Dundee “cut and sew” process can accelerate drug design
Researchers at University of Dundee have designed a new variant of CRBN protein using innovative molecular
University of Dundee
Hitting the bull’s eye to target ‘undruggable’ diseases – researchers reveal new levels of detail in targeted protein degradation
Protein degrader molecules are being deployed to combat cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers have revealed previously invisible levels of detail and understanding of how the proteins work, allowing for more targeted use of them at the molecular level.
University of Dundee research shows potential breakthrough for hard to treat cancers
Researchers at the University of Dundee and Boehringer Ingelheim have developed a breakthrough small-molecule drug, ACBI3, which targets and degrades the KRAS gene. The compound has shown high potency and selectivity in eliminating 13 out of 17 most common KRAS mutants.
AI study teases treatment revolution for heart failure patients
A University of Dundee study has used machine learning to analyze health records of heart failure patients and identify alternative treatment plans that could improve their welfare. The pilot project aims to tailor treatment for each patient, ensuring they receive optimized care with the potential to improve quality of life.
Cancer tool “unable to accurately predict” toxicity levels in UK patients
A UK study found that a widely-used cancer treatment tool is unable to accurately predict toxicity levels in older adults. The Cancer Aging Research Group (CARG) score was developed to estimate severe chemotherapy-related side effects but failed to provide reliable results in this population. In contrast, frailty screening tools showed...
Unlocking another piece of the Parkinson’s puzzle – scientists reveal workings of vital molecular switch
Researchers at University of Dundee uncovered inner relay of a molecular switch that protects the brain against Parkinson's disease. The study provides new potential strategies to develop drugs targeting PINK1 pathway.
Patient “chronotype” could impact best time to take blood pressure medication.
Research suggests that taking antihypertensive medications at times aligned with personal chronotype could reduce the risk of heart attacks. Morning larks and night owls who took their medications in sync with their natural rhythms had lower rates of cardiovascular events compared to those who took them at odds with their chronotypes.
SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024
“Protein sandwich” could transform cancer drug discovery
Researchers at University of Dundee have identified a breakthrough class of molecular glue that binds proteins together, paving the way for new drugs to target cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. This innovation uses targeted protein degradation technology to recruit disease-causing proteins to a cellular waste bin.
Stopping sperm in its tracks: latest progress in the hunt for a male contraceptive
The University of Dundee has developed an unrivalled, fully automated robotic screening system that rapidly tests the effect of drugs and chemicals on human sperm. The system allows for large-scale testing of previously approved drugs, including over 13,000 compounds, to find effective agents that halt sperm movement.
A new effort to tackle tuberculosis
Researchers at the University of Dundee are working on a new effort to tackle tuberculosis, identifying new treatment options for the disease. With a $3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, they aim to improve drug discovery and develop new candidate drugs to treat TB.
Experts call for more active prevention of tooth decay for children's teeth
A new study found that preventing tooth decay from occurring is the most effective way to help avoid pain and infection. Three-year trial shows no evidence to suggest fillings are more successful than sealing or preventive techniques in treating tooth decay in primary teeth.
Vaping less harmful than smoking for vascular health, major study finds
A two-year trial found that chronic smokers who transition to e-cigarettes demonstrated significant improvements in vascular health within four weeks. Women experienced greater gains by switching compared to men.
Sugar-coating proteins can help understand brain disease
Scientists at the University of Dundee have created a method to permanently attach a small sugar molecule called O-GlcNAc to proteins in human cells. This allows them to investigate its role in neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, which are thought to be linked to O-GlcNAc disruption.
Discovery may help derail Parkinson's 'runaway train'
Researchers have identified a new enzyme that inhibits the LRRK2 pathway, which is responsible for most genetic cases of Parkinson's disease. The discovery provides hope for developing new treatments and suggests that the enzyme could benefit all individuals, regardless of whether they have Parkinson's or not.
Discovery raises hopes of preventing streptococci infections
Researchers at the University of Dundee have discovered an enzyme that could prevent Group A Streptococcus infections by inhibiting a carbohydrate coating on the bacterium's surface. The discovery offers new opportunities for developing antimicrobial drugs with minimal off-target effects.
Blood test raises hopes of tackling 'silent killer'
Researchers at the University of Dundee develop a blood test to detect desmosine, an amino acid released by diseased aortas into the blood and urine. This test improves diagnosis and monitoring of aortic aneurysms, potentially saving lives by identifying patients at risk.
From sleeping cell to assassin -- how immune cells work
Scientists at the University of Dundee have mapped how T lymphocytes control expression of over 9,000 proteins in response to infections and tumours. The study reveals critical discoveries on how immune-suppressive drugs work and how oxygen and nutrient environments shape immune responses.
Don't make major decisions on an empty stomach, research suggests
A study by Dr Benjamin Vincent found that hunger significantly alters people's decision-making, making them more impatient and prone to settling for smaller rewards. This effect carries over into other kinds of decisions, such as financial and interpersonal ones, indicating a potential danger for those experiencing hunger due to poverty.
Blood test shows promise to aid better detection of lung cancer
A blood test has been shown to detect lung cancer earlier, identifying 32% of cases with a high specificity of 90%. This could lead to reduced late-stage presentations and improved survival rates for patients.
Intelligent testing could save lives by defusing ticking time bomb of liver disease
A new intelligent liver function test has been developed to detect liver disease decades before it can become fatal. The test has shown a 44% increase in diagnosis of liver disease, giving patients earlier access to treatment.
Dundee lab solves HOIL-1 mystery
Researchers at the University of Dundee have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the function of HOIL-1, a key protein involved in cell survival. The study reveals that HOIL-1 operates in tandem with another component to form ubiquitin chains, and joins proteins using an unusual ester bond mechanism.
Boehringer Ingelheim and University of Dundee extend PROTAC Drug Discovery Program
Boehringer Ingelheim and the University of Dundee have extended their collaboration to develop novel protein degradation medicines targeting cancer-causing proteins. The structure-based design approach has yielded a highly potent and selective drug candidate, making it freely available via Boehringer Ingelheim's open innovation portal.
Diabetic drug shown to reduce the risk of heart disease in non-diabetic patients
A study found that metformin reduces left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in prediabetic and pre-existing heart disease patients, leading to lower cardiovascular risks. The MET-REMODEL Trial showed significant benefits of metformin on LVH, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and body weight.
Study links widely used drug azathioprine to skin cancers
A widely used drug has been identified as a contributor to skin cancer development, with researchers calling for enhanced sun protection advice. The study, published in Nature Communications, found a strong association between azathioprine use and a specific mutational signature in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Discovery of a new potential treatment for visceral leishmaniasis
A new compound with potential to treat visceral leishmaniasis has been discovered through collaboration between the University of Dundee, GSK and Wellcome. The compound works by inhibiting an enzyme called CRK12, offering a novel approach to tackling the disease.
Signalling study sheds light on conditions from alopecia to cancer
Researchers have discovered that PAWS1 plays a significant impact in controlling the Wnt signalling pathway, which is associated with developmental defects and diseases like alopecia and colorectal cancer. The study found that PAWS1 mutations can inhibit Wnt signalling, leading to potential interventions for these conditions.
Aging immune system may explain age-related cancer risk increase
Research suggests that an aging immune system may be a stronger reason for age-related cancer risk increase than previously thought. The study found a strong correlation between declining T cell production and increasing cancer incidence in both men and women.
A biological solution to carbon capture and recycling?
Scientists at the University of Dundee developed a process that enables E. coli bacterium to act as an efficient carbon capture device, converting CO2 into formic acid with high efficiency and speed. This breakthrough could lead to a new way to store or recycle carbon dioxide, a key solution to global warming.
Dundee scientists solve 3-D structure of key defense protein against Parkinson's disease
Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified the 3D structure and inner workings of the PINK1 enzyme, a key player in protecting brain cells against stress. This breakthrough provides crucial insights into how PINK1 exerts its protective role in Parkinson's disease.
Dundee-China linkup uncovers secrets of our cellular 'energy sensor'
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism by which AMPK senses glucose levels, enabling the switch to alternative fuels. This breakthrough has significant potential for understanding and treating diabetes.
A kiss of death to drug the 'undruggable'
Researchers have found a way to selectively degrade proteins that are difficult to target with drugs, using a small molecule approach that binds to neutralizing agents. The discovery provides a paradigm shift in targeting 'undruggable' proteins and offers new hope for cancer treatment and drug development.
Newly discovered protein may hold key to better drugs for neglected diseases
A newly identified protein, NTR2, has been discovered that activates drugs like delamanid against leishmaniasis. This finding holds promise for developing more effective treatments for the disease.
Interventions to minimize high-risk prescribing can cut emergency admissions
A major study has shown that intervening in primary care health practices can significantly reduce rates of high-risk prescribing of drugs. The study found a 37% reduction in high-risk prescribing and associated reductions in emergency hospital admissions for related complications.
Researchers reach 'paradigm shift' in understanding potassium channels
Researchers have observed a previously predicted pathway for ion permeation in potassium channels does not occur, revealing a fundamental physical principle that facilitates the channels' operation. The discovery uses advances in technology to show that pairs of potassium ions are stably formed and then passed through the channel.
New Parkinson's disease chemical messenger discovered
Researchers at the University of Dundee have identified a critical chemical messenger that protects brain cells against Parkinson's disease. The discovery of phospho-ubiquitin suggests it may be possible to develop drugs to switch on Parkin enzyme by mimicking this molecule, offering new avenues for treatment.
Researchers capture 'most complete' picture of gene expression in cancer cell cycle
A team of researchers has created a detailed analysis of protein activity in human cancer cells, revealing the dynamic patterns of gene expression during the cell cycle. The study provides new insights into how genes work over time in cancer cells and could lead to the development of safer new drugs.
High potency statins linked to better outcome following a heart attack
Researchers found that patients treated with high-potency statins had a 28% lower risk of death compared to those on simvastatin. Ezetimibe addition showed no improved survival rate, contrary to previous hopes as a potential treatment for heart patients.
Tuberculosis and neglected diseases targeted by new center
A new centre will focus on lead optimisation for diseases of the developing world, including TB. The centre will create 11 new posts and receive a £6.5 million investment over five years.
Automated design for drug discovery
A team of researchers at the University of Dundee has developed an automated design system for new drugs, using advanced statistical analysis to mimic human chemists' creative process. The system successfully predicted profiles across a range of drug targets, with 75% confirmed correct in experimental testing.
Potential new treatment identified for leishmaniasis
A team of researchers at the University of Dundee has identified fexinidazole as a possible new treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, a disease affecting 500,000 people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The drug showed a greater than 98% rate of suppressing infection in mice, comparable to current treatments.
GSK and Dundee University collaboration to develop treatment for Huntington's disease
The collaboration aims to build on Professor Susann Schweiger's discovery of the mechanism controlling disease-causing protein production. The project seeks to prevent toxic protein buildup in the brain and potentially provide a treatment for Huntington's Disease.
Drug breakthrough in fight against neglected diseases
Scientists have identified a new approach to tackling human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness. A valid drug target has been found and leads for orally administered drugs have been identified, showing promise for effective treatment of the disease.