Research on the molecular targets that drugs act on. Covers new antibiotic mechanisms, drug discovery competitions, bile-acid pathways, and Alzheimer's targets.
Researchers discovered that targeting specific blood vessel enzymes can enhance immunotherapy effectiveness and prevent breast cancer metastasis. By disabling the enzyme DNMT1 in blood vessels, doctors may bolster anti-tumor immune cells entry and increase patients' response to treatment.
Researchers updated their protein localization prediction model, MULocDeep, to provide more targeted predictions for biological discoveries. The tool helps researchers design more effective experiments and advance scientific discoveries related to drug development and treating diseases like epilepsy.
The study found that the immune response to spinal-cord injuries is impaired in older individuals, leading to weaker cell responses and reduced recovery. The researchers identified an essential role for the meninges surrounding the spinal cord in mounting the immune response, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.
A study found that adding ribociclib to hormone therapy significantly improves invasive disease-free survival rates in patients with stage 2 or 3 HR positive/HER2 negative breast cancer. The combination therapy reduced the risk of cancer recurrence by 25%, with a three-year invasive disease-free survival rate of 90.4%.
Researchers from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered NLRP12 to be the key molecule responsible for inducing inflammatory cell death and pathology in response to heme combined with other cellular damage or infection. This finding provides a new potential drug target to prevent morbidity in certain illnesses.
A study published in Brain Behavior and Immunity found autoantibodies against a synaptic adhesion protein, neurexin 1α, in patients with schizophrenia. In mice, these autoantibodies caused schizophrenia-related changes, including reduced social behavior and cognitive function.
Researchers have found that stimulating a specific bile acid receptor, FXR, may help prevent retinopathy of prematurity in premature babies. By targeting this receptor, the study aims to develop earlier and more effective treatments to protect their vision.
A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz studied the collective behavior of small robots and found that they can solve tasks that a single machine cannot. The study uses statistical physics to analyze how the robots interact and move, revealing potential applications in medical and pharmaceutical applications.
A new potential drug target has been identified for Alzheimer's disease by Rensselaer researchers, focusing on the interaction between ApoE and heparan sulfate. The study suggests that modulating this interaction could slow the progression of the disease.
Researchers at UCL have uncovered the molecular basis of a woman's rare genetic mutation that allows her to live pain-free and heal rapidly. The study found that the mutation in the FAAH-OUT gene turns down FAAH gene expression, affecting other molecular pathways linked to wound healing and mood.
Researchers from the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are presenting findings on combination therapies for breast cancer and a potential new treatment for patients with recurrent glioma. A phase 3 study evaluating vorasidenib versus placebo in patients with residual or recurrent grade 2 glioma with an IDH1/2 mutation is also be...
A team of researchers at NYU College of Dentistry has successfully modified an existing anti-nausea drug to target the endosomes within cells, thereby providing a more prolonged analgesic effect. The modified netupitant showed improved pain-relieving properties compared to its original form and other drugs targeting similar receptors.
Scientists have identified a key event controlling the timing of biological clocks, which could lead to therapies for sleep disorders and clock disruption. The study found that a genetic mutation shortens the clock cycle in people with Familial Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome.
Researchers identified novel genetic associations between AD and modifiable risk factors, including high HDL cholesterol concentrations and systolic blood pressure. These findings may inspire new drug targets and improved prevention strategies for AD.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a new nutrient source that pancreatic cancer cells use to grow in the absence of glucose. Uridine is found in the tumor microenvironment and its exact source remains unknown. Blocking uridine metabolism may lead to new treatment options for pancreatic cancer.
Scientists have developed a gene-editing technique that allows them to easily engineer specific cancer-linked mutations into mouse models. This new method, based on CRISPR genome-editing technology, enables researchers to explore many unknown mutations and develop new drugs targeting those mutations.
A study published in Stroke identified two proteins, R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) and LGR4, that trigger a signaling pathway to reduce inflammation and promote neurite outgrowth in the ischemic brain. This discovery provides new hope for patients with ischemic stroke by targeting RSPO3/LGR4 signaling.
Researchers have engineered a new CRISPR-based drug candidate targeting E. coli directly while preserving the microbiome. The innovative treatment has shown promise in reducing E. coli burden in mice and is now in phase 1 clinical trials to treat blood cancer patients and prevent deadly infections.
Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.
Researchers have developed a modular system to recognize chiral molecules, which could lead to more effective methods of separating enantiomers in drugs. The system uses metallopolymers with chirality to sense two enantiomeric molecules through electrochemical interactions.
Researchers developed NetBID2 to analyze multi-omics data and find hidden druggable targets in cancer. The tool successfully identified previously unappreciated roles for genes like MYC and NOTCH1 in adult lung cancer and pediatric leukemia, highlighting its potential for accelerating clinical trials.
Researchers found that when FXR1 is absent, vascular smooth muscle cells proliferate more slowly, become senescent, and scar tissue development is reduced. This suggests that drugs targeting FXR1 may treat vascular proliferative diseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Researchers have identified 11 somatic mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway that contribute to treatment-resistant adult epilepsy, suggesting the potential for repurposed anti-cancer agents as new treatments. This study provides insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying this form of epilepsy and opens up new avenues for targeted ther...
Researchers at Nagoya University have successfully developed an ultrafast and simple synthetic method for producing indole derivatives. The new microflow synthesis method enables precise control of short reaction times, limiting unwanted dimerization/multimerization and increasing the yield of desired products.
Researchers at UCL have identified proteins in the blood associated with an increased risk of developing heart diseases, including heart failure. The findings could lead to more refined cancer treatments that minimize cardiotoxicity and improve survival rates.
A study published in Neurobiology of Disease suggests that targeting the sigma-1 receptor and ATAD3A protein may prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS. The researchers found that this approach could lead to a novel therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that CUDC-907 selectively induces apoptosis in cells driven to senesce by p53 expression. The compound showed senolytic properties in different models of stress-induced senescence, depending on its inhibitory effects on HDACs and PI3K.
A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...
A study by University of Oregon researchers found that worms become even more attracted to high-quality food when exposed to anandamide, a molecule in marijuana. This phenomenon is similar to human 'hedonic feeding' behavior, where people crave certain foods after consuming cannabis.
A team of researchers has discovered that a naturally produced chemical in the body helps glioblastoma cells go unrecognized by the immune system. The findings could lead to the development of new and more effective treatments for this aggressive brain cancer.
Researchers discuss rapamycin's potential to delay cancer onset by slowing cell proliferation and tumor progression. The mTOR pathway is involved in both cancer and aging, making rapamycin a promising chemopreventive agent.
A new target for drug-resistant ovarian cancer has been identified through a preclinical study led by researchers at Penn Medicine. An antibody-drug conjugate targeting B7-H4 showed significant anti-tumor activity and sustained response in treatment-resistant models.
A major international study published in Nature Genetics has provided new insights into the genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length. The research reveals a mutually antagonistic effect between the woman's and unborn child's genes, favoring earlier labor for the mother's survival and extending pregnancy for the child's weight gain.
Researchers developed a hybrid micro-robot that can navigate in physiological environments and capture targeted damaged cells. The micro-robot uses electric and magnetic mechanisms to identify and transport single cells for further study.
Researchers from China have identified inosine as a potential broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agent that improves survival in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. The study also highlights TBK1 as a promising target for inhibiting cytokine storms and mitigating acute inflammatory lung injury.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that the single mechanosensitive protein VGLL3 induces fibrosis, thickening and scarring tissue. The study suggests targeting this protein could lead to new treatments against fibrosis.
Researchers have identified a highly conserved region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that could be targeted to boost human antibody responses against any coronavirus. The discovery could aid the development of more powerful antibody drugs and vaccines against COVID-19 and emerging coronaviruses.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have made significant progress in treating multiple myeloma using chimeric antigen receptor therapy (CAR-T cell therapy), which has shown a median progression-free survival of 13.3 months compared to 4.4 months for standard treatment regimens.
Researchers at NTU Singapore have found a way to spur brain immune cells to clear toxic waste linked to Alzheimer’s disease by targeting their metabolism. The study reveals a ‘metabolic switch’ in the brain’s immune cells that can be manipulated to improve their function.
A new study highlights the need for testing patients who arrive at hospital intoxicated by drink or drunks to understand how they become intoxicated and reduce feelings of self-blame. The review authors argue that this lack of clarity can exacerbate psychological distress, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and fear.
A survey of over 2,500 teens and young adults found that vaping nicotine and THC is associated with self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dual vapers were more likely to report addiction to nicotine and feel less depressed after starting vaping.
A new review paper from Mayo Clinic outlines how obesity impacts common tests used to diagnose heart disease, such as ECG, CT scan, MRI, and echocardiogram. The study highlights the need for alternative approaches to prevent weight gain in patients with heart disease.
A study found that over 80% of American adults with type 2 diabetes meet the criteria to use GLP-1 RAs or SGLT2is, but only a small percentage are using them. The medications have a substantially higher cost than current first-line treatments, making it difficult for patients to access them.
Researchers linked hundreds of proteins to common metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, finding potential targets for treatment. The study identified genes and proteins associated with increased disease risk, including GRP hormone which decreases the chances of becoming overweight.
Researchers identified apremilast as an incredibly promising treatment for alcohol use disorder, reducing consumption by more than half in a clinical trial. The medication, approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, triggers increased activity in the brain's nucleus accumbens to control alcohol intake.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a vital contributor to hyperactive immune responses and neuroinflammation in multiple sclerosis. Blocking this regulator alleviated harmful inflammation in lab mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for new treatments.
Despite industry claims of high R&D costs, most biopharmaceutical companies spent more on selling and administrative activities. New medicines often offer little or no added clinical value, leading to concerns over high prices.
A study analyzed gene expression data from 46 different human tissues to understand the impact of circadian and circannual cycles on human health. The research revealed that certain genes have strong diurnal or seasonal preferences, which could inform effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
A study by Pusan National University researchers investigates the effects of mild acid hydrolysis on sulfated fucans in sea cucumbers and sea urchins. The results show selective 2-desulfation, leading to an 8-sugar-long oligosaccharide production.
Researchers found that gatekeeper mutations in kinases can destabilize the inactive form, making them more active and prone to cancer recurrence. This could inform which drugs oncologists use as a first-line treatment.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified CD70 as a novel therapeutic target for eliminating drug-resistant cancer cells in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. CD70 targeting strategies showed significant anti-tumor activity, eliminating resistant cells in laboratory models.
A new neuroprotectant medication called ApTOLL has been shown to improve survival and reduce long-term disability among patients with stroke. The study found that ApTOLL, when used in conjunction with standard treatments, reduced death and brain damage, suggesting a promising new approach to treating stroke.
A team of researchers at MUSC discovered a neural circuit that inhibits motivated behaviors, which can prevent reward-seeking behavior in high-risk contexts. Administering opioids causes immediate disruption of this circuit, leading to even riskier behaviors.
A Rutgers study found that older people living with HIV/AIDS face unmet mental health needs and are more likely to experience PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. Resilience may play a crucial role in increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.
The NCI is funding a $587,000 research grant to improve KRAS treatment resistance in pancreatic cancer. Dr. Andrew Waters aims to develop personalized medicine approaches by studying unique resistance mechanisms.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic stroke survivors in the US are less likely to receive treatment for common complications, despite improved overall stroke survival rates. Researchers analyzed electronic health records from 2002 to 2022 and matched patients based on 41 factors to minimize biases.
Researchers found that patients treated with butylphthalide experienced milder neurological symptoms and better functioning at three months after a stroke compared to those who received a placebo. The study suggests potential benefits of this celery seed-derived medication in treating ischemic strokes.
Research highlights underuse of dual blood thinners in women after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), with potential benefits for stroke prevention. A study analyzed electronic health records of 2,953 adults and found that women were less likely to receive the treatment regimen, despite evidence suggesting its effectiveness.
Researchers have identified a new class of potent antimalarial compounds that target the parasite's sexual phase, preventing it from infecting mosquitoes and subsequently humans. The compounds inhibit the parasitic protein Pfs16, forming the strongest bond with the drug.
Scientists at MIT have designed a novel nanoparticle platform that can deliver optimal ratios of multiple cancer drugs, leading to enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects. The bottlebrush-shaped particles can be loaded with varying concentrations of drugs, enabling the precise delivery of synergistic combinations.