Researchers precisely cut a widespread DNA region from the genome using genome editing, revealing its role in cardiovascular disease. The 9p21.3 haplotype causes abnormalities in vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to heart attacks and stroke. This breakthrough may lead to new treatments for millions worldwide.
Biologists have visualized the inner workings of cellular 'undertaker' proteasomes using cryo-electron microscopy. The study reveals how ATP powers movements within the motor that enable it to pull in proteins, providing insights into neurogenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as cancer therapy.
Researchers engineered E. coli to produce a heat-resistant protein using an expanded genetic code, evolving it through laboratory selection. The new protein outperformed the natural enzyme in extreme heat conditions, nearly doubling its thermal stability.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a crucial immune system-regulating protein called ABHD12, which is linked to a rare genetic disease featuring brain and nerve problems. The study suggests that targeting ABHD12 may offer new avenues for treating cancers and chronic viral infections.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered the physiological mechanism behind memory formation and forgetting in fruit flies. A single dopamine neuron is responsible for driving both learning and forgetting processes, reversing cellular changes made during learning to degrade older memories.
A new candidate HIV vaccine from Scripps Research stimulates a powerful anti-HIV antibody response in animal tests, overcoming technical hurdles that stymied previous vaccine efforts. The vaccine strategy is based on the HIV envelope protein, Env, and uses a simple method to stabilize Env proteins in the desired shape.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a novel class of mechanosensitive ion channels, called OSCAs and TMEM63s, which convert physical forces into biochemical signals. The study provides a structural snapshot of an OSCA channel, revealing potential mechanisms for force sensation.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered a potential new approach to prevent influenza virus infections by tethering four antibodies together, showing cross-reactivity against all types of influenza. The therapeutic candidate has been shown to offer protection against multiple strains of the virus in mice.
Researchers identified a small molecule that activates the antioxidant response, a key mechanism to protect cells from oxidative stress. The discovery targets the glycolysis pathway, opening new strategies for treating diseases involving oxidative stress.
A new Scripps Research study reveals how specialized neurons detect changes in blood pressure and maintain cardiovascular homeostasis. The researchers identified two proteins, PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, that play a crucial role in the baroreceptor reflex, which has significant implications for treating drug-resistant hypertension.
Researchers engineer organisms with hybrid RNA-DNA genomes to explore the transition from RNA to DNA and the origins of mitochondria. This allows them to probe key theories about early evolution and gain insights into the emergence of complex life forms.
Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered how antibodies work together to bind to a vulnerable spot on the malaria parasite, blocking its life cycle. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective vaccines that stimulate the same antibody response.
A new engineered enzyme, NicA2-J1, eliminates nicotine addiction in rats by breaking down nicotine in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain. This approach reduces withdrawal symptoms and prevents relapse, offering a promising smoking cessation treatment.
Researchers test engineered NicA2-J1 enzyme, breaking down nicotine before it reaches brain, reversing signs of nicotine dependence and reducing relapse rates. The treatment shows promise in preclinical tests, potentially offering a new smoking-cessation treatment option.
Researchers developed a new method to use metabolites to predict diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk in people with obesity. The study analyzed over 2,400 participants and found that specific molecular signatures could identify individuals at higher risk of developing these diseases.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered the molecular mechanisms of protein talin's activation of integrin on the cell membrane. This process is essential for cell adhesion and plays a crucial role in cancer progression and metastasis.
Researchers at Scripps Research have identified the molecule PIEZO2 as responsible for tactile allodynia, a condition characterized by pain from gentle touch. The study provides validation that targeting PIEZO2 could be beneficial in treating this common form of chronic pain.
A new study found that GM12371, a specific long non-coding RNA, controls expression of multiple genes involved in nervous system development and functioning. It affects the developing neurons' shape and ability to signal, highlighting the importance of long noncoding RNAs in brain cell growth and signaling.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered the role of USP18 in the immune system. Deleting this protein enhances the body's ability to control infections with Gram-positive bacteria, while its normal induction impairs antibacterial responses. Researchers hope to develop therapies targeting USP18 to treat bacterial infections.
Scientists at Calibr have built a massive library of existing small-molecule drugs called ReFRAME, which shows promise for treating major diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. Preliminary testing has identified two additional compounds effective against Cryptosporidium spp., offering a potential therapy for severe diarrhea.
Researchers at Scripps Research are advancing compounds that protect neurons in diseases caused by toxic protein accumulation. In an animal model of ALS, the compounds improved strength and movement. The goal is to optimize these compounds into effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
A modified form of blebbistatin appears to be effective in preventing cravings and relapse in people with substance use disorders, including those using multiple drugs. The compound works by breaking down memories linked to methamphetamine use, offering a novel approach to treating addiction.
A new cloud-based analysis platform allows scientists to quantify molecules from biological samples and share their results publicly. The platform enables faster research and increased precision by identifying key fragments of molecules, benefiting fields like environmental sciences, pharmaceuticals, and sports medicine.
Scientists at Scripps Research have identified rare antibodies that can bind to the Ebola virus and stop infection, potentially leading to a universal therapy. The new research reveals how these antibodies work by targeting a conserved region of the viral fusion loop.
Researchers developed a new cancer vaccine that boosts the immune system's ability to fight cancers, suggesting increased chances of recovery in cases where drug therapy alone is not working. The vaccine, called Diprovocim, was shown to produce a complete response in treating melanoma and preventing recurrence.
A new smartphone-based research platform has been developed to recruit a large and diverse population of pregnant women for a study. The platform, built using Apple's ResearchKit technology, was embedded into the popular WebMD Pregnancy app and connected researchers with over 1.6 million potential participants.
Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a non-invasive urine test to detect the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, causing river blindness. The new lateral flow assay uses a biomarker in human urine to identify active infections, offering a crucial tool for tracking outbreaks and treating current infections.
Researchers have solved the structure of a key protein called SWELL1, which works as an ion channel to relieve pressure inside cells. The protein's jellyfish-like shape allows it to sense changes in cell volume and release ions to reduce pressure.
Researchers at Scripps Research have found an enzyme, YRSACT, that increases megakaryocyte production, the precursors to platelets. This discovery offers a new therapeutic option for treating thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by low platelet counts and increased risk of internal bleeding.
Researchers discover that PLD3 and PLD4 play a crucial role in degrading DNA and preventing autoimmune reactions. The proteins were found to regulate endosomal nucleic acid sensing, which may contribute to new approaches in cancer immunotherapy and treatment of autoimmune disorders.
Researchers found a new approach to stop Ebola virus by disabling its infection machinery and boosting the immune system. Nine antibodies that protect mice without neutralizing in test tubes were identified, offering hope for therapeutic cocktails.
Scientists have developed a faster way to analyze the outcome of experimental vaccines against HIV and other pathogens. The new system lets researchers quickly assess the full spectrum of antibodies produced in an individual's response to a pathogen or vaccine.
Scripps Research scientists have developed a powerful new strategy for synthesizing molecular skeletons of chemicals used in drugs and other important products. The method combines two chemical reactions, C-C cross coupling and cycloaddition, providing unprecedented flexibility and control over chemical synthesis.
Researchers have discovered a nematode worm that develops similar nerve damage to humans when exposed to mutated TTR proteins. The C. elegans model allows scientists to study the molecular mechanisms of TTR-linked diseases and potentially develop new treatments.
Researchers at Scripps Research and Bristol-Myers Squibb developed a new tool, called phosphorus-sulfur incorporation (PSI), to precisely control the 3D architecture of thiophosphate linkages in nucleic acid therapeutics. This technology enables the creation of single isomers with hundreds of thousands of stereoisomers.
Scientists at Scripps Research discovered that inhibiting Rad52 can target and kill tumors with a deficient gene, such as triple-negative breast cancers. This approach exploits synthetic lethality, where cells with both defects die, reducing side effects and toxicity.
A new Scripps Research study found that nearly all Ebola survivors had killer T cells responding to the nucleoprotein, while only a minority responded to the glycoprotein. This discovery suggests a more effective vaccine strategy by targeting both proteins.
Wearable mobile health devices improved AFib diagnosis rates by almost threefold compared to usual care, enabling timely interventions and reducing strokes and deaths. The study, conducted in part by Scripps Research scientists, used digital medicine technologies to identify undiagnosed AFib in at-risk populations.
Researchers found that isoxazoline drugs, commonly used to protect pets from fleas and ticks, can kill disease-carrying mosquitoes and sand flies. Administering these drugs to less than a third of the population in areas prone to seasonal outbreaks could prevent up to 97 percent of all cases of infection.
Scientists at Scripps Research found that several existing FDA-approved anti-cancer drugs bind tightly to RNA, modulating targets and causing some effects. The discovery offers a promising new approach for tackling diseases considered undruggable, including ALS and certain cancers.
A new study by Scripps Research scientists found that activating GPR139, a receptor linked to alcohol addiction, can significantly decrease drinking in alcohol-addicted rats. The researchers also discovered that the drug helps mediate physical pain associated with withdrawal in severe cases of alcohol addiction.
Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which bacteria protect themselves from toxic substances, providing new clues for improving chemotherapies. The study reveals that three genes encode proteins that bind to toxins, keeping them separate from the rest of the organism.
Researchers use droplet-sized miniecosystems to simultaneously test antibody binding affinity and cell function, reducing the drug discovery process. The new method enables scientists to select functional antibodies directly with phage display.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute invent a novel method for remote chiral induction, allowing the creation of pure quantities of desired enantiomers. This breakthrough enables the synthesis of complex chiral molecules that were previously difficult or impossible to produce.
A new study by Scripps Research reveals that bacteria-derived molecules called thiocarboxylic acids have potential as warheads and could be used to create more effective drugs. The discovery was made after researchers found that these natural products can bind to biological targets better than lab-made molecules.
Scientists have engineered new anti-cancer antibodies that attract killer T cells directly to cancer cells covered with the ROR1 protein. These bi-specific antibodies can target several types of cancer and work for about five days, outlasting current approaches.
Researchers have developed a novel RNA-modifying tool called RIBOTAC, which uses a small-molecule-based approach to selectively delete toxic gene products and control the body's defense mechanisms. This technology has potential applications for treating genetic diseases such as cancer and incurable human genetic disorders.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new method to screen for potential cancer drugs using three-dimensional ball-like aggregates of cells called spheroids. They have identified one compound that affects a key cancer-driving protein, paving the way for more effective treatments.
Scientists at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new method for generating brain cells from skin cells, opening up new possibilities for studying neurologic diseases. The study found over 70 new recipes or codes for neuronal production and discovered that synthetic neurons can grow synapses and communicate with each other.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered a potential new strategy to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in infants. By understanding how the drug RG-7916 targets RNA mis-splicing, scientists may be able to design more effective therapies for genetic diseases.