Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute uncover a novel mechanism for incorporating sulfur into natural products, which has implications for advancing new therapies beyond cancer. The study provides insights into the chemistry of polyketide synthases and could lead to the development of new antitumor agents.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a bacterial enzyme that can degrade nicotine, offering a potential alternative to smoking cessation aids. The enzyme, NicA2 from Pseudomonas putida, has shown promising characteristics for drug development, including stability in lab settings and minimal toxic byproducts.
Aging is shown to cripple the production of new immune cells, decreasing the immune response. Antioxidants in the diet may slow this process, suggesting a key role for antioxidants in mitigating age-related immune decline.
Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute have developed a new therapy that selectively erases drug-associated memories, preventing relapse in animal models of methamphetamine addiction. The treatment, which involves a single injection of blebbistatin, successfully disrupted long-term storage of drug-related memories and blocked r...
Researchers at Scripps Florida will study RORs, molecules that regulate circadian rhythm and carbohydrate metabolism, to better understand their role in neurological disorders. The new grant aims to expand the understanding of these receptors and develop experimental compounds for treating conditions like depression and bipolar disease.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute will explore therapeutic potential of proteins regulating human health and associated diseases like Parkinson's and arthritis.
The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded $4.5 million in grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support HIV vaccine development. The new funding will enable scientists to screen immunogens and vaccines with high likelihood of success.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute aim to suppress HIV in latently infected cells using a novel antiviral target and a molecule called didehydro-Cortistatin A. The new approach has the potential to reduce the size of the latent reservoir pool of HIV.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism behind brain growth abnormalities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, revealing how PTEN gene mutations alter the trajectory of early brain development. Excess glia cells and changes in β-Catenin signaling contribute to the observed brain overgrowth.
Scientists will investigate how environmental factors like mercury, silica, and nanoparticles trigger autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The three-year project aims to improve understanding of the mechanisms behind autoimmunity.
A new study published in mBio shows that Cortistatin A significantly inhibits viral replication and reduces residual virus levels in infected dormant cells, establishing a near-permanent state of latency.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have identified five microRNAs that are necessary for memory formation, while others decrease it, affecting neuronal physiology and nervous system development. The study provides valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of learning and memory.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute identify new immune molecules that protect against deadly Marburg virus, a relative of Ebola virus. The study provides ingredients needed to develop treatments for future Marburg outbreaks.
A new study by TSRI researchers provides a higher-resolution view of the Ebola virus life cycle, revealing key vulnerabilities that can be targeted with antiviral therapeutics. The findings also shed light on how the virus assembles its genetic material, which is critical for understanding its structure-based design.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute are accelerating development of anti-diabetic compounds, focusing on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPARG) and overcoming glitazone safety concerns. The new grant aims to inform clinical development and assess effects on bone.
Researchers at TSRI devised a set of chemical methods to study protein interactions with lipids, identifying thousands of lipid-protein interactions and discovering small molecules that selectively block these interactions. The findings suggest a wider range of proteins can be targeted with small-molecule ligands than previously thought.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute successfully test an experimental HIV vaccine candidate in mice, producing antibody precursors necessary to recognize and block HIV infection. The findings provide key information for the development of an effective AIDS vaccine.
Researchers at TSRI have published the first 3D structures of a receptor implicated in brain diseases and normal physiology, revealing links to the marijuana receptor system. The study sheds light on the molecular architecture of receptors for lysophosphatidic acid, a fat molecule linked to conditions such as hydrocephalus and cancer.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have established conclusively that an activating protein called Rhes plays a pivotal role in focusing toxicity of Huntington's in the striatum. Deleting Rhes significantly reduces behavioral problems in animal models of the disease.
Chemists at Scripps Research Institute invent scalable method for synthesizing jiadifenolide, a plant-derived molecule with potential brain-protecting properties. The new eight-step synthesis yields gram to kilogram quantities, paving the way for further studies and development of a jiadafenolide-derived drug.
Researchers discovered a statistically significant increase in osteoblast formation when human mesenchymal stem cells were treated with the compound SR2595, which targets PPARy. The findings demonstrate a new therapeutic application for drugs targeting PPARy and may have broader implications for treating metabolic and bone diseases.
Researchers have identified novel populations of nerve cells that regulate appetite, thermogenesis, and physical activity. Deleting the BDNF gene impairs thermogenesis and causes hyperphagia and severe obesity. The study reveals two distinct types of BDNF neurons with different biological roles.
A new study integrates neuroscience and psychology to reveal how sleep suppresses the activity of certain nerve cells that promote forgetting, ensuring at least some memories last. Sleep facilitates memory retention by blocking dopamine neuron-mediated forgetting, leading to more stable memories.
Researchers will investigate mTOR's role in brain function and regulation using various techniques. Understanding its function in the striatum could lead to new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute found that a natural compound called leinamycin (LNM) E1 can be activated by reactive oxygen species, leading to DNA damage and cell death in cancer cells. The study reveals promising therapeutic potential for LNM E1 against prostate and other cancers.
Researchers at TSRI discovered that a hormone called progesterone blocks signals from male odor molecules in female mouse noses during diestrus, leading to 'male odor blindness' and altered behavior. This finding suggests new avenues for studying senses and behavior.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute aim to develop drugs targeting the IP6K1 enzyme to treat obesity and related metabolic diseases. The new grant will help identify underlying mechanisms of energy storage regulation.
Researchers at TSRI have developed a novel reaction to synthesize complex amines using abundant compounds, offering improved efficiency and reduced costs. The new method has been successfully applied in pharmaceutical research, providing access to valuable drug compounds.
Researchers at TSRI found that interferon beta has an immune-suppressing effect that can help some viruses establish persistent infections, including HIV and hepatitis B and C. Blocking IFNβ signaling may lead to the development of new treatments for these infections.
Scientists at TSRI discovered that deleting the gene for a brain protein called GIRK3 in mice increased alcohol consumption and prevented the brain from signaling the rewarding properties of alcohol. In contrast, reintroducing GIRK3 reduced binge drinking.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have mapped the structure of an enzyme important for nervous system development. The new structure provides crucial information on how the protein binds to cellular components, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative diseases such as retinal dystrophy and Joubert syndrome.
TSRI scientists find flakka to be equivalently potent as a stimulant, making it as addictive as MDPV or 'bath salts.' The new drug's chemical difference from its cousin makes it highly dangerous and warrants serious concern among police and health officials.
Researchers discovered a metabolic link between bacterial biofilms and colon cancer, finding that removing biofilms could be a key strategy for preventing and treating the disease. The study also identified an apparent metabolic marker of biofilm-associated colon cancers, which may help diagnose early-stage cancer.
Researchers found that overexpression of cyclin E slows down DNA replication and introduces harmful mutations in cells. The study discovered specific regions of chromosomes frequently failed to complete replication, leading to genetic instability and potential cancer development.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have been awarded a $2.4 million grant to expand development of new pain medications that utilize the same biological target as morphine but with fewer side effects. These new compounds aim to reduce respiratory suppression and persistent constipation associated with current opioid drugs.
Researchers found that simultaneous inhibition of multiple Class 1 HDACs led to improved memory restoration and synaptic growth in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests a promising new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this devastating neurodegenerative disorder.
Researchers found that neurons produce a chemical critical for blood vessel survival, which also supports photoreceptors. The study suggests a new way to understand and treat diseases like diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute will investigate brain regions that suppress relapse associated with cocaine and alcohol addiction. Preliminary studies suggest that cues signaling unavailability of drugs can activate neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex, potentially leading to new methods for resisting relapse.
Researchers found that serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 (SGK1) protects brain cells by blocking pathways involved in neurodegeneration and alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction. Increasing SGK1 levels offers a potential therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease, as naturally occurring levels are not sufficient to promote cell survival.
Researchers at TSRI find that nicotine exposure promotes alcohol dependence in rat models, with those exposed to both nicotine and alcohol showing rapid escalation of drinking behavior and compulsive consumption.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have received a grant to investigate the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway in various cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer. The study aims to identify compounds targeting this pathway to combat cancer, with a focus on ultra-high-throughput screening resources.
Researchers at TSRI have identified a molecule, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), that triggers schizophrenia-like symptoms in animal models, including hyperactivity, anxiety, and altered brain structure. The study provides new tools for preventing or treating psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute aim to identify biomarkers for accelerated drug development of disorders including autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. By validating biomarkers in mice, they hope to create tools and methods for developing new therapeutics.
Researchers from Scripps Research Institute have discovered a unique mechanism of borrelidin, a natural product with wide-ranging antifungal, antibacterial, anti-malaria and anti-cancer effects. The study sheds light on the compound's inhibition of protein synthesis by occupying four distinct subsites on tRNA synthetase.
The TSRI team found that a specific enzyme called ItpkB is crucial in maintaining healthy periods of inactivity in blood stem cells. Without this enzyme, HSCs become hyperactive, leading to anemia and other diseases. Researchers are now exploring the potential of targeting ItpkB to develop new therapies for these conditions.
Researchers aim to target autophagy pathway, a key enzyme involved in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. They plan to use high-throughput screening facilities to identify new inhibitors of Ulk1, a critical on-off switch regulating the pathway.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a synthetic compound that prevents type 1 diabetes in animal models by suppressing immune cells. The study suggests Th17 cells play a key role in the disease and that using ROR-specific compounds may be an effective preventative therapy.
Scientists from the Scripps Research Institute have confirmed that ribosome assembly is a potentially fertile new target for anti-cancer drugs. The study highlights the essential function of Casein kinase 1δ (CK1δ) and CK1ε in human ribosome assembly, which are also elevated in several tumor types and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute analyzed two influenza strains, H10N8 and H6N1, and found that they have not acquired changes allowing them to infect humans easily. However, the viruses' versatility in attaching to host cells suggests continued caution against potential pandemics.
Two proteins critical for maintaining healthy day-night cycles also protect against mutations that could lead to cancer. The study found that these proteins have an unexpected role in DNA repair, stabilizing a protein called Cry1 and preventing errors in DNA transcription.