Add BrightSurf on Google Email

An artificial hepatocyte growth factor mimetic ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mouse model

A research group developed a long-acting artificial hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mimetic molecule using cyclic peptides and protein engineering. The molecule improved liver fibrosis, lipid accumulation, and inflammation in a mouse model with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), providing an option for NASH therapeutics.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

Hollings team marks milestone in progress toward investigational new drug for triple-negative breast cancer

A new compound developed by researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has shown promise in improving response to chemotherapy in preclinical models. The compound inhibits the protein lysyl oxidase, preventing it from producing a stiff environment around tumors and allowing drugs to penetrate better.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJul 22, 2024

Heritable chronic cholestatic liver diseases

These disorders, including CHF, CD, CS, ALGS, and BA, result from genetic mutations affecting bile formation and transport. Management focuses on symptom control, prevention of complications, and definitive treatment with liver transplantation when indicated.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJul 17, 2024

Researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University elucidate mechanism behind cardiac fibrosis, opening way for new heart failure treatments

Scientists have identified a critical genetic mechanism driving cardiac fibrosis and found a novel target for its reversal. The discovery sheds light on the role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) and ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) in promoting excessive tissue scarring, providing hope for new heart failure treatments.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateJul 10, 2024

Protective role of the curcumin derivative, FM0807, in regulating JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathways in glomerular mesangial cells and renal function in db/db mice

FM0807 reduces blood glucose levels, improves liver function, and decreases kidney damage in diabetic mice. The compound also inhibits inflammatory markers and alters SMAD2/3 expression, suggesting a protective role in regulating JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathways.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Materia Medica·DateJun 30, 2024

Breaking down barriers: ROCK2 inhibition facilitates drug delivery in fibrotic pancreatic cancer

Researchers developed a human pancreatic cancer fibrotic barrier model to assess treatment strategies and test efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Inhibition of ROCK2 pathway resulted in reduced ECM remodeling and improved tissue permeability for drugs, highlighting its potential for enhancing drug delivery in PDAC.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

MCG scientists identify new treatment target for leading cause of blindness

Researchers at MCG's Vascular Biology Center have identified a new treatment target for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. Targeting the adenosine receptor 2A (Adora2a) may block excessive blood vessel growth and fibrosis, potentially offering a more efficient treatment than current therapies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 2, 2024

It takes two to TANGO: New strategy to tackle fibrosis and scarring

Researchers developed a new experimental strategy to tackle scarring and fibrosis by releasing enough collagen to prevent tissue damage while protecting it from excessive amounts. The strategy, which uses molecules known as peptides to block the export of collagen from cells, shows promise in treating conditions such as scleroderma.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Novel molecules from generative AI to phase II

Researchers used generative AI to design a lead molecule for treating fibrosis, a biological process associated with aging. The compound, INS018_055, demonstrated significant efficacy in preclinical studies and showed promising results in clinical trials, accelerating drug discovery and providing new therapeutic options.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 11, 2024

A new 3D bioprinted model offers a novel tool to study common liver disease, and perhaps find an effective treatment

A new 3D bioprinted liver tissue model has been developed to study nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious complication of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The model, created using liver cells from healthy or NASH-diseased donors, displays all characteristics of the disease, including fibrosis.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

From soft tissue to stiff leather: Understanding the role of paxillin in liver fibrosis

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding a pathway contributing to liver fibrosis. Paxillin has been found to play a key role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells, leading to excessive extracellular matrix production and scarring. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for liver fibrosis.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateNov 1, 2023

University of Virginia team’s research offers hope for pulmonary fibrosis patients

A University of Virginia team has developed a new analytical tool using hydrogels to cultivate vascular sprouting from mouse lung tissue, providing new insight into idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The research aims to understand the biomechanical and biochemical cues to blood vessels in the lungs during disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalMicrocirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023