million NIH grant to continue its research into cancer's underlying causes and new approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. With the renewal of this grant, AECC will investigate five interdisciplinary research programs supported by 14 specialized shared resource facilities.
Researchers found that activating CREM accelerates therapeutic efficacy of current antidepressants, increasing nerve growth in the hippocampus and reducing treatment time to just one or two days. This discovery could lead to faster-acting drug targets for depression.
Researchers from the University of Adelaide found that codeine provides less pain relief than morphine but increases sensitivity to pain equally. This could be a problem for individuals with chronic pain who need ongoing medication, highlighting the need for further research and potential alternatives.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have developed a new technology, DREADD, to study behaviors and cellular function in fruit flies. The system allows for precise control of behavior and physiological processes, enabling scientists to model human diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.