A study from Scripps Research Institute has identified an enzyme that limits blood vessel growth, providing insights into potential medicines to kill tumors and stop cancer from spreading. The findings also may enable new interventions for healthy blood-vessel development in people with heart disease and other conditions.
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a vaccine that can deactivate the effects of synthetic cannabinoids in rodents, sequestering drug molecules before they interact with the central nervous system. The approach worked in models simulating smoking and vaping, a common method of use for these drugs.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have successfully modified natural killer cells to selectively target and destroy lymphoma cells, a promising breakthrough in cancer treatment. The innovative approach uses glycans, sugar-like molecules that play crucial roles in disease, to steer the cells to malignant B-cells.
A new RNA drug-discovery tool called Chem-CLIP-Fragment Mapping has been developed to address the challenge of 'undruggable' proteins. The tool uses functionalized fragments that can bind to RNAs and modify their structure, enabling the design of medicines against previously untreatable diseases.
A new study recommends strategies for generating polygenic risk scores that inspire confidence among consumers, reducing variability and improving the accuracy of these scores. By running algorithms multiple times and paying attention to variable elements, companies can improve the quality of scores delivered to customers.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered a previously unknown biochemical cascade in the brain that leads to the destruction of synapses in Alzheimer's disease. The study found that abnormal chemical reactions, termed 'protein transnitrosylation reactions,' contribute to synapse loss.
Researchers at Scripps Research successfully generated antibodies against multiple strains of HIV in mice using genetically engineered immune cells. The approach shows promise for preventing new HIV infections and potentially offering a functional cure for those with HIV/AIDS.
Research finds that chronic alcohol exposure compromises brain immune cells, fueling anxiety and excessive drinking in mice. Boosting IL-10 signaling reverses aberrant effects, reducing anxiety-like behaviors and motivation to drink. This study provides a new framework for therapeutic intervention, targeting anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a new strategy to treat RNA-repeat expansion disorders, which affect millions of people worldwide. The compound has shown promise in early tests against myotonic dystrophy 1 and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy by neutralizing toxic RNAs and preventing their capture of essential proteins.
Researchers found that sensor data from fitness trackers can identify COVID-19 cases with greater accuracy than symptoms alone. The DETECT study uses mobile app data to analyze changes in heart rate, sleep, and activity levels to detect viral illnesses.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have uncovered a potential new strategy for treating eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. A fragment of the protein CITED2 has been shown to reduce neovascularization while preserving healthy blood vessels in mouse models.
Society for Neuroscience recognizes Courtney Miller for her career-long practice of mentoring women scientists, including founding Professional Women's Nexus to provide support and connections. Miller has also achieved significant scientific success, developing treatments for drug addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Researchers developed a new imaging method that maps HIV's sugary shield in unprecedented detail, shedding light on its structure and dynamic nature. The technique has the potential to improve vaccine design by targeting vulnerable sites on HIV and other glycan-shielded viruses.
A team of chemists from Scripps Research developed a theoretical approach that can ease the process of making highly complex, compact molecules. They used information theory and computer modeling to analyze the synthesis of bilobalide, a molecule with strong promise as a potential neurological or psychiatric drug.
Scientists identified changes in the brain that drive alcohol abuse among people with PTSD, highlighting sex-specific differences that could lead to targeted treatments. Researchers found that males and females exhibit different symptoms and brain features of PTSD and alcohol use disorder.
A new technique developed at Scripps Research isolates tumor-reactive immune cells in just one day, offering a platform for personalized cancer treatments. The method, called FucoID, detects and tags the surface of sought-after immune cells using an enzyme, enabling their detection with fluorescent probes.
Scientists have developed a new method to study glycans and their interactions with proteins, expanding our understanding of liver disease and the immune system. Galectin-3, a glycan-binding protein, was found to interact with hundreds of receptors in live liver stellate cells and immune cells.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered that hepatocytes, the primary cell type in the liver, actively defend against certain viruses by absorbing and silencing them. This finding opens up new avenues for developing treatments for viral illnesses, including COVID-19.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified the PIEZO2 protein as a crucial part of how our body detects bladder fullness. The discovery sheds light on the mechanism underlying normal bladder function and may lead to new treatments for bladder control and urination issues, particularly among the elderly.
A comprehensive study of RGS proteins reveals how they modulate cell signaling and explains why people's responses to the same drugs can vary widely. The researchers created a roadmap for how GPCR signals are routed in cells, highlighting the potential for new treatment approaches for various conditions.
Scientists create drug-like compounds that bind and destroy COVID-19's frameshifting element to stop the virus from replicating. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of directly targeting viral RNA with small-molecule drugs.
A new study identifies NEMF as a driver of motor neuron diseases, linking defective protein quality control to motor neuron death. The research suggests that dysfunction of ribosomal quality control causes neurodegeneration, providing strong evidence for the link between protein quality control and human disease.
A new study reveals that reducing calorie intake triggers significant health benefits by lowering body temperature. The research, led by Scripps Research Professors Bruno Conti and Gary Siuzdak, provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of temperature in metabolism during calorie restriction.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a new class of compounds that can restart cellular production of VEGF-A, a key factor in rebuilding blood vessels and muscle in damaged heart tissue. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered a molecule that can activate the STING protein to help patients fight cancer. The optimized STING-activator, SR-717, dramatically suppressed tumor growth and boosted immune cells in an animal model of aggressive melanoma.
Chemists at Scripps Research have created three families of complex, oxygen-containing molecules that are normally obtainable only from plants. The key to this new method is harnessing natural enzymes--from bacteria--to assist in complex chemical transformations.
Researchers efficiently synthesized cepafungin I, a natural compound with promise as an anti-cancer agent, using a lean new process that overcame its complex molecular structure. The compound targets the proteasome, a strategy used by many existing cancer medications.
A new study from Scripps Research reveals how two key neural circuits control social preference in mice, providing insight into the challenges faced by individuals with autism. The research identifies a specific circuit linking higher-level thought and decision-making to emotional regulation, which is impaired in individuals with autism.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a common molecular feature in human antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2, which could lead to the development of effective vaccines. The study found that boosting levels of these potent antibodies, encoded by the IGHV3-53 gene, may provide adequate protection against COVID-19.
Researchers found that one flu strain, H3N2, can mutate relatively easily to escape broad-acting antibodies, while another strain, H1N1, is more difficult to evade. The study highlights the challenges involved in designing a universal flu vaccine and suggests that further research is needed to develop an effective treatment.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute isolate powerful coronavirus-neutralizing antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients and test their effectiveness in animals, achieving results in under seven weeks. The discovery offers hope for a rapid response to the pandemic and potential clinical trials for treatment and preventive measures.
Scientists have developed peptides that can remodel the gut microbiome, reducing cholesterol levels and inhibiting atherosclerosis in mice. The treatment significantly slowed the growth of undesirable gut bacteria and reduced atherosclerotic plaques by 40%.
Analysis suggests that up to 45 percent of COVID-19 cases are caused by asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the virus for extended periods. This highlights the need for expansive testing and contact tracing to mitigate the spread of the disease.
Data scientists create new statistical models and visualization software to understand COVID-19 pandemic. They integrate diverse factors like airline traffic patterns, socioeconomic data, and weather conditions into a single platform.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discover that anesthetics trigger brain loss of consciousness by perturbing lipid clusters in the cell membrane, leading to changes in consciousness. This breakthrough solves a century-old scientific debate and opens up new avenues for understanding brain functions.
A new study from Scripps Research reveals that the protein YAP plays a dual role in regulating cell growth, both promoting and inhibiting proliferation. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer behavior and developing targeted therapies.
Matthew Disney's work has led to a new understanding of druggable targets and reinvigorated research on incurable diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. His RNA-modifying tools show great applicability to cancers and rare genetic disorders.
Researchers have identified RasGRP1 as a key cause of Parkinson's dyskinesia, a debilitating side effect of dopamine replacement therapy. Inhibiting RasGRP1 production in the brain can diminish involuntary movements without negating the useful effects of dopamine therapy.
A new study found that inhibiting the cancer drug resistance gene MDR1 can have unintended side effects on specialized immune system cells called CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes. This could dull anti-cancer immune responses and increase vulnerability to infection. The research raises questions about the safety and utility of using systemi...
A new study suggests that impairments in microglia play a key role in the development of autism behaviors in some cases. The researchers found that protein overproduction in microglial cells leads to impaired synapse-pruning function, resulting in ASD-like social behavior deficits, primarily in males.
A Scripps Research study reveals a likely site of vulnerability on the new coronavirus at the root of COVID-19. The structural mapping revealed a nearly identical site on both coronaviruses to which the antibody binds, suggesting a functionally important and vulnerable site for this family of coronaviruses.
A recent study has revealed that cardiac myosin, a prevalent protein in the heart, can cause blood to thicken or clot during a heart attack, worsening damage to heart tissue. Researchers are now working on creating a therapeutic compound to target this protein's procoagulant activity.
Researchers analyzed public genome sequence data to determine the origins of SARS-CoV-2. They found no evidence that the virus was engineered or created in a laboratory, supporting natural evolution as its origin.
Researchers found a truncated receptor called DAF-2B that acts as a decoy to capture insulin molecules, reducing insulin signaling. This discovery may offer new insights into insulin resistance, a feature of type 2 diabetes and aging.
Scripps Research scientists have developed a 'warp drive' method to create unique 3-D structures resembling those found in nature, which can lead to more effective medicines. The technique has potential applications for treating inflammatory diseases and may help identify new drug leads.
A study by Scripps Research Institute found that resting heart rates vary widely between individuals, with norms differing by up to 70 beats per minute. Despite this variability, rest heart rate remains relatively consistent over time, holding potential for early detection of health changes.
Calibr's novel cell therapy leverages a patient's own immune cells, directing them to engage cancer targets with a control switch. Clinical trials will test the approach in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies.
Researchers developed a new compound that targets microRNA-21, a molecule linked to aggressive breast cancer, awakening its self-destruct system and killing cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. In mouse models, the compound showed promise in reducing breast cancer spread and decreasing invasiveness in other cancers.
A study from Scripps Research reveals that memories are stored in two forms: intermediate-term memory and protein-synthesis dependent long-term memory. Silencing specific genes, Ras and Raf, enhances intermediate-term memories while eliminating long-term memory performance.
Scientists developed a new screening platform that identified a set of drug-like compounds, including an ingredient in sore throat lozenges, capable of protecting brain cells' mitochondria from damage. The findings provide hope for developing new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.