A new study from Scripps Research Institute found that sleep loss cannot be explained by caffeine intake alone, but rather by changes in feeding behavior. The research suggests that studying sleep and eating together could lead to the development of therapies for metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a method for creating modified DNA-based hydrogels with unique properties. These hydrogels can be dissolved, reformed, and retain their biochemical activity, making them suitable for various applications such as drug delivery and cell growth.
Researchers used a proteomics platform to identify proteins with reactive cysteines in non-small-cell lung cancer cells, which could be targeted by drugs. The study found that targeting the protein NR0B1 reduced abnormal growth in NRF2-activated lung cancers.
TSRI researchers studied the interactions between Avandia, a nuclear receptor, and coregulatory protein SRC-2, revealing how DNA binding affects drug potency and receptor shape. This knowledge could lead to designing new antidiabetic drugs with better efficacy and fewer side effects.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have developed a peptide probe that can detect non-native TTR oligomers, potentially leading to early diagnosis and treatment of amyloid diseases. The study revealed higher levels of non-native TTR oligomers in patients with TTR amyloid polyneuropathy.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute developed artificial peptide molecules that neutralize a broad range of influenza virus strains. The peptides show high binding affinity and potent ability to neutralize infections with these viruses.
Researchers identified glycans as a critical anchor for antibodies that can broadly neutralize the virus, suggesting vaccines targeting this region may elicit effective protection. The discovery could speed efforts to develop a successful HIV vaccine.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discover a way to reprogram mature skin-like cells into stem cells using antibodies, potentially reducing mutations and improving properties. This method could lead to personalized cell therapies and organ regeneration.
The CRISPR-Cpf1 gene editing system has been improved by incorporating a firefly gene, enabling the simultaneous targeting of multiple genes in human cells. This advance could be useful for treating diseases such as hepatitis B and muscular dystrophy.
Researchers at Scripps Florida and collaborators have won a $7.2 million grant to develop new RNA-based treatments for ALS and frontotemporal dementia. The project aims to create small-molecule drug candidates that target the root cause of these diseases.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute found that influenza viruses handicapped by a single mutation can overcome their disadvantage when combined with other mutations. This phenomenon, known as epistasis, could lead to better development of flu vaccines and therapies.
The TSRI anti-heroin vaccine has been shown to neutralize heroin and its psychoactive products, blocking them from reaching the brain to cause a feeling of euphoria. Researchers believe this could help eliminate motivation for relapse in recovering addicts.
A team led by Kathryn Hastie and Erica Ollmann Saphire at The Scripps Research Institute has solved the structure of Lassa virus's surface glycoprotein, a key step in developing a vaccine. The breakthrough provides a blueprint to design a Lassa virus vaccine, which could help combat the deadly arenavirus family.
Neurofibromatosis type I, an inherited disorder affecting brain development and function, will be studied by Assistant Professor Seth Tomchik. The disease predisposes individuals to behavioral symptoms such as ADHD, autism-like symptoms, learning disabilities, and chronic pain.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a way to make vancomycin, an existing antibiotic, even more potent by adding three independent mechanisms of action. This new version has a 1,000-fold increase in activity against bacteria, making it a promising alternative to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have designed a mimic of the viral protein from a different HIV subtype, subtype C, to combat many strains of HIV. The new immunogen was tested in non-human primates and showed promising results in eliciting neutralizing antibodies.
A simple copper complex has been found to shut down the deadly botulinum neurotoxin, which causes paralysis and death. The discovery was made by scientists at Scripps Research Institute using a triazole compound provided by Nobel laureate K. Barry Sharpless.
Researchers analyzed Zika genome to understand future pandemic prevention and found that transmission began in Florida at least four times. Travel from the Caribbean Islands significantly contributed to cases of Zika reaching Miami.
Researchers have discovered a more favorable virus species for delivering genes, as its surface structure avoids liver toxicity. This could enable the use of viruses in gene therapies and vaccine development.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute uncover how a protein called angiomotin regulates the Hippo-YAP pathway, a key signaling system in cells that controls cell growth and division. The study sheds light on the protein's role in cancer development and provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying diseases such as fibrosis.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute discovered that invasive tumors can send out tumor cells earlier than thought, which may seed secondary tumors years later. The escaping cells enter the bloodstream by entering blood vessels deep within the dense tumor core, upending the long-held belief about metastatic cell origin.
Researchers found that a protein called HUWE1 helps balance nerve cell communication, which is essential for preventing intellectual disability. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying intellectual disability and could lead to potential treatments.
Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute found that neurons can form networks independently of synaptic activity, suggesting genetic programs control neural circuit assembly. These findings were confirmed by a complementary study at the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a decarboxylative alkenylation method that turns carboxylic acids into olefins in relatively few steps, enabling the discovery and development of new drugs and chemical products. This approach simplifies traditional methods, allowing for better control over molecule geometry and synthesis logic.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a broad and strikingly easy method for synthesizing boronic acid-based drugs, which could treat COPD and cystic fibrosis. The new method uses inexpensive carboxylic acids to create similar structures, offering potential for superior properties.
A new study by Scripps Research Institute reveals a key difference in the brains of alcohol-dependent and nondependent rats. Alcohol increases activity in the central amygdala through two distinct brain signaling pathways, which can be targeted for personalized treatments.
Professor Michael Farzan of Scripps Research Institute has received a $4.8 million grant to bring an HIV vaccine closer to human clinical trials. The project aims to develop an 'off switch' that halts production of antibodies and makes the vaccine safe for long-term exposure.
Researchers at TSRI have found a way to tether HIV-fighting antibodies to immune cells, creating a cell population resistant to the virus. This technique could potentially cure HIV by quickly replacing diseased cells.
A new study from Scripps Research Institute suggests that a synthetic small molecule called Isoxazole-9 can block the formation of new neurons in the brain, leading to reduced drug-seeking behavior and preventing relapse. The study found that Isoxazole-9 also repaired structural changes in neurons exposed to methamphetamine.
Researchers have discovered how viruses disable CRISPR-Cas systems, a sophisticated defense mechanism against bacterial infections. Anti-CRISPR proteins lock down the system's ability to identify and attack viral DNA, making them 'exceptionally clever' evolutionary tools.
Scientists at TSRI have developed a method to analyze the glycan shield on HIV's protective outer glycoprotein, enabling the creation of a 'fingerprint' to identify potential vaccine targets. The new method saves time and has revealed that the glycoprotein does not have as many holes as previously predicted.
Researchers from TSRI and Harvard Medical School identified a new class of compounds that reduce glucose production in the liver, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose balance. The compound SR-18292 modifies PGC-1α protein, leading to reduced glucose production and offering potential for anti-diabetes treatment.
Scientists have found that two immune system molecules, interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), may drive drug resistance in estrogen-driven breast cancers by modifying the shape of the estrogen receptor. This finding could lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
Researchers developed a new drug delivery method using antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) that show high precision and stability. The method successfully treated hard-to-treat solid and liquid tumors, including HER2 breast cancer and CD138 multiple myeloma, without harming healthy cells.
Scientists have designed two new drug candidates that target specific types of cancer by binding to defective RNAs. The compounds, called Targapremir-18a and Targapremir-210, successfully kill prostate and triple negative breast cancer cells without causing broader side effects.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a disordered protein, CITED2, that outcompetes another protein, HIF1α, for cellular binding targets. This finding has implications for future cancer drugs, suggesting a more efficient approach to interrupting cancer cell survival mode.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a versatile molecule-building tool to create new drugs and chemical products by modifying difficult-to-access sites on target molecules. The new template, which anchors reversibly to heterocycle backbones, eliminates reaction steps and is required in small quantities.
Scientists identify α2δ4 as essential for photoreceptors to connect with neural circuit, enabling proper vision. The study suggests manipulating α2δ4 may help preserve vision in degenerative conditions like age-related macular degeneration.
A new study has demonstrated that patients with non-MRI-conditional pacemakers and defibrillators can undergo MRI at 1.5 tesla without harm when screened and monitored according to the MagnaSafe protocol. The researchers observed no device failures or cardiac arrhythmias in 1,500 patients.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have identified a protein that promotes fat accumulation in animal models by slowing down energy breakdown. Deleting this protein's gene, IP6K1, has been shown to protect animals from both obesity and diabetes, regardless of diet or body temperature.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have been awarded $3.3 million to create a new class of anti-cancer drugs called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). These ADCs target aggressive breast cancer types with high efficiency.
TSRI researchers found that overactive CRF signaling in the amygdala produces a range of effects that override anandamide's stress-reducing capabilities, turning chronic stress into unchecked anxiety. Inhibiting FAAH could blunt CRF's effects and reduce signs of anxiety.
Researchers discovered that human umbilical endothelial cells are more susceptible to Zika infection, allowing it to access the fetal bloodstream. The virus uses a cell surface molecule called AXL to exploit a secret passage, enabling it to cause birth defects such as microcephaly and eye damage.
Researchers at TSRI unveil a new technique for constructing chiral drug molecules using an α-chiral center, enabling the synthesis of valuable products. The method requires only inexpensive and widely available starting chemicals, mimicking enzymes in cells to create asymmetry.
TSRI scientists found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) reduces the compulsion to use heroin in rat models of addiction. DBS-treated rats kept their heroin intake stable at a low level, even after abstinence periods, whereas control rats escalated their intake.
A new study led by TSRI researchers discovered early brain changes in patients with Fragile X syndrome, a disorder affecting brain development. The study found that the mutation on the X chromosome triggers genome-wide DNA methylation changes, which may help explain similarities with autism spectrum disorder.
Researchers at TSRI identified a brain hormone called FLP-7 that stimulates fat metabolism without affecting food intake. By studying roundworms and visualizing the hormone in living animals, they found a direct link between serotonin levels in the brain and FLP-7 production, which triggers fat burning in the gut.
A Scripps Florida team has been awarded $1.8 million to develop drug candidates for diseases such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders. The researchers will focus on inhibiting the ASK1 enzyme, which has shown promise in reducing heart cell death and improving resistance to stress-related diseases.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have created the first stable semisynthetic organism that can hold onto synthetic base pair X and Y indefinitely as it divides. This breakthrough uses a combination of genetic tools, including CRISPR-Cas9, to enable the organism to stably maintain the new base pairs.
Researchers at TSRI develop a versatile method to quickly find small molecules that bind to hundreds of thousands of proteins in their native cellular environment. The method enables the discovery of new drugs and the study of proteins, with potential applications for understanding diseases such as type 2 diabetes.