Articles tagged with Drug Design
Researchers at Montana State University have created the first three-dimensional map of the Steap3 protein, which regulates iron absorption. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted drugs for hemochromatosis and iron deficiency conditions.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a new window into the brain, revealing how addictive drugs trigger permanent changes in brain cells. The study's findings provide clues for targeting addiction with new drugs.
Giuseppe Di Benedetto and Micaela Caramellino received top scores at a student poster event for their innovative methods in manufacturing small drug particles. Their research has been recognized with grants from the National Science Foundation.
A study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that individuals with a specific enzyme deficiency may be protected from severe and fatal malaria. The enzyme pyruvate kinase plays a crucial role in energy production and its deficiency is linked to protection against malaria infection.
A new medication, pimecrolimus, failed to reduce arterial renarrowing after stenting, while a multi-reservoir stent design with the drug delivered better outcomes. The study used a combination of pimecrolimus and paclitaxel for comparison.
A new study has revealed in high definition how a blood protein gives blood clots their elasticity. Fibrinogen molecules form elastic fibers that seal the vessel, with cells like platelets filling the gaps. The protein's flexibility can be enhanced or altered by changing calcium levels or pH.
A team at CSHL led by Professor Leemor Joshua-Tor discovered a new wrinkle in the regulation of gene expression that governs metabolic state in yeast cells. The discovery revealed a key role for the NADP molecule in adapting to changes in nutritional environments.
A new chemical synthesis method based on a rhodium-based catalyst has the potential to dramatically improve the design and production of new drugs. The catalyst can produce large quantities of pharmaceutical products with unprecedented structural entities, making it an enabling technology for drug discovery.
Researchers developed a fast-acting antidote to cyanide poisoning that works in under three minutes and can be taken orally, giving emergency responders more time to respond. The new antidote has been tested on animals and shows exceptional effectiveness.
A recent study published in Nature captures enzymes in motion, revealing they engage in a dynamic dance before catalysis occurs. The research, led by Dr. Dorothee Kern, uses advanced techniques to document the tiny changes in enzyme shape and structure.
Texas A&M researchers Frank Raushel and Ricardo Marti-Arbona use molecular docking to predict enzyme function based on structure alone. The team's method ranks molecules by fit and scores them for physical testing, offering a faster alternative to existing methods.
A new study using the Driving Reliability and Error Analysis Method (DREAM) found that four scenarios contribute to single-vehicle crashes: driver fatigue, loss of traction on slippery roads, overestimation of driving skills, and panicked steering. Vehicle safety features can now be designed to compensate for these unpredictable factors.
Scientists at Northwestern University are mapping parts of lethal bacteria in three dimensions, exposing a fresh opening into the bacteria's vulnerabilities. This view will enable scientists to create drugs to disable or vaccines to prevent deadly infectious diseases such as anthrax, plague, and Ebola.
SQ109 shows excellent in vitro and in vivo activity against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB bacteria. The treatment also synergizes with other TB drugs in experimental animal models, offering new combinations with greater activity than current standard care.
A new MIT model can predict structural changes in antibodies to enhance their effectiveness. The team has already created a new version of a cancer treatment drug with improved binding affinity.
A multidisciplinary team led by UCSD researchers has determined the structure of MitoNEET, a protein that shows promise as a target for developing innovative diabetes drugs. The discovery provides insights into how these drugs may protect cells from oxidative stress and potentially offer greater specificity and fewer side effects.
Johns Hopkins researchers have solved the long-standing puzzle of how bacteria produce the B vitamin folate, uncovering an unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in the process. The discovery sheds light on potential antibacterial drug targets and could lead to new therapeutic options.
Scientists have discovered that adding more fish oil to the diet can decrease the formation of prostanoids, which contribute to inflammation in various tissues. This finding may lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects than current options.
Researchers at U of M create Portmanteau Inhibitors, merging antiviral agents into one drug to reduce cost and toxicity. The new approach is less likely to develop resistance from the virus and shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for AIDS patients.
Researchers at Penn School Medicine observe and measure internal motion in proteins, revealing its impact on function and overturning traditional views. This discovery may explain why drug design fails more often than it works.
Researchers investigated the effect of finasteride on sexual function in over 17,000 men, finding minimal impact. A new trial design aims to better evaluate targeted therapies by identifying a molecular cutoff point for responsive patients.
A new Alzheimer's treatment, CTS-21166, designed by a Purdue University researcher has begun human clinical trials. The experimental drug is a disease-modifying therapy that could prevent and reverse the disease by intercepting and disabling key enzymes.
Northeastern University researchers have discovered a novel method for studying the DNA binding of small molecules, which may aid in rational drug design targeting cancer and other diseases. The team used single DNA molecule stretching to investigate ethidium and ruthenium complexes, achieving unprecedented detail.
The L'Oréal-UNESCO Award For Women in Science recognizes five outstanding female researchers, including Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus, who pioneered carbon nanotube research at MIT's School of Engineering. The award honors their contributions to various fields, including medicinal chemistry and bio-medical applications.
A new study from The Wistar Institute suggests that a component of the common vitamin B3, nicotinamide, binds to sirtuin molecules and inhibits their activity. Activating these enzymes could have anti-aging effects and help counteract age-related health problems like obesity and type II diabetes.
Researchers have constructed a protein out of amino acids not found in natural proteins, discovering they can form a complex, stable structure resembling a natural protein. This finding could help scientists design effective drugs that won't be degraded by enzymes or targeted by the immune system.
Scientists from IRB Barcelona have published a dynamic map of protein behavior, enabling the prediction of protein structures and interactions. The study, part of the MoDel project, aims to establish a 'fourth dimension' for protein structures, facilitating the design of new drugs and understanding of protein functions.
A new study by Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute reveals that mRNA and protein regulator IRP1 form specific three-dimensional shapes when combined. This discovery could aid in designing medications targeting iron-related diseases such as hemochromotosis, Sickle Cell Disease, and Thalassemia.
Researchers have determined the APOBEC-3G protein structure, providing key insights into its role in the immune system and potential as a drug target. The study suggests that editing errors introduced by A3G can help defend against HIV, and future drugs may be designed to replicate this natural protection.
The University of Minnesota Center for Drug Design has been awarded a 5-year grant to study cyanide antidotes. Researchers aim to develop faster-acting treatments that can be taken before a cyanide attack, with the goal of improving outcomes for long-term survivors of acute poisoning.
A computer model of the stomach revealed a narrow path, dubbed the Magenstrasse, where food exits rapidly and particles are processed differently. This discovery may explain observed high variability in drug initiation time and have important implications for drug delivery and digestion.
Researchers found that Bmal1-deficient mice experience premature aging due to oxidative stress and genotoxic stress, leading to weight loss, organ shrinkage, and early death. The study suggests BMAL1 as a potential target for alleviating specific age-related pathologies.
Two medical researchers, Chen Ding-Shinn and Rao Zihe, have made significant contributions to understanding infectious diseases and developing a comprehensive vaccination campaign. Mathematicians Jacob Palis and C.S. Seshadri are recognized for their groundbreaking work in dynamic systems and algebraic geometry, respectively.
A new Medicare plan will create a significant gap in coverage for seriously ill patients, leaving them to pay out of pocket for expensive medications. This can lead to reduced treatment options and economic implications for healthcare providers.
A study published in Neuron found that stimulating brain cells increases Aß levels, while blocking neuronal activity decreases them. Cognitive activity may also affect Aß plaque levels.
Scientists from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a method to identify precise zones of proteins that cause aggregation, leading to potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type 2 diabetes. The new approach may enable the design of more effective drugs by shielding or stabilizing these critical reg...
Researchers used tiny worms to study the genetic factors affecting anesthetic response, identifying 10 genes that modify its effects. This breakthrough aims to design more specific and effective anesthetics with minimal adverse effects.
Tomio Joins Blackwell Publishing to Advance Chemical Biology & Drug Design, Focusing on Smart Chemistry and Innovative Drug Development. Tomio brings extensive experience in small-molecule drug discovery and multidisciplinary research at ARIAD Pharmaceuticals.
K-State researchers are working on a new drug to treat cystic fibrosis by designing chloride-selective pores that can help ions travel across cell membranes. Their goal is to create a medication that works efficiently and effectively at low doses, improving the lives of those affected by the disease.
Scientists at JILA developed a method to study RNA dynamics, revealing the 'stickiness' between specific loops and sequences that stabilize folding. This information is crucial for understanding RNA structure and its effects on function.
Researchers discovered that mid-sized nanomaterials (27-30 nm) are optimal for cellular entry. This knowledge can help design drugs to keep viruses out and molecules to enter cells safely. The study's findings have broad implications for developing gene and drug delivery tools.
Athanasiou receives the inaugural award from ASME for his groundbreaking research and mentorship in bioengineering. He has published over 150 papers, holds 25 patents, and founded three companies with FDA-approved products.
The Burnham Institute will screen 2 million compounds against 20 disease targets per year, revealing specific compounds that interact with and inhibit disease-causing proteins. The new capabilities will accelerate the discovery of novel medicines for various diseases.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a new understanding of the molecular structure and function of MsbA, a key player in drug resistance. The team used spin labeling to create a dynamic model of the protein, revealing its mechanism of action and opening and closing processes.
Researchers have discovered a new way to selectively block estrogen's effects using the Tamoxifen-like drug GW5638. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for breast cancer and other estrogen-related diseases without increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.
Penn researchers have determined the structure of Erbitux's binding site to cancer cells, providing new insight into how it blocks cell growth-promoting activities. This finding will steer future treatment design for colon-cancer medications and potentially lead to easier delivery methods.
Shelly Sakiyama-Elbert and her team have screened a large number of molecules to find peptide sequences with varying affinity for heparin, a sugar that binds nerve repair drugs. They aim to develop affinity-based drug delivery systems to stimulate tissue regeneration for conditions like nerve damage.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have engineered over 300 new chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) to improve the safety and efficacy of topical drug delivery. The new CPEs were designed using computer-aided modeling, allowing for the prediction of skin penetrability and potential irritation.
A team of biomedical engineers and chemists at Boston University developed a computational tool that predicts the molecular targets of drug candidates. The tool uses a combination of computational and experimental methods to decipher regulatory networks and predict gene and pathway targets for various drug treatments.
Researchers Jordi Faraudo and Fernando Bresme discover hydration force's origins in water interactions with electrostatically charged molecules. Understanding this force is crucial for biomedical research and the development of new drugs and biochemical processes.
Researchers have developed a new compound, AMN107, that effectively blocks proliferation of Bcr-Abl dependent cells in CML patients. The drug has been shown to inhibit growth of cells expressing resistant mutants and prolongs survival in imatinib-resistant CML mouse models.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered that nanoshells can amplify the Raman signature of molecules, allowing for the detection of as little as a few molecules of a target substance. The individual nanoshells act as independent Raman enhancers, creating opportunities for all-optical nanoscale sensors.
Scientists have developed a new method for crystallizing proteins, which could lead to the creation of effective drugs for diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Alzheimer's. The improved method uses a thinner sponge-like structure to bind proteins together more easily.
A National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study by University of Houston professors found that employment reduces chronic drug use among female welfare recipients. Employment rates rose from five percent to nearly 39 percent, with a significant decrease in drug usage frequency.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill develop new technique to trap single water molecule inside protein molecule using mass spectrometry, improving inhibitor molecules for cancer treatment. The discovery may lead to more effective combination therapies with anti-cancer agents like cytarabine.
The development of nanomedicines has led to significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Thousands of patients are already benefiting from products used to treat conditions such as cancer, AIDS, and arthritis.
A recent study by Express Scripts reveals a significant surge in Viagra use among younger men, with increases of 312% and 216% among those aged 18-45 and 46-55 years respectively. Meanwhile, growth in use slowed among women and older men, highlighting concerns over the coverage of lifestyle medications like Viagra.
Researchers at UCSD have identified a promising set of inhibitors that may overcome drawbacks of previous compounds. The new molecules are less likely to cause side effects, such as one being the food additive Maltol.
The cytolethal distending toxin, a bacterial toxin that causes diseases such as typhoid fever and diarrhea, damages human DNA by creating lesions and breaks that prevent cells from dividing. This discovery provides a visual blueprint for understanding the toxin's mechanism and could lead to new drug targets to prevent cancer.
Researchers at U of T's Molecular Design and Information Technology Centre have created the first small molecules that bind to the insulin receptor, paving the way for oral insulin development. The breakthrough could lead to a new treatment option for over two million Canadians with diabetes.