Articles tagged with Drug Resistance
Researchers at Saint Louis University have trapped the part of a virus responsible for inserting its DNA into human cells, a crucial step in understanding how HIV infects people. By capturing integrase with x-ray crystallography, scientists aim to develop new treatments and better understand how existing drugs work.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that treating young children with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) decreases their risk of contracting malaria. The study showed a protective efficacy of 58% against malaria episodes, making DP a promising alternative to current treatments.
Artemisinin resistance has become widespread in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. A six-day course of artemisinin-based combination therapy proved highly effective in treating drug-resistant malaria cases.
Researchers found that some microorganisms can use epimutations, a temporary silencing of drug targets, to gain drug resistance without committing to permanent mutations. This flexible mechanism could be employed by various organisms to withstand treatment with different drugs.
A new study by Tulane University reveals that exposure to light at night can render breast cancer cells resistant to tamoxifen. In contrast, complete darkness and high melatonin levels significantly slow tumor growth and enhance tamoxifen's effectiveness.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute developed a liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry assay to analyze biomarkers in blood and tissue, helping identify therapeutic targets for melanoma treatment. The study identified alterations in cell signaling pathways in drug-resistant cells.
University of Chicago scientists have developed new multiscale simulations that reveal the proton permeation mechanism in influenza A, a crucial step in viral replication. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective and targeted treatments against the flu.
Scientists have identified a new biomarker called Neuromedin U (NmU) that may help predict and overcome resistance to newer anti-cancer drugs for HER2 positive cancers. The discovery could lead to more effective treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that over-expression of Cripto-1 makes lung cancer cells resistant to erlotinib, a widely used targeted therapy. Blocking Cripto-1 signaling restored sensitivity to the drug in cell lines and animals, suggesting a potential reversal mechanism.
Researchers from the University of Freiburg have made significant progress in understanding how the antimalarial drug atovaquone works. By analyzing its molecular structure, they have identified key binding sites and revealed the underlying mechanism of resistance to mutations. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more ef...
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered how melanoma drugs can lead to cancer progression when treatment is stopped. Using a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors shows promise in combating drug resistance in advanced metastatic melanoma.
A new study has discovered how ibrutinib resistance develops in CLL patients, identifying key gene mutations that weaken the drug's ability to bind with Bruton's tyrosine kinase. This understanding is crucial for developing effective alternative treatments for patients who develop resistance.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered a novel mechanism of drug resistance in leukemia and other cancers, which is driven by overactivity of the GLI1 gene. The team has identified drugs that can inhibit this gene's activity, potentially switching cancer cells back into sensitivity to existing chemotherapy.
Researchers identified a tiny mutation in BTK as the cause of drug resistance to ibrutinib in CLL patients, which destabilizes binding and allows leukemic cells to multiply freely. The finding could guide development of new agents to treat drug-resistant disease.
Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant approved for use about 15 years ago, appears to mimic the ability of dietary restriction in helping animals live both longer and healthier. New research identifies why rapamycin increases insulin resistance and suggests a combination with metformin may provide benefits without unwanted side effects.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel combination therapy that reduces Mcl-1 expression and disrupts its interactions to effectively kill multiple myeloma cells. The therapy combines Chk1 and MEK inhibitors, showing promise in overcoming resistance caused by high expressions of Mcl-1.
Researchers identified a novel antiviral agent that blocks influenza infection in cell culture without developing resistance. The study suggests the potential of small molecule MK2206 as an effective treatment option for Tamiflu-resistant pH1N1 virus infections.
Researchers at the University of Manchester discovered a key role for protein Bid in mitosis-related cell death, which may help overcome chemotherapy resistance in colon cancer. By targeting Bid, resistant cells can be made more susceptible to treatment.
Scientists have identified a molecule called CD61 on the surface of drug-resistant tumors that induces tumor metastasis by enhancing cancer cell properties. The findings suggest that existing drugs can exploit this pathway to reverse drug resistance and re-sensitize tumors.
Scientists have discovered a way to combat malaria drug resistance by administering chloroquine twice daily. Researchers found that the parasite protein causing resistance has an Achilles' heel, rendering it vulnerable to repeated doses of the medication.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have discovered a combination therapy that overcomes tumor cell resistance to cisplatin, a widely used cancer drug. The therapy, which involves combining a cell replication blocker with cisplatin, induces rapid and synergistic cell death in resistant tumor cells.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a tool to identify mutations that make the flu virus resistant to Tamiflu. By analyzing the genetic code of the virus, they discovered new mutations that may render the current treatment ineffective, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Scientists used caffeinated fruit flies to map genetic variations associated with resistance to insecticides. The study identified two key genes that contribute to resistance, offering insights into developing more targeted and efficient pest control strategies. By exploring the genetics of xenobiotic resistance, researchers can uncove...
Researchers at Plant & Food Research identified falcarinol-type compounds that inhibit transport mechanisms interfering with cancer chemotherapy. These compounds, found in carrots and parsley, may complement conventional treatments to deliver better results for patients.
A phase 1 trial found ceritinib to be highly effective against both crizotinib-sensitive and resistant tumors with manageable side effects. The study enrolled 130 participants and showed dramatic shrinkage in tumor size and number in around 60% of patients.
In the Central African Republic, stock-outs of antiretroviral drugs have led to mistrust among patients and reduced treatment adherence. The country's HIV-infected population of over 220,000 faces significant challenges in accessing life-saving medication.
Researchers tested anti-HIV drugs for their ability to suppress cell-to-cell transmission of the virus. The results show that NNRTIs, ENT-Is, and PIs remained highly effective against HIV cell-to-cell transmission.
Acetic acid in vinegar effectively kills drug-resistant tuberculosis bacteria and other stubborn mycobacteria. A 6% solution of acetic acid for 30 minutes reduces TB mycobacteria to undetectable levels, posing a low-risk alternative to toxic disinfectants.
Researchers found that a new preclinical study pinpointed a molecular mechanism in autophagy, spurring a clinical trial for patients with resistant melanoma. Blocking autophagy with the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may enhance cancer cell death and improve outcomes for these patients.
Researchers discovered a new drug, spironolactone, that inhibits DNA repair mechanisms, making cancer cells more susceptible to chemotherapy. This finding has the potential to enhance cancer treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered a unique mechanism of drug resistance in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The discovery provides new insights into how therapy-induced point mutations confer drug resistance and may lead to the design of new NNRTI drugs.
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute scientists have found several potential possibilities to try if the cancer becomes resistant to standard drug treatment. They discovered that high-throughput screening of already FDA-approved drugs can identify new therapies that could be rapidly moved to the clinic.
A study found that patients with ALK+ non-small cell lung cancer can continue treating with crizotinib after receiving targeted radiation therapy to eliminate resistant disease pockets. This approach improves 2-year survival rates compared to those who discontinued the drug earlier.
A study in PLOS Genetics found that HIV drug resistance mutations can spread rapidly within a patient, leading to a homogeneous or heterogeneous viral population. The researchers estimate the effective population size of HIV to be around 150,000, which may help inform treatment strategies and predict resistance evolution.
A study in South Africa found that nearly half of XDR-TB patients discharged into the community were treatment failures, posing a significant risk to public health. The study also revealed that these patients could survive for months or even years, allowing them to infect others.
Researchers have designed compounds called quinine dimers that work against sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite causing severe malaria. These compounds bind to and block resistance-conferring proteins, resensitizing parasites to chloroquine and killing them.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive library of guide RNAs that can be used to identify the role of every gene in different cell types. This library was created using CRISPR technology and found that 50 out of 52 guide RNAs successfully cut both copies of specific genes, leading to a thorough understanding of how resistance occurs.
Sheep producers may benefit from genetic selection as an alternative strategy to control helminth infections, which can reduce economic losses and minimize the use of chemicals. This approach aims to breed sheep with natural resistance traits, improving overall health and reducing production costs.
A team of researchers has discovered a way to identify malaria-causing Plasmodium falciparum parasites that are resistant to artemisinin, the key drug for treating this disease. The study found that parasites with a mutant version of the K13-propeller gene were more likely to survive exposure to artemisinin.
A 12-week study found that CPAP treatment decreased 24-hour average and diastolic blood pressure, improving nocturnal blood pressure patterns in patients with resistant hypertension and OSA. Longer-term health outcomes warrant further research.
Mount Sinai researchers found that a drug-resistant H7N9 virus retained its ability to replicate and cause severe illness in humans, even after becoming resistant to Tamiflu. The study suggests that flu viruses can develop drug-resistant mutations without suffering a penalty in terms of their fitness.
Researchers discovered epigenetic differences in colon cancer cells that render them resistant to chemotherapy drugs. The findings suggest that the inactivation of a specific gene may be responsible for this phenomenon.
A team of scientists has identified the critical gene responsible for drug resistance in schistosome parasites. The finding could lead to improved therapies by redesigning the existing oxamniquine drug to target both major species, potentially saving millions of lives annually.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have discovered key cell-signaling pathways used by BRAF-mutant melanoma to resist inhibitor drugs. The studies provide a better understanding of how tumors adapt and become resistant to treatment, ultimately leading to the development of new combination treatments.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE has provided the first explanation for type of antimalarial drug resistance. The research found a link between autophagy and resistance to malaria parasites, with implications for developing new antimalarial drug therapy.
Breast cancer cells with high levels of microsomal glutathione S-transferase-1 (MGST-1) resistant to chemotherapy can be killed using nanoparticles carrying doxorubicin. This approach enhances the effectiveness of drug treatment while minimizing adverse reactions.
Scientists have identified a novel transposon in listeria bacteria responsible for tolerance to benzalkonium chloride. The discovery highlights the importance of thorough disinfection in food-processing facilities to prevent the spread of resistant bacteria.
Researchers track drug resistance against flu viruses using extensive database analysis, finding most mutations are on the wane. Honeybees' genetic control behind sex determination studied, revealing 116-145 csd alleles worldwide and a novel function arising every 400,000 years.
A new study from RIKEN and Keio University reveals that Pimozide can restore steroid effects on natural helper cells in severe asthmatic patients. Researchers found that thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) induces corticosteroid resistance in these cells.
Cancer cells use a process called the Warburg effect to extract energy from glucose, allowing them to sustain growth while retaining building blocks for molecules. Researchers identify a novel pathway involving mTORC2 that enables cancer cells to resist targeted therapies and develop new treatments.
The investigational drug AZD9291, a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, has shown substantial tumor shrinkage in mice with lung tumors harboring activating and resistance mutations. It is well-tolerated and its breakdown product, AZ5104, also inhibits both forms of EGFR, providing new treatment options for patients.
The study identified Wnt5A as a key player in promoting melanoma metastasis and therapy resistance. By understanding the role of Wnt5A, researchers may be able to identify patients who are more likely to respond to BRAF inhibitors and develop new targeted therapies.
Professor Alan Cowman's work has led to a better understanding of malaria biology, informing new treatments and vaccines. The development of potential malaria vaccines is a significant step towards eradicating the disease.
A study finds that chronic myeloid leukemia cells with activating beta-catenin mutations are highly aggressive and resistant to Imatinib. Combined treatment with drugs restoring IRF8 expression and inactivating beta-catenin may prevent fatal leukemia progression.
Researchers at Rutgers University have identified chemical agents that block the ability of flu viruses to replicate in cells. The compounds show promise for a new class of antiviral medicines to fight pandemic influenza outbreaks, such as H5N1 and H7N9.
A bioinformatics approach identified two antidepressants as potential new treatments for small-cell lung cancer, inducing cell death and inhibiting tumor growth. Imipramine and promethazine showed promise in animal models and preclinical studies, suggesting a new avenue for treating this deadly subtype of lung cancer.
Researchers discovered a potential target for melanoma therapy in the S6K protein and found that a triple combination of drug inhibitors halted the growth of resistant tumors. Early studies also showed no evident signs of toxicity, making this approach a promising new strategy to combat drug-resistant melanoma.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute developed new compounds that show 10-200 times greater potency than vinblastine and overcome drug resistance. These improvements aim to boost the effectiveness of vincristine against childhood leukemias and Hodgkin's disease.
A new simple and rapid test can clearly identify artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in people with the disease. The test was developed using ring-stage survival assays (RSAs) and shows promise for use in field-based settings to monitor artemisinin resistance.
New rapid diagnostic tests have been shown to diagnose drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in a quarter of the time taken by current methods. The three new tests - pyrosequencing, HAIN line probe test, and microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) test - produced similar results to standard testing with 95-98% accuracy.