Researchers at TSRI have discovered a protein called TZAP that regulates telomere length, which is crucial for determining cell lifespan and preventing cancer. Understanding this process opens up new avenues for studying aging and developing treatments.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that lipid rafts on cell surfaces act as compartments to keep enzymes from mixing with their binding partners. Disrupting these rafts through touch triggers a signal that communicates the touch to responsive proteins in the cell.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have developed a new protease tool to study protein structure and post-translational modifications, which can alter protein stability and function. The new tool helps shed light on these chemical changes and could lead to new tools for mass spectrometry.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) identify distinct neural ensembles controlling reward-seeking and suppression behaviors. The study sheds light on the brain's storage of opposing memories, a long-debated topic in neuroscience.
Researchers at Scripps Florida have identified a novel signaling circuit driving therapy resistance in advanced prostate cancer. Targeting the components of this circuit, such as the NF-kB pathway and microRNA miR-196b-3p, shows promise in blocking the expression of stem cell transcription factors that fuel aggressive tumor growth.
Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute developed a novel approach for identifying how chemicals in the environment can produce infertility and promote breast cancer. The new method uses high-resolution imaging techniques to visualize the effects of estrogenic chemicals on cells.
A TSRI study found that the Piezo2 protein plays a critical role in sensing lung expansion and regulating breathing. Researchers discovered that newborn mice lacking Piezo2 channel show severe respiratory distress, while adult mice with deleted channels inhale more air than normal.
Researchers found a balance between two genes, spns1 and atp6v0ca, that maintains normal cell function. Disrupting one gene can induce premature aging, while the other can suppress degradation, extending lifespan in zebrafish.
Researchers at TSRI reveal precisely how popular flu treatment Arbidol works, stopping the virus from entering host cells. The study's findings could guide the development of future broad-spectrum therapeutics against influenza virus.
Researchers developed an efficient process to rapidly discover new 'enediyne natural products' from soil microbes that could be further developed into extremely potent anticancer drugs. The study highlights microbial natural products as abundant sources of new drug leads, saving time and resources compared to traditional approaches.
Ron Davis, a Scripps Florida scientist, has been awarded a $5 million Outstanding Investigator Grant to investigate the biological processes underlying memory formation. The grant aims to understand how the brain organizes memories and suppresses their formation, with potential applications in treating neurological disorders.
Researchers found that a typical American diet increased the likelihood of obesity in offspring, even if mothers maintained a healthy weight. The study identified key biomarkers for detecting obesity risk, emphasizing the need for healthcare providers to discuss nutrition with pregnant women.
Researchers at TSRI have designed precision medicines that target disease-causing RNAs with high selectivity and potency. The study demonstrates the ability to track RNA movement in diseased cells using imaging techniques.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered that a human enzyme has evolved to change its shape and function without major architectural changes. This unique ability allows the enzyme to carry out new roles in humans, shedding light on diseases linked to mutations in aminoacyl tRNA synthetases.
Researchers developed a 'biased' KOR agonist that suppresses pain and itch while avoiding common side effects like sedation and dysphoria. This breakthrough offers a promising new way to treat pain and intractable itch without the potential for abuse.
Researchers at TSRI developed a vaccine that blocks the pain-numbing effects of oxycodone and hydrocodone in animal models, also decreasing the risk of fatal opioid overdose. The vaccine uses the immune system's ability to recognize and neutralize invaders, potentially depriving users of euphoria.
Researchers discovered that flies slept more after consuming larger meals, with protein and salt promoting sleep. The study suggests that 'food coma' might be a natural adaptation to maximize gut absorption of essential nutrients.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new structure-based drug design strategy to target the estrogen receptor, reducing resistance and side effects in hormone-driven breast cancer treatments. The approach uses x-ray crystallography to visualize how drugs interact with the receptor, allowing for the creation of bio...
A new study by TSRI researchers suggests that disruptions in circadian rhythms may leave levels of an important cancer-linked protein, called cMYC, unchecked. This connection has significant implications for the link between daily rhythms and cell growth.
Scripps Florida scientists have identified a specific signaling circuit in the brain involved in motor activity, which could lead to therapies for untreatable brain disorders. A protein interaction network helps control motor function by inhibiting dopamine signaling.
Researchers from Scripps Florida have identified a biochemical cascade called the mTOR pathway that regulates growth in the developing brain as a key factor in autism. Mutations in PTEN affect the assembly of connections between brain areas important for social cue processing, leading to abnormal activity and deficits.
Researchers at TSRI have found that Piezo 1 directly senses force by detecting tension in the cell membrane. This breakthrough has significant implications for designing better pain medications and exploring future therapies for hypertension, hemophilia, and other diseases.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a sub-region in the medial prefrontal cortex that synthesizes proteins for contextual fear memory. Inhibiting protein synthesis before memory formation prevents long-term recall, highlighting the critical role of early protein synthesis.
A study by TSRI researchers reveals that macrophages can create vessel-like structures for delivering oxygen and nutrients to growing tumors, promoting cancer progression. This finding could lead to novel cancer therapies targeting immune system cells.
A new study co-led by TSRI scientists suggests that Ebola virus gained a genetic mutation, GP-A82V, which helps it better target human cells. This mutation emerged early in the epidemic and caused about 90% of infections during the recent outbreak.
Researchers created small-molecule probes to discover and characterize novel protein modifications, including a previously unknown glyoxylyl group attachment. The study uncovered dozens of proteins with apparent electrophiles that have never been characterized.
A Scripps Florida team has illuminated a key molecular player in the addictive effects of morphine. The protein neurofibromin 1 is also disrupted in an inherited disorder called neurofibromatosis type 1, which causes chronic pain and other symptoms.
Researchers found that the key viral protein used in candidate HCV vaccines is surprisingly flexible, elicit a wide variety of antibodies that cannot block viral infection. This flexibility may be why current vaccines have been ineffective in preventing HCV infection.
An international team of scientists has created a three-dimensional atomic-level image of the human cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), revealing an expansive and complicated binding pocket network. The findings have potential to guide drug design for pain, inflammation, obesity, fibrosis, and other indications.
Researchers studied Zika virus's effects on animal models during early postnatal development and at weaning, finding increased apoptosis in certain brain areas and cell types. This knowledge could help develop treatments for Zika-related birth defects such as microcephaly.
Researchers have been awarded a grant to develop a novel medication that can erase memories associated with addiction. The drug candidate, blebbistatin, has shown promise in animal models by producing a permanent loss of meth-associated memories without affecting other types of recall.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a new therapeutic target for obesity and type 2 diabetes, IP6K1. The protein promotes fat accumulation by slowing down the breakdown of fat and enhancing weight gain in animal models.
Researchers at TSRI and STSI used 'molecular autopsies' to detect gene mutations responsible for sudden deaths. In 40% of cases, molecular autopsies revealed a likely or plausible cause of death, often variants of genes inherited from relatives.
The National Institutes of Health has expanded a five-year funding award to The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) from $120 million to $207 million. TSRI will lead the effort to engage one million or more U.S. participants in a historic medical research effort aimed at improving disease prevention and treatment based on individual diff...
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute are exploring the applications of 'click chemistry' for cancer research and polymer development. A new four-year project aims to understand the role of fucosylated sugar molecules in cancer, while another project seeks to create new clicked polymers with improved properties.
Researchers describe a potential vaccination strategy to jump-start the selection and evolution of broadly effective antibodies against HIV. They plan to test this approach in an upcoming human clinical trial, promising progress toward a human vaccine.
A new study led by TSRI researchers found that a compound can specifically inactivate alcohol-linked neurons, reversing compulsive drinking behavior in rats. The findings suggest a potential new approach to treating alcohol dependence.
The new TSRI method enables the construction of beta-chiral centers in chiral drug molecules by selectively replacing a hydrogen atom. This breakthrough accelerates the development of chiral drugs, which are often necessary for treating diseases with asymmetrical molecular structures.
Researchers found that blocking calcium entry into mitochondria impaired memory, but allowed for learning in fruit flies. The study suggests a developmental role for mitochondrial calcium uniporter complex in regulating adult memory.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have determined a previously unknown structure of proteins key to making terpenoids, a family of molecules encompassing successful cancer treatments. The study provides insight into how Nature makes these compounds and may lead to engineering structural diversity in bacteria.
A TSRI study found that a compound blocking the activity of brain-cell receptors can reverse signs of cocaine dependency in rodents, supporting a new therapeutic strategy against addiction. The treatment reduced behavioral measures of cocaine use and dependency, accompanied by normal TrkB signaling activity.
Researchers at TSRI have made a breakthrough in treating aqueous deficiency dry eye (ADDE), also known as painful blindness, by injecting regenerative progenitor cells into the lacrimal gland. The treatment shows significant promise in restoring tear production and repairing damaged gland tissue.
Researchers at TSRI successfully created a ribozyme capable of synthesizing complex RNA molecules with mixed sequences, showing promise for replicating the ancient RNA world. The new ribozyme can perform both RNA synthesis and replication, a crucial step towards creating a self-sustaining RNA-based life form.
A new study by TSRI and NIH scientists found that hypocretin levels may contribute to cocaine addiction. Blocking hypocretin activity reduced compulsive drug-seeking behavior in rat models. The research suggests a potential role for the hypocretin system as a pharmacological target for treating cocaine addiction.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a high-resolution view of how the ZMapp experimental therapy targets Ebola virus. The study revealed detailed images of the protein structures, providing new clues to improve the effectiveness of the antibodies in the treatment.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) found that members of a cluster of microRNAs work together throughout the stages of immune cell generation. Different miRNAs dominate different stages as disease-targeting immune cells develop, guiding the development of therapies against autoimmune diseases.
A new study by TSRI scientists identifies microRNA-155 as a key player in regulating protein levels and combating disease. The researchers found that miR-155 works by repressing a protein called Peli1, promoting normal T cell proliferation and antibody production.
A new study suggests a dual-targeting drug candidate could treat both type 2 diabetes and bone disease by expanding bone formation and turnover. The compound has shown promise in increasing bone mass regardless of body mass index.
The Scripps Research Institute has received a grant to support safety and quality tests of a potential stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease. The two-year project will investigate induced pluripotent stem cells derived from adult subjects, which can differentiate into dopamine-producing neurons.
Researchers at TSRI have identified 79 potential molecules that activate the ATF6 arm of the UPR, a signaling network that enhances editing or protein quality control. The compounds mimic the normal activation of ATF6, leading to the generation of chaperone proteins that can help prevent misfolding events associated with disease.