A team of scientists has discovered that a 'known' TB gene plays an unexpected biological role, transforming glutamate into GABA at a rapid rate. This finding expands our understanding of microbial metabolism and opens new avenues for targeting metabolic pathways in several pathogenic organisms.
A recent study has confirmed the presence of human herpesvirus 1 in four privately owned lemurs that died from the illness. The detection marks the first time researchers have been able to confirm human herpes virus in lemurs via molecular analysis.
A large retrospective analysis found a significant association between glucosamine supplementation and increased likelihood of progressing from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease. The study also revealed elevated sugar attachment in Alzheimer's brain specimens, suggesting metabolic dysfunction as a contributing driver.
Researchers have discovered that Porphyromonas gingivalis, a keystone pathogen driving gum disease, carries an internal genetic brake controlling its aggression. By locking this brake in place, future treatments could silence the pathogen while leaving beneficial bacteria untouched.
Influenza D virus and canine coronavirus have the potential to trigger outbreaks if surveillance and diagnostics lag. These emerging pathogens have real potential to cause epidemics or pandemics in humans.
Scientists at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute have designed potential diabetes drugs that reprogram insulin-resistant cells into a healthier state while limiting side effect risks. The compounds target PPAR gamma, a master regulator of fat cell and insulin metabolism.
Researchers found that adding spironolactone to standard HIV treatment can significantly reduce the amount of virus in the bloodstream and decrease signs of inflammation. This combination also helps quiet viral activity without removing infected cells, suggesting a potential path to hasten suppression and mitigate chronic inflammation.
Researchers at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute have identified a potential new drug against COVID-19 and developed a powerful new platform for finding medicines to fight many types of infectious diseases. Their approach uses systematic chemistry, computational, and robotic methods to find compounds that can target RNA-based viruses.
Scientists at Wertheim UF Scripps Institute have been awarded $15.7 million in new grants to advance projects on brain biology, infectious diseases, and cancer research over the next five years. The grants will help develop innovative solutions to some of medicine's most difficult challenges.
A new gene therapy intervention administered at birth provides multi-year protection from HIV infection, useful in areas lacking access to antiretroviral drugs. The treatment uses a common gene therapy shuttle to produce an HIV-specific broadly neutralizing antibody, showing no side effects and long-lasting protection.
A new study from UF Health reveals an antibody-drug conjugate that kills aggressive B cell malignancies while sparing healthy cells. The combination of cancer-hunting antibodies and tiancimycin, a natural compound found in soil microbes, shows promise as a powerful treatment option for diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
Researchers create a potential treatment for glioblastoma, called MT-125, that makes malignant cells responsive to radiation and chemotherapy. The compound also blocks the cancer's ability to invade other tissue and has shown promise in animal studies.
Researchers at UF Health have been awarded a five-year grant to work on a treatment for SYNGAP1 mutations, which cause seizures, sensory processing disorders, and intellectual disability. The goal is to create a pill that restores healthy gene production, boosting neuroplasticity.
Researchers found that physical pressure on cells reduces pain signals, but excess cholesterol can interfere with this process. The study shows how cell membrane lipids help send electrical pulses into cells after experiencing pressure and force.
A potential Parkinson's medicine, Syn-RiboTAC, targets RNA to slow or stop disease progression by preventing the buildup of toxic protein alpha-synuclein. In early studies, reducing alpha-synuclein levels by even 25% or more is therapeutically beneficial, with the compound showing good selectivity and improved brain-barrier penetration.
Researchers have discovered two new cofactorless oxygenases, TnmJ and TnmK2, which enable bacteria to produce compounds for targeting and breaking up DNA. This breakthrough offers a potentially easier way to study and manufacture complex natural chemicals, including those that could become medicines.
Researchers train AI to analyze data from over 100 cellular drug targets and their genetic variations. The algorithm predicts with more than 80% accuracy how cell surface receptors respond to drug-like molecules.
A new study has found that an inflammation-targeting antibody may improve preterm birth outcomes by reducing inflammatory signals in the placenta. The same antibody has also shown promise in preventing obesity-linked fatty liver disease, a condition that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Researchers developed a strategy targeting RNA recycling enzymes to prevent harm from cancer genes MYC, JUN and MIR155. This approach showed promise in slowing tumor growth in cancer patients.
Scientists found that cells use helper molecules to repair damaged ribosomes caused by oxidative stress, fixing the damage and restoring protein production. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases such as cancer and aging.
Scientists have found that glycine, an amino acid, can deliver a 'slow-down' signal to the brain, influencing major depression and anxiety in some people. The discovery improves understanding of the biological causes of major depression and could lead to new, faster-acting medications.
Researchers discovered that tumors with specific genetic mutations may evade the immune system, and a new class of immunotherapies targets these cells. The study's findings suggest that genetic testing could identify patients more likely to benefit from these therapies.
Scientists at UF Scripps Biomedical Research have developed a potential medicine for ALS and dementia by eliminating disease-causing RNA segments. The compound restored neuron health in lab experiments and rescued mice with the disease.
Experts in RNA biology and drug design will gather for a two-day symposium on the state of the science that is changing preventive medicine. The event features confirmed speakers known for their advances in RNA biology and drug discovery, including mRNA vaccine success against COVID-19.
Researchers found that activating RORbeta could restore healthy cartilage levels, helping to control inflammation and prevent osteoarthritis. This discovery presents a potential new strategy to address the root cause of cartilage damage.
Researchers found that a gene called PTCHD1 plays a crucial role in opioid tolerance by altering cholesterol content in cell membranes. This discovery may lead to the development of new pain medications with lower overdose risk.